Page
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY
LONDON CONFERENCE:
ALLIES DIFFER REGARDING TURKISH SETTLEMENT.
ANGLO-JAPANESE
ALLIANCE:
ATTITUDE OF NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
HONGKONG IN PARLIAMENT: MR. „CHURCHILL'S VIEWS ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM.
LATEST CABLES."
THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY,], LONDON CONFERENCES. DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS ON TURKISH QUESTION.
LONDON, February 23rd. The delay in the proceedings of the Near East Conference yesterday was dus not only to the illness of the Turkish Grand Vizier, but also to the difficulty
LATEST CABLES.
IRISH DISTURBANCES. CHARGES AGAINST AUXILIARY CADETS.
LATEST CABLES,
LEAGUE OF NATIONS. APPOINTMENT OF BLOCKADE
COMMISSION.
PARIS, February 23rd.
The Conncil of the League of Nations
an
34TH, 1981.
BRITISH EXPORTS IN THE FAR EASTERN CABLES.
EMPIRE.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN
~COMPETITION.
LONDON, February 2rd.
THROUGH BUTT'R'S AGENCY.]
HONGKONG AND CONSTITU-
TIONAL REFORM COLONIAL OFFICE STILL STUBBORN.
LONDON, February 22nd.
In the House of Commons, Mr. R. has constituted an international blockade Clough asked whether British goods wore commission which will study the applicauering from cheaper foreign competi tion of Article XVI of the Covenant. tion in the Empire. Mr. Kellaway replied The commission includes representatives that British exports to the Empire of Great Britain, France, Italy and market wore adversely affected in 1020 Col Ward asked for an early statement Japan.
by the scarcity of British export coal, on the subject of the representation of The Council has decided to hold also formidable American and Japanese the British community on the Legislative international conference at Geneva at competition, particularly by cheaper the end of June on the question of the American railway material, motor-cars Council of Hongkong in view of the exploitation of women and children. and tin-plate, and by Japanese textiles pressing necessity for representation of
On the motion of Mr. Balfour, the and hardware, but the disadvantages were Council decided that the discussion of counter-balanced by the ability to quote the British attitude on the question of mandates for certain countries, previously a firm price and definite dates of delivery, slavery and the employment of young belonging to Turkey, should be postponed Severe European competition must shortly children. to the next session.
be anticipated. The proportion of British exports sold within the Empire had con- tinuously and gratifyingly increased. Forty per cent. of the exports went to COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH Empire markets in the last quarter of 1820, as compared with 37 per cent, dur- ing the same period in 1913.
BRITAIN AND · AMERICA:
TREATY. THAT MAKES WAR IMPOSSIBLE.
EARLIER CABLES.
COVENANT AMENDMENTS.
PARIS February 2nd: LONDON, February 3rd.
The Council of the League of Nations In the House of Commons, Sir Hamar Greenwood admitted that a number of completed the formation of a commitice the auxiliary cadets attached to the Irish to deal with amendments to the Covenant. The committee will consist of eleven mem- Constabulary, who had been dismissed by hers. Mr. Balfour is representing Great their commandant, Crozier, for organised Britain. Mr. Atayama represents Japan looting, had been senet back to Ireland and Mr. Wellington Koo, China. on the advice of General Tudor, com of reconciling the claims of the two Turmanding the Irish Constabulary, for trial. kish delegations, each of which insists Crozier and a subordinate officer had that it is the sole official representative resigned, and the resignations had been of the Turkish people.
accepted.
Bekirsami Bey, head of the Nationalist delegation, declares that he is determined Dot to give way to the Constantinople Government or the Grécks, and says that the Nationalists desire a free and inde pendent Turkey.
ANGLOPHOBE'S VIOLENT OUT-
BURST.
COMPOSITION OF COVENANT AMENDMENT COMMITTEE.
PARIS, February 22nd.
At yesterday's sitting, in Paris, the Council of the League of Nations adopted the conclusions of the report by Mr. Wellington Koo, the Chinese delegate, on LONDON, February 23rd,
appointing members of the governing Mr. Justice Cobalan, of New York, a body, and also approved the report by at an Irish dinner at Chicago, declared tion of the committee for examining leading American Sin Feiner, speaking the Spanish delegate upon the composi. that he desired to see the British Empire amendments to the League Covenant. dismembered because it menaced the United States.
