LI
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1930.
NAVAL CONFERENCE MR. BALDWIN AND
TO CONTINUE,
RUMOURS OF BREAKING UP DENIED.
M. BRIAND HEADS FRENCH DELEGATION.
[RKUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE.}
NEW YORK, Feb. 95. Newspaper editorials examine methods for appeasing French de- mands for security at the London
Naval Conference without involv ing the United States in coercing other nations."
The New York Times suggests that there should be a simple pro- clamation by Mr. Hoover to the
NEW PARTY.
EMPIRE FREE TRADE IMPRACTICABLE.
BANKRUPTCY FOR CROWN COLONIES.
[THROUGH,,LEUTER'S, AGENCY.]
LONDON, Feb. 24. "Home and Empire" a new monthly published under the aus picca of the National Union of Conservative Unionist Associations, gives prominence to an interview with Mr. Baldwin rejecting Empire Free Trade as impracticable at pre- sent, although it remains the ideal for which Unionists should strive, Mr. Baldwin points out that the policy is repudiated by the poli- tical leaders of all the dominions, and contends that if it were forced on the Crown Colonies they would become bankrupt.
effect that the United States must be inevitably interested in pay thing menacing the peace of the World. nd could be counted on to confer with other Governments in order to avert hostilities. No treaty or document requiring joint | gi signatures would be necessary.
The New York World points out that Article 21 of the Washington Treaty is all the treaty any staten. man really needs to assure himself that America's presence at the Con- ference table will prevent a serious European crisis,
The Herald Tribume warms the United States against entering inta an agreement renouncing its rights to tralle with nations engaging in"
a non-defensive war.
Franch Bocialist Protest,
{THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
PARIS, Feb. 25.
The Socialist leader, M. Leon
Blum, in an article in 'the newɛ-- paper Populaire declares that the Secialists cannot subscribe to the "considerable increase of tonnaga" involved in the French naval memorandum, rigid adherence to which will end to the breakdown of the London Conference, and to
adjournment of the general dis- 'armament conference." M. Blum's comment is important as M. Chau- temps relies on Socialist support for a majority.
H. Briand Heads French Delegation. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
LONDON, Feb. 25. Commenting on Press reports that the Naval Conference is likely to break up shortly, a Foreign Ofice spokesman, declared that no official despatches have been re- ceived to this effect.
Expressing the belief and hope that the French and Italian dele- gates will not withdraw, the spokes- ma said that in the event of their doing so, Japan will probably be prepared to continue in a tripartite conference as she did at Geneva
three years ago,
Resumption Reats With France, [TAROVON REUTER'S AGENCY.]
LATER.
The resumption of the Naval Conference is dependent, on the political situation in Paris. If the French delegation arrives on Wed- nesday Mr. MacDonald will ask the heads of delegations to confer on Thursday.
The British spokesman to-day eaid the question of a three Power pact had never been can
a way out of alleged sidered no
There had been much difficulties. 'talk about a Mediterranean Locar no but no specific proposal to that effect had been made, nor had the question of the freedom of the seas been raised.....
M. Chantemps' Policy. THROUGH BRUTER'S ADENOT.)....
THE WEI-HAI-WEI
AGREEMENT.
NOT DEFINITELY SETTLED.
(THHOUGH EXUYER'S AGENCY.]
LONDON, Feb. 24.
In the House of Commons at question time, Mr. Arthur Hender. son said that the text of the pro- posed agreement in regard to Wei- bai-wei was not yet definitely settl gd, but he hoped that it would be possible to submit it to the House of Commons shortly.
CHINA'S DEBTS TO THE CRISIS IN THE
BRITAIN.
MORTGAGING RAILWAY
REVENUE.
BRITISH MINISTER TO PROTEST.
[TRROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
Lowpoy, Feb. 2
In the House of Commons to-day a propos the reported contract be tween the Netherlands Harbour Works and the Peking Mukden Railway for the construction of a A Conservative member suggested harbour at Hultatuo, the cost of that there should be a clause in the which would be paid from the Rail- agreement permitting His Ma way's earnings, Mr. Henderson, at jesty's ships to visit Wei-bai-wei. question time, stated that the Bri- Mr. Henderson promised to bearish Minister in China 1 it in mind.
had been instructed to protest that the charging of a now loan on the security of the railway, except through the British-Chinese Cor-
NORTH.
FIGHTING IN SHANTUNG.
[FROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]
SHANGHAI, Feb. 25.
The long expected northern war has at last broken out. Following
THE SOVIET AND RELIGION.
STATEMENT BY PREMIER.
NEW TRADE AGREEMENT.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
Telegrams in Brief.
Rome, Feb. 23.-The death roll in the Bolognola avalanche is now. aightren, three are still miging.
Rugby, Feb. 24:-The Secretary of State for India, Captain Wedg wood Bern, said that he hoped to be able to say in a week when the Simon Commission report, would be ready.
LONDON, Feb. 24.
London, Feb. 24:-A meeting of Mr. Arthur Henderson, the For the council of the Rubber Growers' the disbandment of the disloyaleiga Secretary, was bombarded Association in London decided to troops in Southern Shantung by with questions in the House of recommend the adoption of the the Nanking Government troops Commors to-day, in regard to the tee's proposal to complete the cessa British and Dutch Liaison commit. the Shanei vanguard which had anti-religious movement in Russia.tion of tapping in May. advanced to the Western Shantung He said that the Soviet Govern
ment had already furnished His borders clashed with the Nacking Majesty's Ambassador with the in- troops "yesterday at Taining, situ formation for which he had asked ated in South-Western Shantung.in regard to the legislation enforced This is the first time that the Shansi troops have encountered the Nanking troops since the crisis.
ONE LICENCE FOR 200 FAMILJES.
PRIVATE WIRELESS SET: FOR LONDON FLATS.
ミ
[On page 1 to-day will be found an interesting article from a Wei haf-wei correspondent, dealing with the situation as it appears to vari-poration, violates the Railway Loan Agreement, and also to urge China to allocate the whole of the surplus carnings to the payment of out- standing debts of the railway, and Few people are aware that Lon" the to request that the contract should don has become possessed of
bigggest private wireless net in not be enforced until the debts are
Great Britain. It has been pro- fully met and the consent of thevided to meet the needs of 200 fami. Corporation obtained.
lies and their servants.
Mr. Baldwin further drew atten-ous Observers.] tion to the treaties with foreign
their colonies and ours, while man- countries, regarding imports into-
dated territories presented even more serious difficulties.
Mr. Baldwin considers that if
RECENT REBELLION IN
TONKIN.
RINGLEADERS ARRESTED.
31
(THROCGH REUTER'S AGENOT.]
PARIS, Feb. 23. A message from Hanoi states
Lord Beaverbrook's party causes a split in Unionist ranks it will des troy any hope of Empire Free Trade within the next few years, and says that the Unionist policy, embracing safeguarding Imperial that the ringleader of the recent preference, rationalisation and co-rebellion and several of his accom- operation, is the only businesslike plices have been arrested, Native method of approaching the ideal. troops are scouring the lower delta
in search of the rebels,
COLONIAL DEVELOPMENT
FUND.
ARRANGEMENTS. WITH MARKETING BOARD,
[THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY:]
The Governor-General in a mes-
sage to the people says that tran quility has been restored, and that the peasants can return to their farizs, confident, in the Govern ment's ability to maintain order.
COLLECTIVE FARMING IN RUSSIA.
{THROUGH REUTER'A AGENCY.]
Moscow, Feb. 25.
LONDON, Feb. 24. The present position of the Colonial Development Fund, which was established by the Rt. Hon. Mr. J. H. Thomas as one of his first acts on undertaking the task
It is stated by authoritative of finding a cure for, unemploy- Soviet circles that twenty-five thou- ment, was explained in the House sand workers, including agricul of Commons to-day by Dr. Drum-tural specialists, engineers, doctors, mond Shiels, the Under-Secretary for the Colonies, when a supple nnntary vote for the Colonial Office was under discussion.
