HONGKONG DAILY PRESS.
CABLES
Czech Capitulation Under Threat Of "TIME HAS COME
Destructive Aerial
Bombing
GERMANY WILL REGRET THE ACTION TAKEN IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Lord Halifax's Speech In House Of Lords
LONDON, MAR. 21 (REUTER)--"IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE CZECHS WERE PRESENTED WITH AN ULTIMATUM UNDER THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE and that they capitulated in order to save their people from the horrors of a swift and destructive aerial bom- bardment," declared Lord Halifax, the British Foreign Secretary, in the course of his statement to the House German occupation of of Lords yesterday on the Czechoslovakia.
"Germany and her people. If history is any guide, may re- gret, the action taken in Czechoslovakia." he declared in con- cluding his speech.
"Lord Halifax was cheered to which the Premier has given
outside of it.
seem to
dis-
emphatic
* "Surely it is not without sign-gallery joined).
ficance that two towns were oc- cupled by German 98, detach- ments on the evening of March 14
(loud
I
MUNICH SETTLEMENT There were two purposes to the
Rumania's Vital Trade Talks
“AGREEMENT” REACHED?
Germany To Exploit Oil Wells
FOR FIRM STAND"
All Parties Support
Mr. Chamberlain
LONDON, MARCH 21 (REUTER)—A MARKED CHANGE IN PARLIAMENTARY OPINION HAS OC- CURRED OVER THE WEEK-END, MAINLY DUE TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S SPEECH IN BIRMINGHAM.
The Opposition's criticism as previously expressed has undergone a change and when the Prime Minister entered the House of Commons yesterday afternoon some of the members of both Oppositions joined in the cheers of his own supporters.
of legality."
BUCHAREST, MARCH 21 (REUTER)---RUMANIA HAS
There is a crystallization of Czechoslovakia by German milltary STOOD FIRMLY IN THE
the feeling among members action, which they are of the vitally important trade nego- tiations with Germany. This of all parties that the time opinion, were devoid of any basis is the chief deduction to be has come for the country to made from the statement make a firm stand and it is issued in official circles that certain that any action In that direction will have the an agreement with the Ger- man delegation is expected support of the Opposition, as well as of the Government this week.
members.
It is expected that it will be "a completion of the exist- ing Trade Pact concluded last November.
Well-informed circles maintain
the
HITLER'S "THREAT The Prime Minister replled affirmatively to ad enquiry whether he had seen a press statement that Herr Hitler had threatened to bomb Prague unless Dr. Hacha accepted his demands. The whole situation In connection with the nexation of Czechoslovakia, he declared, was at present under review by the British Govern- ment,
NATIONAL DEFENCE
MIL-
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1939.-PAGE 9
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HONG KONG
PENINSULA HOTEL;
HONGKONG HOTEL; REPULSE BAY HOTEL;
SHANGHAI
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CHINA CURRENCY BILL DEBATE IN COMMONS.
LONDON, MARCH 20 (REUTER)—MOVING THE SECOND. READING OF THE CHINESE CURRENCY BILL IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS TO-DAY, SIR JOHN SIMON, CHANCELLOR OF the Exchequer, declared that while the total British trade with China was not a large percentage of total world trade, it was well worth preserving and assisting, especially because China has an immense population, and a small increase in purchases per head make an enormous difference. The outbreak of hostilitles was a severe test of the currency system adopted in 1935. The Chinese- adopted very well devised technical measures, and Chinese abroad had
Last year's currency had been; carried through in orderly manner or undermining' of confidence. "I with the minimum of disturbance the House supports this Bill, they can be assured of the reputation and tradition of the Chinese in this matter," he said.
There are no indications yet of a coalition between the Labour Party and the Government, but there is less disposition among the Under the new agreement it is Opposition to say that Mr. Cham-
tional direct exchange of goods.: when he began his speech by every ounce of energy, imagination stated that there will be an addi-berlain must go..
