HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
CABLES
ALTMARK INCIDENT CABLE NEWS FINNS PUT UP AMAZING
DEVELOPMENTS
Continued from Page 1
Norwegian Government if, after While these were being released, such a restricted search, the pri-a number of German armed soners had found their way, to in-guards left, on board by the Grat ternment camps in Germany, Spee escaped over the stern of
"The above considerations have the ship and made their way- already been placed before the across the ice to the shore, from Norwegian Minister and amiable where they opened fire with discussions are now proceeding with rifles. The fire was returned by the Norwegian Government." the British and two Germans, who were scrambling across the ice to Join those already ashore, were hit.
"CONGRATULATIONS LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter)—Mr. Winston Churchill. First Lord of the Admiralty, has sent congratu- lations to Capt. Ving of HMS. Cossack for his double rescue of "Britons from captivity and Ger- mans from drowning."
IN BRIEF
RESISTANCE AGAINST SOVIET OFFENSIVE
LONDON. "Feb. 17 (Reuter)...... Imperial Airways announce that the British Atlantic Air Malt Ser- 'vice is expected to be resumed, not.
"LONDON, Feb. 17 (Reyter)-The amazing resistance of the Finnis later than the first week in July.continues, and they are now trying to interrupt Russian communies. It is not likely that paying pas-tions with the Karelian Isthmus. sengers will be carried.
*
*
Finnish planes, with, this object' in view, hare" "bombod the rail-* way to Leningrad, and a number of, stations on the line have been set on fire.
י,
LONDON, Feb. 17, (BWS)-The United Artists Exhibition at the Royal Academy of works by pre- Indica ing the importance of this Giving details of the Finnish sent day artista. was visited by the move is the fact that the Russians successes north-east of. Lake King and Queen yesterday morn-cannot reep up the offensive with- Ladoga, a communique says that ing. The Queen purchased a pamt-out a continuous flow of supplies several Russian columns and 180 ing she had admired on a previous | and" reinforcements.
sledges were dispersed on the ice visit. GERMAN SAVED
The roads from Russia to the and remnants of ski detachments Karelian Isthmus are already over-wiped out, an At the same time, another Ger- man fell into the
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 (Reuter) | crowded.
STIRRING CALL water amid broken ice and two of the Cos-President, announces that he will sheer weight of numbers, but, in stirring call, reminiscent of Ear! -Mr. John Garner, the Vice- The Russians are still relying on LONDON, Feb, 18 (Reuter)—A
enter the Democratic primary elec- spite of some progress, they have Haig's "backs to "the wail" mes- tor in California for nomination no; yet broken the Mannerheim sage, was issued by Field-Marshal as candidate for the Presidency.
The message says that they Proof of this is seen in the Rus- must carry on in face of terrific slan communiques which make noodds to defend the new line with mention of advances of thousands stern determination. of yards
It added that the Finns were Many of the captured positions no longer fighting alone and. are now under flanking are from that foreign help had arrived in. the Finna.
force.
sack's officers plunged in and
ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT
saved him. It was discovered that OTTAWA Feb-18 (Reuter)-The | the Altmark was amited with two rescue from the Altmark was wel-pom-poms and four machine-guns. comed by Canada 25 another naval achievement for Britain.
FULL FRENCH SUPPORT PARIS, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-Full support for the Admiralty's oc- tion is given by well-informed circles who draw attention to the repeated German Violations of Norwegian territorial waters.
Undisguised admiration for the British Navy's handling of the Altmark incident was expressed in military circles here.
An oficial spokesman declared
that the British "did "extremely į well to act with such energy."
One officer stateď that she had twice been visited while. in Norwegian waters, but had not been searched. This would. explain the fact that the 300 British prisoners aboard, who were clamouring for their re- lease: were not noticed
As soon as the boarding party and all the British prisoners were safely embarked on the Cossack. she proceeded out of the Fjord
and joined the rest of the British
Forces.
The Ivanhoe, during the after- noon, rescued the crew of the
It is emphasised that the Altmark tanker Balbur, which scuttled her- violated international law by con- cealing the fact that she had Bri-self, and all the British ships pro- ceeded 1: company without molestation on the homeward Journey.
tish prisonera aboard and, that she Was armed,
The possibility of a sequel to the incident is noted here.
