CABLES.
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[THROUGH BETER'S AGENCY.]
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
ESTIMATES PROVIDE. FOR MORE
MEN AND HIGHER PAY.
Loxpox, February 10th. The Loyal Air Force estimates for the Year 1925-1926 are £13,800,000 compared to £15,118,000 for the present year.
The strength of the "RAF. at present is equivalent to 54 squadrons, including 25 at the Home basen, sight at Iraq, six In India, and 4} in Egypt and Palestine.
The estimates provide for a personnel of 30,000, an increase of 1,000; while the pay is increased by 471,000. The esti-
mates invite Parliament to vote the same salary to the Secretary of State for Air as the other Secretaries of State, thus reverting to the arrangement obtaining
when the Air Ministry was constituted.
In addition to the total, given, account must also be taken of expenditure by the Colonial Offer under the Middle East Note, which is £3.116.000). This comprises: Iraq £2,744,900; Palestine and Trans Jordan £372.000,
The Almiralty rate for the air ara of the Fiert is £1,020.000. making an effective net increase of £1,072,000.
COMMERCIAL AIRSHIPS.
i
K
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 1925
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FRENCH FINANCES.
NEW BILL TO ENCOURAGE. SPEEDY TAX PAYMENTS.
PARIS, February 19th.
EARLIER CABLES.
OPIUM CONFERENCE. APPLAUSE WHEN DRAFT PROOFS " ARE PASSED..
GENEVA, February 18th. The Government today will present to The opiam conference adopted the the Chamber & Financial Bill, encourag-progfs of the draft convention of the ing quick paythent of direct taxes, creat-drugs protocol and the final act, amid ing a central office to redeem certain general, opplause. classes of treasury sids, setting up
not
• EARLIER CABLES.
PRUSSIAN CABINET. NEW MINISTRY FORMED UNDER
HERK MARK.
HERLIN, February 18th.
A new Prussian Cabinet has been con-
stituted, with Herr Marx as Premier and the Centre member. Herr Severing, as Minister for the Interior,
The members of the Right are already declaring that the Government, including Her Severing, is regarded as provoca- tive and meets with the strongest opposi. tion...
Minor drafting modifications machinery to simplify and accelerate the affecting the principles already agreed transfer of bearer securities and institut-upon were introduced. Also on the pro- ing new type of stocks and honda capable posal of the French, supported by the of easy transfer by mere endorsement.-British, a new article was introduced Baras
into the convention with the hope of satisfying the American proposal and dealing with the effective control of raw opium by enacting newslaws and regue, lations unless such already exist. bot inasmuch as the new article does not tan- In the House of Commons Commander
GERMANY AND RUMANIA. BUCHAREST COMMENT ON BERLIN
BOURSE'S ACTION,
BUCHAREST. February 16th,
It is semi-officially stated that special measures have been taken on the Berlin
A
Bourse against Rumanian stocks as reprisal for steps in regard to German nationals' interests in Romania. The statement declares that hitherto Romania has taken no weasures against Germany: and Germany will have to hear the con sequences of her action.
...
EARLIER CABLES.
FEARS OF STRESEMANN.
BLIN, February 18th Before the foreign affairs committee of With regard to airships, for which the Reichstag, Herr Stresemann strenu £300,000 is estimated. Sir Samuel Hoareously protested against any possible con- (Secretary of State for Air) is of opinion fiscation of German private property in the Commercial airship is the principal Bumania, and pointed out the serious object to be kept in view and the pro-consequences which such measures might grange of airship development is being bare by affecting the confidence of inter-
national financial circles. male, sufficiently classic to render it possible to accelerate transition to the phase of commercial operation.
Meanwhile, the immediate policy is to
-u་----
CLYDEBANK EVICTIONS.
SITUATION AGAIN ATTRACTING ATTENTION.
Becure that every step is taken to enstre
LONDON, February 18th. safety
and success in the experimental | "
The situation at Clydebank is again stage, especially in view of the fact that prominent as a result of several evic these ships are twice the size of any pretions which were carried out yesterday, viously constructed,
accompanied by some disturbance and three arrests.
An extensive programme for research and experiment is in hand. To this end the R has been reconditioned and will shortly carry out a series of experimental #lights. The R is now reconditioning at Pelhain for an experimental flight to Egyp Mooring-masts are being con" structed in order that pew airships may be able to moor at Cardington and two stations over-sen
ALBANIA'S OILFIELDS.