In view of Germany's acquisi- supported their currency with re- stating: "In the face of the and resolution he possessed,
"As far as I am aware, no writ- issues with grave
which should not disagree, but if it is sug-This arises from the fact that Ger-NO ELTIMATÜM TO DR. HÀCHA
The direct exchanges" are likely ten ultimatum was presented to Dr. tion of the war material and muni-mittances and subscriptions to the Britain is concerned, party gested that it was a policy pursued many is unable to pay in currency. without the fullest.co-operation of differences
myself, as Foreign Secretary, and to be chiefly that Germany will Hacha prior to his acceptance of tion factories in Czechoslovakia, war loans.
take more oll from Rumania, either an agreement with Herr Hitler on does the Prime Minister intend to appear."
ot every member of His Majesty's "It is quite true." he continued,Government, then I must take from her new wells which she will Mar. 15." sald Mr. Neville Cham-propose a revision of the National
W. Wedgwood Benn (Labour). the House. "that recent events have been a leave to oppose this with a most exploit herself, or from the existing berlain, during question time in Defence Programme?" asked Mr. The Prime Minister replleu that sources. contradiction
"Sir Nevile Henderson. profound shock to all thinking
the statement he had made on people in this country, and far Ministerial cheers in which men the attitude that the negotiations British Ambassador in Germany, Mar. 17 that "every aspect of bers in the House of Commons have been solely for the welcome was instructed on Mar. 17 to in-national life must now be reviewed purpose of extending the trade be-form the German Government that in, the light of our national safety."
the British desired to make it plain of course. covered
the National tween the two friendly countries.
that they would not but regard the Defence Programme. events of the past few days as a
Miss Ellen Wilkinson (Labour complete repudiation of the asked if that included any repre- Munich Agreement and a denial of sentation to the Iron and Steel the spirit in which the negotiators Federation of Great Britain that had bound themselves to
co-pig iron and strap should not be operate for a peaceful settlement. sold to Germany as had been sold
Sir Nevile Henderson was also in the last war? Dealing with Herr Hitler's pro- which treatment was an urgent declaring the former necessity If the peace of Europe
States that it is learned that a instructed to say that Bitain must clamation
The Prime Minister replied: That occasion Czech territory to be under Ger-was to be preserved. I have no
to protest might be called an aspect of man protection. Viscount Halifax doubt whatever that the Govern-limited trade agreement Between take that
"It should be noted that ment was right in the light of all Rumania and Germany will almost against the changes effected in national life, sald:
The agreement will be principally while the head of the administra the information available to take certainly be signed on Wednesday. tion now to be set up is said to the course it did (Cheers).
in the nature of a protocol ex- held the rank of head of the State.
It is stated that the oil, as grant- and while the protectorate is said
tending the present agreement.
quantity, having little relation to accepted consultations as a. means differences future whereby all might be adjusted, "That long-what was originally demanded. term purpose has been as we can
while the President and Foreign Minister of Czechoslovakia were still on their way to Herr Hitler. and before any discussion had taken place."
Munich settlement. First, to effect a settlement as fair as might be in all the extremely difficult circum- stances at the time of the problem, which was a real one, and for
to
"The second, purpose was bring more security for the people
Relations with "Hungary. It.
is stressed, continue to br friendly and orders have been given to the troops on the frontiers to avoid all possibility of an incident:
AGREEMENT LIMITED Another message from Bucharest
to be autonomous and self-govern- of Europe on the basis of freely led to Germany, will only be a small |
ing. there is to be a resident in Prague with full powers to veto legislation.
"
BOUND TO GERMANY "Foreign affairs, and the protection of nationals abroad devalve on the German Gov- ernment which will maintain "military garrisons and esta- hlishments in the protectorate. The protectorate is bound to Germany by a customs union. and the German Government can issue decrees and take any measures for the preservation of peace and order,
of
"As a result of these several ac- tions the dismemberment Czechoslovakia may therefore be said now to be complete,"
DELIBERATELY EVOKED After giving a further narrative of the events. Viscount Halifax "declared: "It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the bulk of the Incidents that occurred before the German invasion were deliberately evoked, and their effects greatly magnified."
Lord Halifax continued: "It is not necessary to say much about the assertion that the Czech Pre- Aldent freely assented to the sub- jugation of his people.
Finance Committee To
Consider Supplementary
all observe, disastrously belled by BOMBS LAND Votes
BOMBS LAND Votes Totalling $414,145
events."
