Page
HEAVY SNOW STORMS IN NORTHERN JAPAN.
COMMUNICATIONS HAMPERED,
FISHING BOATS MISSING.
(THROUGH BEUTER'S AGENOT.)
Tuxro, December 9th. Heavy snowstorma” are raging through- out Northern Japan, seriously hindering. communications. Fishing boats, are suf- fering severely and rescue vessels have bean despatched to search for which are missing off Oshika, Sendai.
sixty
near
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. DILATORY PAYERS OF- CONTRIBUTIONS.
CHINA, PERU, BOLIVIA.
Lospor, December ath. In the House of Commons, replying to Colonel Woodcock, Mr. Locker Lampson said that so far as he knew no definite
scheme of payment had been submitted to China, Pera and Bolivia as to their streats of contributions to the League. Part of the Chinese contribution in re- spect of 1992 had been paid, but nothing. had been received in respect of 1923-3 and payment on account of the 1928 con- tribution had not been received. The last payment of Peru was in 1920 and of Bolivia in 1923. The League "Council was considering steps to recover the money and the question of their continuance of membership.
1. BENES' REPORT ADOPTED. GENEVA, December 9th. The Council adopted the report sub- mitted by M. Benès, the rapporteur, dealing with the arbitration, security and reduction of armaments, according to a resolution recommending member States to conclude agreements tending to establish confidence and security when- ever sïreumstances were favourable.
The Council requested the Preparatory Committee to Ex a date and draft an agenda for the Disarmament Conference.
SINGAPORE BASE.
HONG KONG'S CONTRIBUTION.
LONDON, December 8th. In the House of Commons, replying to Major Here-Belisha, Mr. W. C. Davidson said that £185,000 out of the £250,000 subscribed by Hong Kong to the cost of the Singapore base bad hitherto been spent.
There were 388 men working on the Singapore Base in October.
.P. & O. CO.
POSSIBLE INCREASE IN
PASSAGE RATES...
PASSENGER TRAFFIC EXPANDING.
LONDON, December 8th. Lord Inchcape, presiding at the annual meeting of the P. & O. Co., said the Board was considering the question of treating the Insurance Fund as a Reserve as they could insure outstanding risks for a much lesser sum than the amount standing to ita credit.
Unless running costs, which were 75 per cent. higher than before the war, diminished an increase in passage rates might be necessary. The condition of China had caused a serious loss in traffic but passenger traffic continued to expand remarkably.
The conl, strike bad cost the Company over £200,000. He believed that even if Empire airways became a commercial proposition, the Peninsular and Oriental would hold its own.
BRITAIN'S COAL OUTPUT. BELOW PRE-STRIKE FIGURES.
LONDON, December 8th. The first official returns since the general résumption of work in the coal- fields show that the output of coal for the week caded November 27th, 2,321,000 tons by 433,000 men as compared with 5,097,000 tons before the stoppage for the week ended May 1st.
ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.
WGS
THE DATE FIXED.
GENEVA, December 8th. The League Council has decided to hold an Economic. Conference at Geneva on May 4th next
(BAITISH WIRKLESS SERVICE-]
LONDON'S CROSS-RIVER
STRAFFIC. ~!
FOUR NEW BRIDGES AND IMPROVEMENTS.
ROYAL COMMISSION'S RECOM-“
MENDATIONS.
INTERNATIONAL
CREDIT.
TF B HONGKONG DAILY FRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10TH
INSURANCE CONFERENCE HELD IN LONDON.
DISCUSSING THE SOUNDNESS OF FIRMS.
{THHOUGH REUYER'S AGRICT.]
QUESTION OF INTERNA- TIONAL DISARMAMENT
STATEMENT BY SIR AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN.
CHINESE BISHOPS
IN FRANCE.
RECEIVED BY THE LYONS CATHOLICS.
In
1920
OSMAN DIGNA.
́PİCTURESQUE (AFRICAN FIGURE PASSES AWAY,
A HARASSER OF FAMOUS GENERALS.
(THROUGH.BAUTER'A AGENOT.]
THE CRISIS IN CHINA.
FURTHER QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
BRITISH RESIDENTS IN CHINA“
(THROUGH REUTER'S. AGENCY.]