ITALIAN PROPOSAL TO SHARE WITH BRITAIN.
ROME. February 10th. The Rone correspondent of the Jura ing Post, in connection with the Allapian oilfields, learns from a trustworthy source that Italy, as a solution, advances, the plea of necessity of all fuel; int recog pises that Britain, through the Anglo- Persian Lanapany, has secured the oil Source hest situated geographically, economically and politically for Italy's zeeds.
- Itnly, therefore, proposes to share with Britain the usufruct of the Alhanian oil fields. In return for this privilege, Italy will grant the Anglo-Persian Company those rights for exploitation of oil, on Italian soil, which were granted to the Sinclair contern and cancelled as between the Italian Government and the Sinclair Corporation, last month by mutual con- Beat.
OF
RUSSIAN CROWN JEWELS. MOSCOW GOVERNMENT DISPOSING
SEIZURES.
Rou, February 10th, It is reported that the Italian Com
has mercial Bank
purchased, for 1500,000,000 Tire, a portion of the Russian Crown jewels, which the Moscow Govern. ment seat to Paris for sale.
A
ANTIQUES FOR AMERICA.
RIGA, February 19th. It is reported from Moscow that the Vladivostock Excentive Communist Inter. national has despatched' to America : a quantity Bf antiques and valuables, which have been stored on the premises. of the Biberian revolutioral conscation ́since the days of general
of the property of the Imperial family and Bourgeoisie. The money derived from the sale of the goods is to go to the Far Eastern section of the Communist Taternational, for use is assisting the revolutionary movement in China, Korea änd Jopea and other countries,
The tenants have withdrawn their re- presentatives from the Rents Commis- sion on the ground of a breach of the understanding that there would be no evictions pending the Comunission's re- port.
The matter was raised in the House of Commons this, afternoon by Mr. Neile "Maclean = (Labour) who described the
situation at Clydebank as
DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE.
MATTER INFORMALLY MENTIONED IN COMMONS.
LONDON." February 1sth.
FAR EASTERN CABLE NEWS.
[THROUGH RECTER'S AGENCY.}
AMERICAN STEAMER "GEIZED,
CHINESE MILITARISTS ARREST CAPTAIN AND DETAIN PASSENGERS,
ICHANG, "February, 19th.
An American steamer has been held by the Kweichowf militarists. The cap: tain has been arrested and the American passengers are detained.
SHANGHAI COTTON STRIKE.
JAPANESE SPINNERS IN OSAKA SEVERELY HIT.
OSAKA. February 19th,
The strike at the cotton spinning mills in Shanghai is regarded as most serious here. Spinners have passed a resolution, arging the Tokyo Government to take
ernment to terminate the strike.
tion restriction to medical and scientific. M. Kenworthy (Liberal) asked for purposes, according to the American information with regard to the new dis-immediate steps with the Chinese Gov. proposal, it is improbable the Americans armament conference to be summoned by will be satisfied.
the President of the United States to Siun made a reservation with regard discuss further limitation of naval"árma- to Indian hemp inasmuch as the kubject | ments. was originally not included in the agenda |
Comniander Kenworthy asked whether of the conference, while the Persian dele His Majesty's Government intended to gate, Arfaud Dowleb, only signed the make any proposals for such a confer- convention and referendum, kuhject to ence the League's acceding to Persia's re- quest respecting a loan to enable Persia to restrict the cultivation of the opium
poppy.
Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Minister of Foreign Affairs. replied that the matter had been informally mentioned in con versation with the Amerieur Ambassador and was at prepat being considered.
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STRIKE IS SPREADING.
SHANGHAI, February 18th. The Japanese Cotton Mills strike has spread to two more establishments, but
there have been no further disturbances."
ANTI-FIRACY MEASURES.
་
VISCOUNT SANDON MENTIONS MATTER IN HOUSE OF COMMONS.
LONDON, February 15th.
In the House of Commons. Viscouns
The German delegate made a reser. vation to the effect that while Germany was desirous of collaberating for the [REUTERS AMERICAN SERVICE.] Sandon" asked whether better provision control of the international traffic in drugs, she was unable to admit the pre- seut convention applied to her internal
trade.
The conferener will hold its fial sitting to-morrow?
LATEST CABLES SECOND CONFERENCE ENDS.
