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The Hongkong Telegraph
(ESTABLISHED - 1881) Copyright 1918, by the Proprietze,
WEATHER FORECAST
FAIR.
Barometer 30.312
January 9, 1918,
7849 A
Temperature -6 sim. 49 Humidity
12
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
LAST YEAR'S OPBRATIONS.
Why a General Offensive was Abandoned,
26
WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY 9,
1918.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
THE BRITISH PREMIER'S SPEECH.
Further Expressions of Approval,
London, January 8.
· London, Januszy 8. The Gaselts contains a despatch from Field Marabal Sir Every boat bringe freab commendation for Mr. Lyd George Douglas Baig of 26,000 words, covering the operations in 1917 from the Dominions and the Allies. Nothing short of enthusisem wreapt those at Cambrai. He explains that a conference of the has been aroased in Frange, while the American Press picturesquely military heads of the Allies in November, 1918, arranged a plan for describes Britain as representing enlightened Christendom last year comprising offensives on all front. The British offensive extending both hands towards Germany, one holding a very sharp in April was to be preparatory for a more decisiva subsequent sword and the other an olive branch. French operation, in the latter sleges of which the British were to
The German Prase comment is still most meagre. The so-operate, but the events in Russia and the fact that the French Conservative Berlin Post declares that such terms are those of offensive in Champagne met with very obstinate resistance victor to varquished. necessarily modified the plan..
Dutch Opialoa. «
London, January 8. Sir Douglas Haig emphasises the immense handiosp upon the British in the Battle of Arras by rais and snow. Hausys the effect According to Rauter's correspondant at Amsterdam, the Dateb thereof in the matter of bringing up the guns before the enemy was comment on Mr. Lloyd George'a speech reveala disappointment at able to assemble his, reserves was incalculable. Nevertheless, by the destruction of sil hope of the Etente's participation in peace. May 9, 23 German Divisions were withdrawn. He explains it was negotiations at present, Toe Telegraaf says that the pesca the in order to smist the French that the operations in Arras wore Entente wante is a peace satisfying everybody except those wishing continued. This necessarily greatly interfered with the preparations to enrich themselves at the expense of other nationalities. for the attsok in Flanders. Speaking of the unprecedented
Endorsed by America. magnitude of subterranean marfare at Messines, Sir Douglas Haig
London, January 8. mentions that it was koown that the enem was driving a gallery
President-Wilson-has sent a message to Mr. Lloyd George ander Hill 60, but by carefal listening it was judged that if our offensiva began at the date sanged the enemy's gallery would warmly approving and emphatically endorsing his speech on behalf jast fail to reich, us, and this proved to be correct. He of himself and the American Government. points out that the enemy did his utmost to prevent the advance in Flanders, using op no fewer that 78 Divisions on the operations, Nevertheless, it was the immense astaral difficultise, accentuated
The German Presscomments unfavorably on Mr. Lloyd George's by aboormally, wet weather, rather than "the magnitude of the enemy's resistance, which prevented the complete capture of Deech. The Frankfurter Zeitung, the Berlin Post and the Kreuz Parenchdaele Ridge. Time after time rain enforced lulls in the Zeitung Basert that ae. Lloyd George's terms are those of the victor. fighting, enabling a practically besten enemy" to reorganise and The Rheinisch Westfalische Zeitung says that Mr. Lloyd George and bring up reinforcements behind the sea of mud gonatitating his the British Labour Party desire Alsace-Lorraine for France, and the main protection. Sir Douglas Haig emphasises that owing to the German Colonies, Arabia, Syria and Palestine for Britain, and necessity of taking over an additions! lina from the Franch talk of an indemnity by Germany. It adds that it is a waste of worde we were very definitely handicapped in the Battle of Arras to reply. The Boersen Courier says the speech is an attempt to This handicap was subsequently increased by the difficulty of isolate Germany by intimidating her Allies. The Tager Zei ung obtaining adequate drafts, for a saficiently long time prior to the expresses the opinion that peace is only attainable by the defeat of Divisions participation in battles, to enable the drafts to Britain.
要
More German Press Comment.
A German Lament.
