*1
HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
Still Time For Franco-Italian
Collaboration
NO AGGRESSIVENESS
IN IL DUCE'S SPEECH
Nothing In The Nature Of
Threat Or Ultimatum
LONDON, MAR. 27 "(REUTER)—WHILE THE SPECIAL EDITIONS OF THE LONDON SUNDAY PAPERS CONTAIN- ING. SUMMARIES OF SIGNOR MUSSOLINI'S SPEECH testify to the keen interest taken in his utterances by Britain, the first reactions in authoritative quarters are that Signor Mussolini has not belled the expectations. aroused by the recent speech of the King of Italy on Mar. 23.
It is felt that while I recently as on Thursday last, em- Duce's address does not lack phasised that the desire of Britain his customary vigour and was not to "set up in Europe op- pugnacity, there is little that posing blocs of countries with dif can be taken as aggressive inferent ideas about forms of in-
ternal administration." its substance.
PARIS, Mar. 27 (Reuter)--The
No one expected Signor Musso-Arst reaction to Simor Mussolini's lint to go back upon the axis, but speech is that the situation has by implication, the speech re-neither improved or grown worse, cognizes the particular needs of while the problem as to what Italy, as stated by her King, and exactly Signor Mussolini wants is expresses the view that there is
still not clear. still time for France and Italy to collaborate for negotiation of the outstanding difficulties.
"NO THREAT
In this connection there is nothing in" the nature of s threat or ultimatum. of any elaboration or extension of the Italian claims, which remain upon the familiar basis.
کوتا
Relief is, however, felt that Il Duce has delayed forcing the issue, leaving hope for an amicable settlement.
1
HUGE JAPANESE LOSS IN SHANGHAI FIRE
CHUNGKING, Mar. 27 Cen- tral) The Japanese
have suffered a loss of more than $2,000,000 as a result of the fire which gutted the NY.E. Kodown near the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai last Friday, according to a ShanK- hal report.
About 3,000 sacks of Indian cotton valued at $625,000. which were stored in the warehouse were burnt. In addition, a large quantity of timber and other cofabus- tible materials were also duced to ashes.
TO-
PEARL RIVER.
CLOSURE
MILITARY - STILL CARRYING OUT OPERATIONS
CANTON, Mar. 27 (Reuter)— Some of the reasons" for the continued closure of the Pearl River were explained by x. Ja- panese military spokesman at the second Japanego press con- ference held here.
BERLIN, Mar. 27. (Reuter)-
Military operations along the Whole-hearted support and - ap-
river, he said, were still in progress proval is accorded Signor Musso- sini's speech here. He showed and, as secrecy was one of the es clearly that peace is not tanta-sential for the success of the mount to unconditional preserva-operations, it was not possible to
the various areas in which the Ja- panese were openting.
No one in Britain questions the tion of the past, while it is like allow ships to pass up and down vital importance of the Mediter-forbidding the rebuilding of an old ranean or Adriatic to Italy' and house, said one spokesman, "Duce's references to these mat-i ters certainly give no cause for concern in British quarters.
Signor Mussolini's reference to the danger of idelogical conflict recalls that Mr. Chamberlain, asi
He added: "We declared that the house must be rebuilt. I Britain risks a war, she cannot believe that conditions will re- main the same at the end of it."
SECOND NEW BOEING CLIPPER ARRIVES
Footballers Travel From Manila
The second new Boeing Clipper of Pan American Airways flew over Kowloon and came to a craceful halt on the waters at Kal Tak at 12.15 p.m. yesterday.
Capt. U. B, Beer. In control of the Clipper from San Fran- cisco to Hongkong, had fourteen members of the crew and twe Company passengers, Mr. W. L. Bond, of C.N.A.C., and Mr. H. Poncetti, Boeing engineer,
SOUTH CHINATM LULL ENDED
Japanese Positions "Near Canton Are Attacked
weeks,
(From Our Own Correspondent)
CHUNGSHAN, · Mar. 27/ Ending the lull of the past
Chinese two
troops of the 12th Army Group. strengthened with mechaniz- ed units sent down by the Central Anthorities, to-day launched an attack on the Japanese position at Shen- kang, about 40 miles north of Canton.
One of the motives of the Chi- nese offerisive la to
Both of these gentlemen, with the crew included, had nothing but high praise regarding the trip
| from America and the performance
of the huge..421-ton #ying boat.
