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The Hongkong Telegraph
(ESTABLISHED
1881.)
Copyright 1917, by the Proprietor.
WEATHER FORECA.
FAIR
Barometer 30.0%
December 17, 1917,
7831 ㄗ四和月一十
SINGLE COPY 10 CENTE
$36› PËR ANNUM,
Temperature Humidity
8.m. 59
66
Temperature 6 m.
80
69
December 17, 1916,
55.2-jam. 63
Humidity
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17,
1917.
一拜後 七十月二十英港香
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS,
REUTER'S. TELEGRAMS.
THE WESTERN FRONT.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
RUSSIA AND GERMANY.
Armistice Terms Agreed To.
"London, December 16.
According to a message from Fetrograd, the Bolshevik Agency states, under date of the 16th instant, that Russia and Germany have agreed on terma for an armistios.
"A Concession of Little Value.
London, December 18.
FURTHER PROGRESS IN PALESTINE.
Advance on Five-Mile Front.
London, December 16. line north-east of Jerusalem and took 140 prisoners.
A Palestine (ficial messsge atates:We further extended our
London, December 16.
A Palestine semi-official messaga sayu:-We advanced on the left and centre yesterday north-saat of Ludd, on a five mile front, to Banter's correspondent at Petrograd says the Secretary of the position. We occupied Kəbbish, Ahibaaneh, Khalbornat and the
■ maximum depth of one mile and a half. There was little ope Maximalist armistic plenipotentiaries telegrapha that the enemy ridge overlooking El Tireb. Our seroplanes dropped fifty-air bombs delegates have agreed to discontinue the arrangements for on motor-boat sheds and troops at the month of the Jordan, with transferring more troops from the Eastern to the Western Fronts. good effect. There were twenty-four hits. Over much importance is not attached to this step, as the enemy
has probably completed the desired arrangements.
Armistice to Last Tili January 14.
Londen, Desember 18.
▲ Gerusa official wireless message states:-The armistice -signed at Brontlitsrak yesterday begins on December 17 and ends os Jazasry 14, unless a werk's notice is given. It continues automatically and extends to all land, air and, asyl forces of eemman fronts. Pesos negotiations will begin immediately.
Military Operations to Cease.
London, December 18. A Bassian official wireless message states that General Krylenko hae isened a proclamation that an Armistice Treaty has been signed and that it is proposed to cease all military operations until the fall
tart in received.
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RUSSIAN AFFAIRS.
Reported Escape of the Ex-Tsar.
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London, December 16. Renter's correspondent at Petrograd, writing on December 15, maye that's meeting of the Ismsilovsky and Petrogradsky Regiments resolved on the immediate removal of the ex-Taar "With Alice and family" to Kronstadt or the St. Peter and St. Paal fortress and the cancellation of all privileges. While the meeting was in progress a report was circulated that the "ex-Tear had secaped. The report is not confirmed.
Some Rowdy Happenings,
London, December 16,
THE FIGHTING IN ITALY,
Fierce Battle Contiques.
London, December 16,
An Italian official message states:-The battle between the Brenta and the Piste continues fiercely. The enemy launched a me attack yesterday afternoon. Our counter-cfensive, aiming at lightening the precaure, twice reached the summit of Monts Perticis. The enemy throat was most violent at Col Caprile and south of Col Dallaberetta. Our counter-attack completely repaised the assault with heavy losses. The enemy re-attacked to reach Col Caprile, but we firmly held the positions & little to the rear. We twice repaleed strong attacks at the head of the Monte Solarolo
sal`ent.
A German Claim.
A German wireless oficial message states:--We have taken
London, December 16. three thousand prisoners during the last few days between the Brents and the Piave.
Flooded Country.
