Page
THE WAR.
VERDUN
BATTLE MORE VIOLENT THAN EVER.
BRITISH
HEAVILY ATTACKED.
BIG AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE.
SANGUINARY FIGHTING.
MISTAKES IN MESOPOTAMIA.
FRANGO-BELGIAN FRONT
{THROUGH REUTER'S AGEHOY.]
VERDUN BATTLE.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] GERMANS CONCENTRATING. FOR ANOTHER GREAT OFFENSIVE.
LONDON, June 1st The Daily Telegraph's "correspondent at Rotterdam says that the Germans an concentrating their forces for another supreme effort at Verdun on a scale which A enamuniqué states:-The battle of will be unparalleled since the beginning
MORE ENORMOUS AND VIOLENT THAN EVER,
PARI8, May 31st.:
5.45 p.m.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND 1918,
GENERAL
(THROUGH REUTLE'S AGENCY.)
MR. CHURCHILL AND THE
ARMY
DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS.
LONDON, June 1st
In the House of Commons, during the debats on the vote on Lord Kitchener's
salary, Mr. Tennant, replying to Mr. Churchil), said that Mr. Churchill's
estimate of the numbers of recruits ol- tainable from India was vastly ex- uggerated. – He emphasised the difficulty
THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
MESOPOTAMIA MISTAKES.
SEVERE CRITICISMS BY THE TIMES.
{THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]!
MESSAGE FROM SHACKLETON I
SAFE AT PORT STANLEY.
LONDON, June 1st.. The Daily Chronicle has received a
Ma despatch from Si Ernest Shackleton, which was sent from Port Stanley on May 31st. This says Endurance, crushed in the middle of the Wedell Sea on
FIGHT WITH A FOKKEL,
THRILLING ADVENTURE OF FRENCH AIRMEN
News has reached Paris from the Ver- dun rogion of a heroic adventure, in which an aeroplane pilot and observer were involved. The two men met with a Fokker in the air, and while they wore chasing it a second Fokker came up bes hind, and it was not until they heard the sound of its motor that they know it was near. The existence of the second enemy the pilot fell over his controls wounded. mashing had hardly been recognized before
The machine started dropping like a dend leat, and fell from 6,000ft. to 2,500ft.
LOND N, June 1st The Janes severely criticis the Government's Mesopotamia dainier, par ticularly for its omissions, and trusts that General Nixon will explain why he never transmitted General Townshend's - Octobor 27th, 1918 We drifted for 703 views, and why he decided to disregard miles in the ice until April 8th, We
Meanwhile the observer was reloading them. The Tunes says that serious to landed at Elephant Island on April 16 h. the machine-gun, wondering all the simo sponsibility = attaches to General Sir 1 left on April 24th, leaving twenty-two what was going to happen unless the Beauchamp Duff, who, though he may not
pilot regained his senses. The Fokker, bo-- men in a hole in the ion cliffs, and proeving the French machine to be entirely of licoring new units. Similar argu-have been acquainted with General ceeded for help towards South Georgia still 2,8000ft up, the French pilot came out of netion, followed it down, but, when ments applied to Mr. Churchill's sugges-Townshend's objections, knew the precise with five men in a twenty-two fost boat. to, and the observer taking advantage of tion regarding Africa Mr. Tennent
strength of the force, and ought to have
When I left the island all the men were machine-gun off point blank. It was the the Fokker coming into range fired his paid a tribute to Lord Kitchener's fore been aware of the risks involved. The well but they are in urgent need of Fokker's turn to fall and a puff of smoke sight in providing great armies for paper demands the truth regarding the rescue.
from the petrol tank showed that all was up. The French machine had a rather long war.
repulse of General Aylmer at Essina. on
difficult landing, but help was at once March 8th, when, it, declares, Kut could
forthcoming. The special correspondent of the Jain, in describing the episode, easily have been relieved but for unpar
writes that neither man could leave the aeroplane unaided. One had three bullets donable mistakes.
made light of their wounds in view of the in his body and the other two, but they
success they had achieved, pop
a fight is the one recently made by a What is considered here to be a record
French aviator from Salvnika to Sofia. The distance was three hundred miles, and the flight was accomplished alone by night. Despite difficulties in finding the way the airman succeeded in getting through unhurt, though bis journey in- volved pussing over the enemy's air flect Both on his way to Sofia and an his roz turn. The hero of this exploit is a well- known pilot, who in times of peace gain- ed several prizes.