Dr. Shiels said that the relation of the Empire Marketing Board with the Fund Committee had been satisfactorily arranged, and there was no danger of an overlapping of these two organizations.
The total cast of the projects re. commended by the Fund Committee and approved by the Colonial Office and the Treasury since the incep tion of the Committee in August last, totalled £5,500,000, and the expenditure incurred by the Fund
respect of these projects was £1,309,900.
WHEAT CRISIS.
CANADIAN PRODUCERS
UNEASY.
THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
WINNIPEO, Feb. 4. Export wheat prices, at the local exchange crashed to the lowest level of the year as a result of weak Liverpool quotations and the low export orders, which are under 100,000 bushels for the whole com tinent during the past 24 hours.
A statement issued during the week-end that the prairie provinces are standing behind the wheat pool to ensure adequate financing for marketing the balance of export able surplus of last year's crop, apparently has had no effect in face of the low export orders. The PARIS, Feb. 25.
situation, general
with
abou M. Chautemps read to the Cham-200,000,000 bushels still to be ber the Government's declaration of marketed, is causing considerable policy affirming inter alia, adher uneasiness. ence to the French Naval pro- gramme outlined at the Lordon Naval Conference. He promised to endeavour "without any way com promising the National security to prepare for the success of negotia tions as was necessary to preface the General Conference on limita- tion and reduction of armaments." Conference to Resume on Thursday, [BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE]
Ruany, Feb. 24. ...It is anticipated that if tho French Chamber accords M. Chautemp's vote of confidence to morrow night, the French delega- tion will return to London on Wednesday.
YORKSHIRE PIT DISASTER.
THROUGH ZEUTER'S AGENCY."]
LONDON, Feb. 25. There were 3 killed and 7 injured an explosion at the Main Col- liery in Yorkshire.
Dinner to Delegates..
curnalists, authors, artists, actors, and cinema operators have pro ceeded to different districts to participate in the organisation of collective farms.
Hitherto 98,700 such farms have. been established.
The kulabs and rich peasants who have been banished from col lective farming districta have settled elsewhere.
WARSHIPS STILL BEING BUILT.
“POCKET" AIRPLANES FOR SUBMARINES..
UNDER-SEA HANGARS,
Despite naval limitation con- ferences, the world's navies go on building.
"It is impossible not to be struck by the remarkable amount of war ship construction which is now in progreas," says one of the chapters in the 1930 edition of "Brassey's Naval and Shipping Annus," which was published last month.
The editors this year are the veteran Commander C. N. Robin- BOB, R.N., and Mr. H. M. Ross.
Warships of all classes under con- struction for the Davies of the world, apart from the British Navy during last year, totalled 275, Warships under construction for the British Navy totalled fifty eight.
W
Another striking figure that is of importance in view of the Naval Conference is that the total of sub- marines under construction for the world's navies was 128-of which
only sixteen were for Britain. The total for France was forty, and that for Italy tweny-two,
The only country in the world that had a battleship under con- struction was Germany, with her startling 10,000-ton “pocket battle- ship."
The growing use of aircraft for oversea work is dealt with in two chapters, one naval, the other mer- cantile.
LANCASHIRE COTTON
SPINNERS.
{THROUGH. REUTER'S AGENCY.]'
LONDON, Feb. 95.
by the Soviet on religious ques
He could not properly or tion feasibly ask the Soviet for other facilities to investigate the alleged persecution."
Mr. Henderson said that con- syltations with foreign Govern- ments on this subject would serve no useful purpose.
What Are The Facts?
London, Feb. 24: _It is officially". announced that an Egyptian dele- Nahas Pasha, will be arriving in gation, headed by the Premier, London during the week beginning March 24, in order to negotiate the "Anglo-Egyptian Agreement. It is learnt that the High Commissioner for Egypt and the Sudan will be requested to be in London during the negotiations.
