HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
BRITAIN'S COMMAND OF SEA-POWER BEING BROUGHT HOME WITH FULL FORCETM
The war at sen is mostly a matter of routine opera- tions, which may occasionally develop into anything else." said LT.-COMDR. THOMAS WOODRUFFE, B.B.C. naval commentator, when he broadcast-from London on Sunday" on the work being done by the Royal Navy, laying parti- cular stress on the protection of convoys.
Comdr. Woodruffe declared damaged. This sort of work, es- that if the officer in charge of pecially in winter, was very diff- cult. The weather was hasy and the ships which escort a con-conditions for the loading and us voy was questioned on his loading of ships was by no means work, he would, perhaps, ad- easy. Thus, apart from the mit that it was pretty boring enemy, nature herself put up a at times, but he would natur-great many hazards that had to be ally emphasise how important
overcome.
It was to be ever ready for ed the B-Boats used by the Ger- Comdr, Woodruffe next describ emergencies.
DIFFICULT WORK Comdr. Woodruffe referred to a brief Admiralty communique which was issued recently on an attack by a convoy by German E-Boats The attack had falled and none of the ships in the convoy had been
Diredawa Is Occupied
Diredawa was occupied by South African forces on Saturday after- noon, states a London message.
This means that the vital raliway between Addis Ababa and Djibouti has been cut and last of the few linca of escape alosed to the Ita- Hans.
A. Nairobi
communique states i
that in East Africa in the Yavello. ares operations are proceeding ac- cording to plan.
CABLE
CRACK REINFORCEMENTS
FOR S'PORE GARRISON
the
SINGAPORE, Mar. $1 (Renter) → The first units of the Bri- tish Army and Royal Air Force to reach the Far East from United Kingdom since the war began, have arrived in Singapore This announcement was made yesterday by the C-in-C, Far East, Air Chief Marshal Sir. Robert Brooke-Popham. announcing add}. tional, reinforcements.
He added that the majority of the newcomers were of famous Indian regiments. The personnel, of the R.A.F. Includes some af include artery, infantry and mechanised units. Britain's crack fighter pilots while the British Army reinforcements
Moller Ship Pirated
it-
The Indian reinforcements clude Punjabis. Mussulmans, Raj- puts and Dogras as well as troops. from Indian states in both north! and south India.
After announcing the arrivals today. Air Marshal Brooke-Pop-, ham declared: "Our greatly - creased strength in the East is u mans for these attacks on ship MACHINE-GUN FIRE threat to no-one, but on the other ping. They were really known as
TO HALT
hand, it is a VESSEL
great stabilising fast boats. Some of them were built of wood and carried torpedo
force and influence for peace. Al and small armaments. Their tac-The arrival of the British 500-ton sent strong forces to
SHANGHAI, Mar 31 (Reuter)-ready India and Australia hav ties were to lie in walt in some coastal steamer. MARILYSE MOL- and they are continuing to play this area
been informed a convoy might be pirated of Halkow, a port in Puklen taining the status quo in the Fa part of the sea where they had LER, revealed that the vessel was a most important part in main- passing. When the convoy ar-province on Mar. 22, when every East." peared, they dashed out of the thing movable, including radio haze at high speed, fired their tor-equipment and weather instruments satisfaction to be able to record "It is cause for considerable pedoes and disappeared into the were stripped from the ship and that the situation in other the-
taken away.
tres of war is so favourable that In addition, 27 Chinese are re-forces from so far distant as ported to have been kidnapped and United Kingdom cart not only be several others wounded when the spared for service in this pirates opened machine-gun fire but can be transported safely in to halt the vessel.
spite of the concentrated sea. and
darkness.
"They have had their suc- cesses," contined Comdr. Woodrufe, "but not to the ex- tent they were expected to have. Night after night our men have to be on the alert, because one never knew when thesc E-boals would come roaring out of the darkness. If our gunners are not keyed up for such incidents. they might just as well be below decks in thelr hammocks,
FALSE SECURITY "When nothing happens for some
In three days, 441 European prl-time, it is liable to lull people into
a false sense of security. These convoys, of course, reach their ports safely and the escorting
the world."
the
are:
The piracy is said to have oc- air campaign waged against our curred shortly after almost 24-sea
communications throughout! hour detention by a Japanese war- ship for inspection. Between 20 and 30 pirates are said to have participated in the rald.
