Page
THE
THE WAR.
ALLIES'
WAR
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS SATURDAY,
POLICY.
STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER.
AUSTRO-GERMAN ADVANCE ON EASTERN FRONT
CAPTURE OF DVINSK AND LUZK.
NEW ANGLO-AMERICAN TREATY.
General.
LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH› REUTER'S AGENCY.] PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH. NO DIFFERENCE IN ALLIES'
POLICY
FEBRUARY 3RD
1915.
Lord Derby had agreed to remain in armies. The Government proposed to invite a suggestion from the highest mill-offies only because he felt confident the Edry authorities as regards the best means Vorsailles scheme could be made sucerss- Falsand tould materially help to win of removing anxiety that the new scheme. might, impair the efficiency of our sim The Government would adopt any such suggestion to improve the new achete National feeling, historical tradition and suspicion militated against every alliance, while there were, also other difficulties dae
to professional conservatism.” He pleaded
MUSIK
NORTHCLIFFE FRESS DENOUNCED.
Logo Buckmaster denounced the shame ful sttäcks of the Northcliffe Press upon General Robertion
Lord Curzon stated that the Govern
for mutual trust and confidente, whichment would deal with the Northcliffe were the very soul of victory.
We Press as it did with other newspapers. discussed and re-discussed this plan He described the attacks upon some of in order that out. whole: con our distinguished officers in the North centrated strength should Jys clafte journals as most reprehensible, and mobilised to resist and break the most said the Versailles scheme was warmly terrible foe with which civilisatida was upproved by Field Marshal Sir Douglas ever confronted. We were faced withHoig, and that the whole position had terrible realities. The enemy had rejected
not been materially altered: the marst moderate terms which the whole, bệ of civilisation had accepted as reasonable.
achieve military victory and impose Prassianism forcibly on Europe.
several hours' discussion, in which there was not a single dissentient so far as the plan was concerned. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig draw attention to a weak point or two, and we undertook to Why had the enemy rejected them. Be remedy them, but these were not points cause he was clearly convinced that uffecting the root proposal. Upon read he was are couve power to LONDON, February 19th.
turning he reported to the Cabinet that Mr. Lloyd George, speaking in the he thought the plun unworkable and House of Commons upon the recent army dangerous, and subsequently the Army changes, said the retention of General Council made certain criticisms from a Rubertson as Chief of Staff was latterly constitutional point of view. He con- incompatible with the Allies' common sidered these carefully with Lord Derby policy, which was, based on the assump who throughout had put General Robert tion that the Allies had suffered in the son's case before the Cabinet. Ho past through a lack of concerted and phasised his anxiety that these arrange co-ordinated effort. The Government ments should be worked whole-heartedly deeply regretted General Robertson's by all the British and French Military position was no longer compatible with the policy decided upon at Versailles, but if that policy was right nu personali kies, however valuable, important or distinguished, should stand in the way of its execution. ・ ・ (Cheors-) If the policy were wrong no personalities and no Governments ought to stand in the way of its being instantly defcated The Prime Minister emphasised that there was absolutely no difference be tween our policy and the policy of France, Italy and the United States in this respect. The policy was based upon, the assumption that the Allies bad hitherto suffered through a lack of con
Authorities, and especially that Field- Marshal Sir Douglas Haig should be satisfied.. Therefore, before the agree ments were made he talked with Sir Douglas Haig, who said he would work under the new arrangement, which was that the British Permanent Military Adviser on the Council at Versailles should become a member of the Army Council and should constantly communi- cate with the Chief of Staff, and should be absolutely fres in the advice he gave,
PRESS COMMENT The reception to Mr. Lloyd George Was in marked contrast to a week ago. As the Times says, the opposition simply faded away after the Prime Minister had made his plain statement, while the subsequent lack of excitement in the Lobby showed how completely the Prime Minister had made out his rase.
The Prime Minister begged the House to turn down all controversy and close up its ranks. (Loud cheers.) If the House disapproved of the Vorstilles polity, let it pit in a Government who would refuse to accept that policy, but it must be another Government. (Cheers.) The Government were entitled know, and to know tonight, whether the House and the nation wish to proceed with the policy deliberately settled with a view to organis ing our forces to meet the advaner of the for I have endeavoured to discharge the terrible functions of my position to the
LAVASHINGTON, February 19th. utmost of my capacity and strength. An Army Draft Treaty between Great If the House to-night re-Britain" and the United States has been (Cheers)
Mr. Lloyd George, was in his best con- ciliatory form, and to the obvious relief of the majority of the members there was little danger of the debate taking a destructive course. When he had con- luded the remaining speakers mostly con centrated upon the alleged association of the Government with certain newspapers, Jar Cumberlain especially' making
direct pitack and urging the Government
pudintos that policy for which I am responsible, and I believe on which the safety of the country depends, I shall quit office with but, one regret that I have not had greater strength and greater ability to place at the disposal of my General native land in the gravest hour of its
The Chief of Staff would have the same powers as, his predecessor. Robertson, and would remain as the history" (Loud and prolonged cheers)
TRIBUTE
coordinated affort, and a Supreme Military Adviser to the BritishYME ABOULANGE
-Eh
to serer its connection with three news paper proprietors,
ANGLO-AMERICAN TREATY,
stake.