London, December 16., Beater's correspondent with the French Army in Italy, describing the artillery defence of the belt of Venice, which la entirely a naval affair, states:-A vast stretch of country bounded by the Aist and Piave has been flooded in order to check the Austrians. The enemy can never pass. High-banked roads and farm houses alone remain above the water. Some of these farm houses are held by Austrians and others by Italians, and each seeks Meetings of most of the units in Petrograd Garrison sided alone comparable to the dismalness of this wintry battlefield. The to destroy enemy-held farma. The awful desolation in Flandern is with the People's Commissioners and Soviet against the Constituent Italians have a formidable stray of artillery, which is superior to Assembly in ite present form. Attempts of members of the that of the Austrians, on this part of the front. The Italians have Constituent Assembly to meet at Tearida Palace have been floating batteries which they work hard during the nights, abandoned since the sailors expelled them. Bed Guards broke up frustrating the enemy's attempt to constract-field works and lay a meeting of the Union Defence and Constituent Assembly. Forty streats were made. There were uproarious scenes at the Peasants bridges of boats
60T099 the Piave, The correspondent Congress between mupporters and opponents of the Constituent says the statues at Venice have been bricked up and the historic Assembly. The demolition of wine stores in Petrograd continues, has been done. Most of the shops are closed, while the gondolas buildings sandbagged. So far, only slight seroplane bomb damage accompanied by orgise and considerable shooting.
hava vanished. Only a thousand out of 150,000 Venetians remain. A German Story.
stormed positions south of Col Caprile, taking several hundred
London, December 16. A Garman official wireless messages states:-The Austrians prisoners.
No State Religios.
London, December 16. Beater's correspondent at Petrograd says the People's Commissioners are shortly issuing a Decree separating the Church from the State and providing for the coufication of Obaroh lands and the surrender by the ecclesintios of rich canonicala and ornaments, also the abolition of the clergy's privileges.
"GERMANY'S PEACE OVERTURE,
The Allies' Unavaillog Efforts,
London, December 16.
THE FIGHTING IN FRANCE.
Mora Local Operations,
London, December 17. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, in a communique, atates Lord Robert Cecil has informed Beuter that what purports to We suposefully raided north of Ballecourt this afternoon, destroy- We completely repulsed a local attack last night east of Ballecourt. be the German reply to Mr. Balfonz's statement in Parliament, ing dog-outs and capturing prisonera. Parteguess troops else regarding the German pesce overture in September, is quite where took a few prisoners in patrol encounters. The local fighting true. Following the lead of President Wilson, Great Britain has in the neighbourhood of the Polderecek Chateau presents an hoe continually endeavouring to discover what are Germany's war unchanged eitustion. There is considerthe hostile artillery firing sims and has repeatedly endeavoured to get this information by in the neighbourhood of Hargicsart and Flesquieres, between means of Ministerial speeches, bat; ap to the present, have been Gavrelle and Leas, and also at Passchendaele. aaaacoessful. It is, however, utterly antrae to suggest that any private saquiries have been addressed to the enemy with the
owledge of the British Government.
AFTER THE WAR.
German Alarms Regarding Raw Materials.
London, December 16.
--There is evidence that Germany is becoming seriously alarmed at the prospect of not obtaining raw materials after the war, for which she admits her dependence on foreign countrier," particularly Bagland. The Esses paper Lokal. Anzigër- threstene the non- wisdrawal of U-boats.
German Prisoners Captured.
London, December 18.. Field Marabel Sir Douglas Baig reports:-We captured prisoners and a machine-gun during night patrol encounters' south of Cambrai.
German Attack Repulsed.
"
London, December 16.
at Chaume Wood. The sassilants were dispersed by French fire.
A Paris commanique state:—A German attack was repulsed
The French Front.
London, Desember 16.
A French communique states:-There is fairly great reciprocal Admiral von Tirpits, speaking in Berlin, declared that of the Meuse, notably in the action of La Chambreites. An artillery activity between the Aiane and the Oise, on the right bank conditions would be imposed gasracteeing the now lacking raw attack in Champagne weit of Mont Cornillet broke down. Five materials.
the earth, German aeroplanes were brought down and three othere crashed to
A German Report,
According to Realer's correspondent at Amsterdam, Admiral von Tirpits, speaking at Hamburg, reiterated that Great Britain had at present won rather than lost; therefore, a pesce based on the status quo ante bellum was cut of the question. Another factor for consideration was the sore building of the Channel Tunnel after the war. Be expressed his continued confidence in submarinism.
Speaking in Berlin, Admiral von Tirpits said Germany must retain Flanders, Antwerp, Gatend, Zeebrugge and certain French territory, and also take Calsis and Boulogne. He said America waI their deadliest enemy, despite the tonnage scarcity,
GENERAL ALLENBY DECORATED.
