HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
CABLE
FINNS STRENGTHENING DEFENCES FOR
COUNTER-STROKE ON
Russian Holiday May Be Zero Hour For New
་་
Offensive
HELSINKI, DEC. 13 (REUTER) -THE FINNS ARE HASTILY STRENGTHENING THEIR DEFENCE LINE AND ARE ALSO UNDERSTOOD. TO BE PLANNING A COUNTER STROKE BY POURING VERY HEAVY REINFORCE- MENTS INTO THE PETSAMO FRONT,
it
THE OBJECT OF THIS, ACCORDING TO NEUTRAL OBSERVERS, IS PARTLY TO DIVERT THE FORCE OF THE RUSSIAN ATTACK AND PARTLY TO THREATEN, THE MURMANSK RAILWAY.
At present there is little indication when this offensive may be expected. One theory is that today, a Russian holiday, may be zero-hour.
S
Circles here think that the Red Army will wait until the Ice on the lakes is thick enough to bear tanks and me- chanised transport.
LONDON, Dec, 13 (Reu- ter)-Finnish observers are gradually coming to the con- clusion that the Russians at present, have only third rate soldiers in the field, and it is thought that Moscow Com-
MORE U.S. HELP
FOR FINLAND
manders, finding that they-President Roosevelt told, a greatly under estimated the strength of the Finnish resis- tance, have now decided to! bring
their up
reserves.
first class !
CENTRE OF FIGHTING Meanwhile, the centre of gravity of the fighting suddenly shifted from the Karelian Isthmus to the Centre of Finland, where the
Russians are trying to drive a wedge to split the country in half. Very heavy fighting is proceed- ing on the whole front around the
NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (Reuter)
press conference yesterday that the American Red Cross is spending over half a million dollars for European rellef, of which $25,000 has been sent to Finland and $16.000 has been applied for purchase of medi- cines in London for Finland.
FINNS DESTROY BUILDINGS
HELSINKI, Dec, 13 (Reuter)-- pleasure resort of Suomussalmi The Finns today intensified their and further north, near Kuola- counter-offensive against the Rus- Jaervi, the Russians are reported stans in the threatened middle to have very large force here and sector of Finland's wasp the Finns rushing up reinforce- Reinforcements reached the front line continuously and going straight into action
ments.
It is unomelally reported that Finnish planes yesterday bombed and destroyed twelve miles of railway on the outskirts of Mur-
mansx.
want.
PETSAMO FRONT
British Press Advises Against Hasty Action By Allies In Geneva
GENEVA, Dec. 13 (Reuter) — Although Moscow was given until 10 a.m. today to reply to the League's telegram, owing to the uncertainty about the time of its receipt in the Soviet capital, according to a Paris radio message, the Russian reply has already been received in Geneva.
1
The reply rejects the League's appeal for the cessation of hostilities against Finland.
LONDON, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-The British press is prin-" cipally taken up with the League Assembly at Geneva.
While the justice of Finland's appeal is fully recogritz- ed, there are serious misgivings as to whether the League will be able to take effective action.
* TWO GREAT POWERS
ARGENTINE APPLICATION The News-Chronicle stresses the GENEVA, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-The fact that Britain and France today application of Article 18 of the are the only two great powers in League Covenant, which would i Geneva and they are fully engaged mean Russia's expulsion, was ask- In a major war. Smaller nations ed for by the representative of the could expect no similar assistance | Argentine Government at the If they got into trouble over the meeting of the League of Nations application of sanctions. Many of Assembly this morning. the smaller nations too are
It is expected that other Seuth primartly concerned with main-American States will support the taining their own neutrality.
TIME UNFAVOURABLE
exercise
Argentine attitude.
The British Foreign Under-
The Dally Telegraph feels that Secretary (Mr R. A. Butler) and there is hardly a less favourable M. Paul Boncour are expected to time for the
of the speak later today for Britain and League's authority. But the root France, respectively. of the trouble lies not in Moscow, but in Berlin. Sever that roct and
the offshoots will weaken.