CARLIER CABLES.
AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA:
GERMAN REPORT CONTRADICTED
PETROGRAD, February 12th The Bolsheviks deny the German re port cabled on February 8th, that the Poles captured Mohaleff and arrested Krylenko Furthermore, they declare that the towns of Kharkoff and Poltava
have not adhered to the Ukrainian Ruds. ALEXEIEFF'S OPERATIONS.
PETROGRAD, February Eth General Alexeid operations are de veloping in the region of Toganrog, Violent encounters occurred near Rostoff. while noar Voronoi the Bolsheviks are Gurrounded.
THE BOLSHEVIKS' FOES.
FrmOGRAD, February 10th, Two outstanding forces are now ar- rayed against the Bolsheviks, namely, General Alexeief's Army and the Church. The followers of General Alex off and General Korniloff are apparently increas. ing. It is stated that the Bolsheviks are sending, an Army of 100,00 under Gen cral. Krylenko against General Alexeieff.
Apart from the above messages, nothing is known in Loudon of the movements of General Alexciclf and General Korni- foff
GENERAL KALEDIN COMMITS SUICIDE.
PETROGRAD, February 19th. There are reports that General Kaledin has committed suicide
LATER
The Bolshvik Newsgoney states that General Kaledin committed suicide owing to the decision of the Coalition Govern ment of the Don region to resign favour of the Soviet
General Nazaroff, who has succeeded General Kaledin, his ordered the mobil isation of the whole population of the Don against the Soviets."
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
AFFAIRS IN PARLIAMENT. GENERAL ROBERTSON È NEW POST.
LONDON, February 18th. in the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar. Law announced that General Hobertson had accepted the Eastern Home Lom-
in
MRBONAR LAW PARRIES." MERC
Replying to Mr. Asquith, Mr. Bonar Law stated that Mr. Lloyth George was spffering from a ser
a severe chill, but ho hoped to be able to make a statement to the House to-morrow.
Mr. Pemberton Billing-Did-Gaporul Robertson resign or was he displissed i
Mr. Bona Law-I will not unticipate the discussion.
THE IMPERTAL CONFERENCE.
Mr. Bonor Law announced the holding of the Imperial War Cabinet in 1916 would. afford an opportunity to hold an Im- Perial Conference.
ENGLAND'S SOUND INDUSTRIAL SITUATION.
LONDON, February 19th..
In the House of Commons, Mr. F. G. Rellaway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, in a speech said. the industrial situation in England was never sounder. There were fewer strikes than in any previous period of the war and labour was working devotedly. He detalled the Tol
the following beneficial effecta on production during the lust half-year of the 721 per cent, bonus. The produc- perh
tion of guns had increased. 48 per cent. rece
over the previous half-year, machine guns 20, aeroplanes (42, aero engines 68, and Shipbuilding material g
Mr. Churchill added that less than a quarter of one per cent, of time had becau lost during the half year owing to the loyalty of the workers
THE ABNORMAL DEMAND FOR
SILVER. LONDON, February 21st.
LONDON,, February [9tdiy Latest telegrams from Russia point to
In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar increasing chaos and widespread · dis-
The only definite Law, replying to Mr. Pemberton Billing,
signed, ander which the United States may draft British subjects between the ages of 29, and 45, while Great Britain may draft Americans within her jurisdic-urbances in the south. tion between the ages of 21 and 31, fact is that the Germans crossed the aid there had been an abnormai, almost A similar Convention with Canada has Dvina because there was nothing to pre-worldwide, demand for silver for our
vent them,
rency purposes owing to the war condi- been signed
Germany's move has roused even the tions. A stock of five-shilling currency notes had been printed as a precaution BANKING AMALGAMATION idealists in Petrograd
***Maxim Gorky's paper, the Neur Life, lest the silver offering should not be
which hitherto has been pacifist, says sufficient to meet the future demande.