". BERLIN BITTER COPENHAGEN, Feb. 18 (Reuter) -The Berlin correspondent of the National Tidende says that anger and embitterment in Berlin are «greater than at any time in the war. For the first time in several months the Wilhelmstrasse sus pended its week-end and great activity prevail in Government offices, evidently preparing a coun- ter-move of some sort.
"FLOATING CAMPM", LONDON, Feb. 18 Reuter)-A special commentary says that the New York Times on Sunday refers to the Altmark as a "Coating Nazi concentration camp,"
The correspondent of the same paper states: "The view was ex- pressed, that, if the Altmark wes' a naval auxiliary cruiser, as the 'bre- sence of British sailors on board would seem to indicase, there was considerable justification for the British action."
BATTERED AT HATCHES LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter) Describing the scene when Norwe- glans boarded the Altmark at Bergen, one of those rescued, said that the prisoners tried to break the hatches and open the door.
"We were all blowing whistles and shouting and we pushed a home made Union Jack through a hole in one of the hatches. A
let go and we all fell in a heap. German guard caught it and then
"We battered at the batches. but the Germans turned two hoses on us and had steam winches" go- Ing to drown our noise."
LONDON, Feb. 17 (BWS)—Men of the 20 and 23 age groups liable for military service are registering at Labour Exchanges. The regis- tration is expected to yield about 200,000 men for the three Services,
HELSINKI, Feb. 17 (Reuter)- Finnish women, wearing trousers, have joined their men at the front. serving coffee under fire to the battle - weary troops. manning switchboards, running despatches and performing other useful duties.
Admiralty announced today that LONDON, Feb. 17 (Reuter) The
all British ships, before leaving any port in the United Kingdom, must provide protection for personnel exposed to machine-gun fire from German aircraft. The order comes into force forthwith.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1940. -PAGE
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Line and have only taken, a few Mannerheim to the Finnish troops; VICTORY
defensive positions.
4
STOCKHOLM FEARS
In Stockholm, it is reported that 500 Red planes bombed Finland, and the position is regarded in the Swedish capital as serious,
Though the main attacks are at Summa arid Taipale, the whole of the Mannerheim Line. Is now en- gaged in a continuous battle,
FINNS RETREAT MOSCOW, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-A Russian communique says: "On the Karellan Isthmus the enemy retreated towards Viborg and east of Viborg'suffering heavy losses.”
RUSSIAN CLAIMS MOSCOW, Feb, 18 (Reuter)——A Russian Communique issued yes-
NEWS OF BIG CHINESE VICTORY IN NANNING:
JAPANESE WITHDRAW
CHUNGKING, Feb. 17 (Reuter) -News of a Chinese victory at Nanning spread Ilke wildfire through Chungking this after- noon and soon practically every shop was letting off fire crackers.
NEWS UNCONFIRMED Chinese military quarters well as the Chinese official Cen-
U.S. Envoy-En Route To Chungking
CHUNGKING, Feb. 17 (Reuter)-- The United States Ambassador to China, Mr. Nelach T. Johnson, arrived in Haiphong today from Hongkong, en route to Chungking. according to information received by the American Embassy here this afternoon.
Mr, "Johnson is coming to Chungking via Kunming. It is leared that the Ambassador intends to proceed by train from Usually reliable Chinese circles Hanoimto to Kunming, via the here claim that big fires have" French-owned "Yunnan Railway, been raging for two days, since but the date of departure is not February 15, when Japanese forces yet nxëd. "started withdrawing in large Meanwhile, it is reported that numbers southward towards the Japanese aircraft again, bombed the sea coast." The
sources Yunnan Railway yesterday, but estimate that 18,000 Japanese little damage was done.- troops have already evacuated Nanning.
PALL OF SMOKE
terday claims the capture of mili-tral News Agency which main HELSINKI, Feb. 17, ((Reuter)-Atary stations at Peipiasus and tains correspondents and wireless stations in Kwellin and also on great pall of smoke and are today Kiamiaria and also claim that the
the Kwangsi front, however, can- was spread over the Summa front. Russian advance is continuing.
Eye-witnesses report that the
to confirm the news. Finns holding the Mannerheim tinues. 22 pill boxes were seized, Yesterday, the communique con-. Line can in places hardly see any, while during the seven days of the thing of the Russian troops. They great offensive. captures include. can only hear the cries of advanc- 42 machine-guns and. 170 field LONDON. Feb. 18 (Reutering men through the smoke and guns... Frovisional figures of registered din of battle. persons in yesterday's call-up are
The bombing of Finnish troops During each preliminary bom- and military objectives are con- officially given at 257,802.
bardment the Finns take refuge tinued and five enemy planes in deep dug-outs built of con-were shot down."