.F
Mr. Churchill, in reply, said he did not think that the officering of native, troops was so surious, and suggested that. temporarily disabled, soldiers might be trained for that purpose. He urged the India Office and the Colonial. Offee to seriously consider the matter. 3,000,000 as the strength of the army, Mr-- Churchill said he found nearly 2,000,000 unaccounted for. He urged an investi:
Taking
KEY TO MESOPOTAMIA.
BIG BATTLE DEVELOPING
PETRUGHAD, June 1st
Bagdad is now the key to the situation Mosul, the ancient Nineveh, and not
in Mesopotamia. The Turkish forces
rdan is more enorinous and violent of the battle. The Russian front is being gation into the proportion of non-fighters which attacked the Russians at Rewan-
than ever. There has been force fighting
day and night between Deadman Hill and the Mouse, The Germans, after a bombardment of unprecedented violence, Blasting for two days, Inunched repeated concentrit attacks with large effectives esperially eastward of Deadman Hill and around Cumieres. Everywhere our troops,
resisted and ropulsed the enemy who
suffered heavy losses
Nevertheless, in the region southward
of: Caurettes Wood, we were obliged to evacuate one of our first line trenches, which was completely levelled by the bom-
bardient, The German attacks south-
ended of the last possible man
It is reported that the latest reinforce ments included thousands of Austrians. ITALIAN FRONT
(THROUGH KEUTER'S AGEJOY.) AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE
RESUMED.
SANGUINARY FIGHTING AND
HEAVY-LOSSES.
ROME, June 1st The regumption of the Austrian offen sive in Trentino is recorded in a com
The enemy in the Lagarina valley cast of Lake Garda, attacked ro ward of Cumieres, from both sides of peatedly and fiercely, supported by heavy the Village, succeeded at the outset in
guns. They were repulsed with sanguin rolling us back in the direction of Chatary losses. The fighting is the hottest tani urt, but a strong counter-attack near the Buole Puss, cast of Ala, where drove the Germans to the outskirts of the Sicilcean and Parma regiments fre- Cumicros German detachments which
quently left their trenches and drove oropt along the Meuse in the fog were back the Austrians with the bayonet. annihilated near Chattancourt.
The
Germans gained u footing in Upper Alsace, but wore immediately ejected
and fighters, and the replacing of older duz, 250 miles from Bagdad, proved to officers by younger. He paid a tribute to be troops From Kut. The Turks are ap Lord Kitchener's supreme services, but parently moving northwards in order to said that that should not prevent an imbar the progress of the Russians towards provement in organisation.
Musul. Stubborn fighting is proceeding. and threatens to develop into battle east of Moaul for the mastery of Mesopo- tamín,
Mr McKenna, in reply, said that the figure 5,000,000 did not represent our military effort, but the total man power which had been withdrawn from the Empire since the beginning of the war
Mr Asquith, dealing with Mr. Chur chill' comments, doubted whether the disproportion : batween, the ration aud
Was a great in our army as it was in
፡፡፡
THE IRISH REVOLT. WHAT MR. BIRRELL THOUGHT
LONDON, May 31st.
At a sitting of the Irish Commission a
rifle strength of our forces in the field letter was road from Field-Marshal French stating that early in February Mr. Birrell opined that he did not fear popular outbreak, but something more in the nature of dynamite outrages.