IONIAN SEA BATTLE
Continued from Page 1
BROADCAST WELCOME
- TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1941. —PAGE -
VERMOUTH
AMERDOUX de FRANCE
A PRODUCT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
NOW OBTAINABLE
EXCELLENT and INEXPENSIVE
CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO. LTD.
WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS
2, CHATER ROAD.
TELEPHONE NOS. 20075 & 30644.
Brest Docks Straddled
Many of the military reinforce- ments from Britain have seen service in this war and they are equipped with the latest British
A powerful force of RAF bomb- ers attacked Brest on Sunday night, materlay designed as a result of
The the lessons learned during the states a London. Assage. first year of warfare.
docks were straddled by medium; large and very large bombs.
קי
Slr Shenton Thomas, the Gov [ernor of Singapore, in a broadcast it is yesterday evening, greeted the "cordially and
soners, 317 African, ten heavy guns, three field guns, 15 machine-guns. three tractors, 19 lorries and a vessels look upon the matter as 4 reply was received and considerable quantity of assorted merely another Incident in their possible that some of these men reinforcements war material have been captured.usual work."
In Eritrea, British troops are ap-
may have been saved.
proaching Asmara, the capital,
RAF
EDEN AND DILL
IN ATHENS
ENEMY SIGHTED
"
INDIAN CEREMONY
Calais was also attacked by a smaller force of bombers.
All our aircraft returned safely. Air activity over Britain on Sun- at day night was on a small scale.
range guns opened fire across the the
Yesterday morning German long-
Straits of Dover but no damage or casualties were reported.
gratefully." Comdr. Woodrufe related an in-
Hundreds or indians were cident reported by a correspondent which was heavily raided by the who travelled with a convoy. They cribing the action, stated that on Indian reinforcements of troops.
The Admiralty communique, des-the. dockside to welcome had not met any enemy surface Thursday air reconnaissances re-who appeared extremely ft. craft or bombers, but some recon- ported sighting enemy warships naissance planes had appeared and one of these was promptly shot the British Fleet sighted a battle-
steering east. down.
On Friday morning
An object of special note on the ship of the Littorio class, accom- deck of one-transport was TS- "This may be just an incident." panted by cruisers, south-west ofverently guarded. the "Granth sald Comdr. Woodruffe. "but it is Crete, and two battleships, with Sahik" (the sacred Scriptures of Mr. Eden, the British Foreign membered that these ships go sail this position. The
news for all that when it is recruisers and destroyers north of the Hindus), which was escorted Secretary, and Gen. Sir John Dilling along In enemy waters or in awere travelling at high speed and
enemy ships ashore with due ceremony. Chief of the Imperial General sea which Signor Mussolini boast- Staff, have arrived back in Athens, ed would be as full of submarines were gradually veering westward states a London message. They as a dog is of fleas.
At this stage, Greek naval will consult with leaders of the
units took up strategic · posi- Greek Government and the aim of conversations will be prevention of the extension of war in the Bal- kans;
STRIKE SITUATION IN U.S.
Pennsylvanja.
"Our ability to control the Mediterranean is the result of efficiency and complete ascep→ dancy of morale. This news is not handed to you on a plate. It is the result of hard training In peace time and of the re- solute and inspired leadership and centuries of tradition,
"In other words, it is the re- sult of our navy having been, and being, what it is-the best in the world," declared Comdr. Woodruffe.
LATEST SUCCESSES The speaker next referred to the
by Fleet Air Arm torpedoes and Libya."
