PAGE 4-HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
FRENCH BATTERIES FIRE ON BRITISH WARSHIPS Deplorable Convoy Incident In The Mediterranean
LONDON. Mar. 31 (Reuter) - An eldent in which French shore batteries in Algiers opened fire on some British light naval forces is related in an official communique issued by the Admiralty.
It states: "Reports have been received that a convoy
of four merchant ships, escorted by French destroyers. Was due to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar and that the convoy carried im- portant war material for Germany,
"Accordingly orders were given for the intercepting of the con- vay which however, passed through the Straits within -Spanish ter- ritorial waters.
to
GENERAL
Vatican Radio GERMANS & ITALIANS And Religion And Religion LEAVING YUGOSLAVIA In The Reich
LONDON, March 31 (Reuter)-- A call to Catholic Germany to awake und face the pagan ten- ¡dencies which the Nazi regime is spreading throughout the Reich und occupled territory was made in a broadcast by the Vatican wire less pesterauy.
..
The announcer declared that the religious situation in Germany Was highly unsatisfactory and condemned the Nazi attitude to the Church in outspoken terms.
The threat of state religion hung over all religious life in these ter- ritories.
Nazi Propagandists Busy On
he
The
TUESDAY, APRIL
RIGHT Label is
Alleged Atrocity Incidents "White Label
LONDON, March 31 (Reuter)-Réports from Söfla Indicate movements of German heavy artillery from the south to the north via the Kinajevo road through the suburbs of, Sofia, according to the Istanbul correspondent of the independent French agency. The correspondent adds that German police are also carrying out passport control of passengers at Gelengrad. on the 'Balro-Turkish frontier.
All German broadcasts last night gave prominence to reports of alleged anti-German “incidents in Yugoslavia, and it is point ed out in London that these reports closely follow the lines of the atrocity" campaigns preceding the invasion of Czechoslova- kia and Poland.
"Our forces caught up with the that she should attack. British French ships after they had leit forces at the very time when the Spanish territorial waters and British Navy is engaged In des-
The announcer said that tec called upon them to stop so that troying the warships of France's turers, teachers and propagandists the normal procedure of visit and jenemy, Italy."
Inculcate pagan principles into Extra military classes were call- sent to Belgrade on behalf of the search might be carried out.
Moreover, the French action.
German youth, who are deprived fed up last night, states a message Croats has returned to Zagreb "The French batteries. In the as seen here, appears to be par- of proper religious instruction.` from Belgrade. It is announced where he immediately conferred vicinity then opened fire "on our ticularly untimely when Britain Even in schools where the priest that this action is a precautionary with Matcher. strips notwithstafiding that they has indicated her willingness 1 in theory admitted, he often measure to increase the defensive were engaged in exercise of
A Belgrade cur fabrogate her International rightfinds the door closed to him:
telegram to the forces watching the frontiers legitimate belligerent rights. His to the extent of allowing passage
official Italian agency tells of the A fifth batch of Itellan civiliana arrests of pro-Axis journalists, in- Majesty's ships were compelled to lot certain foodstuffs in order to
left by express for Milan on Satur cluding Gregorich, the Director reply in their own defence and relieve the sufferings in unoccu- hits were observed on the shore pied France caused by German
or" the Pro Axis Except for diplomats and journ"Vreme."
newspaper battertex
alists. It is stated that most Ger-" News from Yugoslav sources mans and Italians here will have Belgrade emphasised that popular. left by Tuesday,
MERCHANTMEN ESCAPE |
rapacity.
FRENCH VERSION
"In view of the action taker VICHY, Mar. 31 Reuter) --- The by the French batteries our war-French version
of the Anglo-
ships would have been fully just-French convoy incident says: fed in firing on the French mer-considerable British chantmen and
their
escort but attacked at 9
"A
naval force a.m. yesterday French territorial
In the interests of humanity did morning in not do so and the merchant ships waters between Nemours and Oran succeeded in entering the nearby French port of Nemours.