LONDON, December 8th.. There was a further batch of Chinese. questions in the House of Commons today.
(THROUGE, REUIKE'S LOKNOT.].
Ruoay, December 19th.
Lyons, December 9th. When general international disarms The new Chinese bishops were solemn ment was discussed by the League Council received by the Lyons catholics. Inst night, Bir Austen Chamberlain the morning Eva bishops assisted at the LONDON, December 8th. Delegates of eighteen countries attend-emphasised the great interest taken br great pontifical holy office, under the ed the International Credit Insurance Britain in the work of the Preparatory chairmanship of Cardinal Mauria, Arch- Conference in London with a view to Commission Disarmament and the bishop of Lyons. forming personal contact with insurance British desire of which proof had already experts of different countries for the been given to lighten the burden of purpose of reaching a uniform system of armaments. He appealed to the public BRITISH IMPERIAL AIR Dack ballads of hair was estimated at £25,000,000-was secured. co-operation concerning advice with re-not to display impatience at the delay gard to the soundness of firms and also to discuss the forms of insurance which may safely be undertaken..
A resolution was adopted mutually undertaking to offer every facility for obtaining information ot defaulting debtors resident in their respective countries.
BIG SHIPPING DEAL.
ROYAL MAIL'S OFFER FOR THE LEYLAND AND RED STAR LINES.
(REUTEM'S AMERICAN SERVICE.]
NEW YORK, December 9th.
The transfer of 436 vessels, aggregating 30,000 tons are involved in the offer of the Royal Mail Steamship Corapany for the purchase of the Leyland and Red Star Lines from the International Mer- cantile Marine, whose directors are con sidering the offer favourably.
REGRETTABLE INCIDENT: DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE INVOLVED IN BRAWL
MEXICO CITY, December 8th. The representative of a foreign Power was involved in a street brawl a result of his failure to observe the signals of a policeman directing the traffic.
in World Conference. The most in- portant point was that when the con- ference did meet it should be successful and careful preparatory work was there- fore essential,
12.
BONDS OF EMPIRE."
EARL BALFOUR'S SAGE VIEWS.
THE EMPIRE MORE 'UNITED
THAN BEFORE. VE
RUGBT, December 8th The matter of the decisions of the Imperial Conference regarding inter- Imperial relations was raised by Lord Parmoor (Labour), in the House of
Lords
ROUTES.
LONDON-SINGAPORE ROUTE.
EARLY INSTITUTION OF SCHEME
A VERY BIG DEVELOPMENT"
'ANTICIPATED,
[BRITISH WILLIES SERVICE]
RUGBY, December 8th. - An important pronouncement was made to-day by Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary of State for Air, on the in- mediate development of Imperial air routes with a
view to ensure such
mobility as will enable the British and Oveaseas Air Forces to meet, any 'attack on any part of the Empire..
...
Lord Balfour, replying, said his own personal view was that the relations of the Dominions and this country must pecessarily be those of equality. Free States could not be conceived as one above Sir Samuel Hoare was presiding at a another. One might have more responsi- lecture given by Wing Commander Pul- bility than another and one might ford, who commanded the fight of the be in more danger than another, but all Royal Air Force machines from Cairo to were on an equality. That was the very:Cape town. As a result of the recent essence of the British Empire. The broad Imperial Conference, said. Sir Samuel principles stood that no control was exer- Hoare we shall see a greater, step made cised by a single one of the governing in the dear future both in developing parts of the Empire over any other part the Imperial Air Force and in obtain From this equality, some foreigners were ing the necessary co-operation between disposed to think that we were bound to ourselves and the Dominions, than ever separate in a short time. His own view before.. strongly that the British Empire was was precisely the contrary. He held
before. That organism was held together now a more united organism than ever far more effectively by broad loyalties and common feelings of interest and de vation and ideals of peace and freedom. Those were the bonds of the Empire and if they were not enough then nothing else would be enough. There could not, of course, be equality of functions within the Empire. That must depend on the circumstances of the moment and for many years to come the main burden of defence must fall upon this country. For perhaps an indefinite period to come The National City Bank will become the leading part in the conduct of foreign the largest banking institution in the affairs must also fall upon this country. world as a result of the Directors' deci- The course followed by the representa sion to recommend an increase of the tives of the Dominions at the Imperial bank's capital by $25,000,000. to Conference was the course of states $140,000,000 The Midland Bank of manship England comes next, with a capital of $130,000,000.