Austrian Views.
London, January 8.
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be sasimilated into Divisions and the Divisions to be trained. "The The King of Bararis, in a pech, declared “We must general conditions of the struggle during 1917 were very diferent fight ontil the enemy scoopte our condition. The enemy's terms to those contemplated by the aforementioned Allied Military are exorbitant. Not an inch of German ground must be given Conference. The great genersi simultaneous offensives then up." agreed upon did not materialise." The events in Bassia enabled
London, January 8. the Germans to bring forty fresh Divisions from the Russian to the Western Front. This, and the events in Italy, imposed a far) | A well-known German military writer, General Liebert, in a heavier task on the Anglo-French than was anticipated. However, significant article to the Tageliche Rundschau, points out that the the British armies maintained vigorous and continuous world's balance of power at present greatly favours Britain, who offensives from April to November, except at bort intervale could not only proceed to the completion of the Cape to Cairo line due to weather or to complete the preparations. "It was but the still more important overland ranta from Cairo to the the longest and most saosessfully sustained offensive Persian Gulf. General Liebert does not mention the possibility of the war, yielding 59,000 prisoners, nearly 400 guns and 2,000 of a German military victory. He says: Whether Britain finally machine-guns. Therefore, without reckoning the possibilities triumphs depends on her diplomatic skill at the Peace Conference, which were opened up by the geine in Flanders, and without and hitherto British diplomacy has everywhere been victorioas." coneidering its effects on other theatres, there is every reason to be Batisfied with the results achieved. The additional strength which the enemy obtained or may obtain from the evente in Bassis and Italy have already been largely discounted and the ultimate destruction of the enemy's forces brought appreciably wearer," la the operations at Arras, Messines, Lens and Ypres, 181 German Divisions were defeated by less than half that number of British.
la paying a tribute to the artillery Sir Douglas Haig points out that at the Battle of Ypres the batteries were practically unprotected for month after month under a continuous bombardment of the gsa and high explosives. He says that instances could be multiplied when s aigual from the infantry for urgentartillery support and a warning that gas waaccming were received simultane nily and the gunners discard- ed their masks and obeyed the infantry's osll with the fall knowledge of the const quences. As regards the Flying Corps, he mentiona that long distance raiding has become a recognised part of the preparations for an infantry attack: Bombing serodromes at great!
The first batch of 235 officers and men and 370 civilians have distances behind the enemy lines has become intensified. In several cases the enemy has thas been compelled to abandon particular landed at Boston (Lincolnshire) from Germany. An officer declared that food shortage in Germany will end the war, Ex-prisoners aerodromes.
Reprisal raids on Germen towns are carried cat whenever the agreed that only parcels from England enabled them to live." weather permits. Sir Douglas Haig emphasises, however, that the enemy does not show any signs of relaxing bis serial efforte. Hence he lays stress on the need of a liberal supply of most efficient machines. He mentions that carrier pigeons have proved extremely valuable in conveying information from anita to Headquarters and shows that the British are increa-ingly using gas, which is almost nightly discharged along the entire front.
London, January 8, Renter's correspondent at Amsterdam says that the Austrian exapapers regard Mr. Lloyd George's, terms as those of victors means that force ehall decide. The Nices Wiener Tageblatt says ' to vanquished. The News Frew Fresse says that the speech that the speech shows that Britain does not desire peace. The Reichsport says, that the speech is a uselese ontribution to humanity which desires peace.
THE WESTERN FRONT.
London, January 8, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports: An enemy party raided a post in the neighbourhood of Flesquieres, and one of our men is missing. There has been hostile artillery firing in the neighbourhoods of Ballecport and Pamchandaels,
London, January 8.
A French communiquéetstee;-Despite the intense cold and anfavourable weather, our pilots in December brilliantly maintain- ed superocity. They destroyed or put out of action 78 enemy aeroplanen. We lost 19 machines during the month.
AUSTRALIAN CABINET RESIGNS.
London, January 8. Beuter's correspondent at Melbourne states that the Hughes Cabinet has resigned and that Mr. Tador has been summoned to form a new Ministry.
BRITISH DESTROYER TORPEDOED.