The Council unanimously agreed that He argued that the members of that committee should have Great the widest political experience and of such United States should insist on Britain "liberating " Canada and the standing as would invest their advice
the Assembly of the League of Nations.
The Council then selected eight mem: hers amongst whom were Mr. Atayama, representing Japan, and Mr. Wellington Koo, representing China.-Havas.
%
GAMBLING IN SHANGHAI.
THE LAW FOR BRITISH SUBJECTS.
The law in regard to gambling by British subjects in Shanghai was laid down by Mr. G. W. King, Police Magis- trate, in H.M. Police Court last week when a man named Ahmed was charged with gambling in a house at No. 007, Wuchning Road contrary to the Gaming Houses Act.
the police and Sub-Inspector Mackenzie Chief luspector Bourke appeared for gave the evidence for the prosecution, The raid was made, he said, at 11.15 p.m. on the 7th inst Among the gamblers. there" were arrested 33 Chinese, two The Japanese, a Dane and defendant. gnine played was one in which dice were used; two tables were laid out and 700 copper cents and eine Ave-cent pieces ware seized. The occupant of the premises was Japanese were sentenced to ten days' im-
fined $20 at the Mixed Court and the two
Mr. Churchill replied that it had been decided not to make any change in the Aumbers or mode of selection of the Legislative Council, whose present Euro-prisonment each. pean members were fully able to repré- sent the British "attitude on all soeïn!. questions.
43
;
Mt. King: Ten days!
Yes, the Sub-Inspector Mackenzie: Japanese authorities are very strict in regard to gambling.
Witne-added that the Dane was not
taken before the Mixed Court.
Accused said he only went for ourio-
HONGKONG AND A HIGH-recognised at his Consulate and would be
POWER WIRELESS STATION. NOTHING PROPOSED AT PRESENT.sity's sake.
In the meanwhile, the Greek delegation is equally uncompromising. It is stated that it has been gingered up by a tele gram from Athens sent on behalf of King Constantine. It seems that while Great Britain is not adverse to the Greek ides of cutting the Anatolian knot with the West Indies as a basis of negotiations with great authority in public opinion and The budget estimate shows that the Await his views before considering anyways
Tho
sword, the French and Italino military exports declare that a Greek advance towards Angora will be madness. Italians urge an agreement with the Kemalists, and say that otherwise, fail ing a gigantic inter-Allied expedition, there will be a hopeless deadlock
for the settlement of its debts to America.
Mr Justice Cobalan's statements are typical of the agitation now being carried on against the Allies throughout America by the Irish and the Germans.
EARLIER CABLES."
*
BUDGET ESTIMATE FIGURES.
PARIB, February 22nd,
foreign debt totals 83 milliards of francs The total debt is 998 milliards of francs. Sixty milliards of the foreign debt is due to Great Britain and 10 milliards to the United States, after which Spain in the chief creditor.
NAVAL MEN AND THEIR -
INCOME TAX TREASURY GIVE WITH ONE HAND
·AND TAKE WITH THE OTHER
LONDON, February 23rd. At a banquet in his honour at the National Liberal Club, Viscount Grey re
Mr. King said this case illustrated the ferred to British, and American relations.
dificulties attending the work of the LONDON, February 22nd, He declared that the people of the United
police in Shanghai with its mixed popula In the House of Commons Lieut.-Col. tion. The English law of gambling had States seemed to be very conscious of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance and discussed John Ward asked whether immediate been very olearly set out in a judgment by Mr. Justice Hawking in 1884 in which the possibility of it involving Bri- steps would be taken to construct a it was stated that gambling in itself was
war, "but they tain and America in did not seem to be aware of the oxistence high-power Wireless Station at Hong. not in olden times an offence but in course of the Anglo-American Arbitration kong in accordance with the suggestion of time, starting with a statute of King Henry the Eighth, certain games ware Treaty which would make war impossible contained in a despatch from the Govern-made illegal. If these were played any FRANCE'S FOREIGN DEBTS. Governor of Hongkong had not expressed statutes were added for other games and if observed.
ment of Hongkong on April 24th, 3019. where it was an offence against the Mr. Winston Churchill replied that the statute. In the course of time other
any desire to proceed with this scheme the list included faro, dice games, and separately from that of the Imperial roulette (then called roly poly"). Wireless Committee and it is intended to Keeping a public gaming house had been a common law offenco.. further steps.
