EXCHANGE I
Cising Quotatio
1.T. London 22/11}{a.
On Demand 24./113gd.
The Hongkong-Telegraph
WEATHER FORECAST"
FAIR
Barometer 30,13,
Temperatura 6 s...
(ESTABLISHED Copyright 1918, the
1881.)
February 23, 1918,
Temperature $ a.m. 55 AS, Humidity
February 3, 1917.
83
Humidity
7875
三十月正
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23,
1818
六拜號三个月二英港香
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
THE WESTERN FRONT.
Successful Air Raids.
London, February 22. Field Marshal Sir Dongles Haig, reporting on sviation pays : e bombed yesterday an aerodrome north of Doasi, a large dump! at Courtrai and a railway station south-east of Douai. There is con- tinuque air fighting. We brought down eleven snd drove down six enery machines. Two of our machines are missing. We bombed Taionville and Treves laat night at a low altitude with good results." Five barsts of dime were observed at Treves alation which ret fire to three other buildings. Bare of me were observed at Thionville railway station and gas works where there is a large fits. One of our machines is missing. We dropped a ton of explosives on Trèves in a daylight raid to day. Eleven barate were observed at the railway station, and six on neighbouring buildings. We repeatedly drove off hostile scoute, The anti-sircraft,gans fred connderably. One of our machines did not retorn.
Artillery Fighting At Champagne.jw.
London, February 22.
A French communique sayı:-Toere was fairly grast artillery sotivity at Champsgre and on the right bank of the Magee from February 16 to 18. We brought down 18 enemy machines. The railway stations at Mete Ablone, Forbach and Benedorf were bombed, and also depots at Eusiesheim, where a big fire broke out.
PRINCE OF WALES TAKES THE OATH IN HOUSE OF LORDS.
London, February 20.
The Prince of Wales took the osth and sat as a Pear of the Realm in the House of Lorde this afternoon. Her Majesty the Queen was sa interested spectator of the ceremony, which was the same as followed for the introduction of other Peers, except at the conclusion he took a seat on a chair reserved for him for ceremonial Ocassions on the right of the throne. Daring the basiness of the House the Prince was wearing a Capisia's uniform of the Grenadier Guards. When he entered the Obamber he took a seat on the front of the cross-benches next to Lord Dysart.
BARON ISHII AMBASSADOR TO U, S.
London, February 22: Renler's correspondent at Washington esys the Baron Ishii bas been appointed Japanee Ambassador to the United States in succession to Baron Sata.
RUMANIA'S ASPIRATIONS.
London, February 22. Renter's correspondent at Amsterdam says a telegram from Vienas gays that the Romanian Government has expressed a desire to enter into preliminary pesce discussions with representatives of the Central Powers. Consequently Oooot Czernic and others will ehortly be leaving for Ramsnis. The telegram adds that in competstent quartere there is an opinion that Rumania is not yet ripe for peace. As is all entertaining far reaching aspirations, and-sppears to be determined to continue fighting if negotiations do not satisfy those aspirations.
VERSAILLES COUNCIL.
Loudon, February 22. The report is confirmed that Geners Sir Henry Biwlison, will cascoed General Sir Henry Wilson on the Verea Iles Council
37
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
GERMANY AND RUSSIA.
Peace Scheme Falls Like a Pack of Cards.
London, February 19. There is clearly great public disappointment in Germany has the Brestlitovak negotiations have not brought peace after all. The "Vorwaerts" says: Our whole peace scheme has fallen like a pack of cards. Even Poland has turned against us, while the Ukrainian peace, which was starred by the very cinemas, proves unreal. The "Nerneuato Nachrichten" protests against new ventures in the east.
· A wireless Russian official message states: M. Lenin and M. Trotzky have sent a message to the German. Government protesting against the German invasion, while the Russian army is demobilising. The People's Commissaries have now been forced to formally declare their willingness to sign peace upon the conditions dictated by the Quadruple Alliance at Brestitors. A detailed reply to these conditions will be given without delay,
The Bolshevik newsagency states that General Kaledin committed suicide owing to the decision, of the Coalition Government of the Don region to resign in favour of the General Nazaroff, who has succeeded General Boviet. Kaledin, has, ordered the mobilisation of the whole popula- tion of Don against the Soviets
prindinio tolta Polish Miolsters Resign.