Senor Pedro Gual, the Spanish Charge d'Alaires, who was the autorist con~" ceraed, was pursued by the policeman whom he is alleged to have struck on the face, whereupon the bystanders, sym- pathising with the officer, began to thrash Gual, who was recognised and extricated from the melee in the nick of time by M. Saenz, the Mexican Foreign Minister, who happened to pass.
WORLD'S LARGEST BANKING
INSTITUTIONS. . ・・・
New York, December 9th. .
AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY,
U. S. PRESS COMMENT.
NEW YORK, December 8th The newspaper comments on the President's address strongly tinged according
to Congress are to their political pre-disposition.
Perhaps the best criticism comes from the Journal of Commerce which draws attention to the fact that the World Court was not even mentioned, but that
ness to follow the lines laid out at the President Coolidge expresses his willing Washington Conference in 1921. Our general foreign policy is well-known to be according to our President and its na ture is described in such vague terms that it remains well-known for its obscurity
also."
AMERICA'S BUDGET.
QUESTION OF NAVAL CONSTRUCTION
DISARMAMENT OF GERMANY. GENEVA DISCUSSIONS IN PROGRESS.
on which China which
The British Government hoped to see the maintenance intact of the Maritime Customa Administration, whose excellent service he believed the Chinese nation as a whole fully appreciated.
Tientsia Arrests..
LONDON, December 9th.
Replying to Mr. Foot Michell, Mr. One of the most rugged and picturesque characters in the history of North Africa Locker Lampson, Under-Secretary for has disappeared by the death, at Wady Foreign Affairs, said the Customs re- Hala, after a short illness, of Osman venue was the only source Digna, whose name figured in most of British capital loaned century ago, when his wasp-like attacks against the British forces harassed famous Generals Bike Gordon and Kitchener.
"Digna was originally a slave trader. who joined the Mahdista, whom he in- spired with martial ardour, though him self credited with remaining in the back-Replying to Afr. Trevelyan, Mr. Lamp- ground mounted on a swift steed and son stated that the Government was in-
praying for success."!
vestigating the protest from the Canton. He was captured in 1900 and sent to Kuomintang members in the British Con- Government against the arrest of certain solitary confinement.' He was released in 1923 to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, seaaion at Tiantain and their handing where he acclaimed the British as the over to the Faagtien military authorities. In reply to Rear Admiral Saeter, Mr. Islamic propheta: But, regarded as in- sane, he was kept under observation in Bridgeman said it was considered that his own interests. His age is unknown, the air resources at the disposal of the but he was probably a centenarian.
Navy in China were-adequate.
BRITISH POLITICS.
LABOUR PARTY'S VOTE OF CENSURE..
REJECTED BY LARGE MAJORITY.
(THROUGH REUTER'8" AGENCY.]
Loyoos, December 8th. MacDonald moved a vots of censure on In the House of Commons Mr. Ramsay
the Government for its conduct in the coal strike.
Ho said that Mr. Baldwin's policy bad i alienated the country so that not a single Tory constituency was safe. (Ministerial laughter, and Opposition cheers).
Number of Flights Next Year..." During these discussions, we considered particularly the two great Imperial air routes of the future-from London to Cape town and from London to Aus
Go to the Country.”. tralia. We have arranged that next year
After referring to the offensiveness of a number of fights shall be made by out machines from here to North Africa. Mr. Evan Williams and the incompetence We shall establish an air route from here of Mr. Cook-(Ministerial cheers and to Kenya, and the South African Govern- laughter)Mr. MacDonald said the Goy ment have undertaken to co-operate with ernment had allowed the country to lose us and to extend that route over the most £500,000,000. in order to give the owners strategical parts of South Africa. That time to gain a great victory over the means that the British Air Force will | Miners' Federation which had
been link up with the South Africa Air Force broken, but which would re-unite and, and that we shall have a complete route combined with Labour would resume from London to Cape town and also power. (Opposition cheers) He con- from east to west in South Africa.
cluded by declaring that the Government should go to the country and receive its merited doom
This may be a small beginning but it will be the beginning of a very hig de Development, When, once we have these re- ́ ́i gular fights between London and Africa, and London and Australia properly established, with aerodromes and other accessories, we shall find not only that we have a great asset for civil and com-, mercial purposes but that we have an -agust also for military purposes. We of the Empire are really mobile and can shall then begin to feel that the air forces move across the face of the Empire with case and concentrate in an incredibly short time on aay threatened point.