The thirty passengers travellag
to Hongkong from Manila in the
In addition, the free passage of | ships along the river at the present juncture would prove a considerable hindrance to the Japanese troops, who would have to continually consider their safety.
"As soon as military opera- tions permit, the river will be opened," asserted the spokes- man.
In regard to the few British steamers which are bottled up in Canton, the spokesman said that they all had cargo on board and that as soon as this was removed they would be allowed to more.
"GOOD CITIZEN" BADGES
A FAILURE
In reply to other questions, the spokesman admitted that as a check against crime, the order com- pelling all Chinese to wear "good| eltizen" badges bad proved 1 fallure. Both the Japanese Army and Navy authorities, realizing the ineffectiveness of the system, were now considering its abolition.
He also announced that the Japanese authorities hoped very shortly to abolish the necessity for foreigners to carry passes when proceeding to the eity from Shameen.
REWARD OF 2,000 YEN
A reward of 2,000 yen has been
Boeing Clipper break all records offered by the 3:p:nese military
ROYAL VISITOR
CABLES
Gover arty
In Britain
LONDON, MAR. 27 (REITER)– 'THE IMMEDIATE FORMATION OF A NON-PARTY GOVERN- MENT, on the widest possible basis was urged by Mr. Anthony Eden during a speech at Grimsby.
He said that such a Government should have a two-fold purpose........... Arstly, the regimentation of Brt- tain's Industry, wealth and man» power in order to put forward a military effort in the shortest pos- sible time, and secondly, the adop- tion of a vigorous foreign policy by uniting peace-loving nations to resist further acts of aggression. as Lord Halifax appeared to fore- shadow in his speech last Monday.
PARTITION OF
EIRE
DUBLIN, Mar. 27 (Renter) Mr. Eamon de Valera, upon his return from the Coronation of Pope Pius XII, said that he had had conversations with Mr. Chamberlain and Sir Thomas Inskip in London, which word related to matters of common" concern between... Eire And Britain and to world affairs. It is believed that partition was the major consideration in Mr. de Valera's mind, while the British Ministers were specially interested In defence.
"
STOP
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1939-PAGE 9
and have a drink/
ALLSOPPS
Bola Agents:
CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LID.
BOTTLED BY THE ALLOA BOITLING CO LTD.ALLOA.SCOTLAND
BITTER STRUGGLE RAGES
ROUND NANCHANG
Heroic Chinese Resistance
To Japanese Advance
FRONT
OUTER
SIUSHUI, KIANGSI, MAR. 27 (CENTRAL)—LATEST FIELD DESPATCHES FROM THE KIU KIANG - NANCHANG LATE YESTERDAY EVENING GIVE THE CHINESE DEFENCE OF NANCHANG as running in a semi-circular · line from. Wankinfow to the north, Fengsing to the east, and Wan- shoukung to the south, within a radius of fifteen miles from the Kiangs! Provincial Capital
ed a decisive stage on Sunday when Japanese troops captured the railway station across the Kan River, opposite Nanchang, and the 1,500 metre bridge leading to Nan- chang.
N
Chinese
sappers succeeded Eve blowing up part of the bridge, in spite of the Japanese airmen showering bombs on the Chinese soldiers in order to prevent its destruction.
The Japanese thrust on the Kiukiang-Nanchang Ballway towards Nanchang, which de- veloped into large scale opera- tions towards the early part of last week, assumed proportions of a major push during the week-end. By yesterday after- noon, Chinese defenders were stubbornly holding out against the weight of a gigantic Jap- anese flanking movement, which planned to cut the Chi- According to aerial observations, nese rear from Nanchang. the Chinese troops are retreating Fighting was centred on the left southwards of Nanchang. The wing, running roughly in a par- Japanese point out that the cap- į allel line to the east of the rail-ture of Nanchang means the up- way. The Japanese mechanised ture, of the railway from the Che- units, lumbering into action from klang Coast to Klangst Province, Wuning. have crossed the Paillao which is one of .Chungking's few River and the Chungliao River to remaining arms supply routes. reach the Nanliao River, triple tributaries of the Kan River which
washes. Nanchang's waterfront.
of the enemy.
CHINESE COUNTER-ATTACK TUNGSIANG, KIANGSI, Mar. 27 (Central) To counteract the Jap- anese advance on the left wing of
THE
HONG KONG
PENINSULA HOTEL;
HONGKONG HOTEL, REPULSE BAY, KOZEL;
SHANGHAI
LATOR HOUSE;" PALACE HATIL;
N
HOTELS LIMITED.