Amsterdam, February 19...
The Austrian Minister of Education and the Minister pot for Galicia, who are both Poles, have resigned.
by date with Germans Occupy Dvlask pitulem ca eidemater
London, February 20.
Ze Loyage wireless German official message says: We have oc
pied Drinsk after smell enemy rezistance. A Russian" attempt to blow up the Dvinak bridge was unsuccessful
A Bussian official message says that General Krylenko has ordered the Army to organise massed pourparlors with the German soldiers. If they do not refrain from fighting the
tmost resistance should be offered
BIG BANKING AMALGAMATION..
London, Felmuary 19, Zivil: 621 11 The Landon City And Midland: Bank is amalgamating DA ti tomisli Abe Lomulan Johnt Stock Bank. Their combined deposita +40 $178,000,000 starling. Their capital is seven millions
their reserve fund six milliona
"
THE ARMY CHANGES.
Speech by Mr. Lloyd George.
London, February 19,
It is understood that General Sir Henry Rawlingon suo- ceeds General Sir Henry Wilson on the Versailles Council
Mr. Lloyd Georgy, speaking in the House of ComMONI on the recent Army changes, said the retention of General Sir William Robertson as Chief of Staff was latterly 200 patible with the Allies' common policy, which was based's on the assumption that the Allies had suffered in the past The through lack of concerted and co-ordinated effort. Government deeply regretted that Sir William Bobertson's position was no longer compatible with the policy decided upon at Versailles; but, if that policy was right, no person- alities, however valuable, important or distinguished, should stand in the way of its execution. (Cheers). If that policy was wrong no personalities, no Government ought to stand in the way of its being instantly deleated.
: Mr. Lloyd George emphasised that there was absolutely no difference between our policy and the policy of France, Italy and the United States in this respect. The policy was based on the assumption that the Allies had hitherto suffer- ed through lack of concerted, co-ordinated effort, and out purpose and policy had been to get concentration and unity of effort. It was only necessary to look at 1917 to find exact ly the same set of circumstances, inevitably diminishing opr power, and the concentration which would otherwise have. been possible. In order to counteract the efforts of the Germans and the Russian collapse it was agreed it Versailles that there must be a central authority to exercise dirmation over the war policy, that that authority must be inter Allied and must have executive power, The only difference of opinion was over how that authority should be constituted; but agreement on this point was also reached.
The Premier proceeded to mention several proposals which were considered and rejected. One was that the cen- tral anthority should be composed of the Chiefs-of-Staffs; but this idea was unworkable. It was felt that the new body must not only know the conditions of its own armies on its own fronts, but all conditions on all fronts and all armies. Versailles was now the repository of such information which was co-ordinated by very able staffs. No single War Office possessed such information.
The Premier proceeded to give cogent reasons why the Chiefs-of-Staffs in the various capitals could not properly exercise the functions aimed at. The Supreme Council un- animously rejected this proposal. The delegations then separated and considered the matter independently, with the very remarkable result that next morning each delega tion submitted exactly the same proposal, namely the pro- posal which now held the field. He would have liked to have read to the House the document wherein the American. delegation cogently put the case for the proposal which was finally carried; but he could not because it was mixed up. with the plan of operations, The Americans presented the case with irrisistible power and logic. The proposal was altered bere and there during several hours' discansion, wherein there was not a single dissentient as far as the plan- was concerned, Sir Douglas Haig drew attention to a weak point or two, and they undertook to remedy them, but these were not points affecting the root-proposal. Upon return. ing he reported to the Cabinet that be thought the plan unworkable and dangerous. Subsequently the Army Council made certain criticisms from the constitutional viewpoint. He considered these carefully with Lord Derby, who through- out pat Sir William Robertson's case before the Cabinet,
The Premier emphasised his anxiety that these arrange- ments should be carried out whole-heartedly by all the Anglo- French military authorities, and especially that Bir Douglas Haig should be satisfied. Therefore, before the agreements. were made, he talked to Sir Douglas Haig about what be said would be done under the new arrangement, which was. that the British permanent military adviser on the Council at Versailles should become a member of the Army Coimcil, should constantly.communicate with the Chief-of-Staff and should be absolutely free in the advice he gave. The Chief- of-Staff would have the same powers as his predecessor, Bir William Robertson, and would remain the supreme military, adviser to the British Government. He would accompany the Ministers to the meeting of the Supreme War Council as Adviser, and have the right to visit France and consult their military representatives. The representative at Ver- sailles must have the most perfect freedom to discuss and recommend plans. If the Commander-in-Chief did not ap prore, or if there was a difference of opinion among the various representatives, then the Government would decide. There was no derogation of authority by the Government. The Chief-of-Staff would be the Chief Adviser of the Govern-- ment in the event of any such difference of opinion. It was. only after the Government decided to offer Sir William Robertson the position of representatie at Yersailles that be (the Premier) realised that Sir William Robertson object- ed on military grounds to the system which the Versailles Council decided unanimously to adopt Bir William Robert- son suggested that the representative at Tersailles should be made deputy of the Chicd-of-Staff, but the Govern ment rejected this suggestion because the suggested position would be impossible for any man and would have made the British representatives inferior to the other members of the Council.