"During the return of our forces
to Gibraltar they were twice at-French destroyer.. tacked by French bomber forma-
casualties."
CARGO OF RUBBER
of rubber.
ot
re-
safe and un-
that the
of
com-
INTENSE R.A.F. day night
ACTIVITY IN
· AFRICA
Shipping In Tripoli Harbour Bombed
main station
MSK az
rea
enthusiasm is being kept strictly within the limits of order and dis-
ENVOY RECALLED ANKARA, Mar. 31 (Reuter)-Theipline. Yugoslav Ambassador to Turkey
eft for Belgrade last events recaled by his government for
The Simovitch Government 1, dealing with current business,
It is understood that he has been particularly the budget.
consultation.
- ..
from
UN
says
a convoy nt four French merchant
STATUS OF CROATIA CAIRO. Mar. 31 (Reuter)-The
VICHY, Mar. 31 ships bound from Casablanca
(Reuter)--Dr. Oran under an escort of a single raided by British bombers during to important harbour of Tripoll wes
FRONTIER CLOSED
Matchek, the Croat leader and LONDON, March 31 (Reuter)-
first Vice-Premier of the new the night of "The convoy tock shelter in the Bombs tell
Friday-Saturday. The German radio last right re-
Yugoslav Cabinet, is expected to tions without suffering damage or port of Nemours under the pro- other objectives
among shipping and ported that the frontier between return to Pelgrade from Zagreb tection of its escort. naval store
Yugoslavia and Styria (Austria) Tuesday. according to a Bel- batteries and aircraft which
The story is told in an RAF has been closed by the Yugoslav 872de dispatch to the Vichy news It was revealed in London last plied to the fire of the aggressors yesterday. It states:
¡Middle East Communique.. issued authorities.
agency. night that at least one
He has been away Germans living in Croatia have the and drove them off.
"Italian East Africa. There was been asked to leave the country Thursday and has not yet formally the tour French ships challenged by
"The convoy is
capital, since the coup d'etat further intensive activity by the says the official German news indicated his acceptance of office British naval units in the Mediter harmed."
RAF in the ranean was carrying a cargo of It is also claimed
agency. The first. special train rubber, and Germany is very short cargo of the merchantships con Saturday, in the town itself, the with sume 800 Germans left yester as Vice-Fremter in the Simovitch
cerned consisted solely
buildings, trucks, day evening. Another train leaves Cabinet, but the despatch It is stated in authoritative modities and products destined to sidings, and motor transport part early, this morning.
that he has now agreed in princi- circles that at least one of these supply the native population of were repeatedly hit and severely Not only Italian Journalists but ple to participate in the new gov- ships sailed from
transport Bangkok with Algeria, namely. rice, sugar, bar-damaged. Mutor
and Italians generally are beginning that there will be no
ernment on receiving assurances rubber which would inevitably find ley, etc.
troops on the roads in the same leave Yugoslavia, according to the the status of Croatia which
change in Its way across the Rhme.
area. were heavily bombed, and latest reports from Rome, adds the "INCOMPREHENSIBLE" ATTACK. Britain, it is stated. has always "All evidence and the
machine-gunned. Many vehicles German agency,
granted a measure of autonomy J fully maintained her rights under followed by the "ships along the damaged
route were destroyed
1939. and others International Law to search ships Algerian coast goes to show that
ANTI-AXIS TENDÊNCY LONDON, March 31 (Reuter)~~ suspected of carrying contraband it was a transaction between two squadron took part in the raid on agreed to by Yugoslavia ati Vienna
"Aircraft of the Free French "A return destined for Germany and it has French possessions. long been notorious that French on the convoy cannot
The attack an enemy excampment between no longer seems possible for the 1 merchantmen have been carrying be explained by the necessities of tary buildings were demolished by Budapest despatch to the official
therefore uondär and Asmara where mill- Simovitch government," declares to French metropolltan ports blockade the object of which is direct hits. various materials a high proporto prevent cargoships taking food tion of which are immediately supplies to belligerent countries."