༥.
The "Allies are doing the world's work and they will be wise if they do not allow any resolution which the League, in its righteous indignation may pass. La deflect them from their main purpose,
ASSEMBLY MEETS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1939. -PAGE
BEER
NEW SHIPMENT OF
ALLSOPP'S
A
QUARTS AND PINTS
HAS NOW ARRIVED
100% BRITISH
SOLE AGENTS -
CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LTD.
MORE GUNBOATS WITHDRAWN
FROM YANGTZE
WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS
The Admiralty announced In October last that five of the gun- Senor Freyre, the Argentine de- boats of the Yangtze Patrol were legate, said, "Disdaining even an withdrawn from service because outward
form of legality, the the officers and men were needed aggressor has denied she is, at war for Important service elsewhere: and to
this end has referred to It has now been decided that three normal relations she maintains more gunboats shall be withdrawn with a puppet government set up from the Yangtze for similar rea-. by herself. The Soviet, therefore, sons connected with the prosecu has placed itself outside of the tion of the war in Europe, reports Covenant."
British Wireless.. ..
The Argentine delegate conclud-
NO JAPANESE COMMENT SHANGHAI, Dec.. 13 (Reuter)—
consulted
The Japanese Naval authorities in Shangnai were never
GENEVA, Dec, 1:3 (Reutered by declaring his Government's Confronted with Russias rejection unalterable decision to consider it- of the League's appeal to submit self no longer a member at the over the British decision to remove The Russians are nowhere able to the Soviet-Finnish conflict to League as long as the Soviet was three more gunboats from the gain a foothold as the Finns des- i negotiation under League aus- able to claim such membership. troy all buildings and houses be-pices, the Assembly, at its meet- ing today, will decide what action There is no information as to to take.
fore leaving.
Finnish Communique: which of the two parallel Soviet
Attacks Repulsed
LONDON, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-A Finnish Communique states that there is severe fighting along the whole line of the Karellan Isth- mus, and that it is especially fierce in Muola Village. The enemy made several attacks and all were repulsed.
The enemy left hundreds of dead
in the Finnish front lines.
Several enemy tanks were des- troyed and the enemy made sever- al attempts to break through the Eastern frontier.
A great battle was fought at. Tolvakaeei where Finnish troops captured 52 machine- guns and other war material. Three battalions of enemy in- fantry were annihilated and several tanks put out of action. Enemy attacks in Limpla. sup- ported by heavy artillery, were re- pulsed.
NORTHERN SECTOR Fighting continues in the nor thern sector of the Eastern Front.
Enemy planes bombed Hyrnsalmi and some islands in the Gulf of Finland without result, while the Finnish Air Force bombed and ma- chine-gurined" enemy lines and marching columns of troops.
Italy's Interest In Fighting
ROME, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-Rome circles are following the fighting in Finland with great interest.
It is stated here that the Soviet attack have been extended over the whole of the Eastern Front and that the fighting has been most violent during the past twenty-four hours.
A Helsinki official announcement states that so far three out four
The Soviet reply caused no sur thrusts is winning in the push prise in diplomatic circles here.. seaward but both have been rein- forced *with the Finns still numerically inferior.
COMMITTEE'S REPORT
GENEVA Dec. 13 (Reuter)-
It is believed that the Russians While waiting for Moscow's reply, plan to effect a junction of these the committee of Fourteen com- twe
make a pleted its report on the dispute. army, groups and
combined push seaward at Oulu
The report falls into three parts: (leaborg) on the Gulf of Bothnia, the arst is a historical review; the It is expected that crack Fin-second cites the laws and treaties nish troops will be transferred to involved: and the third discusses
the juridical » conclusion drawn.
this front.