PRINCIPLES OVERTHROWN
Turning to Herr Hitler's 20- tions. Viscount Halifax said: "In his actions, antil after Munich, a case could be made that Hitler has been true to "his own principles-the ex- clusion of non-Germans from the
etc.-principles Reich. which he has now overthrown. In the inclusion of 8,000,000 Czechs under
German the Reich, he surely has not been true to his old philosophy." Whatever truth there was about the treatment of a quarter of a was impos- million Germans, It sible to belleve that it could only have been remedled by the sub- Jugation of eight million Czechs. A NEW PHASE?
to "Are we
belleye that has German policy
entered
on a new phase directed the domination of
max
at
non-Ger- asked peoples?"
Lord Halifax, Such grave ques- tions were being asked, in all parts of the world. The German
occupation
of
"In view of the circumstances in
been Zur- which he went to Berlin, and of Czechoslovakia had the occupation of parts of Czecho-thered by new methods and the glovakia which had already taken world had lately seen more than place. the most sensible people would conclude that there WAS
little pretence at negotiation.
THREAT OF VIOLENCE "It is more probable that the Czechs were presented with an ultimatum under the threat
⚫ of violence, and they capitulat-
ed in order to save their people". from the horrors of a swift, bombard- destructive serial
ment.
"In these circumstances, His Majesty's Government thought it At immediately to take certain action."
After referring to the recall of the British Ambassador to report. Viscount Halifax said:
"I think
once a new departure in
the
feld of International technique. Į Countries were now faced
with
IN MISSION COMPOUND
70 CASUALTIES IN
KIANGLIN
QUUNGKING, Mar. 21 (Reu- ter)--Three bombs landed in the compound of the American Methodist Mission at Kiang- ling (formerly Chinchow) in Hupeh Province, to the west of Shasi, killing three Chinese, during a Japanese bombing on Sunday afternoon, accord- ing to 1 Chinese despatch Irora West Hupeh.
The Chinese report adds that eight Japanese planes on Sunday circled above Shasi, but dropped
Supplementary votes totalling 5414,145 will be considered at a heeting of the Finance Committee to-morrow after the Legisla tive Council meeting. Memoranda.explaining the Items is as follows:----
..
ESTIMATES, 1939 Volunteer Defence Corps:-Am- munition $5,378,
This amount is required for small arms ammunition ordered in 1938 and not yet paid for.
Harbour Department; - Dia- phone for Waglan $3.100.
A revote of $3,100 is required to meet the cost of alterations to a building at Wagian necessary for the installation of the Diaphone. for which no provision has been rade in the 1939 Estimates.
of the machines of the Far East- Aviation Co., Ltd. This knowledge. is essential to aviators, and of' great assistance in making a gen- eral weather forecast.
Stores Department: of Sard $140,000.
Purchase
Owing to a substantial increase In the demand for sand and to the decision that larger reserve stocks should be held, besides an increase in the cost of collecting and con- veying sand from beaches, the sum of $100.000 provided under this Sub-head will be insumcient, and a further sum of $140,000 will be required for 1939.
The selling price of sand has
Mr. Pethick Lawrence (Lab.) sup- ported the Bill because it provided an incentive to British trade, and particularly because it gave China definite support in the struggle against Japan.
MUCH MORE WANTED Mr. G. le M. Mander (Liberal) also supported the measure, but regretted that the Government was & far approaching the matter in too narrow spirit.
Mr. Mander added that the Government was actually carrying out one of the League's resolutions.
Mr. J. J. Tinker (Lab.) In seconding the amendment, de- clared: "What we are now doing is the result of our not making a stand when Japan invaded China.”.