MATSUOKA IN ROME
In his broadcast, Sir Shenton Thomas said it was good to know Commenting on Mr. Matsuoka's that in Malays there was "the arrival in Rome yesterday for talks same happy combination of Br with Signor Mussolini and Count tions in support of the British. tish: Australian and Indian units Ciano today, a message from Syd- The Littorio type battleship was which a few weeks ago had des- ney. referring to the attempt by
the Italian armies soon the object of repeated attacks troyed
in the Nazis to persuade the Japanese Foreign Minister to make his war- He welcomed them. he said, ships available to the Germans, speed being considerably reduced. because "we wish for peace and added, "It may be expected now Meanwhile the R.A.F. came into strength is the insurance of peace that Mr. Matsuoka will think hard the attack and several hits were We have no desire to attack others and long before committing his scored on cruisers and destroyers but we will and can defend ur-country to any such proposal" their loss of speed enabling the selves." British to keep the enemy ships; within target range.
she was seriously damaged, her
DEVASTATING EFFECT
The Warspite's first attack on the Fiume had a devastating effect and the Italian ship was soon t The
NEW YORK, Mar. 31 Reuter- The strikes in the various Urited States defence Industries, show some improvement. "It is also an- nounced that a settlement has been reached In the Bethlehem Steel Compaty's works at Johnston, latest British success against the up with a violent red flame.
Italian fleet. The fact that there whole scene was lit up with gun- C.1.0. (Congress of Industrial were no details given in the first are and then darkness get in. Organisations) workers at a meet report of the engagement was be- ing in Chicago agreed to return to use 2 commander pursuing work immediately at four Interna- fleeing Italian ships would : tional Harvester Company factories have time to give a long story to which have been closed for eight the public. weeks.
"
RESISTING NAZI PRESSURE
SOVIET PAPER ON
JAPANESE OIL RUMOURS
Rumours are current in Macao that the Japanese Government are demanding oil concessions in the
CHINA WAR Fortuguese Island of Timor, south-
Among the survivors was: Capt.
west of the Celebes. The Port- MOSCOW, Mar. 31 (Central)-guese gunboat Goncalo Velha left Admiral Cantoni, commanding the China, the RED STAR, the Soviet ago, it is reported. Despist, of the Italian cruiser Pola. Commenting upon the Italian 8-inch cruiser squadron, is Army organ, said today that the
war in Macao for Timor about two weeks
missing..
Japanese seem to have turned their The survivors were landed at attention to the South China frent
during the current year.
The recent Japanese landing in
"At the same time it has been announced that HMS. Formid- able, a sister ship of the aircraft- į Athens. carrier lustrious, is now operat- fing with the fleet under Admiral
WHOLESALE
Cunningham," said Comdr. Wood Mr. Attlee And The Kwangtung in the opinion of the BANK ROBBERY
ruffe. "It will be a valuable addi- tion to our Mediterranean
strength.
Post-War World
"
paper must be viewed with more significance than previous landinged from Norway, the Germans had
According to latest word receiv but the Chinese were able to put up to January first of this year- "With their bases, placed as they
LONDON, March 31 (Reuter)-up strong resistance to check their taken the sum of one billion three are, the Italians can rely on their Looking ahead to the day when
Ladvance northward and their hundred and fortyfive million From Oslo reports have just We have had to take our aero- peace, Mr. C. R. Attlee, Lord Privy
aircraft to support her whole fleet. Britain will have won the war and counter-onepsive was successful.
crowns from the Bank of Norway, leaked out to the effect that dromes round with us so we have Beal speaking in Glasgow yester-
ENDED IN FAILURE Norwegian police forces
are built aircraft carriers. Japan, the day, predicted that in the
Referring to the Japanese re-amount of plundered money total- Two weeks later, Jan, 15, the courageously striving to resist Nazi United States and Germany are world, war would be abolished and said that the Japanese plan to eighty-two million crowns, not new verses in Central China, the paper er one billion, four hundred and usurpation of power and to pro-the only other navies in the world the shameful blot of poverty in complete the occupation of the counting the value tect the civil poputation from Nazi which have aircraft-carriers, brutality.