Public in the sense of public gaming. hause did not mean open to the public: the better word was common" to public. "Where they had a house habitually used by people for the purpose of gaming that was a gaming house. The proprietor of such an establishment was liable to very Heavy penalties and anybody assisting in the management was also liable for very heavy penalties. But people who went there only to gamble could lie dealt with ander the statute of Henry the Eighth LONDON, February 23rd..
They could be arrested on the spot or a It appears that the Dail Eireann now
warrant issued to arrest them. Thess were the people who went to have a of Yap to Japan. Washington messages goods. It has circularised agents of high price of silver, Mr. Chamberlain it and assisted the police by turning point out that in addition to Britain zod replying to Mr. Colby's note the United mandates which should be sent to her States has received no official drafts of before the League has finally approved them. It is understood, however, that Britain has intimated that since drafts are submitted to the League, America's logical course would be to present. her case before the Council Apparently America's action signifies that although she is not a member of the League she will not submit without protest to an infringement of her rights.
AMERICA'S ATTITUDE,
PARIS, February 22nd.
BOYCOTT OF BRITISH GOODS.
It is stated that France, being unhope- ful regarding an immediate settlement at the rear Eastern question, favours CHIEF SECRETATRY FOR IRELAND 1er is the first action ACTION TAKEN BY DAIL EIREANN,
ne stintions for a general armistice, on
the Turkish and Nationalist fronts, dur- ing which the Allied forces would be withdrawn from Asin. Minor, and the
between the Greeks and the Turks...
EARLIER CABLES,
APOLOGISES.
LONDON, February 23rd.
In the House of Commons, Sir Hamar
It is understood that President Wil-
initiated by the United States before the Council, repeats questions previously asked Britain as regards Mesopotamian
LoNDos. February 22nd, - In the House of Commons, replying to a question a whether Naval men in India and China had been summoned to pay Income-tax on the sums granted
to seck the representation of American the bonus granted to all Service men. and Continental houses..
the police would not proceed against
Allies would then set as joint mediators Greenwood apologised to Mr. Asanit vil, and protests against the allotment threatens a general boycott of British last year as compensation owing to the flutter." If they made a clean breast of
and Mr. Masterman for the implication that they were concerned in the public state that in this. connection officials British Arms in Ireland, advising them pointed out that the tax was payable on King's evidence, as it might be described, tion of propaganda in Franca (mentioned yesterday). He quoted from letterpress purporting to be signed by. Mr. Master man but he had since ascertained that neither Mr. Masterman nor, the Liberal publication department were involved.
FRANCE-OPPOSED TO REMOVAL OF EMBARGO AGAINST GREECE.
STEEL PRICE-CUTTING, ACTION BY NORTH-EAST COABT
MANUFACTURERS.
LONDON, February 22nd. The North-East Coast steelmakers have further cut prices between 30s and 80s per ton. Heavy rails, which two months ago were 225 per ton, are now £18,
LONDON, February 22nd. The British, French, Italian and Japanese delegates met in conference at Downing Street this morning and ex- changed vious regarding the Treaty of Sevres They have invited, the Turkish delegates to attend the meeting to-morrow, but owing to the illness of Tewik Pasha, who is confined to bed with a chill, the Turkish problem may not be considered before Thursday. The Belgian General Maglinse and Colonel Theunis, secom- panied by the Belgian delegate, attended ship-plates, which were £1 per ton, are during the conference. It is understood now £17 10s and joists are Ele instead that the Greek army will scarcely be able ] of £21. to 'undertako a successful adventure in Anatolia without Allied aid, and M. Briand is strongly averse to the removal of the Allied embargo against the Greeks at present raising foreign loans PARISIAN POLITICAL UIRCLES ON THE ALERT.
