"Hongkong Daily Press," Dec. 19, 1940.
Mason's
WEATHER
Temperature: Max, 67; Min, 57,
FORECAST:-N.E. WINDS, FRESH; FINE.
· DOLLAR T.T.:—1s. 218. -
T. NAY FORK: A.
Library Supreme Court
OK Hongkong Daily Press.
the cold meat Sauce
Registered Newspaper at the General
報西
ESTABLISHED 1857
Post Office in the United Kingdom.
孖
15-10 Marina House, Queen's Road Central. G.P.O. Box No. 1
TEE PALM-SIZE
Filmo
DOUBLE
8
MAKES MOVIES, AT SNAPSHOT COST FILMO DEPOT
MARINA
HOUSE
No. 25677 装柒拾始們幾仟伍离式第
#
HONGKONG, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1940.
ITALIANS RETREATING TO
DERNA: FIERCE
BARDIA NOW CENTRE OF FIGHTING: NO SLACKENING IN THE STRONG BRITISH PRESSURE
Roosevelt's Congratulations
ROYAL AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE ITALIANS ARE RETREATING FROM BARDIA TO DERÑA WHICH IS 60 MILES TO THE WEST OF BARDIA.
"
BARDIA IS NOW THE CENTRE OF FIERCE FIGHTING AND RAF PLANES ITALIANS RETREATING TO TOBRUK ARE ATTACKING IT BY DAY AND NIGHT.
WERE MACHINE-GUNNED BY BRITISH FIGHTERS.
There has been no slackening in the strong British pressure but it is stated that Bardia is not likely to fall without a fierce struggle.
A statement from New Delhi reports that the Indian troops taking part in the Western Desert operations include men from all over the country,
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
BRITISH NAVY
ALEXANDRIA
BENGAS!
APUZZO
MATRUN
JAKABUR
ITALIAN
LIBYA-
FRENCH COLONIKS
BANGLO
SYRIA
(FR.)
ARABIA
EGYPTIAN
SOUDAN:
"
·PUBLIC OPINION IN BRITAIN ENCOURAGED BY U.S. AID MOVE
LONDON, Dec. 18 (British Wireless) Public opinion
in Britain has been deeply stirred and encouraged by the
aiding Britain which was
Successful
Fighting In General
LATEST GREEK COMMUNIQUE
"
日玖拾月弍拾年拾肆佰仟意英
WHY SUBMARINE PERIL IS GROWING
$
OCEAN
290m
Brist
Lorien
Distances in Nauties! Milan.
“NORTH
SEA
Distances which German submarines must travel from bases along the French seacoast in order to reach the shipping lanes, They are much shorter than during the World War when under- sca raiders had to go around northern Scotland or run the Bri- tish blockade in the Dover Straits,
t.
Single Copy: 10 cents.
Price Per Month: $3.00.
Shortage
Of Escort
Craft Is Now Being Remedied
LONDON, Dec. 18 (Reuter) -Combatting the U-boat menace does not in general present any novel or tech- nical problem as it did in the last war, it was stated in au- thoritative quarters in Lon- don, commenting on the latest figures of British ship- ping losses."
REINSTATEMENT OF was pointed out that the
LAVAL: MARSHAL
PETAIN THREATENED
The latest Greek communique says that there has been success- ful fighting in general and makes particular reference to the central front, says 庭 London
message. They were the first to at-
The reports add that the Greeks tack in the operations and are facing the bad weather much captured three Italian tanks better than the Italians,
In the coastal region, the Italian besides taking part in other raids. Their spirit and gal-resistance Is more stubborn, Tepe- lantry has aroused admira-l is still in enemy hands but is being shelled by Greek artillery' tion while under bombing from a height overlooking the attacks they remained per- town. fectly cool.
The Italians are reported to be President Roosevelt has sent a evacuating Chimara and Bologna message to the British Govern-is being heavily fortified. ment congratulating them on the
SEVERE WEATHER Severe winter weather has not The situation actually dis- cannot afford to allow Italy to be victory in the Western Desert.
prevented the Royal Air Force cussed concerned the rein-driven out of, the war or Musso- from dominating the air over statement of M. Laval as M. in to be criven out of power. and to prevent this, Hitler must. Albania One Aurelian pilot said that they very often ran into landin was reported to have have taken precautions
Already Nast agents have Hitler's pre-invasion methods of Infiltration which were so successful in Norway and Hof- land,
**This
The message says: victory adds P magnificent page to the annuals of Britain and will help to secure the
triamph of democracy."
STRONG PRESSURE
¿
It
sole problem is the shortage of escort craft which is now being remedied by an inflow of new naval construction and of 40. American des- troyers.