GENEVA. February 19th. The session of the Second Opium Con ference closed with an excellent speech President Zahle; reviewing the labours of the conference and the results obtained. The Convention will be signed this after-
|
whuld be made by the Navy for protect ing British trade in China waters against pirney.
PEKING NOTES.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
Pexiko, February - 8th. Peace prospects have certainly not worsened since my last writing. Tho Re-organisation Conference has been opened, and the Shanghai situation appears to have been cleared, so that on- lookers are forced to admit that pro-
vess can be reported
Many peopia experienced & scars on Sunday morning when they found the
main streets in the control of strong military guards who diverted all traffic from these throughfares and would not permit even the most harmless foreigner to walk thereon. Naturally their minds almost unanimqualy flashed the same anxious query-Is there another
coup detas in progress? Fortunately, the reason for these precautions was noodi discovered, and citizens settled down to their post New Year"pleasures. · Extern- al pomp and ceremony characterised the opening of the Conference, but the pro- Credings indoors were very simple. Though a quorum was not obtained at the opening, yet the presence of so many leading citzens from diferent parts of: the Republic is significant, showing as it does the weight of opinion behind the Chief Executive. This may explain in part the success in clearing up the Shanghai situation and the improved conditions on the several railways. The By in the qiment is the Nuoniingtang, which declines to participate in the Can- Jerence on the ground that it is not truly representative. Marshal-Tuan has endeavoured to conciliate this very vocal party, but without success, for the lat fer continue to issue pronouncements of policy and seem determined that the views of a noisy minority shall prevail. However, the Chief Executive has pot abandoned his plans and is still striving for peace, as witness the circular which ne issued on Wednesday, at the request
PRELIMINARY, NEGOTIATIONS. WASHINGTON, February 19th. That progress is being made with the idea of a
disarmament eonference is
Mr. W. Bridgeman in a reply shown by
an authoritative statement that preliminary negotiations are pro- pointed out that since piratical attacks. ceeding in London, Tokyo and Rome and had become frequent a gunboat in reserve of 71 delegates of the Conference order- have met with a favourable reception and at Hongkong, had been fully "enmmissioning all commanders to stop military hostile demonstrations, the success of the project appears to rested; and
how performing patrol movements or or the attitude of Paris.
aud calling upon them to submit any duties. Four launches provided by the difference to the Conference for zettle-
It is emphasised, however, that land
was
Sir Makolm Delevigne announced hearmaments are not involved as America Hongkong Government had also been ment. The theory is sound; but doubt
прод
would sign on behalf of Britain, but his signature would not bind the Dominions, who are members of the League
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SUGAR SUBSIDY.
· BILL TO PROTECT HOME INDUSTRY.
A
LONDON, February 18th.. The House of Commons passed the se- cond reading, without division, of the British Sugar Bubsidy Bill providing for the payment of subsidy on serious diminishing scale in respect of sugar state of public disorder, which might and molasses manufactured in Britain for ten years, beginning October 1st last easily become a danger to life and pro-year, from beet grown in Britaig and perty.
to charge the Excise.
Sir John Gilmour, Secretary for Scot land, replied that he had a doubt the authorities would guard against that legal proceedings. contingency. He had no power to stop,
NO
WHAT RUSSIANS OWE. NEW PROPOSALS REGARDING
DEHTS TO BRITONS.
LONDON, February 18th. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr. Arthur Ponsonby, Under Secre- taky for Foreign Affairs in the Labour Cabinet,, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, said the Soviet Government had made no fresh proposals for the settlement of the claims of British nationals against the Soviet, but such proposals if made would be carefully considered,
The Bill was introduced by the Govern proposals and financial resolution passed ment based on the Labour Government's
last year.
The Co-operative leader, Mr. A. J. Barnes, had previously moved the re- jection of the Bill, objecting that the expenditure of money established an other vested interest and anyhow was advocating State ownership, but the motion was not pressed to a division.
H.M. THE KING.
DISTINCT AND CONSIDERABLE
IMPROVEMENT.
'LONDON, February 18th. His Majesty King George's condition to-night shows a distinct and considerable improvement.
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holds these concern the political and economic problem of Europe. Therefore, any move must originate from Earope, but Washington is anxious to carb the competitivt building of smaller naval craft.
LATEST CABLES. [RELTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE)
U.S. PROHIBITION AGENTS. AMERICAN JUDGE'S CENSURE ON
THEIR ACTION.