London, January 8,
The Admiralty annonces that a British destroyer has been
Hood and suot in the Mediterranean. Len men were lost.
BRITISH PRISONERS FROM GERMANY.
Oplatoa that Food Shortage will Win War.
London, January 8.
ARMY'S DEBT, TO THE NAVY,
A Glowing Tribute by Sir Douglas Half;
London, January 8.
Field Marshal Sir Douglas Heig reviewing last year operations, pays a tribute to the Navy. He says:-"The Army owes a debt to the Navy which grows ever greater and is more deeply realised by the British Armies in France. As a result of its ancesaing vigilance, the enemy's hope that unrestricted submarinism will hamper our operations in France and Flanders is eigoslly disappointed. The immense quantities of ammuntiion and material required by the Army, and large numbers of men, continue to reach us with unfailing. regularity.”
THE MILITARY OUTLOOK.
Shanghai, January 8,
Mr. Philip Gibbs thinks that January will pass without any big battles, and possibly February also. Whenever the Germans attack a fearful price will be exsoled, and it is possible that the German nation will refuse to counter-sign any order for the reckless expenditure of life.
THE MEAT SUPPLY.
London, January 8;. Provincial butobers have been licensed to bay only half sa much meat as in October, the surpluses to be sent to London.
· EXPORT OF AMERICAN COALI
Londo
Beater's correspondentat Washingtondays the Fud for recommends that opel be only exported for exchange for commodities which the United States
January 9, 1917,
·三拜壶 號九月一英港香
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
BRITISH APPOINTMENTS IN-AMERICA.
London, January 7.
The appointments of Lord Reading and Lord Northcliffe are ofisially confirmed. It is understood that Lord Reading has been appointed British High Commissioner to the United States, and will also take charge of the British War Mission to New York and Washington. Lord Northcliffe is remaining at the head of the. British Mission to the United "States in London:
Lord Northcliffe on being interviewed said that Lord- Reading's appointment emphasised the most tremendous task of representing all British interests in the United States at a time when interdependence of each others war efforts as- sumed such a vast scale. He expressed the opinion that Lord Read- ing would be given full authority to act on his own initiative, as he possessed during his former visit. He would possess the good-will of the people and Government of the United States. Our combined establishments at Washington had grown so much that they would now make a most creditable showing in Whitehall
It is officially announced that Sir Cecil Spring Rice is departing from Washington or leave. Lord Reading's ap-"" pointment as High Commissioner will have the character-of Ambassador on special mission, with fell authority over all British Missions in the United States...
LAST YEAR'S LOSSES AND CAPTURES.
London, January 7, The War Office states that the British captures in 1917 in the western theatre were: 73,131 prisoners and 531 guns; in Palestine 17,648 men and 108 guns; in Mesopotamia, 15,M44 and 194; in East Africa 6,798 and 18; in Salonika 1,095 and 0; total 114,544 and 781. The British losses in the western theatre were approximately; 27,200 prisoners and 180 guns; in Palestine 810 prisoners; in Mesopotamia 207; in East Africa 100 and Salonika 202; total 28,379 and 166.
NEW BRITISH MINEFIELDS.
London, January 7.- Lloyd's announces that two new British minefields, for protection of merchantmen against submarines, bars bean laid, covering practically the whole of the sea area between the Belgian coast, Dover and Folkestone. The British mine ares off the coast of Jutland and the German seaboard has
so been enlarged.
ང་
THE WESTERN FRONT,
London, January 7, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports: We repulsed a raid-south-castward of Ypres. Hostile artillery is active at Passchendaele. Our aeroplanes on Sunday Bred 19,000 machine gun rounds on troops, transports and other targets, and dropped three tons of bombs on different objectives. We brought down six and drove two enemy machines. One of ours is missing.
MORE SILVER BULLETS.
London; January 7. Last week's subscriptions to National War Bonds through the banks amounted to nearly £24,000,000, & record for one week. Up to the present over £211,000,000 has been subscribed through banks and over £11,000,000 through the. Post Office. Up to December 29 over £137,000,000 was realis- ed by the sale of War Savings Certificates.