The Dutch steamer Amelan, 4.500
AMSTERDAM, Feb, 18 (Reuter)-crete and heavy timber,
AIR RAID tons, bound for the Dutch East
„RUSSIAN GAINS
STOCKHOLM, Feb. 18 (Reuter) The new Russian successes on theThere was an air raid alarm indies, is sinking in the North Sea Isthmus were mainly at the western this morning in Helsinki and tele- three-and-a-half hours after leav- end of the Mannerheim Line, be-phone communications with Fin- ing. Rotterdam. Her craw was tween the Gulf of Finland and the land were interrupted for some rescued by arinther Dutch vessel lakes.
time, but later restored,
་
'
same
FIRST REPORT
PUPPET KILLED
The first report of a Chinese
IN SHANGHAI victory at Nanning came
SHANGHAI, Feb. 17 (Reuter)- morning xper commun.ation Two gunmen murdered a former sources in Kwangs, whose tele-Government and "Reformed Glor- gram to Chungking claimed that ernment" oficial in the crowded the Japanese are setting fire to Rue des, Boeurs at, 9.30" this morn- all villages on the highways north- ing. The killers escaped.j east and north of Nanning, in the Only clue to the identity of the vicinity of Kunlunkwan and Kaoman killed was a visiting card giv- feng
ing the name of Lu Ta, with the Japanese troops on the high-information that he was a salt ways to Pingyang and Wuning merchant of Wasih and Soochow are stated to be withdrawing, Lu was aged 50 and served the while Japanese troops in Nanning Reformed Government for sever- also withdrawing towards al months prior to his death." Yamchow, on the sea coast
WAVE OF DEFECTION CHUNGKING, Feb. 18 (Central): -A fresh wave of defection is 'No Japanese troops, it was sweeping the puppet units in alleged, could be found beyond a Rupeh and Kiangsi, according to point 10 miles from Nannins reports..
SWEDISH PRESS CRITICIZES THE PRIME MINISTER'S REFUSAL TO GIVE MILITARY en respectively.
\ASSISTANCE FOR FINLAND: WARNING NOT SOUNDED.
Altmark, occupied the bridge by force, took possession of the ship and “opened fire on an unarmed and defenceless Germani, crew,'
Some of those rescued show- ed bitterness in that their concerted shouts were ignored by the Norwegian and a tall, bearded seaman said that the first they knew of their rescue was when they heard à voice ask: “Any Englishmen here?" "We shouted Tes and Imme- diately came the reply, 'Well, the Navy is here. Then we all cheer-
"Some of my men attempted to ed as loudly as we could."
get across the "ice or to swim LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter) The ashore, but when the British saw the Germans on the ice and water they opened fire."
The newspaper adds: "Sweden could, for instance, The Captain added that all send soldiers in the form of such an extension of the vo- dead and, wounded had abdominal lunteer movement that Swedish military detachments were wounds as the British fired at sent over to take part in the fight for Scandinavian free- close quarters. He said that hedom." could not ascertain the number of casualties.
AIR FORCE PART
WASHINGTON SURPRISED WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (Reuter) -Well-informed circles were sur- prised by Britain's violation of the "three-mile limit but there was part played by the Air Force in widespread understanding for the the release of the Altmark prison- action of "rescuing so many distres-ers was described in an Air Min- sed prisoners.
istry announcement, which states that after locating the Altmark REQUEST REFUSED LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-It and carrying out long-range re- is learned that Captain vien sur connaissance flights in support of gested to the Norwegian torpedo, His Majesty's ships yesterday, boat Captain that the Altmark be Coastal Command aircraft provid- escorted to Bergen and there ed an air escort for the "Cossack examined in order that the mat- and other. British warships until ter might be settled in accordance they reached port... with international law...
"Four mines were sighted direct-
STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17 (Reuter)"It is intolerable that affairs should be allowed to continue in this manner," de- clares the Stockholm "Tidingen," criticising the Prime Min- ister's refusal of milltary aid for Finland.