A voice: What about General Foch?
The Premier pointed out that General Foch was within twenty-five minutes of Versailles and could be consulted in the event of amergency.
The Premier reiterated that the Government regretted very deeply that it was obliged to proceed without Sir Wil- liam Robertson. The choice between carrying out the un- animous policy of the military advisers of the Allies and retaining the services, of a most distinguished and very valu ed public servant was most painful; but in view of the magnitude of the policy the Government was bound to stand by the arrangement with the Allies
از میمونه
The Premier dwelt on the natural difficulties in secting military unity among the Allies. Some thought the now Brrangement would secure political unity, but imperil the unity of the armies The Government proposed to invite suggestions from the highest military authorities as regards the best means of removing the anxiety that the new scheme might impair the efficiency of our army. The Government would adopt any each suggestion to improve the new scheme. National feeling, historical tradition and suspicion militated against avery alliance, while there were also other dinculties due to professional conservatism. Es planded for mutual trust and couidence which was the very soul of victory Wa
The Army CHANGES.
bad discussed and re-discussed this plan in order that our "whole cotroentrated strengta should be mobilised to resist and break the most terrible foe Civilisation ever bonfronted. We were faced with terrible realities. The enemy reject- ed the very moderate terms which the whole of Civilisation apcepted as reasonable. Why had the enemy rejected them t Because he was clearly convinced that Russia's collapse gave him power to achieve a military victory and impose Prussian- ism forcibly on Europe.
A
The Premier begged the House to turn down all contro- versy and close the ranks (Loud cheers). If the House disapproved of the Versailles policy lat it put in a Govern- ment who would refuse to accept that policy; but it must be another Government. (Cheers). "The Government is e- titled to know and know to-night whether the House' and Nation wish to proceed with a policy deliberately settled with a view to organising our forces to meet the advance of the foe, I have endeavoared to discharge the terrible func tions of my position to the utmost capacity of my strength;" (Cheers). If the House to-night repudiates that policy for.. which I am responsible, and, I believe, on which the safety of the country depends, I shall quit office with but one re gret, that I have not had greater strength, greater ability to place at the disposal of my native land in the gravest hour of her history. (Loud and prolonged cheers).
Mr., Asquith, who followed the Premier, paid a tribute . to Sir William Robertson's great loyal example in accept- ing the only post at present available. He hoped the House would imbibe a similar spirit. He did not quarrel with the decision of the Versailles Council in respect to its functions He considered that the issue concerned machinery whereby connected action by the Allies should be exercized, Ho advocated that the military representative at Versailles should be a representative of the Chief of the General Staff. The Government had undertaken
advice of great responsibility in disregarding the
There their greatest strategical, technical authorities. Was a certain amount of natural publie disquietade in regard to these erents, because in the last two months we had lost Sir John Jellicoe and Sir. William Robertson, both of whom pre-eminently enjoyed the confidence of the country. In both instances it was enforced retirement, while both were preceded by a hostile, virulent, unscrupulous press campaign. He had only spoken to-day because he felt that restrained Parliamentary.criticism was necessary in order to attain the earliest possible pesce which secured the high purpose of the Allies.
The remainder of the debate was featureless, the speeches relating to army and departmental matters
Opposition Fades Away
Loadon, February 20.