BOSTON, February 18th. There was an interesting revelation in the course of the hearing of a petition
Marjorie Bachman and her cargo of for the forfeiture of the British schooner.
liquors seized by the prohibition agents last October to the effect that the hoard ing party used the swiftest motor boat available in order to reach the schooner,
which was lying at least 25 miles out, within an hour of the limit laid down by the recent. British-American Treaty,
A revenue agent admitted that the voy age took four hours, owing to enforced stops.
-Judge Morton declared that the seizure WAS an action showing lack of good faith on the part of the Government toward a friendly Foreign Power"
*
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS. Mr. Ponsenby asked was it then the
SLOW BUT SATISFACTORY. policy of the Government to leave the
"ANOTHER DAVIS CUP ENTRANT creditors of Russia to their own devicea
Loxnos, February 19th. and not to help them or support them?
The bulletin, issued at 9.30 this morn
ÎN CZECHO-SLOVAKIA. (Ministerial laughter and oppositioning, states that His Majesty passed a cheers.)
better night. Progress, though glow,: is.
New Youx, February 18th. Chamberlain said that if he satisfactory, No further announcement for the Davis Cup Tennis Tournament.
Czecho-Slovakia has issued a challenge thought the Government could usefully will be made to-day. take steps at present it would take them, but he did not think so.
NEW SWIMMING RECORD.
Mr. Chamberlain added, smilingly th the creditora of the Russian Government would perhaps be not wholly sorry he was not pressing the solution for wh Mr. Ponsonby was responsible..
BRITISH WOMEN.
THEIR STATUS AFTER MARRIAGE
·TO ALIENS.
LONDON, February 28th. The House of Commons discussed at length and ultimately adopted a private member's motion submitted by Maier S E. Harvey (Conservative) drawing at tention to the status of British women marrying aliena,
The motion expressed the opinion that British woman should not lose or be deemed
to lose her nationality by the mere act of marriage, but she should be entitled to declaro alienang.
EARLIER CABLES.
SUSTAINING THE FRANC.
PARIS, February 18th," The French banks continue to purchase franes to sustain the durroney;
The result is that franes, which touched 93 to the pound sterling on Saturday are now 9.
- EXTRAORDINARY LANDSLIDE.
Moscow, February 18th. A tremendous landslide has occurred on the coast of Sebastopol.
Thirty-seven thousand cubic metres; weighing 130,600 tons, have fallen into the sea, raising its, bottom Peninsula 150 metres long.
· the' Several islands have been formed.
FOOTBALL AT HOME. LATEST MATCH RESULTS IN SCOTTISH LEAGUE.
ncur
The mover pointed out many existing anomalies and hardships of British wo men marrying nationals of some foreign countries, particularly North America and South
Under Secre Mr. G. Locker-L Ameried tary of the Home Office, said the pro posals had been submitted to the Dominious and if agreement was reach- Falkirk. 1 Rangers, 1. ed relief legislation could be pasacil.': Raith Rovers, 2 St Mirren, ö.
LONDON, February 18th. In the Scottish League, firat division, today's foothill matches reaited as follows:
MIAMI, Fla., Feb. 18th. Arneborg has created a new swimming record. He swam 880 yards, free atyle, a world's record.. in a tank in 10min., 384-5sece. This is
STRUCK 'DUMB BY A PUNCH.
BINGULAR 201
BOKING INCIDENT.
The old expression "to knock ́ a man speechless received a literal execution in Paris recently, during a bout between two lumbering heavyweight boxers. They had been mauling and pulling each other through_round after round when one ac- cidentally caught the other on the point of the chin with a wild swing. The man went down, like a log. He was revived after a few minutes, but was amazed to find that he could not articulate a single word. Realizing that he had gone com pletely dumb he fell off into a swoon.
manned by naval ratings, and were po gularly recorting convoys
The question of the necessity for ditional naval protection was being sidered.
SINGAPORE BASE.
WORK, NOT RECOMMENCED
NEW SCHEME.
snila observers as to the reaction.
Sus Yat Sen is slowly sinking. Ha has been informed that his end is near ad- and he accepted-it calmly. Meanwhile cou-party is in a quandary, and may
disintegrate,
LONDON, February 18th
IMPROVED RAILWAY SERVICE.
The Chiaotungpu (Department of Com- manications) issue very optimistic re ON ports regarding conditions on the several"
Failways, and there is little doubt that some improvement has been effected. I was present at a dinner given last night by the Vice-Minister of Communications and the Director of Railways.
