THE CHINA MAIL, MARCH 13, 1940
DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE Expert Explains Recent Developments In Europe
FAMINE DISASTER IN HOPEI
Peiping, To-day. According to reports from central Hopei famine condi- tions exist there and a major tragedy looms as the people are already on starvation level, living on the bark of trees and even eating com- mon earth, which is causing many deaths.
CRITICAL POINT NOW NEAR
London, To-day.
TRAWLERS FIGHT U-BOAT
London, To-day.
At an East Coast port yes-
trawlers arrived with their
DISCUSSING THE “PEACE TALKS in Moscow and terday, the crews of two small Rome," a diplomatic observer says that diplo- fishing gear gone but with matic activity in Europe since the week-end had proof that they can more become clearer, and the main points about the than hold their own with a Moscow talks, in particular, can now be traced. U-boat.
They sighted the submarine while
better and returned the fire of the
The initiative came from Russia which, on February fishing. Both ships promptly cut away 22, through the Ambassador in London, asked their nets to allow them to manoeuvre the British Government to pass on an offer for peace in return for crippling concessions..
The desperate food shortage has even caused peasants to root up wheat The British Government was not stalks, thus spoiling the Spring crop. prepared even to pass such terms on. Conditions are especially bad Moscow approached Sweden, which around Paotingfu, while the whole passed on the Russian terms, although district between Paotingfu and Tien- the Swedish Foreign Minister has tsin is now ascertained to be a famine | been at pains to point out that in this area, parts of which are still inundat- | matter Sweden acted as postman ra- ed by last year's flood waters.
ther than as mediator.
Presumably, discussions followed Mos- through a third party, and at cow's invitation, a strong Finnish de- legation was sent to Russia to dis- cuss terms. Little is known about these talks, despite
over-optimistic reports from Stockholm.
The people have to find means of living without garnering fresh crops until September. There are migrations on foot from some dis- triots.
·
NO RESERVES
по
The position is made desperate by the fact that the peasants have food reserves, these having been. com- mandeered either by Chinese gueril- las or the Japanese forces,
+
was
The number facing starvation following last year's flood 3,000,000 In Hopel and 1,000,000 In Shantung. In Hopei 12,500 villages were de- vastated and in Shangtung 5,000, and it is probable that the worsening con- ditions, which reached a climax this Spring, have increased the number threatened with disaster.
CRITICAL POINT
The critical point is now near. The | Finnish Government has now to de- cide whether or not the terms will
Some observers believe that the Nazis have had second thoughts about Mr. Sumner Welles:
It is suggested that they thought better of the cavaller way In which they lectured him in Ber. lin and now want to get the Ita- Ilans to put in another word for them when he passes through Rome on his way home.
The insistence with which the Italian that press and radio have asserted Italy's attitude is not to be changed by Ribbentrop pressure suggests he was after more Italian help.
ANOTHER FAILURE
U-boat.
With shots falling all round her, the U-boat dived out of sight.-Reu- ter.
MORE JAP. SACRILEGE
(SPECIAL TO “CHINA MAIL"
Tokyo, To-day. The campaign to punish those, who, like Mr. Saito, unseemly criticise Ja- the pan's war alms as defined by Konoye Statement, has claimed an- other victim.
Mr. Tsuneo Yonaiyama, member of the staff of the First Section of The paper "Tolografo," which is in the Cultural Enterprises of the For- close touch with Count Clano, am-eign Office, is being relieved of his leave Finland independent or whe-phasizes, for instance, that Mussolini post at "his own request."
Influenced. When he ther they will place her in the posi-is not to be
Mr. Yonaiyama has taken respon- tion of Czecho-Slovakia after Munich. thinks it necessary to change Italy'ssibility for an article in a diplomatic policy, he will change it according to magazine which assailed the famed his own judgment..
Konoye statement and has been con- it sidered as vigorous an 'attack on as the diet Speech of Mr. Takao Saito-Havas.
In arriving at this decision, the Finnish Government knows that the Allies are ready to send effective as- sistance. Until the decision is taken, little more remains to be said.
Whatever part Germany has play- ed, her hand has been very well con-
In Peiping, the poorer families have cut down from three to one meal à | cealed. day.-Reuter.
ARTILLERY ACTION
Paris, To-day.
J
SECOND THOUGHTS
Meanwhile, Nazi Foreign Minister Ribbentrop's visit to Rome must, it seems, have been designed for bigger purposes than at first supposed. No Last night's French war communi- | doubt, he was trying to interest Italy que said there was local artillery ac-in Germany's plans for Finland, but tion.-Reuter,
that must be a matter for conjecture.
EAT AT
Jimmy's Kitchen
INEXPENSIVE SATISFYING
Bringing Up Father
NOW... WHAT'S
THE MATTER?
DIDN'T I TELL YOU THAT || INVITED THE SENATOR FROM OUR STATE. FOR DINNER TONIGHT-LOOK HOW YOURE PRESSED-
GET INTO YOUR EVENING CLOTHES
INCIDENTALLY- WHO IS THE SENATOR FROM OUR STATE-AN' WHERE DID YOU
· MEET HIM?
MRS. VETOE INTRODUCE HIM OVER THE PHONE-
Whatever it was Ribbentrop went to Rome for, says the observer, it is now apparent he must once again travel back to Berlin to register an-
other failure.
TROOP. MOVEMENTS IN
Nor did his interview with the
AUSTRIA DISTURB Pope give him much satisfaction. The. Nazis no doubt thought it would be
(SPECIAL TO “CHINA MAIL") a feather in their cap to report that their Foreign Minister had had a
Paris, To-day. friendly interview with the Pope.
There is some apprehension in That is probably why the Vatican Yugoslavia and Hungary, reports has explained that Ribbentrop was reaching Paris declare, over the scale received only because of an official] of recent troop movements in Austria. German request.-Reuter,
MR. SUMNER WELLES AT LUNCH WITH CHANCELLOR
London, To-day. Mr. Sumner Welles lunched with Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, at II Downing Street yes- terday and then had a short talk with Sir
New regiments are being formed and a number of groups. hitherto exempt have been called to the Colours. Havas. ·
AERIAL ACTIVITY ON WESTERN FRONT
(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")
Paris, To-day. Alexander Cadogan, Permanent
The weather is ideal for flying and Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs. British, French and German machines Mr. Welles then went to the Ad- have been busy over the Western miralty to see Mr. Winston Churchill. Front on photographic and "fact-find-
To-day he will see Mr. Anthony ing" flights. Eden and then, at Mr. Welles' request, One engagement resulted, with no he will see Mr. Lloyd George. Reuter. | losses to either side.-Havas.
By George McManus
HOWDY-FOLKS - HOW BE YAY YOU BOTH LOOK QUITE SMART- I'LL SAY - WHERE'S
THE CHOW?
SENATOR -
PHIL A BUSTER-
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