In association with the Grand Hotel des Wagons Lita, Peking.
PROBLEMS DISCUSSED AT DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
Unemployment, Beggars And Refugee Work
The annual Diocesan Conference was held in St. John's. Cathedral Hall yesterday afternoon. The Dean, Very Rev. J.-L. Wilson, presided.
Mr. A. C. Jeffreys the "past secretary will continue with this Lor the work in the capacity, though a relief will be chosen position in the near future, lack of time forcing Mr. Jeffreys to resign,
садоре
in paying trabic oxi this run. authorities for information leading
As is usual with all their big
Mr. F. G. Maunder was elected; The report also stated that 16,000 Twenty footballers from the Straits to the discovery of a Japanese and pushes, the invaders resorted to the Nanchang-Kluklang. front, treasurer and Mr. S. Grove honor children were being educated in
wanton use
the of chemicals Chinese forces east of the railway ary, auditor.
seven Government arrived and will play several games a Formosan, both civilians, who the
throughout their operations, relaunched a sudden attack on the in the Colony.
have been missing since Mar. 3.
The Fraternal Delegates elected throughout the Colany. They were last seen in the south-dering hundreds of Chinese sol Japanese forces at Anyi, north-were Mr. H. Gittins, Mr. C. C. An- Mr. Barry Baldwin and Mr.
Rev. Cyril Brown of the Balors of Nanchang yesterday derson, Mr. F. Kwok and Mr. R Home and Missions to Seamen, James H. Baldwin, merchants-in western suburbs of the city, in the diere helpless before the advance east
morning.
Ashton-Hill,
expressed the great need of per- Manila are round-trip passengers. vicinity of Tungchiao Village.
Severe Aghting was
Following this election was an sonal contact for the members of brought Mr.
right to the gates of the ancient other for the Executive Council the Club. "It is not the mercan- town, where the Japanese from which includes Miss W. Robinson, tile seaman who are crowding our their entrenched bositions offered Mr. G. 8. P. Heywood, Mr. R. Ash quarters but the sailors of the stiff resistance..
ton-Hill, Rev. J. R. Higgs, Rev: H. Royal Navy," he said. Personal BRIDGE: BLOWWN. `UP
LOYANG, Mar. 27 (Central) D. Rosenthall, Rev. A. F. Rose, social contact is needed, The hand SHANGHAL, Mar. 2 (T/Ocean) The Japanese at Wenhsten, in Rev. J. C. L. Wong, Mr. P. B. Cas of personal friendship is not The Japanese advance on the northern Honan, have launched dady, Mrs. C. G. Anderson, Prof, L. stretched out to these men and Klangs! capital, Nanchang, enter-series of attacks on the Chinese Forster, Mrs. E. Gibbins and Mrs. | they miss it," he continued. "The
position in the vicinity, but were | J. L. Wilson.
Ballors' Home had given sleeping unable to make any headway. After the secretary's and trea-quarters to 40,000 men in the past
J. Heymans, Mr. G. C. Worthington, from Eaguo, and Mr. Percy W. Tinan, also from Manila, will remain a few days in Hongkong. Mr. J. 3 Murphy and his young son will make the round-trip.
LEAVING TO-DAY ́
Leaving for Manila this morning in the Boeing Clipper are Mr, and any from MIS. L J. Rocke and their son, Shuntek, south of Canton, to Robert Rocke, of the local Stan
check
possible. Japanese advance
Yungch!
and Kwalchow, and then farther south to Kongmon and Chungshan,
dard Vacuum: Oil Co.'s office,
The usual past procedure of a stop-over in Manila of one trip Chinese bombers are support for the crew members on "the ing the counter-offensive by raid- Aying boat has been changed, ing the new Japanese aero-Fach crew, will bring the Clyper drome at Taipingchang. On Marlour to Hongkong from San Fran- 24 the Chinese made a sudden; cisco and return to the home port, round-trip. appearance over the air field and making a complete systematically bombed the han- Therefore, when the Boeing Clip- gars accommodating bombers and per leaves Manila on Wednesday scouting planta. The enemy was morning the stop-over crew of taken by surprise and being the last Philippine Clipper will strafed-by-Chinese aghters, Jap-travel to San Francisco as passen- anese planes were unable to take gern. All future time-on for Pan off. Several of them were bomb American Airways crews will be ed and destroyed//
spent in the home port on the PEOPLE ELATED
west coast of America,
The Saturday release from U. s. Chinese planes also carried out reconnaissance nights along West Air officials, passing the new River towns such as Kuanahan, Boeing Clippers for passenger Satchiu, Kluklang and other towns, traffic and complying with all No bombs were dropped in view U. 8. safety tests allows the local of the absence of Japanese forti-Pan American Airways office to fications and concentrations, but accept reservations for these two leaflets were dropped asking the dying boats.