IN LIBYA appropriated by Germany.
The communique procceds "Libya.-During the night of contend that the British "attack" March 28-29, Royal Air Force It is considered here to be a was entirely unjustified and "in- bombers raided the harbour of strange reflection of French policy comprehensible."
Tripoll Large bombs were observ ed to fall among the shipping and others were seen bursting between the wireless station and the main electric power station.
“Albania-Three successful of
STRANGE POLICY
CHINA WAR:
to
were
Was
to the line of policy INVASION PORTS
German news agency. It adds declare, on the basis of informa tian obtained from Belgrade, that ¡"measures adopted by the government are assuming a more Pronounced anti-Axia tendency."
that political circles in many
n+w
"Trresponsible fanatics" have! caused this, declares the agency which adds. "A grave impression was made by the fight of bear
JAPANESE DIVISION COMMANDER fensive reconnaissances were made slavia to Rumania
KILLED IN N.
yesterday against the Albanian
KIANGSI BATTLE vllages of Berat, Dukal
CHUNGKING, Mar. 31 (Central)
Dukati.
sants of German origin from Yugo.
W
ATTACKED
Fierce Fires Raging In Calais, Dunkirk
LONDON, Mar. 31 (Reuter) -German invasion ports along 'the Channel were heavily at- tacked by R.A F. bombers after dnsk last night. Explosions were heard from the British side. and tires were -seen in the direction of Calais.
Earlier during daylight, frequent patrols of RAF fighters were ZAGREB DEMONSTRATIONS and
seen over the Straits or Dover, The German radio reports anti-flying across the Channel, towards - the battle of Kings. the aircraft returned safely."
"From these operations, all our Italian demonstrations on Satur the French coast.
day night la Zagreb, the capital Chinese forces have scored a
Nothing was seen of any Ger- of Croatia but on the other hand man sircraft from the Kent coast smashing victory over the Japan- ese, declared the spokesman of the
the agency reports. "perfect order except for one bomber which was NEW YORK, Mar, 31 (Reuter) and quiet" in Zagreb where leaders driven off. National Military Council in a Having concluded hla holiday of the Croat peasant party are press interview yesterday. Among cruise on the Presidential yacht, conferring on the situation under the casualties suffered
The RAF's swoop ori Germán by the Putomac, President Roosevelt yes the presidency of Dr. Matchek. Japanese was one division com- terday left by train for Washing-
Invasion ports along the French Brisbane, -Appointment of amander.
The Rau (Governor) of Croatia coast last night was intensive and according to Japanese ton. Royal Commission to investigate captives. Three Japanese divisionis
Mr. Spubaehitch; whom Matchek | heavy. RAAF. administration was urged participated in the recent abor
Watchers on the British side of at the annual delegate meeting of tive offensive in northern Kiangs!
the Channel had an excellent: the Australian Workers' Union.
view, the spokesman revealed. "
Advancing tri three routes, the
R.A.A.F... CONTROL ATTACKED
Mr. C. G. Fallon, branch secre-
tary, said destruction of
FIVE ITALIAN WARSHIPS
conndence in those controlling the northern column was intercepted SUNK IN IONIAN BATTLE
ן,
AIR MINISTER MAX ACT
173
LONDON, March 31 (Beater)-It is officially confirmed that three Italian cruisers, the Flume, Pola and Zara, have been sunk as well as a large enemy deströyer and a smaller destroyer. There" were no British casualties.
Later news of the naval and air battle in the Brediterranean show that Britain has struck the greatest blow of the war at sea. Five Italian warships three cruisers and two destroyers-: have been sent to the bottom without a single casualty or the
lightest damage to the British fleet.