to
be
SOVIET COMMUNIQUE MOSCOW, Dec. 13 (Reuter)--Yes- ! The Committee will meet this terday's Soviet Way, Communique afternoon to decide what recom- again gives briet reports of the mendations to add to the report. progress north of Lake Ladoga, but
REPORT ADOPTED the bottle-neck between the north
shore of Lake Ladoga and the LONDON, Dec. 13. (BWS)-Press chain of small lakes where the reports from Genera state the Firms have three prepared defen- committee of thirteen appointed sive ines is still not penetrated, by the Assembly to discuss the Russian tops are apparently Finnish appeal has adopted the still held up upon the Karelian report und resolution recommend- Isthmus. «
ing the expulsion of Russia from Observers in Moscow suspect that the League and assistance for the Red Army attempted to rush Finland. The Committee's deci- the deep Finnish defences without slon will have to be placed before adequate artillery preparation. the Assembly.
U.S. AIDING
PUBLIC OPINION IN ON NEED FINLAND
(Reu-
NEW YORK, Dec. 13 ter)-Public opinion in the United States against Soviet Russia is rising. Thousands are attending mass meetings of protest and contributions are pouring into the Finnish Fund, which is under the aegis of Mr. Herbert Hoover, former President..
.THE REAL QUESTION Typical of press comment is that Soviet casualties have been caused of the New York Times, which
by cold and exposure.
GREETING LETTER TELEGRAMS Messrs. Cable and Wireless Ltd, announce that G. L. T. Services will be admitted with Canada,
says that the real question is "not how many eloquent resolutions will be passed praising Finland and condemning Russia, but how many guns the Finns can acquire. Finland needs aeroplanes and am- munition.
· NEUTRALITY ACT-
FOR
PEACE PROPOSALS THROUGH ITALY? ROME, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-- The Italian Foreign Minister. Count Ciano, is to make bis keenly awaited speech on for elen affairs on Saturday morning..
There, is increasing specula- tion on the likely trend, with persistent rumours that he will indicate new peace pro- posals with Germany's 'ad proval.
Finland, South Africa and Boll-
via have been elected members of the League Counel,
R.A.F.
SECURITY PATROLS
Yangtze.
This was revealed by the Jap
THE
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HONGKONG HOTEL; "REPULSE BAX BOKEN
&
SHANGHAI
ASTOR HOUSE; PALACE HOTALJ
HOTELS LIMITED,
In amoolation with the Grand Hotel des Wagons Lits, Peking.
Life In Warsaw Today Is
anese Naval spokesman today in a "By Permission" Only: Tragic
press conference when He de- clined to comment on the British announcement.
BURMESE GOODWILL
MISSION
LONDON, Dec. 13 (Reuter)-The Air Ministry announces that the CHUNGKING, Dec. 13" (Central) R.A.F. security patrols were con--The Burmese Goodwill Mission tinuously maintained last night to China, which arrived here from over the German mine-laying air-Rangoon yesterday, will have craft bases at Hellgoland Bight. busy rmind of visits during its stay.
Puppet Celebrate Second Year Of N. China Slavery
#
"
PEIPING, Dec. 13 (Renter)--The second anniversary celebra- tions of the Peiping "Provisional Government" are scheduled to take place here tomorrow,
It is learned that three high officials of the Nanking "Re-- formed Government" are to fly here today to participate in the celebrations. They are Liang Húng-chib, president of the. -Executive Yuan of the "Reformed Government;" Chen Chun.' Minister of the Interior, and Wen Trung-yao, president of the Legislative Yuan, **
:
The three visitors, it is leamed, f With regard to the celebration are also members of the United of the second anniversary of the Council of the "Provisional and foundation of the Peiping" "Pro- "Reformed Governments" and are visional Government." the autho- coming to attend the seventh rities have sent a circular order meeting to be held in Pelping on to the Hopel, Honan, Shansi and Dec. 15 and 16.
Shantung "Frovisional” adminis-
Chinese reports state that a trations and to the various muni- united political council will be set cipalities in North China urging up by the United Council to dis-them to hold celebrations tomor- cuss concrete measures for the es- row, tablishment of the projected Cen- tral Government.