DISARMAMENT PROBLEM.
QUESTION OF APPROACHING OTHER POWERS.
LONDON, February 22nd.
COMPENSATION FOR CORK
BURNINGS.
The Recorder of Cork has awarded the
LONDON, February gard. Corporation £134,250, as compensation for the burning of the City Hall, muni-. cipal buildings and the Carnegie Free Library on December 11th.
OIL LAWSUIT.
STANDARD OIL COMPANY SUED.
LONDON, February 23rd.
including those mentioned,
THE OPIUM TRADE. APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTATIVE
COMMITTEE.
LONDON, February 2nd.
them.
In this case he found the house was a common gaming house and rejected defendant's statement that he was in the hour from curiosity. He proposed deal- ing with accused under the statute of Henry the Eighth and would bind him over in his own, recognisance of $20 not
GROWN PRINCE,
The Council of the League of Nations to frequent gaming houses in future. If has selected a Consultative Committee on he were found in one again he would not the Opium Trade. The Committee in only forfeit that sum but would. find it cludes representatives of the Netherlands, ouch more expensive. His curiosity had UNITED STATES' DEMAND.
France, British India, Japan, China, better be kept within reasonable hounds. Siam and Portugal, and three temporary WASHINGTON, February 22nd,
members selected according to Dr. The State Department has presented the Council of the League of Nations a de-
A New York telegram states that the Wellington Koo's proposal for their BETROTHAL OF JAPANESE mand that all allied and associated na-Uncle Sam Oil Company, of New Jersey, special knowledge of the Opium Question. tions be given equal opportunities in suing the Standard Oil Company for They are Sir John Jordan for England, mandated territories.
£250,000,000 as compensation for oil talen Mr. Henri Brenier for France, and Mrs. from 438,000 acres of oil lands in Okla-Hamilton Wright for the United States.— homa, of which the plaintiff claims the lavat. lease and which the Standard Oil Com pany have been operating for six years.
NEW SWEDISH CABINET.
SrockHOLM, February 22nd, von Sydom, Governor of Gothenburg, has agreed to form a cabinet.
MANDATES DISCUSSION
POSTPONED.
PARIS, February 22nd. The Council of the League of Nations has postponed discussion of the mandates, In the House of Commons, during ques-pending the receipt of President Wilson's tion time, Mr. Bonar Law thought it was letter. Independently of American action, LONDON, February 22nd,
not desirable, or at least premature, for however, the question of the Meso The proceedings of the conference are cing narrowly watched in Paris where the Government to express an opinion potamian, the Palestinian and the Syrian preparations are already being made in on the question of approaching other mandates has been postponed till April political circles to overthrow M. Brand, Powers as regards disarmament, until to give Mr. Churchill an opportunity of if he proves too conciliatory. The recent the new United States Government had studying the problems. election of the ex-President M. Poincare been installed. As President of the Senatorial Foreign Committee is regarded as significant in this connection.
1. Poincare, who is the most stalwart
U.S. LOANS TO GREAT BRITAIN;
upholder of French views, has already MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S STATEMENT been marked out as the successor of M. Briand.
It is reported that mysterious military confabulations are proceeding in Paris with a view to having everything ready against the moment for enforcing Treaty rights against Germany.
IN PARLIAMENT. ·
CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA. NEW LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ADOPTS CONVENTION.
DELHI, February 2nd. The Imperial Legislativi Assembly LONDON, February 22nd. lengthily
the Washington discussed Replying to Sir William Davison, in Labour Convention and adopted motions the House of Commons, as regards the urging the Viceroy to ratify the Conven British Government's indebtedness to the tion. United States about which he stated that
The motion of Sir Logie. Watson to fix there was a most common misapprehen the age for child labour at eleven, in- sion, Mr. Austen Chamberlain said that stead of twelve, was defeated by 40 votes 8500,000,000, which the British and the to 32. French repaid in Autumn, was raised by them on the New York market. The lation giving effect to the Convention,
The Assembly agreed to initiate legis United States never lont anything before entering the war. Great Britain was including the 50-hours week. never asked for a guaracted for any loans made by the United States to the Allies
COUNTESS BERNSTOFF'S Mr. Chamberlain expressed the opinion. that Great Britain would not have found. if necessary to borrow from the United AGAINST CUSTODIAN OF ALIEN Statca at all if she had not had to meet Allied calls for aesistance.