INTENSIVE ` RAID
Bomb and gun fashes could be seen along the entire coast from Calais to Dunkirk and clouds above Calals were soon coloured by the glare of Berce fires whic the thud of many explosions could be clearly heard.
PATROL VESSEL SUNK LONDON; Mar 31 (Renter) With a single bomb, a Coastal | Command Blenheim yesterday sank a German anti-submarine, vessel of the Estuary of Lotre.
The bomb struct the ship for
Air Force, as a result of numerous at the early stage of the campaign crashes, was viewed with concern and thrown back with losses, while by the union
the central and southern columna Every time an Air Force machine Pushed forward and penetrated crasfied, some family went through to areas northeast of Shangkao, what his family did when his son southwest of Kaoan and the south- was killed in a crash at Cootam-ern bank of the Chin River, where undra three years ago.
they have been dispersed, cut up He was afraid bungling was and heavily decimated going on in the Air Force. The Surrounded by the Chinese deaths of xix men at the week-end these areas since March 22, the
The news of Admiral Sir Andrew; among her armament and her ward of the bridge, says the Air might have been unavoidable. But spokesman continued. the Japan- Cunningham's operations is desenmplement was 705 officers and Ministry News Service. the public was entitled to know ase have made repeated attempts/cribed briefly in the following ratings. if that was so.
to escape the Chinese encirclement communique lesged by the Ad
There was a terrific explosion All the three eruisers were of and the ship caught are and was but so far have been frustrated. miralty yesterday evening.
10,000 tons Up to Saturday, the majority of The Commander-in-Chief, Me
seen to be sinking rapidly. Speaking from Albury on his way the Japanese cornered there have diterranean, reports that no cas-was completed in 1996 and had a SPITFIRE DESTROYS to Sydney to attend a meeting of been liquidated, while the rem-ualties or damage were sustained War Cabinet, the Minister for Airmants numbering (Mr. McEwen) sald he would exam thousand men are struggling to the recent operation.
sevcin by His Majesty's ships throughout
NAZI BOMBER ine Mr. Fallon's statement fully and
The Maestrale had similar arm- RECADE,
LONDON, Mar 31 Reuter)-- make a decision on it.
AIRCRAFT MISSING amers but her displacement was Only three German hombera ven- The battlefield is strewn with "Some of our aircraft are, how- 1,500 tons, Japanese
tured over the British coast in dead, the spokesman ever, not accounted for. Turther stated. Most of the bodies So far, it is confirmed that the
SURVIVORS IN GREFUE daylight yesterday, one of them ATHENS, Mar 31 (Rënter! crashing near Middlesbrough, "shot" are minus one hand which, ac-following Italian warships have Burvivors have been landed at down by a Spitfire patrol cording to Japanese captives, nas heen sunk the eight-inch cruisers Piraeus from three Italian ships
All the crew were killed:" LONDON, Mar. 31 (Reuter) been cut off and taken away as Plume, Pola and Zara: the larger sank in the Eastern Mediterranean London had no air raid warning "The remaining property in Ru-identification of the men killed in destroyer Vincenzo Coberto: and by British warships
mania belonging to Madame Lu- action.
the destroyer. Maestrale
LUPESCU PROPERTY.
CONFISCATED
over
pescu. who is accompanying ex- War booty Including field pieces, King Carol to Chile, has been con-machine-guns, rifles and ammuni fiscated, says a Bucharest message tion have been captured by the to the German news agency. Chinese, the spokesman added.
The destroyer, Vincenzo Globerw isplacement of 1,700 fous and a complement of 157.
The The Italian
cruisers
up to a late hour last night. A single German raider dropped. Turther details are awaited." Hume, Pola and Zara, and one but caused no damage or casual- some bombs in south-east Scotland Italian destroyer are represented among these survivors. They were brought in by a Greek destroyer.
$ 20,000-TONNERS VA The Flume, which was heavy Armed, carried eight 8-inch gun
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