It was revealed in London yesterday that M. LAVAD
Although some of the latter are has left for Paris with Herr Otto Abetz, Herr Hitler's already in service, the number is emissary," says a London message.
probably still small as it is be M. Laval was received by Marshal Fetain after inter-lieved their armament is being vention by Herr Abetz, and it was officially stated that the general situation had been discussed.
a heavy snowstorm and the red been conveniently taken ill at glow of the exploding bombs hit the same time. British artillery, tanks and me-up the snow-covered ground.
Не added that neither the caanised units are closing in on Bardia and it was learned in Lon- Italians northe snow prevented don yesterday that strong British the attacks from being carried pressure in this sector is being out according to schedule, maintained with the idea of solat- ing and mopping up the town
The British forces are within reach of the coast roads by which the Italians will have w send re- inforcements and the British are repeating the encircling movement which they used in Sellam.
Bardia is a tougher nut to crack announced by PRESIDENT and it is heavily fortified. Never-
to
proved before being assigned to
escort duty.
The British Government has now- decided to increase the number of aircraft available for the defence of ses routes. British, losses are still only about half of those at the worst period of 1917 -arid heavy as the losses are, the fact that the Germans continue to exaggerate them-this week the Germans claim to have sunk nearly 250,000 tons, that is, more than twice the real total It is thought that Hitler. may shows that the sinkings are far use methods now to reach the from reaching the German ex- Mediterranean by the least devious route and unless the Italians move опе quickly they may wake up
The DAILY TELEGRAPH says morning to find that Italy has the lack of a sufficient number of become occupied territory and escorts of the right kind afloat that Mussolini has taken on the and aloft is the sole cause of the rank of a quisling.
heavy mercantile losses. This "means that Herz Hitler TROOPS THROUGH FRANCE Both the Navy and the Air Force expects Marshal Petain to yield
Hitler, however, will have to have been stretched out thin to vast distances and multi- EX-abjectedly to his demands. .' sed troops through France and cover
Informed circles express the this, together with the effect of plicity, demands.
As their numbers increase, adds
Compensation Scheme For Raid Victims
The Chancellor of the
There is no doubt that the German Fuehrer's emissary hemanded M, Laval's zein- statement and it is also cer- tain, that Herr Abetz thres- tened Marshal Petain that Germany would occnpy the whole of France unless M Laval was released from cus-« tody and that his policy of support for Germany should be carried out.
pectations.
-"SOLE" CAUSE
bold and sweeping change in American attitude towards than either Sollum, or Sidi Barran! chequer, Sir Kingsley Wood, an- ! ROOSEVELT, when at a Press conference last evening he/theless, the British troops have Bounced in the House of Commons | view that It is urgently, necessary the Italian reverses; might be Indicated that American resources would be at the service one big advantage as they are able yesterday a compensation scheme for Herr Hitler to force the Vichy opposed by the, French who are the Daily Telegraph, we may be bring reinforcements all the for those killed or injured by air Government to carry out a policy unfavourable to collaboration with confident that the revival of at- ralds, says a London message. of whole collaboration with Ger- Germany. It is, therefore, pos- tacks on "shipping will be defeated
the French leaders to as decisively as former assaults. of the British Government whether or not dollar funds time, while the only lifeline left to
According to the scheme, every many which M. Laval supported. sible for
¿titude to the Italians is the threatened road
person in Britain over the age of The reason for this urgency is take up a stiffer were available to pay for them.
to Tobruk.
15 years is to be insured free that the Italian position is caus Hitler but whether they will do rials, according to messages re being studied from the legal
this is left to be seen.
ceived here from Belgrade. The President's plan, as re-
Australian troops, who 'de-.
against death or injury by enemying Herr Hitler anxiety. point of view, with the ald
CANNOT AFFORD
While it is claimed that the which a person would extend
feated an Italian column at
action. ported in London, was reveal-
reports from a reliable source, it are and Indians midnight
THE TIMES, commenting on this if he lend a hose when his ed in a few graphic sentences
neighbour's home caught fire.
"playing a prominent part. The
new development, says that what- About 50,000 German troops are is not known whether the troopsTM and homely illustrations and
He would not say first that the
Australians are moving up to
ever anger or contempt Herr Hitler concentrated at Naples and Barlare intended for use in Libya or contemplates arrangements
"the front in lorries they cap-
may feel for Bigner Mussolini he with huge quantities of war mate-Albania, whereby the United States nose cost $15 and he wanted pay-
tured from the Italians. Government would take legalment for it. I after the fire was
The Free French forces are also
out the hose was in good order,
The scheme makes no dis tinction of the size of a. per- son's income and is based on the maximum of workmen's compensation.
A married man at work will get title to all future British would be returned with thanks.well to the fore and showed great 35 shillings and a married man not orders and loan or lease to If it were smashed or had got Britain. planes, ammunition, holes in it during the fire, the courage and dash in the final on-in employ or with a private in- ships or other material re-neighbour would be reminded that slaught against Sollum. Months of come will get 10s. 6d. if he is in it was not usable and he would bard training have made these hospital, one guinea in other cir. offer to replace it. quired.