SUCCESSFUL ALLIED AIR RAID.
Amsterdam, January 8.
A telegram from Karlsruhe dated January 4, reports Allied air attacks on Mannheim, Rastatt and Freiburg The "Telegraaf states that the big new flying camp at Orstackeron, and the Ghent-Lokern-Antwerp line have been greatly damaged in aerial attacks.
BRITISH ON ITALIAN FRONT.
4
London, January 7,
An Italian official message states: British and French batteries repeatedly shelled positions and rear-areas be tween Vidor, Pontedella and Grials with excellent results. British patrols forced the Piave at some points.
THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION.
New York, January 8. Mr. Rockefeller has donated $5,000,000 to the Bockefeller Foundation to meet the increasing expenditure on war work. "Mr. Rockefeller's contributions to the Foundation
total 8130,000,000.
+
MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH.
Melbourne, January 8. Mr. Hughes comments on Mr. Lloyd George's sprech that both the tone and the terms were worthy of the hour and the man.
MORE EMPIRE HONOURS.
London, January 7. -ME JEJ Virgo has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Mr. Virgo has been National Field Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association ince 1916 He is an Australian and has made the interests of the XKOA. his life-work. He recently passed through Hongkong
Bir John Furley, Mr. James Andrew Seddon, the loc tarer and Mr. James Parker, Labour Member of Parliament for Halifax, have been appointed Companions of Honour,
THE SILVER MARKET,
46 In tone the
the same s4
Temperature 6 KM.
Humidity
SINGLE COPY 10 OENTS
Lege DER ANNUM.V
"AMERICAN TROOPS.
Under Storm of German Shalls for Hours.
With the Britisk -Army in France, Saturday, Deo. 1- American army engineers' work» ing in the region of Ganessaconet. joined the fighting ranks of their British allies yesterday and belp. ed to stem the onslaught which resulted in Gousesncourt being enveloped for a time.
Many of the Americans wera z caught in the German tarning movement about. Gauzesneoart and only seasped death or capture by lying concealed for hours in shell holes until the British had succeeded in pushing the in- vaders back. Hundreds of other men from overseas were subjected tɔ tremendous shell fire from “ enemy artillery sad great quanti-, ties of gas abelle were thrown in the territory where they were. working.
The German attack was made: with greatly superior numbere and every available man was needed on the British aide to arress its onward sweep; The Americane gave every-ounds of
| their strength to this task, both as | fighting men and an workers, and. the important part which they played has drawn the highest praise from the British sathor- Lities,
Many of the engineere seized rides and fought side by side with the Tommies throughout the bitter day and many scores of Ameri- cana last night were armed and sent forward a volunteers to do patrol work in the hospital woLS before which a large army of Ger- encamped. Оле British general, in conversation with the correspondent to-night,` apoks in the most glowing terms.. of the invaluable services render- ed by the engineers.
mana
One cannot bestow any praise that is too high," he remarked emphatically.
Several "trains operated by Americans were in the Gour:80+ court section "and hundre la of other Ameriosna "were in this territory when the Germans swept forward in masses toward the town. Many Americans working in the rear ares immediately pro |vided themselves, with rifles and joined the bard prosed Britiah for turned their hands to other
important work,
The experiences of these, men and of those who were caught behind the German advance pro-- bably surpasses anything which the American expeditionary fores (yet has encountered in the way of
actual fighting. -*-
One of the trains run by an Americen orew" was "west. - of Villera Gaislain, which was the first place through which the Germans charged on the southern. flank of the offensive. Shells- anddenly began to fall about the engineers and almost ima mediately they saw a horde of gray coate charging toward them./ The driver of the engine m there was no time to linger and ran for a nearby shell höle, Hi four helpera donght similarsbelter. and they reached cover bulorn they were seen by the Germans, slthough one of the crew wis wounded slightly by shell splinter. The five Americans lay in the abell bols for hours with the Germans all about, and only. escaped after the British had counter-attsoked and driven the enemy back.
DONT FORGET.
TO-DAY.
Victoria Theatre-9.15 p. Bijou Theatre) 30 p. New Hongkong Cinematogr 9.15