Chinese people not to serve the The China Clipper, of Pan enemy and telling them of American Airways is reported to coming counter-attacks. The be arriving in Hongkong on Men- people were elated at seeing Chi-day April a and departing the
following day. nese planes droming overhead:
The city was placed under strict Martial Law the other day on the occasion of the ar-, rival of Prince Asaks, 2 mem- ber of the Japanese Royal Family. The Prince, who landed in Canton by plane from For- mosa, is on an inspection trip.
Fighting on the centre and right wing, with points north of Lobus as the main field of struggle, re- mained comparatively calm during the week-end.
CITIZEN SERVICE
National Register: First Step Towards Conscription In Britain
LONDON, MAR.
On Mar. 24, a Japanese detach surer's reports were read reports year and he hoped the Diocesan ment of about 200 men drove followed on the relationship of the Conference could assist him ki thin north-eastwards to Peiling. They Diocesan Conference to the Synod regard. were intercepted by the Chinese and the VDMA. by Rev. NV on the way and forced to retreat. Halward.
CHUNGKING OFFICIALS
TAKE OATH
SOCIAL SERVICE
!
·A·large amount of work, involv- ing many different fields, was dias cussed and explained at this meet
The Social Service Centre of the ing by the twenty-five members Churches report was given by Miss attending.
Elliott in which she stressed the *
overwhelming need of young peor
pie in the tremendous social work NEW CULTURAL
to be performed in this Colony. 21 (REUTEE) THE INCREASING the need for a council, CHUNGKING, Mar. 27 (Central) The point was brought out in this URGENCY WITH WHICH THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE is being discussed in Britain is clearly indicated in the London press during the week-end.
tional register.
of the National Government, about composed of business and profes 400 oficials of the National Go-storal men of the churches, to find ernment yesterday morning took positions and assist in the big-un- the fath of loyalty to the State as employment problem in Hongkong Nationed in the ice on the to-day National Spiritual Mobilisation
The beggar problem was also taken into consideration, How ever, Mins - Elliott stated her centre could not cope with this situation, and it would have to be turned over to the Govern-. ment
ASSOCIATION
IN CHUNGKING
*
Sino-French-Belgian wine CHUNGKING, Mar. 27 (Central)
Cultural Association w gurated to-day in Changing presence of over 200 Chinese and foreig Watch-ha, veteran leader and a memb
The diplomatic correspondent of conscription and also indicate the the "Sunday. Despatch declares in pour upper for industries, that in political circles some form labour supply for key industries, of conscription is now regarded as the great majority of the leader- Movement inevitable and that the first step writers agree with the editor of Raising their right hands, they towards this will be the announce the "Observer," Mr. Garvin, in de chanted in unison the national ment shortly of a compulsory na manding some form of citizen ter pact wherein full support of the vice as "a statutory obligation.es National Government - and alle-
Mr. Garvin adda; "Outil we glance to the Generalissimo area The "Observer considera that
Chairman Lán expounded the Miss A. Atkins read a report on Shang- there is little doubt that there is make it plain, to friend and foe pledged now a majority in Parilament fa alike, that the spirit of this coun- vouring some measure of conscriptry is utterly resolved to attain significance of the oath, refugee work and stated that the official Mr. L equal organization and power by This meming about 1,000 omeers church of St. Peter had opened Chang Chi and equal service and sacrifice, there of the National Kelibary Council soup kitchens last summer for the chich, Kuominta STATUTORY, OBLIGATION
42 will be no sumcient beller in the took the same oath, Gen, Ho Ying- refugees and now they were havmen, and M. Exons While some commentators refer Totalitarian societies that we are chin, Chief of the Brand of General ing to turn many away, 1.100 being mident of the Depart
all they could care for each day, were elected Homorary Chi Sta1400 chafed to the Labour Party's opposition to as virile as they are in fibre."
tral Epervisory elected Chairma