London, Feb. 24-In the House of Commons to-day, on the ques- tion of Dutch flights across India, Captain Wedgwood Benn (Labour) In a letter to a correspondent in informed Commander Kenworthy regard to the religious persecution that the request for further facili in Russia, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald ties was being considered. No deci emphasises that the religious persion had yet been reached. Com- secution is hateful to the Governmander Kenworthy suggested that ment, but the question is what Dutch landing grounds would be. are the facts and what can bo most valuable to Britain in connec done?"
tion with flight to Australia, and urged Captain Benn to impress on the Government of India. desirability of giving the Dutch every facility. Captain Bean re- plied that the matter was being considered. Ho had nothing to add. ·
"It would be the easiest thing in the world to act so as to add to the inflictions which Christians in Russia may have to endure. That we shall avoid, whatever the agita-
The serial used is a very short one fixed at a height of 140 feet above Baker-street, W.C. The lis teners are the residents in a blocktion may be." of new fats.
Wireless has been laid on bere like water, gas or electricity.
mcans
Britain has not by any reached "saturation point" in the number of listeners. Although
Mr. MacDonald says that a good part of the statements made in regard to the persecution have proved false, but the history of full of records of persecution, and religion in Russia unfortunately, is CHIVALRY the revolutionary mentality which
ed has all the characteristics of narrowness, and violence of purpose.
A ballot of the American Section of Lancashire Cotton Spinners fail- ed to give the necessary eighty per practically three million people are generations of oppression has creat- |
cent votes in favour of reverting to short time working, hence the proposal was dropped.
AFGHAN KING'S ILLNESS DENIED.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY-]
BOMBAY, Feb. 25.
A private telegram from a mem- ber of Nadir Khan's personal staff denies the reports that the King is ill and states that he is in excel- lent health.
[In our issue of yesterday, it was reported that King Nadir Khan of Afghanistan was seriously ill.
TALKIES FOR HOME USE.
ANGLO-AMERICAN FILM
ENTENTE SEQUEL.
Home talkies aro brought appre- ciably nearer as a result of a re- markable film contract made be-
tween Mr. Basil Dean, head of As sociated British Talking Pictures, and the Radio Corporation of America.
These home talkies, which, if all goes, well, will be associated in Bri. tain with Mr. Dean's organisation, will be of miniature size, printed on paper, and purchasable in the same way as gramophone records, An admirer of "Rio Rita," for example, will be able to buy a small-sized copy of that film for his permanent entertainment.
Heme copies of "Rio Rita" and other productions are already in use among the heads, of the Radio Corporation, controllers of the patents.
between one and two million more now licensed, there is no doubt that
could profitably join the ranks.
The bringing into operation of
Political Motives. communal wireless of the kind'al
The Government's diplomatic re- luded to, however, raises an inter cognition of Russia WEL decided esting query as to the licences that are necessary. Should each tenant grounds, without reference to in purely on practical and political of a building like this be calledternal beliefs or policies, and an upon to pay ten shillings a year foragitation inspired by politics as listening, or are legal requirements much as by religious toleration must satisfied by the taking out of only not deflect any Government from ene licence for the whole building 1 pursuing the ordinary rules of in- The Post Office contended at the ternational relationships and pru- outset that one licence would not dence," be sufficient for a big set like this at Baker-street, but they were con- vinged in the end that only one ten shilling licence need be taken art, because there is only one set and one. building.
Only a Switch to More. Various technical difficulties were feared when the service was decided upon, but they have been overcome. At the top of the huge building, almost on the roof, is the big set. It is compact and simple, mounted on a large panel approximately four feet square. There is a great array of amplifying valves, which number 42, with three for emergency
134.
The actual receiver has four valves (one H.F., one detector and two L.F.). They feed 11 anb-sec- tions, each of which uses its three amplifying valves to feed 15 loud speakers in as many different fats.
The fins dwellers merely have to move a switch to turn on the pro- gramme.