HEROIN CASES AT SESSIONS
Heavy Sentences Imposed
WOMEN IN DOCK
Three women, Wu Ngan, Kwong Lai-kuen and Tang ying, were charged at the Cri- minal Sessions yesterday before the Chief Justice, Sir Atholl MacGregor, with unlawful pos- session of dangerous drugs, and pleaded not guilty. The Jury empanelled comprised Messrs. W.: A. Zimmern (förman) J, T. Choy, E. B. Hamson, R. P. de -La Sala Tsang Chiu-yuen and
N. W. Smeby.
Mr. J. B. Prentis, Assistant Crown Solicitor, said that the case was a sequel to a raid made by Revenue Officers on the night of January 29 on No. 242 Tai Naon Street, Shain- shulpo, first floor. At the rear of the premises, they found a room the door of which was closed and which on being entered was found Major J. J. Astar" (Cons.) hoped to be used as a heroin phil factory. that the amendment would not be Without retiring. the jury found pressed. He said that nothing all three women guilty, and His would hearten the Chinese Govern- Lordship. stressing his determina- ment and people more than that tion to impose heavy punishment the House should pass the Bill for such offences, passed sentence of three years' hard labour on each unanimously.
accused.
Mr. F. J. Bellenger (Lab.). sald if the purpose of the Bill was to foster Sina-British trade he would support it.
Sir John Simon intervened to give an assurance that was the purpose of the 'measure.
at
ANOTHER CASE ·
Before Mr. Justice Lindsell, Leung Ping and Li Chi kwong were charged with possession of 108,558 heroin pills at No. 121 Fa Yuen AN INQUIRY "
Street on February 10, and Leung Mr. Bellenger asked whether the Chung was charged with possession fund would be operated in co- of 53,000 heroin pills on the same operation with the United States date and at the same place. First and France, similarly to the
defendant pleaded guilty. ". tripartite agreement.
Mr. M. J. Abbott, Asistant Crown": Sir John Simon replied that in Solicitor, prosecuted, and the Hon. different forms efforts to assist the Mr. Leo D'Almada e Castro Jnr., financial situation In China, had instructed by Mr. D. McCallum, ap- been made by other governments.
peared for Leung Chung.
Captain Euan Wallace replying Mr. Abbott stated that Revenue Legal Expenses $8,000.
the debate, said that the Uppoal-Officer Ahern with Chinese Re-- The Crown Agents' account for
tion speakers had admitted the venue omcers raided the premises January, 1939, contains an Itern of been increased and the sum now sum of £10,000,000 to be very on information on the morning of no bombs, and they then turned $5.852 in respect of professional asked for will be offset by addi-effective for the purpose. It also February 10. westward in the direction of services in connexion with the ap-tional revenue collected under the had been recognised in the debate Kiangling. It is reported that peal to the Privy Council of Chung Revenue Head "Fees of Court or the Japanese planes dropped two Chi-cheung against sentence, of to five bombs in the city, resulting death passed upon him in Hong- in 70 casualties. No foreign cas- ualties are reported.
ROBINSON ROAD BURGLARY
Articles of a total'value of $136 the encouragement of separa-vere stolen from No. 21 Robinson tism not only in the interests of Road when the house was entered the separatist elements, but in about 4.30 am, yesterday.
The
kong.
Office (D) Sales-Sand."
Ji
PUBLIC WORKS
EXTRAORDINARY General Works: “Drainage:~~(b} Miscellaneous $25,000.
The factory reservation at Lai Chi Kok has been fully allocated.
that the Chinese currency was not
Second and third defendants
at present tottering. It had been were found guilty, and all three stable for some time, and was very were sentenced to two and a half
years' hard labour. well supported from inside.
Captain Wallace stated that the place for the operation of the fand would be. Hongkong. and that £10,000,000 would be subscribed immediately.
Further applications for adjoin-As far as this money was con-
A
CHINESE GUERÏLLA
ACTIVITIES CHANGSHA, Mar. 21 (Central)
POLICE FORCE Emergency Expenses arising from the Sino-Japanese Conflict $80,000.