The sources, however, do not ex- Dect anything concrete to emerge from these discussions.
ነነ
PEIPING PROGRAMME The programme for Pelping is as follows:
Wang Keh-min' President of the Executive Commission, will read a It is well-known that officials of manifesto in the morning: repre- the Peiping "Provisional Govern sentatives of the Japanese Com- ment" look with disfavour on the mander-in-Chief (Lieut-Gen, Ta- formation of the "Central Govern- da), the North China Office of the ment" owing to the fact that it China Affairs Board and the Jap would mean the transfer of politanese Consulate General will give cal power of the North China re- congratulatory speeches.. gime to Nanking.
ARMY OPPOSITION In addition, certain circles de- clare that there is not a little op- To promote the sale of National position from the Japanese Army Economy Savings Certificates, a in North China to the formation branch promotion committee has of a Central regime and some sec-. been established at Kwelyang. The tions of the Army regard ̈ Wang
India and Burma as from today, The fighting there is not certicates are Issued by the Ching-wef as the proposed leader Dec. 14. The inclusion of these wax within the meaning of the Postal Bank and are on sale at all of the Central regime with dis- countries now completes the G. L. present Neutrality Act and United port offices. Mesirs, Wang I-ao and favour.
T. Scheme with all parts of the States is not barred, "under the Wang Wel-chung, special delegates! In view of the obstacles, not too 1 Johnson Act, which forbids loans of the Postal Bank who were re much importance is being attach- Empire.
Telegrams relating to family to countries defaulting their war sponsible for the organization of ed to the forthcoming talks. They news. social matters or personal debts, from
loans to the promotion committes here, left will, however, he watched with in- making affairs are accepted in the G. L. T.Finland.
forKwangsi and Kwangtung terest to see if they will bring the Service. The rate, is $4 ∙ for “a The United States hopes that yesterday to organize similar possibility of an early, or even the minimum of twelve words and ways will be found to give prompt branch committees at the two eventual formation of the "Cen- additional words in proportion ald where it is most needed.
provinces. (Central News)
tral Government, and nearer,
The day is to be regarded as a i "national holiday" and the five- barred flag is to be flown.
CHANNEL TUNNEL SCHEME REVIVED PARIS, Dec. 12 ̧. ((Reuter) -- The Channel Tunnel Scheme has been revived; this time' in © the French Chamber of De-
Duties
The Minister of Public Works described the" construction of the tunnel is an‘international necessity, which should be ONS of the first works undertaken when the war is over."
Picture Of Ghostlike City
this or that, for life in Warsaw today is "by permission” only.-
FOOD PRICES
The prices of food have gone up | three to six times and only a short while ago a loaf of bread "cost eight shillings.
hour only Nazi soldiers may be seen on the darkened streets,
Curfew is at 7 p.m., after which
NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (Renter)-An American correspondent has given a tragio pleture of Warsaw today
Some 75 per cent. of the build- ings are either completely -de- stroyed or damaged by relentless
REWARD - GIVEN bombings. The walls of some of the buildings are now being pulled
TO MAGISTRATE down and those still fit for human
SHIUKWAN, KWANGTUNG, Dec. habitation add to the ghostlika ap-13
(Central)-Gen. L Han-yun, pearance of the city, because their Chairman of the Kwangtung Pro- windows are all boarded up
Or vincial Goverment, yesterday wir- patched with glass from picture ea to Mr. Che Shu-mu, magistrate of trames.
"BY PERMISSION"
引
Yagping, East Kwangtung, com- mending him for Capturing some There is rubbish in the streets 200 Japanese and puppet troops, and the pavernents have been torn including Lin Chi-yen, so-called up in places. In wet weather even chief of staff of the Japanese- walking in the streets is difficult, sponsored National Reconstruc-
There STO Jong queries |tion Army," waiting outside the various offices giving permission for
GAS
A reward of $10,000 was given to the militia under his command.
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