"
The "Svenska Dagbladet de- Meanwhile, in Helsinki, Sweden's CAPTAIN INJURED
plores the fact that there was no refusal of military aid has aroused indication in the communique of anxiety and disappointment. LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-One Government intention rapidly to
NO CHANGES » of the seamen rescued from the promote and stimulate the volun-
·STOCKHOLMƒ Feb. 17 (Havas)— Altmark says that a officer from teer movement in every way
Stating that "no changes have oc- the Cossack went to the captain's possible.
curred in Sweden's viewpoint since The newspaper states: "It is January 17," when he proclaimed
Government action
that the country's neutrality in the wounding him in the arm.
Swedish public opinion strongly Russo-Finnish war, the. Premier, Another Briton said that the demands,"
Mr. Hannsson, revealed that the German doctor was a "white man," *
Finnish Minister, Mr. Tanner, on giving unremitting care to the
Feb. 13 formally requested Sweden prisoners.
to transfer military units to Fin-† land,
The Commander of the Norwe-y in the course of the warships cahin on boarding and, opening the gian warship, in refusing the re- when a few miles from the Beet-door, fired a boobytrap revolver and such quest, stated that he was acting tish coast. The aircraft warned under instructions from his Gov- the leading vessel and went down ernment and gave the assurance to deal with the mines by ma- that there could be no British pri- chine-gun fire.
soners on board the Altmark, as
Two were sunk and the destroy-
the vessel had been examined era disposed of the others." twice in Norwegian ports.
Captain Vian asked that the assurance should be put to
· proof and accordingly invited the Norwegian Commander to take the Cossack's boarding party to the Altmark and ac- .company them during the
search.
After further "conversation, the Norwegian Commander consented to accompany the boarding officer.
4)
WRITTEN NAZI PROTEST
A message from Berlin states that the German Minister in Oslo yesterday morning handed written protest to the Norwegian Foreign Office against the British action. according to the official German News Agency.
and
The note, recorded "a very sharp protest against this unheard of violation of international law in Norwegian coastal waters. against the fact that the Norwe- JAMMED IN ICE PACK
gian Government did not accord Meanwhile, the Altmark which scient protection for our ship, was jammed in the ice pack in the the Altmark”dendaj Inner end of the lord, begani
The matter is unique in world working her engines and despite history and I must insist with an order to stop, broke free from the reservation of further demands the ice and attempted to ram the ĺby my Government. Cossack while the latter was come “Ing alongside.
These manoeuvres resulted in the Altmark grounding by the stern. The "Cossack was grappled to the Altmark and the latter immediately boarded.
That the status quo on board the Altmark be at once reconsti- tuted as far as is possible after the losses suffered:
That amends be made for the damage caused:
The prisoners were like a second crew and kept their own watches. They had a remarkable system of underground news and very soon learnt about the scuttling of the Grat Spee.
It is learned that the captain of the Altmark intended to blow up his ship after running aground but] was prevented by orders from the Oslo Legation.
GOT NO WATER
New Move
For Peace
By Vatican?
are
JAPANESE WITHDRAWAL
thus placing the Chinese van-
After capturing eight Japanese guards in the vicinity of Szetang. officers, Ho'Nan-tai, so-called cap- north-east of Nanning.
Itaim of a puppet peace preserva- Enquiries from official Chinese tiori corps, has surrendered, to the quarters here revealed that they Chinese authorities with all his are still awaiting further details men. from the Kwangst Headquarters. Wang Chuan-kao and Hsu Chih- They said that it was true that taal, so-called captains of the Japanese troops north-east and puppet peace preservation corps In north of Narning have been with- Kiukiang and Tehan in Klangsi drawing towards Nanninit. --
respectively, have also turned over to the Chinese side with their men
US. BLIZZARD TOLL
NEW-YORK, Feb. 17 (Reuter)-
VICTORY ASSURED CHUNGKING, Feb. 18 (Reater),—-*| Japanese troops are rapidly falling back on Nanning and the nearest Chinese, troops to the city ate at present only 10 miles away, de- clared Gen, Ho Ying-ching, War Minister and concurrently Chief of Between 60 and 70 Byes were lost, the General Staff, in an impromptu and a great deal of property speech last night, at a concert, wrecked or ruined, in the blizzard when he was urged by the audience which hit the New England states While the Swedish Government to appear before the microphone during the middle of the week, has informed Finland it cannot do and give a short talk on the pre- more for that country beyond | sent Sino-Japanese military siton what it is doing now, "unofficially tion. help continues on a wider scale. and the press is striking a warning note, pointing out the dangers of
WARNING - NOTE
ROME, Feb. 17 (Havas)-It-sa-Soviet victory. officially announced from Berlin that the Papal Nunció, Mona. Or- senico, called on the Under-Secre- LONDON, Feb, 18 (Repiter) The tary of State, Baron von Welzac first me to leave the Altmark ker, with whom he conferred for were a batch of West Indians. A an hour and a half survivor from the Dorie Star, The visit has provoked rumours William Curtis, of South Shields that the Holy See is attempting a said what he was on the Altmark new more for peace, for ten weeks,
The general feeling is that any For a long time we got no water and had to put up with tea. to fall as the belligerents are facing Vatican peace Initiative is bound The Germans behaved very badly aggravation of the conflet. and the skipper was a tyrant.”