DISORDER IN PERSIA. REZA KHAN. CAPTURES CAPITAL
LONDON, February 22nd, Official circles learn from Teheran that Persian Cossacks, headed by Reza Khan, have taken possession of Teheran, over throwing the new Government. PRUSSIAN DIET ELECTIONS. LARGE CONSERVATIVE GAINS. BERLIN, February 22nd. The Opposition has gained considerably in the elections to the Prussian Dict. Among the Conservatives, the People's Party, and the National Party together gained 71, while the Communists gained 30 seats. Nevertheless, the Government Coalition, comprising the Majority Socialists, the Democrats, and the Cen- tre, retain a small majority after losing 29 and 35 seats, and gaining 3 reapo tively.
BELGIUM'S DEBT TO AMERICA | M EFFECT OF PRESIDENT WILSON'S RECOMMENDATION.
wwww.m
WASHINGTON, February 23rd. As expected President Wilson has formally recommended Congress as re gards the Belgian obligations.
Belgium's debt to the United States affected by the President's recommend tion (viz, to be accepted in German bonds) is stated to be $171,780.000, out of a total of $343,445,000.
FRENCH TRADE.
INCREASE IN EXPORTS.
PARIS, February 23rd.
CLAIM.
PROPERTY.
WASHINGTON, February 22nd
GREAT SKIING MEETING.
CHRISTIANIA, February 23rd. Fifty thousand spectators were present and fog weather prevailed at the great Holmenkollen skiing meeting.
NEW GERMAN LINER. FOR AUSTRALIAN SERVİCE.
BERLIN, February 23rd. The German liner Hagen, of 8,500 tons, for Australian service, has been launch ed at Hamburg.
"
SIR
AUCKLAND GEDDES.
QUARANTINE REGULATIONS IN NEW YORK.
New York, February 22nd..
ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE, NEW ZEALAND PREMIER'S VIEWS.
A COURT MOVEMENT,
"Toxio, February 12th. It is officially announced that no change is contemplated in connection with the betrothal of Princess Nagako (of the Imperial family of Kuni) to the Crown Prince. It is expected that the date of the marriage will be announced shortly.
LONDON, February, 23rd. The Times Wellington correspondent states that, according to Mr. Massey, the A movement has recently been afoot în recent statement of Bir J. Findlay that Japan in opposition to the proposed Australasia objects to the renewal of the marriage, resulting, it is stated, from the Anglo-Japanese Alliance does not repre- disappointment of some of the noble sent the official opinion. Mr. Massey added | families of Kyoto that the future Empress that New Zealand and Australia already has not been selected from their number, had a thorough understanding with the as has been the traditional practice.
The movement has, of course, failed. Imperial Government as regards Japan- ese inmigration. Great Britain recog Baron Nakamura, Minister of the Imperial nised the rights of the Dominions to Household, who took part in it, with the decide as to who should enter their coun- approval of Prince Yamagata, President tries. New Zealand will not oppose of the Privy Council, has been compelled
unless renewal of the treaty
im to resign, and though, his resignation has for example, equality of treatment as only a question of time and the public possible conditions are imposed, no, not yet been accepted, it is regarded as raised at the Peace Conference or such are already speculating as to his probable interpretation of the treaty. as to make successor. war with America possible.
THE YAP DISPUTE.
LONDON, February 23rd. A New York telegram says that Wash ington dispatches show more hopeful Siz Auskland Geddea landed after a prospects of the settlement of the dispute delay of several hours in, quarantine in regard to the disposal of the ex-Ger- owing to the stringent precautions man cables. against typhus.