RUGBY, December 8th. -
Chamberlain and Herr Schubert, repre- The interview between Sir Austen seating Dr. Stresemann, who is unwell, was the only conversation "on German disarmament held by statesmen at Genevr yesterday.
between British, French and German Progress is reported in the discussions jurists on the reservations which Ger-
[BXUTER'S AMERICAN, HERVICE}
investigation scheme. many had made regarding the League THE GUATEMALAN PRESIDENCY.
..
latest information on outstanding points
Meanwhile, statesmen are awaiting the 15 in the disarmament issue which they have requested from Paris-and Berlin and are being discussed at to-day's meeting in Paris of the Ambassadors Conference TANGANYIKA GOVERNMENT.
NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Rcosy, December 8th. The first meeting of the Legislative Council of Tanganyika, which WIJ established by an Order in Connell on March 19th fast, was held yesterday.
MANAGUA, December 8th. The Guatemalan Government has pri- vately communicated will M. Espiness, the Foreign Minister M. Sacasa, who the Liberal revolutionaries elected as constitutional President in opposition to M. Diaz, offering to mediate on the con- Aicting claims to the Presidency. The Diaz Government regards the communi- cation as favouring Mexican interven tion and as a challenge to the United States' prestige and interests in view of its recognition by the United States. recognized the Sacasa Government.
The Mexico-City Government has
AMERICAN COTTON MARKET
OUTPUT ESTIMATE REVISED.
bales.
ว
(BRITISH WIRELESS KERVICE.] British Loans to China,
Reasy, December 8th. Replying to a question in the House of Commons regarding the amount of British capital loaned to China, Mr. Lampson, said the outstanding amount, of Government loans secured on the re renue of the Imperial Maritime Customs and floated on the London market was £14,000,000. The total British holdings in all such loans it was impossible to determine, but they might be estimated at £20,000,000. Under present conditicas, there were no other sources from which payment could be made except the Cus-
toms revenue.
British Residents in China.
RUGBY, December 8th." Asked in the House of Commons what was the number of British nationals re siding in China, exclusive of Hong Kong, Mr. Locker Lampson stated that in 1928 it was 15,247.
[NEUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]
*Imperialist Russia. WASHINGTON, December 8th. Britain purposely exaggerated the Bol- It is suggested in certain quarters that
shievist menace in China. On the other hand a very responsible section of the press is fully alive to the implications of the policy of Soviet Russia in the Far: owing to jealousies and dissensions East and regret that the Great Powers, inter se have been out generalled in China by agents of Moscow.
The New York Times in an editorial emphasizes that while the Russians are encouraging China to throw off the yoke of the foreign imperialists, Russia, to all foreign nations in China, has interfered
during the past few years. most in the internal affairs of China
Government not to be Intimidated. Mr. Baldwin, replying, said he refused to be intimidated into going to the coun- try by threats of industrial unrest (Ministerial cheers.) What worried him and restraint of the miners had been was that the loyalty, courage, fortitude
should not have allowed falas shepherds exploited and traded upon by incom petent leadership. The Labour Party
THE CAUSE AND CURE OF to lead the sheep into a delectable land
THE WAR." of bunkum. The choice which the Op-
WASHINGTON, December 9th. position would make between industrial Addressing a conference - on "The unrest or industrial peace would not Cause and Cure of the War," the Chinese merely affect the happiness of the coun-Minister urged that the United States try but the happiness and fortunes of act independently, terminating unequal the Labour Party itself.