PROPAGANDA IN ENEMY that the German Government, having
COUNTRIES quelled the deaffection, will attempt to
LONDON, Ephruary 19th.
The London City and Midland Bank is amalgamating with the London Joint Stock Bank. The combined deposits ax ceed 5,000,000, the capital £7,000,000, and reserve funds £6,000,000
THE BRESTLITOVSK FAILURE DISAPPOINTMENT IN GERMANY
LONDON, February 10th. Clearly there is great public diap polttment in Germany that Brestlitask
purpose and policy has been to gru con Government. He would accompany the Mr. Asquith, who followed the Prime Ministers to the meeting of the Supreme Minister, paid a tribute to General centration and unity of effort. It was
War Council as Advisor and would have Robertson a great loyal oxample in only necessary to look at 1917 to und
w phong the right to visit France and consult accepting the only post at present avail exactly the same set of circumstances
with the Military Representatives The able. He hoped the House would imbibe Snevitably diminishing the power and concentration which would otherwise representative at Versailles must have a similar spirit. He had not quarrelled have been possibly in order to counteract the most perfect freedom to discuss and with the decision of the Versailles the efforts of the Germans and the Rus recommend plane. If the Commander. Council in respect to its functions. sian collapse. It was agreed at Versailles in-Chief did not approve, or if there was He considered that the issue concerned that
thers must be a Central Authority a difference of opinion among the various the machinery whereby the connected to exercise a direction over the war representatives, then the Government petion of the Allies should be exercised, policy, and that that authority must be would decide. There was no derogation and he advocated that the Military Rehk not brought peace after all, Inter-Allied and must have executive of authority by the Government. The presentative at Versailles should be the power. The only difference of opinion Chief of Staff would be the Chief representative of the Chief of the General was over how that authority should be Adviser to the Government in the event Staff The Government had undertaken a great responsibility in disregarding constituted, but agreement on this point of any such difference of opinion. was also reached.
The Prime Minister proceeded to men tion several proposals which had been considered and rejected. One was that the Central Authority should be composed of the Chief of Staff, but this idea was unworkable It was felt that the new body must not only know the conditions of their own armies and of their own amies
It was only after the Government the advice of their greatest strategical decided to offer General Robertson the and technical authorities. There was a position as Representative at Versailles certain amount of natural public disquiet- that he (the Premier) realised that ude in regard to these events, because General Robertson objected on military during the last two months we had lost grounds to the system which Versailles Admiral Jellicoe and General Robertson, to adopt. both of whom pre-eminently enjoyed the had decided unanimously General Robertson suggested that the confidence of the country. In both in Representative at Versailles should be stances it was enforced retirement,
Re
Foruauita says Our whole pence scheme has fallen like a pack of cards. Even Poland has turned against us, while the Ukrainian peace, which was starred at every cingan, proves to be not real
The Neusten Nachrichten protests against new ventures in the East
RUSSIANS WILLING TO SIGN PEACE.
A wireless
Lennox, February 19th. Bussion official report states MM Lenin and Trotzky have sent a message to the German Government protesting against the German invasion while the Russian Army is demobilising.
The Council of the People's Commis
on their own fronts, but all the cond made a deputy of the Chief of Stall, but both were preceded by a hostile, virulent cartes are now forced to formally declare
Versailles was now the repository of such because the suggested position would be had only spoken today because he tons dictated by the Quadruple Alliance
ons on all fronts, and of all armies.
information, which was co-ordinated by very able staffs, and no single War Office possessed such information.
The Prime Minister proceeded to give cogent reasons why the Chiefs of Staffs at varions capitals could not properly exercise the functions aimed at The Supreme Council unanimously rejected this proposal, and the Delegations then separated and considered the matter in dependently, with the most remarkable result that next morning each Delega tion submitted exactly the same proposal, amely, the proposal which now held the feld. He would have liked to have read to the House the document in which the American Delegation cogently put the case for the proposal which was finally carried, but he could not, because it was mixed up with the plan of operations The Americans presented this came with irresistible power and logic, and the pro- posal was altered here and there during
the Government rejected the suggestion, and unscrupulous Press campaign.
impossible for any man and would have made the British Representatives inferior to the other members of the Council..
A Vie What about Foch?"
The Prime Minister pointed out that General Foch was within twenty five minutes of Versailles and could have been consulted in the event of emergency
theizavilingnoss tonign peace upon conch-
felt that a restrained Parliamentary at Brestlitovsk criticism was necessary order to attain at the earliest possible moment a peace which secured the high purpose of the Allies.