The $25,000 provided has *proved insufficient and a fur- ther sum of $60,000 is required
ing sites have been received, and cerned, before it was required for-Interviewed by a Central News to meet payment of military
it is proposed to extend the re- the purchase of silver dollars, it war correspondent, a commander and faterned soldiers accounts.
served area by diverting an open would be invested in sterling here, of Chinese guerillas in the Hunan- Royal Observatory: Special Ex nullah at an estimated cost of
and the interest on. It made avail- Hupeh-Klangal border reglous de- the imperial interests of Germany. missing articles consisted of a gold
finger ring set with a small dia-penditure:
Aerological Investiga$25,000. An adequate return on able to help the Chinese banks pay clares to-day that the Chinese areas, exTM INITIATIVE FRUSTRATED
the interest due to the British farmers in the war mond. valued at $120, R pocket tion (Hongkong) $15,000.
this outlay would be assured to "Shortly after, the Munich
watch valued at $13 and a jade, It is desired to provide for a Government in Crown rents from banks. The interest of 24 per cent bittered by the Japanese invasion, are actively assisting the Chinese gold-inlaid buckle valued at $3. dally meteorological fight by one the new sites which will become was agreed for the present. measures were taken by Ger. many which gave a profound
No division was taken and the regular and ruerilla troops in shock to world opinion All..
Communications:28 Argyle Bill was given a second reading, fighting against the invaders. initiative towards closer econo-
Chinese guerilla activities, he while, the accompanying money Btreet, Eastern end of, $5,235.
giving increasing mio collaboration were
resolution was agreed to without armed are Building sites. In the new grea
worry to the Japanese who have discussion. trated by Germany's
*have already been sold and in
suffered enormous losses of res last week and it is dim-
view of the existing demand for
and military, supplies. cult to say when it can easy
further sites, it is considered es- be resumed.
sential to hasten progress on this extension.
trus- action
"The British Government
has
no time close the
we can claim that we have left not falled to draw a moral from the German Government in no these events and lost doubt as to the attitude of His in. placing themselves in Majesty's Government, and al practical consultation with
other Govern- though I do not cherish any exag Dominions and gerated hopes of what may be the ments concerned on issues which effect, it was right that protests were suddenly made so plain. should have been registered.”
MUNICH POLICY. Referring to the Opposition's statement that Mr. Chamberlain's policy at Munich was a personal policy. Viscount Halifax said “11-by that is meant that it was a policy
"History records many - at- tempts to impose domination. in Europe, but all háveter's
Ger-
·minated ... · in ́ ́, disaster. " many and her people, if history regret against
ly any cuide, “may
the action taken Czechoslovakia,” he concluded.
Hitler's Next Move
In Europe?
MEMEL, MAR. 21 (REUTER)-REPORTS ARE WIDELY CURRENT IN MEMEL THAT GERMANY IS CONTEMPLATING THE PRESENTATION OF "FAR- REACHING DEMANDS TO, LITHUANIA, `·
Both sides deny that the demands have been pre- sented, but the following demands are anticipated:" Lithuania to hand over to Memel the control of the poses and telegraphs, railways and other communications:- and also
The Income from harbour dues;
Dismissed Memel German State Officials to be reini
and their back salaries to be paid:
The Lithuanian Garrison and Frontier Police to be with-
drawn.
available.
Extension of Tarmac around Hangar, Kal Tak Aerodrome $8,500. The tarmac area to the north of the hangar at Kal Tak is too small to meet the requirements of the
machines larger
and
greater amount of air trafic. at the Air
Conversion of Nursing Sisters" Quarters, G.CH. to a Mental Hos- pital $34,500.
The
number increasing
of patients received in the Hongkong Mental Hospital has rendered
5
necessary an immediate extension to the existing premises.
It is proposed to meet this need
MILITARY TRAIN
NWRECKED
CHENGCHOW, Mar 21 (Int1)——— by converting the former Nursing A Japanese military train consist- Sisters' Quarters at the old Goving of 13 coaches with soldiers einment Civil Hospital:
was destroyed by Chinese guerillas Naval Arsenal Yard and Kellets on March 15 at Chihsten on the | Trokow-Tainghwa Railway in Island $40,852,"
The final payment in respect of northern Honan resulting the transfer to Government of the several hundred Japanese soldiers Naval Arsenal Yard has now be- being killed and wounded. come due, and, as provision for Seeing that the train had this payment was not included in jumped of the tracks the guerilas the current Estimates, a supple who were hiding on both sides of mentary vote for $40,851.06 la ac the railway embankment showered cordingly, requested:
hand grenadeg on the panic-- stricken Japanese soldiers.
Total $414,145,