The President compared the plan, which he said was still
-On Other- Pages
Pare
2 Soccer review; Valley rug- ger; RA. Cup polo tourney;" Crossword puzzle.
3 Radio programmes: Coming
events
5 Heavy RAF, raids on Ita- llan aerodromies; Immediate action by Government" de- manded.
5 Rice dealers complain
Round the Police Coarts; Bishop of Macao promoted; Chinese bazaar, vibali
8 Leaders Aid for, China;
Anglo-US. Tes.
8 Finance Committee: AFP.
Orders.
9. Nazis crush Belgian trade unionism: Co-ordination of colonial production.
10 Finance and Commerce.
"We want to get rid of the dollar sign and substitute for it
a gentleman's.. agreement," added President Roosevelt.
FORTHRIGHT STATEMENT This forthright statement has the greatest interest. in authorita- Cive circles in London. It is felt. that the President has cleared the ground by pointing out that the tundamental problem is not one of dollars but of actual munitious and that it is in America's interest to find ways of putting into Bri- tain's hands the necessary means for hastening the conclusion of the war.
BASIC BASIC REALITIES
NEW YORK; Dec 18 (Reuter)-
It is far better for the United
States to recográse candidly, and at once, that after a certain point war supplies to Britain must essentially and inevitably be a gift," declared the NEW YORK HERALD-TRIBUNE in a leader entitled "Lending & Fire Hose" in
which. Preddent Roosevelt's plan
to aid Britain is hailed as a "wel- come step in the direction of re- cognising the basle realities of the whole question.
.
Cont'd Page 7, Col. 4
| cumstance).
War
Today's War
Summary
LATEST REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE ITALIANS ARE re- treating from Bardia, which is now the centre of fierce fighting, to Derna,. There is no slackening in British pressure and the Royal Air Force are attacking Bardia day and night. President Roose-" velt has sent a message of congratulations to the British Govern- ment on the victory in the Western Desert
IT IS POINTED OUT IN LONDON THAT THE SOLE PROBLEM in combatting the U-boat meniace is the shortage of escort craft but this is being remedied by the inflow of new nayad co- struction and of 40 American destroyers.
50,000 NAZI TROOPS NEW YORK, Dec. 18 (Reuter
LULL IN AIR ATTACKS MOST SINISTER WARNING OF ALL
Reply To Beaverbrook's Statement
Commenting on the latest news in the International situation yesterday, MR, CYRIL LAKIN, B.B.C. commen-
"GLORIOUStator replied to Lord Beaverbrook's statement that the
BRITISH EMPIRE
British people had become over-confident.
Mr. Lakin said that Lord Beaverbrook had warned them about the serious threats they would have to face from Hitler in the next few months or possibly in the MONTEVIDEO, Des.. 45 (Reuter) next few weeks.
"In the meantime," said "Well, that is Lord Beaverbrook's THE BOLD AND SWEEPING CHANGE IN THE AMERICAN Toasting the prosperity of the British Empire," Dr. ATTITUDE towards aiding Britain has deeply stirred and en-"glorious couraged public opinion in Britain Mr. Roosevelt's statement is be- Guani, Foreign Minister, at a re- Mr. Lakin, here in Britain opinion and he is entitled to it, want to quality and I want to Mered to have put the whole question on a realistic basis.ception to the British Trade Mis-and particularly in London but as an ordinary Londoner. I FROM THE ALBANIAN FRONT IT IS STATED THAT THresion, said that all hoped for "a we have had a lull in the air say that we are not over-com- ITALIANS. under pressure by the Greeks, withdrew with losses in final and definite triumph of the attacks. This full appears to adent today and that we are just the direction of Kelcyre where dres appeared. On the rest of the moral and chivalrous virtues as to be the most sinister as conndent as we were a month
ways shown by the British people. warning of all front operations continued satisfactorily.
Speaking at the Chamber of Lord Beaverbrook with fear over-conndent, THE PLIGHT OF ITALY WHERE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIS- CONTENT are already manifest is the subject of a leading article Commerce lunch to the Mission, Mlessness, and frankness has told us in THE TIMES which remarks that the alighthearted mood of sum-Charlene, Vice President of Dru- we are over-confident. He did not mer and autumn has vanished as a result of the defeat in North guay, said the Uruguayans ym mince words about the did not Africa following upon that in Albania The paper says that in pathised with the ideals for which say we have a tendency or in
clination to be over-confident, but place of the much canvassed drives against Gibraltar or Constan- Britain is fighting,
Public enthusiasm for the Mis- what he said quite frankly was
that we are over-conndent. tinople Hitler may seek to reach the Mediterranean by a less de
ston la mabated. vious route.
I do not say we are
BIT TOO OFTIMISTIC When: night bombing WAS AL
worst, I myself confess thought we were a bit too optimis.
The danger made us a little Cont'd Page 7. Col. 3