The remainder of the debate was with- out feature, the speeches relating to army and departamental matters.
the debate, but after 14 hours talk it did The Unionist War Committee met after
bothing.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS. In the House of Lords, Ford Derby strongly supported the Versailles Coun cil It had already achieved most
LONDON, February 16th. Viscount Northcliffe is been appointed Director of Propaganda in Enemy Coun
ach the Ramlan revolution. It points out the necessity to withstand an Austro- German attack by organizing an army du for which plenty of material exists.
"A special mange dated Petrograd,
rises the organisation of a Socialist Red February 14th, states that a decree autho
Navy to replace the old Navy.
The Governoxut newspaper /rentia 19. indignant at the Allied and Neutral pro- test against the annulment of loans.
The paper says that belligerent rapi talists are united against the victorious march of communim across Europe.
A decree recognises only civil marriages and confers the same rights on illegiti- mate an on legitimate children..
There have been two days ferd fight ing between the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Soviets in the streets of Odessa.
The Bolsheviks claim that the Sovaits
Were victorious.
Three armed desperadoes stopped the Italian Ambassador's automobile and
pocket-book and other valuables. relieved the Ambassador of his fur cout,
RUSSIA'S LIABILITIES.
brica.
THE BOLO CASE.
PART February 18th Senator Humbert, who was mentioned in connection with the Bolo case, has been arrested.
THE ARMY ESTIMATES.
LONDON, February 18th The Army Estimates provide for 6,000,000 men,
A.S.E. REJECT MAN-POWER
PROPOSALS:
LONDON, February lith The Amalgamated Society of Engineers
proposals by 121,017, votes to 27,470. ban rejected the Government's mian-power
THE SILVER MARKET-
LONDON, February 21st.
In the silver market there ze rather more enquiry.
PETROGRAD, February 19th. The Representatives of 19 Allies and Neutrals have presented to the Bolshevika A detailed reply to these conditions will Note refusing to recognise the deerees be given without delay,
which repudiated the State Loans and Franco-Belgian Front, which confiscated property. In so far as foreign subjects are affected the Note warned that the Fowers would at a later date insist upon satisfaction and com pensation for all the losses sustained owing to these decrees.
GERMANY AND ROUMANIA.
GREAT BRITAIN DECLINES TO RECOGNISE INDEPENDENCE,
PETEOGRAD, February 10th. The Britian Charge d'Affaires has in- mated that Great Britain does not recognise the independence of Ukraine
the Russian Empire. or other territory, hitherto belonging to
The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government very deeply regretted that it was obliged to proceed without General Robertson The choice between carrying out a manimous policy of the military advisory of the Allies and retaining the services of a most distinguished and very valued public servant was very painful, but in view of the magnitude of the policy excellent results as regards unity between the Government were bound to stand by the Allies. He said he had offered the arrangement with the Allies. ecome resign, but the Prime Minister had repre
The Prime Minister dwelt upon the guested him to remain in office.
natural difficulties of securing military unity among the Allien. Boone thought the new arrangement would secure political d Smperil the unity of the
HOW POLAND WAS DUPED
AMSTERDAM, February 20th. A Berlin telegram states that negotia tions with Roumania have not yet begun. Beron von Kuehlmann will go on February and to negotiate
CONSPIRACY TRIAL AT SAN FRANCISCO.
AMSTERDAM, February 10th According to the Lokulanzeiger, the olish Begency Council has issued
addressed to the nation, point Wat the Central Power the independence of Poland, did not admit to the Polish Re
SAN FRANCIBO0 February 21st.) Herr Schroeder, ex foretary of the Ger atives at Breastlitovsk that they had bought peace with Ukraine with man Consulate at Honolulu, has pleaded
province The Council protests guilty to the charge of Lord Derby, continuing, said ↑ that General Robertson at Versailles had suggainst the new division of Poland and create a revolution in India "gested a certain scheme, but it was con
remains in office in order to preserve food one thousand Polish schooler: organisation damned by our own military advisers, also by all the members of the Supreme
alternative of three mon War Council.
co, and to transmit to posterity conception of the integrity of the Father-
and
zing.
LATEST CABLES THROUGH BRUTER'S AGENCY.]
BRITISH FRONT.
GENERAL RAIDING EXPEDITIONS
LONDON, February 19th. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re- PortsWe successfully raidet in three sectors of the front,
The Irish troops entered the trenches south-eastward of Epeby and brought back prisoners.
The Canadians successfully raided and captured five Germans southward of Leas
The Lancashire, Border and troops raided positions on a
orkshire
front
in the southern portion of outhoulst Forest, killing a large number and, cap tang 27 and one machine gu
Our casualtiek were