London, December 16: General Allenby has been decorated with the Grand Cross of Order of St. Michael and St. George.
BRITISH AERIAL MISHAPS.
London, December 16. The Admiralty announces that a British airship of the non-rigid type, with a crew of fiva, which proceeded on patrol on December 11 from an East Coast base, has not returned and it is believed that it has been destroyed by a hostile Leaplane in the southern part of the North Son. A second airship of a similar type was forced to descend, mylland Da December 12-awing to the failure of the engine.
f
London, December 16.
lives to the park at Poldersoek Chatean. English attacks at A German official wireless meage atatea:-We advanced our Monneby and Ballesourt failed.
BRITISH DESTROYER SUNK.
London, December 16.
An Admiralty sunquocement states that a British destroyer was Bank on December 12 after a collision. Two men are missing.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS,
AIR REPRISALS,
London, December 15. Lord Rothermers speaking at a banquet to Mr. Lloyd George said: We are whole heartedly in favour of air re- prisals to avenge the murder of innocent women and chil- dren. We shall strive for a complete and satisfying retalia tion. Our output of machines had increased most satis factorily and at the present rate of proggens it will not be long before the criticism of the Air-Ministry, Terp silenced
fizi
The Man Power Question.
London, December 15. Bouter's correspondent at the British Headquarters tates: The quiet continues on the Cambrai front, al- though the dry, clear and cold weather favours active operations. Referring to the transfers of German troops from the eastern front the correspondent, points out, firstly that the Germans have not been sending their best troops to the eastern front for long time, secondly, they have been freely milking the eastern front for the western front, and thirdly, the moral of the eastern front men is probably not unaffected by fraternisation and the absence of fighting. Hence it is questionable if the fighting value of easter front men is really so very high. I do not wish to minimise the situation which may arise from a Russian peace, but my confidence in our army to deal sxcessfully with the warst the Huns can do remains absolutely unimpaired. The enemy's small success at Polderhoek Chateau was due to a great concentration of artillery against aballow, water Jogged trenches.
is
The Cambrai Enquiry is being held at the General Head- quarters. Lord Derby attending. The Germani prosa is full of hints of an impending decisive blow being prepared on the west front,
Col. Repington, military correspondent of the "Times" says: There are now 150 German divisions in the west and 79 in the east, but the latter have been denuded of all fighters between the ages of 10 and 35, who have been sent west- wards. We must quickly take precautions to meet a blow possibly this Winter or Spring. We need a million men in order maintain the existing forces in 1918,
GERMAN ARTILLERY LOSSES.
London, December 15. ". The "Daily Chronicle" correspondent with the French armies writing on Dec. 14, says: A secret report issued on Oct. 4 last by the Chief of the German General Staff and signed by General Ludendorf himself, shows the alarming Icsses of the German artillery. It states that during grand operations the average number of guns lost by a single German army in a single month, either by wear and tear or by enemy fus are field-guns 870, heavy pieces 588. In other words the arsenals and workshops are obliged to make or repair pieces to the extent of three quarters of the whole- artillery establishment, merely in order to maintain the existing strength. The raport further testifies to the efficacy of the Allied counter-battery work and says on an average - 1,456 gums were put of action, 635 being lost by wear and tear and 800 by Allied bombardmants. General Ludendorf sayı The figures show that the enemy counter-fires upon our artillery with very good results. It should be added that the loss of material is only one side of the artillery struggle. The destruction of munitions, losses, killed and the dining- tion of moral are elements at least as important,
ALLIED NAVAL CO-OPERATION.
London, December 15.
It is officially announced that it has been decided to create an Allied Naval Council to ensure the closest touch and complete co-operation of the Allied feets and the development of all scientific operations connected with the conduct of the war. The Council will watch the general conduct of navel war and make necessary recommendations enabling the Governments to make decisions. The individual responsibility of Chiefs of Staff and the Commander-in-Chief at sea towards the Governments in regard to operations in hand and also as regards tactical, stratégical and the dis- position of their forces remains unchanged. The Council will consist of the Ministers of Marine and Chiefs of Naval Staffs of the nationa ̈ represented, namely France, Italy, the United States and Britain. As the Council will neces sarily meet in Europe the Chiefs of Naval Staffs of the United Stater and Japan will be represented by Flag Officers. The Council will have a permanent secretariat who will collect necessary information.