Both hoats believed that 1925 holds promise of better things. 1924 was, the last year the cycle of sixty years which accord- ing to popular superstition is usually unfortunate.
In the House of Commons, replying to Commander G. M. Kenworthy, Mr. W. C. Bridgeman First Lord of the Ad- miralty, stated that work had not been recommenced on the proposed new unval dockyard and base at Singapore,
With regard to the sum expected to be spent in this connection during the Gnancial year 1925-26 he asked Comman der Kenworthy to wait until the Naval Estimates were before the House.
FROM THE DAILY BULLETIN.")
CHANG CHUNG, CHANG.
LEAVES CAPITAL TO VISIT. HIS BIRTHPLACE AT WEIHSIEN.
PEKING, February 18th."
It is reported that Chang Chung Chang has gone to Welhalen, Shantung, with Yehsien, accompanied by his staff and a the abject of visiting his birthplace.
bodyguard of 200.
REORGANISATION CONFERENCE.
MINISTRY OF WAR'S MEMORANDUM
"ON MILITARY EXPENDITURE.
PERING, February 18th. The Ministry of War memorandum to the Reorganisation Conference estimates that the total revenue from 29 provinces and five districts is $158,000,000, and the military expenditure $200,000,000 in res peet of 63 divisions and 149 mixed brigades; the revenue of the Central Government, 60,000,000, and the mili tary expenditure, $50,000,000 in respect of_10. divisions.
. THE CURIO FAIR The Curio Fair held annually in the Temple of the Fire God concludes within the enclosure ut, Laik to-day. Li Chang are gathered together many beautiful articles upon which the cyo delights to rest and it is surprising that the Fair attracts thousands of visitors foreign as well as Chinese: the eager to buy porcelains, bronzes or other wares which would contribute to the decoration of their homes,
which | WOU
would constitute appropriate gifts to triends, the latter wishful to add to col-
are.
or
bo
lections which they may be building up. But the assembly of these works of art Liu Li Chang excite other feelings than admiration. And the other feelings orrow and sadness that so many of of these treasures should have reached there by illicit channels. To those know anything of the sub
subject it obvious that there are articles displayed which could only have come from the Imperial Palace-nos rare pieces, because there were none in evidence, but less valuable purcelnios which were shown in con- aiderable quantity M
antity. Mr. Wu Lai Hsi who is in expart în porcelains, conduct- ed a party of Press correspondents round
the Fair on Thursday and pointed out porcelains which had come from the Im perial Palace at vairous periods. The most recent articles were bowls taken from the poetry of the Palace, apd were offered at comparatively low price. It in senndalous that this leakage- should. continue...
NATIONAL CONSOLIDATED DEFT. The memorandum points out that the An interesting statement was issued revenue for 1010 was $100,000,000, of thus week by the National-Consolidated Debt Office, showing the liability of the which the military expenditure was half.
The memorandum suggests the allocar bed been met,
for the year 1934, and how
The total liability tion of a definite sum for military ex- pendituro, which should not be excealed.
to met, including redemptions, de terred 'as well as those falling επει
and interest amounted to 836,085,305.87, but there were only $21,835,804,97 available, so that the loan service is in arrears to the extent of 814,249,811,000—not a very satisfactory state of affaira.
SITUATION
POLITICAL
IN CHINA.
"(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
cases
According to reports given out by the FURTHER RUMOURS OF WAR Tsingtae Egg Exporters Association, eggs in the following quantities were SKIRMISHING REPORTED NEAR
from Tsingtao in192A÷ TAIHU LAKE.
28,004 cases, February 25,808 It was four days before the defeated
2,224 cases, April, 150,034, boxer recovered his speech. Doctors at
SHANGHAI, February 19th cases; May, 123,589 cases: June, 71,567 tached to the French Boxing Federation According to unconfirmed” reporta, cases July, $4,091 cases August, declared that his jaw was not dislocated, skirmishing broke out yesterday between casts, September, 20,117 caser Cctober, but that the blow affected a nerve hinn Chuan Fang's allied Chekiang and 61153 cases November, 10.125 cases therto unknown to science. They are Fukienese troope and Fengtien foreca - December, 70,148 cases. There in making a further study of the case,
Average of 300 eggs, in each case.
west of Talbu Lake.
"