The Commission has adjourned inde- finitely.
|
any other, though all the supplies had to be transported by sen Steps were bring taker, however, to utilise the greater proportion in the fighting line. With regard to the disproportion betweesi troops at home and abroad, though we had not been invaded we must alwave effectively provide against that Sub LARGE SUPPLY OF SUBMARINES. ject to that provision, the troops in Great
A great battle is developing between Pasina and Astico valleys, near Arsiero, Britain were either sick, convalescent,
FRENCH CAPTURE GERMAN compelled the Italians farther east to
WORKS.
SUCCESSFUL SURPRISE ATTACK,
Paris, June Tat.
£1.50 .m Alumins piqué states: On the left of the heusefter violent bombardment with heat guns the region of Avo court and Hill 304 our troops attneked, and captured a strongly fortified Ger man work in the south western slopes of Mortuommu⠀ taking 120 prisoners, and seven machine-guns A surprise attack last_ight-n the south-eastern slopes of Morthomme resulted in the French cap turing twenty-five prisoners. There has been great artillery activity on the right of the Meriso between the river and Vaux Fort.
BRITISH LINES ATTACKED.
TRENCHES TAKEN AND BETAKEN.
LONDON, June Ist General Sir Douglas Haig, in a com- muniqué, states that the weather yester
where the Austrians are concentrating large forces An intenso artillery fire
evacuate their positions on Mount Pria- fora but a desperate counter-attackre gained the loa trenches. However, the Italians were compelled by the violence of the bombardment to withdraw slightly on the southern slopes of the mountain. The Italians also evacuated a position on the Asingo platanu but withstood the enemy pressure on the rest of the front,
ITALIANS STUBBORNLY
RESISTING.
ANXIOUSLY EXPECTING
COUNTER-OFFENSIVE.
ROME, June Ist. The Italians have evacuated the town of Asiago, lut are resisting in the most stubborn mongs on the lofty Asiago tablo land: The inhabitants of the plains were alarmed at the approach of the Austrians, but are reassured by signs that the Austrian advance has been check- ed. The Italian wings are punishing the Austrians most severely, and a further enery advance in the centre does not stent ikely. The splendid Italian motor transport has saved the situation en day was unfavourable for Rying, but abling great reinforcements to reach the British aeroplanes did good work. The Arseiro and Asiago plateaux in time to Enemy last
night bombarded our fill the gap made by the breaking of the trenches at Fricourt Nouve Chapelle and first ine. The most scricus loss was the Laventie. The bombardment at Neuve abandonment of the big gune or the Chapelle was the heaviest. It lasted for Monte Maggio and Tonezza line The cighty minutes and was followed by an Italian troops are most enthusiastic, and infantry raid which penetrated
arenaxiously expecting the counter offensive. tranches and took some prisoners. The raidera were subsequently driven out
OUT
Another raiding party east of Laventio Failed to enter our trenches, our bombers driving them back. The enemy at night
sprang a mine north of Bethune and the La Bassze road. We occupied the lip of the crater.
There has been reciprocal artillery activity to day at various points.
RUSSIAN FRUNT
(THROUGH BEUTEL'S AGENCY |
A TURKISH OFFENSIVE.
May 31st
A communque states that in the Diar bekir region the Turks carried out an offensive from Qghnote against Kaoga bazr and orrupted Ganiret. A Buss
counter-attack drove them out,
fornung drafts for abroad, or were new divisions which were ready, or approxi-
ready to go. A substantial re duction in the staff of officers at home was being effected, notably at Salisbury, Ripon and Aldershot.
AMERICA SIRENGTHENING HER FORCES.
WASHINGTON, June 1st.
The House of Representatives which on Tuesday increased the number of sub-
marine authorized in the Naval Bill from:
twenty to fifty, here again smended the measure izorðasing the aviation appro priation from $2,000,000 to £3,500,000. They have also authorised the expendi. ture of $11,000,000 for the establishment
of a plant for the Government for fo manufacture of armour plate.
LATER.
Shackleton's cablegram states that he has arrived at Port Stanley.
LONDON, May 31st.. In the hense of Commons, Mr. Asquith said that an Admiralty Committed were dealing with the Shackleton relief ex pedition, for which Parliament would shortly be asked to provide funds.