EVACUATION
Air, rall and main highway traffic are all back to normal again. however, save for some of the outlying country districts. The fact that the latter are still block- Gen: Bp estimated that 1.000 ed may cause the supply of milk Japanese trucks are evacuating the to New York to be curtailed for a Japanese from Nanning towards day or so bad Yamchow, on the sea coast, with Chinese, units along the highway | ambushing and attacking these Japanese convoys,
LAKH OF RUPEES FROM INDIAN RULER
Maharaja of Gondals has placed LONDON, Feb 18 (Reuter)-The
~** FRENCH WAR STOCKS PARIS, Feb. 18 (Reuter)—A high French official stated yesterday that much French war stocks, old and me, automate te aparan Bard Concluding. Gen. Ho stated: heavy artillery were already in
Planes, automatic weapons and "The military situation at present that country, French arms were favour, while a Chinese victory is is definitely turning in China's arst used by the Finns in the more than ever assured.”· middle of January.
100,000 rupees (£7,500) at the dis- Gen. Ho Ying-ching, who was posal of the Admiralty, for the dressed in foreign clothes, was in | benefit of dependents of those who the highest spirits, last night lost their lives in the sinking of
Chinese circles are anxiously HMS. Royal Oak awaiting further reports from the VICEROYS CONGRATULATIONS Nanning fronte
JANEW DELHI, Feb 18 (Reuter The Viceroy has telegraphed his very hearty congratulations to the tam of Hyderabad over the suc
of the RA the Nizam's com
TRIAL OF JAMES RUSSELL YOUNG
Frederick Thomas, of Liverpool, stated that when he was "trans- ferred from the Graf Spee to the daylight for three weeks until this TOKYO, Feb 18 (Havas) ——Mr. And that all available forces are Altmark he was put into a com- morning. A Firing broke out on both sides put in action against the perpepartment with iron, hatches and and. J. J. Smith, gunner, in charge trators..
these were battened down over 45 men
of one of the « boarding... parties. It must draw your attention to was severely wounded: The Bri- the fact that we regard the situa- tish-boarding party climbed up to the bridge and thrust the Captain of the Altmark from the contral of the ship.
eship
A search was made for Bri- tish prisoners, who were found locked in shell rooms, store rooms and an empty oll tank.
tion, as being most serious--a situation which may have the gravest consequences,”
CAPTAIN'S' REPORT 2 The Captain of the Altmark has made & report.
The destroyer came alongside and quickly her men boarded the
Thomas added: “It, wäg_2′′ filthy place with no fresh air. The conditions were terrible and the Germans made thém se miserable"no" they possibly could" with thele "cruel” and heartless treatinent.?
"MAKE A DASH”
Special to the HK. Daily Press
James Russell Young, correspon dent of the International News Service, who has been detained at A young seaman from the the Marungchi police station since steamer Ashles, who was among the January 21, will be tried within the Arst to be taken on board the next few dayz - Altmark, said that the last two Young has been sccused of send- | special days on board were so bad that ing blased anti-Japanese informa a few of us tried to take a tion and publishing and-Japanese mutiny and make a dash for its articles in the Japanese press
Aubrey Jenkins,
Dorie -The Military Code will be applied sful to his case but it is not known send whether he will be deported from
Japan
told of an unsuce John Dykes of South Shields, attempt by the capt declared that he had not seen out an 8. Q. 8.
In recognition of the work and the values of the International Peace Campaign the Nobel Com mittes has recently voted another 1000 in
grant to the Campe
Heinkel
The Commitiés, has handed over the sum to Lord Cecil, the Presi dent of the Campaig propriation. This
time in succession that Committee has allowed grant to the EP.C (Central)