"Our submarines in the Mediter-moved.
the midst of plenty would be re- Pelping-Bankow Raliway had end-quantities of requisitioned mater- of large "In December the Oslo. police ranean, are taking a steady toll of
ed in failure. It suspected that als broke up a aght between Storm enemy shipping. Italy had only
"We have to endeavour to free the Japanese might be contemplat- Some idea of what this means Troopers and citizens, but one three-million tons of merchant people from the bondage of fearing a fresh offensive in the Ichan to Norwegian economy policeman was killed in retaliation shipping and when Signor Musso fear of destruction either by war sector in Hupeh, judging by their grasped from the fact that the by the troopers,
lini declared war, a certain number or by want. These are the two present troop movements there. And on Dec. 15 the puppet, regime of these vessels had to run into things which have oppressed the The paper pointed out that the state during the last year of nor- entire budget of the Norwegian ordered Oslo police to acknoweldge neutral ports and since the war people of the twentieth century." the superior authority of the quite a number of his merchant
Chinese Air Force had grown con mal times was about seven hun siderably and had staged terrific dred million crowns, Storm Troopers in downtown areas. ships have been bombed and the
raids over Japanese bases, aero- Several days later a new order Greeks have sunk several trans- made it obligatory for Norwegian ports in the Adriations A
dromes and other military oblec Hyes. policemen to use a Nazi salute, "Ir this continues, Signor Mus80-
SHANGHAI, Mar; 31 (Reuter)— Between 70 and 80 officers im- lini might and himself very short Jack Riley, the gambling "Eing." mediately turned in their resigna- of ships to transport troops, If the was yesterday sentenced to 18 tlons, while an additional hundred Germane look to him for ships to months' imprisonment in Menell men refused to go on duty when send him reinforcements in Africa. Laland,
they learned of this latest order All policemen who dared protest against the required salute were
threatened with two months? im-
prisonment.
RILEY GAOLED
:
Can be
EASTER
NOVELTIES AND EGGS
CHOCOLATE
BUNNIES
OWLS
CHICKENS
DOLLS
"
Fancy
DUTCH SHOES
ETC.
Presentation Fruit & Canned Goods Baskets. Made to order
at short Notice.
China Emporium, Ltd.
[Grocery Dept. ]
MOTOR MISHAPS AGED COUPLE HURT Alighting from a bus while in An aged couple were seriously In- aged 42, was removed to the Kow-when they ran across Castle Peak motion, a woman, Leung Sam, jured yesterday about 7.20 p.m. loon Hospital in a serious condiRoad, near the Precious Blood tion According to a Police report, Hospital, and were knocked down the accident occurred in Kimber~ by a bus driven by Wong Ful. Both ley Road on Sunday.
ware admitted to Kowloon Hos pital
JUNK COLLISION
A collision occurred between
MR. CLARENCE GAUSS Walle driving a car along PCBEN Nathan Road at 9.15 pm, on Sun- CHUNGKING, Mar 31 (Reuter day, opposite the Blue Taxi Com- TOKYO, Mar 31 (Heuter)-Mr. Chinese dispatch from pany's garage, Mr. J. G. Campbell, Masatsune Ogura, a member of the Washington reports that Mr. Car of No. 149 Waterloo Road, knocked Royal Navy patrol vessel and In passing sentence, Judge Mil- House of Peers and managing di-rence Gauss, the new Ambassador down an elderly Chinese nian, who junk of Stanley on Saturday ton Helmick added the recommen- rector of the Sumitomo Company to China is scheduled to leave had dodged from one side to an- night. The craft was waterlogged dation that Riley's sentence be re-la entering the Cabinet as Minister Washington early in April by other. The man refused to give but the 16 Chinese on board were to the Azis partners,” conclud-duced to 12 months provided his without Portfolio, states a semi-clipper for Hongkong, then pro his name and address and to go to rescued. There were no~~ CARURI- ed Comdr Woodruffe
fbehaviour in prison is good
oficial Japanese report.
ceening by air to Chungkingdek hospital
"In the meantime, the com-
mand of sea-power is being brought home with full force