Extraterritoriality Treaties in Chits Mr. Lloyd George said that Liberals. He added that if the Powers did not were unable to vote for the censure in terminate those treaties China would, for its present form, although he agreed they imposed too great a burden for the with the criticism of the Government's successful operation of the Government. handling of the negotiations.
Sir Alfred Mond suggested the forma tion of a League of Industrial Perce with powers similar to those of the League of Nations.
The Soviet's Desire. Mr. Winston Churchill, replying in speech which the Conservatives loudly WASHINGTON, December 8th.
cheered, dwelt on the Russian help for The U.S. Government's budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1st next pro-
the miners which he attributed chiefly to vides for appropriations amounting to
the Soviet's desire to cause confusion in Britain. After emphasising the ill effects *84,014,000,000, an increase of $16,000,000 H.E. the Governor, Bir Donald
of the coal stoppage industrially, Mr. as compared with the current year, Cameron, read a message from HM. the
Churchill concluded by saying that out chiefly owing to increase in pensions for King conveying an assurance of his deep
of evil might come some good. Britain veterans of the Civil War and Spanish interest in all the concerns of the welfare
was stronger because she knew, that nei War and increased appropriations for of the people of every race in the
NEW YORK, December 8th.
ther a general strike nor a prolonged coal the Veteran's Bureau and the Postal Ser- Tanganyika Territory, and also his The cotton output, for 1928 is estimated stoppage could breakdown her national vice On the contrary there is the pro- confident hope that, with the assistance by the department of Agriculture to be organisation. We might also learn from spect of a reduction of 830,000,000 in of the new Council, their happiness and 18,615,000 estimated over eighteen mon interests in the country, without
A report issued on
that, a high comprehension of our com interest on the public debt. Prohibition prosperity will continue to increase. November enforcement will cost $30,000,000 unid The Council consists of the Governor, millions for the first time on record, but which we could not for long feed the and navy appropriations 80,000,000 less as President, thirteen official members this bearish estimate on record, but this teeming population of Great Britain. than the present year.
and not more than ten unofficial mem-bearith estimate is thus already consider (Loud and prolonged Ministerial cheers).. President Coolidge has oaked Congress hers, who shall be such persona dot hold-ably, discounted which is probably the
Vote Rejected. Bij to postpone the construction of the re- ing office in the Territory as the Gover- reason why to-day for the first time for maining three out of the eight Light nor may from time to time appoint. In several months the Government cotton
The House of Commons rejected the cruisers which were to have been started addition, whenever upon any special report has not caused any uneasiness on Labourities vote of censure by 239 votes before July in view of the fact that the occasion the Governor wishes to obtain Exchange. The price advanced from 25 to to 131. The Liberals abstained from United States is negotiating for a widen the views of any person within the 30 points following the publication, but voting. ing of the Washington naval armaments Territory touching any matter to be quickly reacted under southern hedge- treaties. The President has also emitted brought before the Council; he may ap-selling and closed at from four to nine provision for the construction of two point such person for such occasion as an ❘ points lower. rigid airships which Congress authorised extraordinary member of the Council. to be built at a cost of 83,000,000 prior to July nert and asked for time to be given to experiment with an all-metal airship now building at a cost of $300,000.
BRITAIN AND "SOVIET.
EVIDENCE OF ANTI-BRITISH PROPAGANDA.
Twenty millions are appropriated for neroplanes, #313,000,000 and £365,000,000 for the War Department. President
Bucay, December 8th. Coolidge emphasises that the present peacefulness does not warrant the neglect again raised the question of British re- Members of the House of Commsotit of defence. President Coolidge has anlations with Raasia, phatically declared that he is against any permanent reduction in tax rates at present
Ruggy, December 9th. The report on the London crass river traffic, presented by the Royal Commis tion, recommends improvements. includ- ing the construction of four more Thames bridges costing altogether. £27,500,000.
Much public satisfaction is expressed that the Commission propose the preser vation of Waterloo Bridge which is the moat beautiful one spanning the Thames They suggere the rebuilding of unsound -parts and widening the structure in such
way as to preserve the original design, The most important proposal is for &new doubledeck bridge at Charing Crose to carry road and rail traffic and a continuation of this bridge across the Strand. A new bridge with a high-level roadway from Southwark across the river. "at Blackfairs and over Fleet Street
VERA, Cauz, December 8th. to Holborn is also recommended and Madame Kollontay has arrived here. other, proposed new bridges would be fur-Referring to the refusal of the Ameri- ther up river at Fulham and Chiswick, can authorities to permit her to traverse The extensive programme includes recon- the United States she has declared that atructing sorge existing bridges and Americans do not know the difference be tunnels and their approaches.
tween a diplomatic and propaganda post.