GERMANY AND PEACE, STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH
LONDON, May 31st
In the House of Commons at question time Mr. Asquith said there was nothing in the German Note to the United States on May 7th to indicate that Germany was prepared to consider terms of peace, or terms which would safeguard the inter- este f the Allies and the future peace of Europe
THE FRENCH MOTOR TRANSPORT.
tive of the British Press with the French Mr H. Warner Allen, the representa- Army, writes: Y
Motor transport is essentially an emer- gency service. It renders, of course, in- valuable service in the diily round of trench warfare, but it is only when the emergency comes that its enormous im- portance can be fully realised. What it loan do in such circumstances has bean:
tional strain is placed on any of the shown at Verdun. As soon as an addi transport service, it is to the automobiles
SITUATION IN CHINA EIGHT PROVINCES IN REVOLT.
SHANGHAI, June 1st The Province of Hunan has declared its independence, and there are now eight
that the High Command turns immediate- Provinces in revolt, while Shantung is ly, and the supplementary assistance practically in the hands of the rebela.
given to the railways may have incalcul | able effects on the issue of the battle. Foreigners generally are of the opinion It is no small business to keep in ordor that the forged abdication of Yuan Shih- | the inotor cars of an army, This depart- ment needs some six thousand men, and kai is the only solution of the deadlock.it is organized in such a way as to be
~WHIT-MONDAY HOLIDAYS.
POSTPONED.
LONDON, May 31st.
as self-supporting as possible. Thus the motor rezair depôts have their own cloth- ing departments and postal arrangements. They have their own cobblers and. their own special transport to bring up mate-- worked is that of a large commercial rial the principle on which they are
In the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith E..I that in view of urgent munition re-establishment. To direct them the French have thusen men who are accustomed to quirements, it was proposed by a Pro controlling and managing important clamation to postpone the Whil-Monday firms, and everything is organized on a
strictly commercial basis, nk holiday till August 8th, The ankers were agreeable to this (Cheers.) AN ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.
LONDON, May 31st
The chauffeurs attached to the Army are carefully tested, and if they appear in any way unequal to their task they are. promptly sent to go through a course 2 a-driving school attached to the parc d'automobile. Here they are thoroughly tinue to show insufficient, aptitude are taught their business, and if they con-
In the House of Commons, Mr. Pruty man apnounced that an economic consent away" to perform other military fotoece vold be held in Paris on behind the firing line are as a rule more duties. The automobile repair depôts
14th inst
or less permanent installations - They have repair outfit cars attached to tham, CARRANZA SENDS NOTE TO which can be sent out to any point, but as
AMERICA
Wastingros, June 1st.
The debt the Empire owed to Lord Kitchener, he said was immeasurable, He had laboured with zeal and self devotion, and his efforts were beyonil praise. He did not assert thut Lord | ATTACK ON MR. ROOSEVELT, BAG
Kitchener had made no mistakes, but the charges which had been made largely affected himself and the Government, an
(Mr. Asquith) accepted his full share of the responsibility
The motion to reduce Lord. Kitchener's. salary by £100 was negatived without a division, and his salary was unanimously approved.
CONQUEST OF CAMEROONS.
NO LIGHT TASK.
LONDON, May 31st The conquest of the Cameroone, com. prising 306,000 square miles, defended by well-trained natives, who were plentifully supplied with machine-guns, was no light
Th
task
HYPHENATED AMERICANS
DENOUNCED.
NEW YORK, June Ist. During the Memorial Day parade a Kansas City, an opeɔ koife was trow at Mr. Roosevelt, the weapon striking hi
moter-car-
Afterwards, in a speech, Mr. Roosevelt. advocated universal military servies, and denounced the hyphenated Americans, FIGHTING IN AFRICA..
LONDON, May 31st.