THE BRITISH FLEET'S SUPREM
Paris, December 15.
M. Leygues the Minister of Marine, in a published statement says: Germany does not dare to challenge the Allied fleet. Each time her feet has come out the British severely chastised its temerity. M. Leygues is of opinion that the German erews are not so good or enterprising as at the beginning of the war and their munitions seem to be inferior. However he would "not" draw" too optimistic conclusions therefrom.
BRITISH AIRSHIP LOST.
Amsterdam, December 15..
A British airship descended near Utrecht. The crew
of five previously landed and will be interned.
HEROES OF THE OLD ARMY,
London, December 15.
A unique and historic event was celebrated in' London this afternoon, when a choral commemoration of the first seven divisions" of the men of the old British army, who, at great sacrifice against tremendous odds, stemmed the Gorman tide in 1914, was held at the "Albert Hall. Their Majesties were present and alio TOO-survivors of the old army, many of whom had been wormded. The men march- ed in procession to the Albert Hall from the Embankment, after being entertained to inncheon by the Lord Mayor,
The whole music at the commemoration was by British composers. The centra piece was an ode dedicated to the first seven divisions, the fallen, the prisoners, the disabled to Liverpool by a small craft. It was untrue that the Red and those still fighting. After the music Mr. Ballour read a passage from Ecclesiastes beginning. "Let us now...praise the famous men" and Lord Derby read the order of battle of the first seven divisions. The commemoration closed with the singing of the hymn For all the saints' and the sound- ing of the revsille. The harpen were conveyed to the Albert Hall in motor transports amid cheering crowd The Hall itself was filled to its utmost capacity-Berides Their
•Majestias the King and Qnsen, there were also prosent Prin cessos Mary, Alips and Victoria, Prince Arthur of Connaught and Princess Patricia, Princess Beatrice and Queen Alexandra, as well many members of the Government and Parlament.
TELEGRAMS.
(Reuter's Service to The “Talegraph.”
THE SILVER MARKET.
Lander, December 14. Silver is quoted at forty-three. There is less inquiry in the market.
YESTERDAY'S
TELEGRAMS.
INCOME-TAX APPEAL
DISMISSED.
..Leader, December 14. The Appeal. Court has dis missed the appeal by the Income Tax Commisionars from decision by Jastios Atkin that Menure, Boustead and Co., were entitled to deduct the songs! value of their branch premises in Singapore and Pacang in fring the profits of their business fo Income Tax for 1913.
THE AIR RAID OVER ENGLAND,
London, December 13; Two German seroplanes were brought down in the raid on the 6th in They were forced - to` descend owing to damage from anti-aircraft ganas..
HONOUR FOR GENERAL VAN DE VENTER."
London, December 14. It is officially announced that Cluneral Van de Vanter has been made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Batb.
EX-PRESIDENT OF POR- TUQAL EXILED,
London, December 15.
A decree exiles ex-President Machado indefinitely.
THE RUSSIAN ELECTIONS,
London, December 14, The Bolshevik Petrograd Tel egraph Agency reports overwhelme ing pro-Maximalist majurities in The Constituent Assembly eleg tions from the Twelfth and Fifth Armies and the azmy in Kinland.
ITALIANS SPLENDID
RESISTANCE:
London, December 1 An Italian official meenage esys that firm resistance bas compelled the enemy to suspend his infantry attack on Colcapsile- ~-and- Neoldella Berratia.” Aeroplanea abelled bis concentrated troops.
The enemy laurobed - dense mae in on encircling mov8- ment against the salient Monte Solarolo. The infantry, sidded by Italian ana French batteries, r9- pulsed the enemy, yiedlding only a short section of ground after inflicting immense losses.
No Defence.
There was zo defence to a charge of stealing preferred against a Chinese before Mr. Dyer Ball, at the Police Court: this morning, it being admitted by the defendant that he had stolen a quantity of copper from the Kowloon Dooks. Sentence OË”. one month's hard labour and four- "hours", stocks was pamed.
DON'T FORGET.
TO-DAY. Victoria Thestra 9.15 p.z Bijou Thestre 0.15pm. New Hongkong Omen 9.15 p.m7-325
TO MO
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