By a simple device the volume of sound can be increased or reduced, for there are two strengths. One programmie only can be received. of course. If there is any general desire to hear particular program mea, arrangements are made to meet this preference.
Outlawing a country would not make it amenable to world opinion, but the opposite. Even now the tone and temper of the agitation are hardening the heart of the Russian Government, giving it the opportunity of persuading their own people groundlessly that this is all part of a conspiracy of other Governments to begin war against the Soviet.
Trade Increase.
LONDON, Feb. 24.7 In the House of Commons the Foreign Secretary stated that nega- tiations were in progress for a trade agreement with the Soviet Government from which it was hoped that a further increase of trade with the Soviet Union would result. Trade with the Soviet. Union had already been increased to a considerable extent,
LIVE BURIAL STOPPED.
HYPNOTISED GIRL AND A
COFFIN OF STEEL,
A Hypnotist appearing at a the atre at Bilston, Staffordshire, was recently prevented by the arriv al of a posse of policemen from burying a pretty girl alive.
The immediate effect of "Mr. Dein's contract, however, is to call for the production in England, on equal sharing terms with the Radio EXPLOSION ON BEN NEVIS, challenge made in the theatre the
BIGGEST SINCE MESSINES RIDGE.
Corporation, of a number of filme which will be distributed in Ameri. ca by the Corporation, through its affiliated chain of theatres, and, if successful, Mr. Dean will produce
Trainloads of dynamite were large number of British films an-
used recently in the greatest ex- nually on the same terms.
This is by far the most favour-plosion ever.contrived by British able contract that any British pro. engineers since the Messines Ridge ducer has succeeded in obtaining was blown sky high, when the from an American corporation. waters of Loch Treig were released It is mainly due to the personal to flood a fifteen-mile tunnel bored friendship existing between Mr. through the solid rock base of Ben Dean and Mr. William Le Baron, Nevis. the Radio Corporation's producing genius, who has been responsible for a long list of talking film suc
censes.
"Fifty-FiftyBasla, The first British film to be made under this "fifty-fifty' arrange will probably be based on Mr. Galworthy's Escape." with Mr. Leslie Howard in the leading role. The Radio Corporation frankly admitted to Mr. Dean that Holly wood found great difficulty in pro. dueing high-class social dramas, and was content to look to England for them.
Flying-boats, to carry a load of five tons, with a range of 1,000 miles at a speed of 100 miles an The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Hen-hour, for the British Navy, are des- derson, gave a dinner this evening eribed. Torpedo-bomber, with a at the Foreign Office in honour of service load of 4,711 s. and a top
A further interesting feature of the delegates to the Naval Confer-speed of 125 m.p.h., are also listed. Signor Graadi, who has spent ence. In addition to members of The smallest naval aircraft in the this Anglo-American screen entente the week-end in Rome, is expected the Government, leaders of the Peto, a two-seater reconnaissance is that it will probably bring into ia London to-morrow, and the Government, leaders of the other airplane, specially built to he ear the hands of Mr. Dean the wide Naval Conference will resume its parties were among the guests. Mrs. ried on board subinarines. It folds width stereoscopic films made in the work on Thursday. It is unlikely Henderson at the same time gave up into a space 22hft. long by 8ft. Spoor-Berggren proces8.
One of the first American films that there will be a plenary meeting a dinner party to the wives and wide by 8ft 11ins high,
Italy is also building submersible to be made in this process will pro- this week, as the work in com- daughters of the delegates to the
musical miscellaby mittees, owing to the adjournment Naval Conference at 10, Downing aerodromes, one of her new big subbably be
"Dixiana," with. Bebe of the conference, is insufficiently Street, placed at her disposal by marines being equipped with a hand called
the Prime Minister and Miss Mac-
gar. that can be dived to a depth Daniels the "Rio Rita" star, in advanced.
of 328ft.
the principal part. (Continued at foot of nees column.) donald.
This was the final stage in the great £8,000,000 Lochaber hydro- electric scheme, and represents a triumph of engineering skill over natural obstacles.