MADAME KOLLONTAY.
WHAT SHE THINKS OF AMERICANS.
U.S. PROHIBITION LAW.
OBITUARY.
MR. JOHN BERNARD MOORE.
We regret to record the death of Mr. John Bernard Moore of the staff of the China Navigation Co., Ltd, who died at the Peak Hospital yesterday morning at the age of 23 years.
Deceased was a native of Hall, and for nine years served on various vessels of the Canard, Glen, and other lines He came out East in the employ of the China Navigation Co., Ltd., to inaugurate a school in Hong Kong for training Chinese wireless operators. After being engaged for 21 months in this work he wLS appointed Wireless Superintendent in Navigation Company feet and to super- charge of installation on board the China vise the persongel of the department ashore and afloat.
He was admitted to the Peak Hospital. on November 22nd and succumbed follow...
De ing a second operation yesterday. ceased was greatly respected and liked by all who knew him. Sympathy is extend ed to his only relative, a widowed sister residing at Hornsea.
The funeral takes place this evening,
"PRESIDENT WILSON" THEFT Passing the Monument at 5,15 p.m.
BARBER VICTIMISED TO EXTENT
OF $260.
MBS, CHARLOTTE LOUISA BRENT
The death occurred on November 8th at: WASHINGTON, December 8th,"
Ealing at the age of 66 of Mrs. Charlotte General Andrews, the head of the
Louisa Brent, widow of Arthur Brent, Prohibition Enforcement Department, The barber's cabin on the President formerly of Japan, who himself passed will now permit the admission of perio Wilson, which was lying alongside the away at a ripe ago a year or two ago. except when they are intended for dis- by a thief, during the afternoon, and pro- oldest foreign résidents of Tokohams dicals containing liquor advertisements Kowloon Wharf yesterday, was entered Like her husband, the was one of the tibution, in the United States and not perty to the value of $260 was stolen where she spent a considerable portion Mr. Locker Lampson reiterated pro as the country where printed.
It included a vest, a gold Elgin watch, of her life for vious statements made by Sir Austen ompted newspapers from exclusion it pencil and a gold pen The thief has not He argues that since Congress has ex-gold chain, a jade appendage, a gold Chamberlain to the effect that the British, Government would require as.& condition could hardly mean to exclude publica been traced of any negotiations that the Soviet Goy- tion's less-frequently issued and leas ernment should respect their engage
valuable as advertising- mediums ments to abstaid from Anti-British proti olemas kidnapped Agents. paganda and mould recognise their fin ancial obligations like other civilised countries He said that the Soviet Gov. ernment had shown no inclination what ever to-abstain from anti-British pro paganda. The Government had plenty of evidence of such propaganda in England and the facts of it were being prepared now.
A message from Puerto in Mexico, says that the two kidnapped prohibition agents have now been permitted to leave unmolested, after having been listed as prisoners
Government officials are puzzled what to do and are studying the legality of the original seizure of the vessel before acting.
China in 1800 she was on a visit to her At the time of the Boxer outbreak in
son at Peking, where he was on the staff of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, She was caught there and went through the nege of Peking, and the dangers At the Kowloon Magistracy yesterday and discomforts of that memorable afternoon before Mr. H. B. Nihill, period. On Peking being relieved by Man Pui, a Chinese scaman of the 48 the Allied forces Mrs. Brent proceeded Beagloe, was charged with amuggling to Japan, where she lectured on the er into the Colony three revolvers and 300 periences through which she had passed. represented by Mr. Fant and the case ents in Japon are now left, and a succeed- rounds of ammunition Defendant was Few of her generation of foreign resid-
fendant was arrested in a house in but in her day she was well known and was adjourned to this afternoon. De ing generation only knows her by name 1 Pottinger Street.
a popular hostess,