MALAY STATES - TRADE,
The wife of the ex-Ambassador: Bern-
A somewhat belated reported on the storff has filed a suit in the Supreme trade of the Federated Malay Stater Court in the District of Columbia, tires interesting details of the progress recover a million dollars worth of proof that country in 1919. The aggregate The Customs authorities state that perty seized by the Custodian of the value of trade amounted to £48,567,610, French imports in January
Allen Property in war-time, on the or £33 per bead of an estimated popula 1.082,000,000 francs, as compared with ground that the property was inherited tion of 1,407,844, which compares favour 2,405,000,000 in January last year, and from the Countess's father, who was an ably with the trade of several European exports 1,882,000,000 francs, as compared American. with 1,000,000,000 francs. The exports of manufactures increased by 537,000.000 HARDING franck
Were
ANGLO-PERSIAN OIL CO.
BIG INCREASE IN CAPITAL.
Prince Togugawa is the most popular choice in certain circles, but it is not known if he would, nccept the past, Mr. K. Ishihara, Vice-Minister of the House- hold, is expected to follow his chief's example. It is not yet known if Prince Yamagata will resign. "
It is understood that France now agrees AN APPEAL CASE FROM SWATOW. with Great Britain and the United States, but the Japanese delegates, with whom the question of the plant at Yap is being discussed, state that they are unable to proceed with the negotiations because they have not received Instructions from their Government,
Judgment in the appeal case, Sing Hong-chang v Low Long-yam, was given in H.M. Supreme Court, at Shanghai, on the 17th inst. The defendant appealed to the Full Court against the judgment of bis Honour Judge Skinner Turner, in which an order was made that defendant should pay to plaintiff the sum of Tis. RUBBER TRUST LIBEL ACTION
14,081, with interest and taxed costs. SETTLED.
This sum was found to be due by defen- dant as a partner in the Nged Chuan LONDON, February 22nd.
back, carrying on business at Swatow, in countries. ·Merchandise" showed an in- A libel action by the Batavia and respect of a contract as to sugar to bo crease of 33.8. per cent, on the previous General Plantations Trust, Ltd., against sold by the bank on the joint sccount of ADMINISTRATION,year. Advanced prices account for some Tony Pandy, a printer, and Robert plaintiff and the bank. The chief
part of the car neguts a fall. Davies, a shareholder in the trust, who, of appeal was that there was a defence NEW SECRETARY OF NAVY.;
ing off in quantity in 23 of the 114 prin in letters, accused the directors of the to the notion, which defence should have cipal articles of import, and in 12 of the trust of mismanagement and imputed been heard by the Court after an account ST. ACUTATENE (FLORIDA), Feb. 22nd.
43 principal articles of export. In order misappropriation of an unpaid dividend, of the transaction had been taken by the Mr Harding, has chosen Mr. Edwin more accurately to measure the volume was settled before the King's Bench to British Consul and two Chinese assessora Denby, of Michigan, Secretary of the of trade as affected by the advance in day, the defendants agreeing to pay Navy
prices, it is convenient, writes Mr. B. damages and costs and to withdraw all Burnside, 'Commissioner of Trade and imputations.. Customs, to take as a basis the average
U.8. IMMIGRATION BILL.
‛,་ -",
LONDON, February 22nd, The Anglo-Persian Oil Co., has decided to increase its capital by £16,000,000 in order to render all brancher of the busi- ness independent companica The profts
WASHINGTON, February 22nd prices of the principal articles in 1913. The Senate and the House of RepreThe rise in these prices in 1919 is found for the year ended March 31st, wore £2,011,000. Next year it is estimated that sentatives Committees have accepted the to be 110 per cent. in the case of im- the profits will exceed £4,000,000. The Immigration Bill as amended on February ports, and 22 per cent. in the case of output of oil in rapid increasing
20th.
exports.
NEW CHINESE MINISTER TO
WASHINGTON.
New Yoxx, February 22nd.
Mr. Bre has arrived here,
at Swatow, which account was submitted
to the Supreme Court and judgment given in accordance with its findings."
In the separate judgments now read by his Honour Judge Skinner Turner and his Honour H. P. Wilkinson, the appeal was dismissed with costa,"
Mr M. Header Harris was counsel for plaintiff, and Mr. H. Lipson Ward and Mr. Langley Smith represented appellant,