General Smuts has made a further
advance down the Pangani river He found the enemy strongly entrenched at Nikocheni, a narrow seek hetween the
mountains and the river.a
This sums up General Dobell's des Mr. Bona Law has telegraphed cares
The cong atulations to General Northey patches which were issued to-day. dificulties were increased by incessant his troops their capture of Neulang. tropical rains, the absence of roads, andburg. by dense forests. The Anglo-French co- operation was perfect. General Dobell also eulogises the work of the naval men and
the West Africans. The Allied force was 9,700 Anglo-French, including Indiane. THE IRISH TROBLEM SETTLED.
LONDON, June 1st. The Glasgow Herald states that a settlement of the Irish problem has been reached on the basis of a Parliament for Nationalist Ireland with Ulster, or the greater part of it, excluded?
GREECE AND BULGARIA
ATHENS, June, Ist. The Bulgarian Minister has protested against the action of the Greek frontier
Guards in firing on the Bulgarians when the latter occupied Fort Rupel The Premier has refused to consider the pro-
testas
A FRENCH SUCCESS.
PORNO BALONIKA June 1st The Franch have occupied the village of Peroj, north-west of Lakh Doiran.
The Star Department has received a fresh Nate from Carranza asking for explanation of the continued presence of American troops in Mexico, and de- manding their withdrawal
REPORTED POISONING OR CHINA'S PRESIDENT DENIED.
Peking June 1st
The report of the poisoning of Yuan Shih-kai is absolutely untrue.
CHINESE TELEGRAMS
[FROM THE “À CHUNG HUAI SAN FO
RELIEVING FINANCIAL
STRAIN,
The Peking Chamber of Commerce has raised a sum of 32,000,000 for the par pose of establishing a market to relieve
» rule, it has heen found better to do all the work possible well in the rear, whore, there are plenty of machine tools at the workman's disposal and where the pon- sibility of a sudden move has not always to be considered.
FAR EASTERN MEN AND THE WAR.
Lieut. Elvin Alfred Scott, RGA who was killed on April 8th, was the oldest son of Mr. and sira. John Beott, now of Balham, S. W He was educated at King's College School, Wimbledon, afterwards passing throngn the School of Practical Engineering at the Crystal Palace. On leaving there he acted as Assistant En- gineer on Railway Survey in Portuguese Last Africa, and afterwards in the same
capacity in China, where he was at the outbreak of the war, Boon after te turning to England in October, 1914, he obtained a temporary commission as second lieutenant in the R.G.A, and in February, 1015, left for the front. În September, 1015, he was promoted liente- nant, and was awarded the Military Cross for an act performed on March brother, Second 14th, 1910. His younger with killed an Lieutenant W May, 1915, in Flanders.
the Bank of Chine and the Bank of Com This
Admiral Sydney Robert Fre- “munications.
mantle, M.V.O., who was saved on the Tientsin has established a similar occasion of the loss of his flagship, the Russell, is the eldest son of Admiral the market
Hon. Sir Edmund Fremantle. He was Tient Hobart W. T. R. Eeymour, RN. born in 1897, entered the Navy as a cadet in 1882, and attained fing-rankin (killed on April 27th in HM's ship Russell) was 29 years of age, and the December, 1978. He has had a brilliant only son of the late the Rev. Edward career, and is the only living instance of Beymour, Canon of Christ Church Cache un admiral who has a father living who is also an admiral Sir Edmund Fre- drál, Dablin, and of Mrs. Beymour, of mantle, it will be recalled, was Com- Biarritz Licut Seymour entered the mander-in-Chief in China during the war Britannia in 1900, and at the time of his with Japan, and bears the title of “Rear- death bad seven years seniority 8 Admiral of the United Kingdom."
He is lientena, He served in China, and member of the Japan and Chinz in command of torpedo boat 638 on the Societies and has kept up his interest, West river. When war broke out he was in the Far East. The Fremantles are one appointed to the Affranda on commission of our hereditary naval families, and the ing, and in March of last year to the great-uncle of Admiral Sydney Fremantle Russell
was one of Nelson's captains at Trafalgar,