Lochaber had spent nearly three days on the edge of a latent vol- cano, and the atmosphere of the vicinity had been tense with excite ment through the final stages of preparation.
precautions against Elaborate mischance were taken while the charge chamber was being loaded with the explosives.
When all was complete, engineers stood high on the mountain side waiting for the signal to ignite the charge. Nearly 1,400 feet below, a brightly lit excursion train skirtel the loch on its way from Glasgow to Fort William, running almost on top of tons of high explosive.
"One touch of that switch," said an engineer, and you blow that train into the loch."
The excursionists slept as the train rattied past.
The hypnotist had accepted_a
previous night to bury the girl in steel coffin in eight foet of soil, after hypnotising her, and let her remain there for half an hour, or -to pay £200 to charity.
More than 2,000 people had gathered at the theatre shortly after one o'clock, and a great crowd surged round the plot of waste ground where it was intended that the girl should be buried. Intense excitement prevailed when the steel coffin was carried through the stage door of the theatre by stage hands.
Girl In Pyjamas. The girl who was to be buried had changed into pyjamas in one of the dressing-rooms, when a po- lice sergeant and a body of coustab. les appeared on the scene.
The sergeant naked for the hypno- tist, and upon learning what be intended to do, cautioned him that if he carried out the burial the police would arrest him.
Theatre officials suggested that the girl in the coffin should be sub merged in a tank of water outside the theatre, as was done on the stage, but the police objected.
the
OF THE WAR OFFICE.
IRON CROSS RESTORED TO GERMAN GENERAL.
War Office towards an ex-enemy A generous gesture by the British General was made known by Sir Ian Hamilton when he opened the British Legion Club at Solihull, Birmingham, last month,
After referring to the dinner eral von Lettow-Vorbeck, given a few days previously Gen.
Gen. eral Hamilton anid another dinner was given by him. "I am going to reveal to you for the first time,”. he went on," what the German General said alter I had proposed and drunk his health, for it was rather funny and very jolly.
Here is, the gist of what the General said:
"
"You will perhaps have noticed I ain wearing to-night iny two war, decorations, the ordre pour la ferite and the Iron Cross. I hope you have not thought this was through vanity; on the contrary, it is entirely in your honour and in order to show iny gratitude for an act of courtesy which I have just re- ecived at the hands of your Gov. "ernment. So now, I will tell your exactly how it comes: first, that I got the Iron Cross; secondly, how I lost it thirdly, how I come to be able to wear it to- night.
After some engagements in which my troops had made the best fight they could, the Kaiser had the idea to send me the Iron Cross. This pleased me very much. 31y father had won an Iron Cross in the war of 1970, and my grandfather also had been decorated. ...
41
"By ill luck the Iron Cross fell into the hands of General Smuts. Naturally, I thought it was good-bye to that Cross. But no; in the most chivalrous man. ner the General sent it to me across No Man's Land. So fat so good.
Buried in Secret.
"But the time came when one day General Smats had pressed his attentions upon me in too for-· ward. a manner. So, very secre- tly, several chosen "officers and myself buried two cheste, one containing the head of a record buffalo which we had shot, the. other containing my war decora tions, my diaries, and letters from my wile. How it came about that these secretly hidden chests were found, God knows!
"Anyway, General Smuts did find them, and sent them to the "War Office. To-day, prompted
by the most happy thought of" generous courtesy, the British War Office has returned them. That is the real reason I am wearing them to night-the first. night, I have
had them wear,'
The crowd, became excited, and the manager of the theatre explain. ed to them that if the hypnotist
"He was a very good fellow," gave the demonstration outside he would have to spend the night in added Bir Ian Hamilton, How prison, and they would then to un- glad I felt I had never shot Smuts able to see the act in the theatre and never even shot, at General von during the rest of the week. Lettow-Vorbeck. So my last word The girl stated that she was not je all of you; cach in your own way, afraid to stay under oight foet of go and do likewise and help our soil for an hour and a half after country to recover quickly and being hypnotised.
completely its good humour,"