The reception to Mr. Lloyd George was a marked con- trast to a week ago. As the "Times" says, the opposition simply faded away after the Premier made nis plain state- ment, while the subsequent lack of excitement in the lobby. showed how completely the Premier had made his case. Mr. Lloyd-George as in best conciliatory form, and to the obvious relief of the majority of Commoners, there was little danger of the debate taking a destructive course when he concluded. The remaining speakers mostly concentrated on the alleged association of the Government with certain news- papers, Mr. Chamberlain especially making a direct attack and urging the Government to sever its connection with three newspaper proprietors.
The Unionist War Committee met after the debate, but after 1 hours' talk did nothing.
In the House of Lords, Lord Derby strongly supported the Versailles Council It had already achieved most ex cellent results as regards unity between the Allies Ha said he offered to resign, but the Premier requested him to remain in office.
Lord Derby, continuing, said that Sir William Robert- son at Versailles suggested a certain scheme, but it was con demned by our own military advisers; also all the members of the Supreme War Council He, Lord Derby, agreed to remain in office only because he was confident that the Ver sailles scheme could be made successful and would materially help to win the war.
Lord Buckmaster denounced the shameful attacks made in the Northcliffe press upon Sir William Robertson.
"Lord Curzon stated that the Government would deal with the Northcliffe press' as it did with other newspapers. He described the attacks upon some of our distinguished officers in a Northclis journal as most reprehensible and said the Versailles scheme was warmly approved by. Bir Douglas Haig. The whole position had not been materially altered.
ZEEBRUGGE AGAIN RAIDY D.
Submarine Shelter and Aerodrome Hit.
London. February 19, Admiralty aircraft on the night of the 17/18 inst. dropped several tons of explosives on Zeebrugge mole and docks and Bruges docks. Bombs were observed" to fall alongside a submarine. shelter and in the vicinity of the lock-zates and quays. Our aircraft on the forenoon of the 18th attacked' the aerodrome at Varasenaere and obtained several direct bits on hangars and sheds. Three enemy aircraft were destroyed în patrols. All our machines returned
Another Rald.
London, February 20. The Admiralty reports: Naval aircraft last night dropped many tons of explosives on St. Denis Westrem and, Bruges. docks. We drove down an attacking brostile scout and drop- ped large quantities of explosives to-day on Aertrycke aero- drome and Engel damp with good results During patrols we shot down a seaplane in flames and brought down & scout in our lines. We drove down one. All of our machines returned
BRITISH-AMERICAN AGREEMENT.
London, February 20, 2 The Army Draft Treaty between Great Britain and the United States has been ignod, whereunder the United States may draft, British subjects between the ages of 90 and 46,ils Great Britain may draft Americans within--hor furisdiction, between the ages 91 and 31. A similar agron ment with Canada has been signed
SINGLE COPY INCENTS
MEER ANNUA
TELEGRAMS:
{Router's Servics to The
SILVER STEADY.
London, Februaryi I.
The Silver Mirak'ta obant
PASSPORTS FOR MANILA.
New Regulations Issord.
The following passport regula. fions which have just been ena forced in the Philippines is pablished in the Governmen Gasetts for general information:
1-No person shall be permit ted to disembark from a foreign. [vemel at a Philippion port 'except upon surrender to a Customs officer of properly execated passport. ....
2. Passports of persons, who vayage terminates at Manila, after delivery to Castoma oficer, by whom & receipt therefor will be. ipened, aball be deposited in the Office of the Awistant Secretary to the Governor General, where those finned to oltigine of the United States will be retained, and those belonging to sliema transferred to Consul of the nation' of which the bolder is a citisen.
3-At Philippine porte other thin Manila, the same procedure shall be followed, except that passports shall be retained in the custody of a Collecter of Customs anless they belong to citixson of foreign countries that have local Consular representation.
4-Passports of transit pass-
- who are making a con- engers * tinuous voyage and who intend departing on the identics. vanus. upon which they arrive, will-be retained in the Office of the Philip pine Government, Pier No. 6, and, fin lieu thereof a shore permit will beissner to the owner, which shall rendered, in exchange for
be
the pereport upon the owner's departare,
5-The requirements shall apply in cffiers and members of drews of foreign vessels, who will not be permitted to land at Philippine porta without pass ports of seamen a cartifeste of nationality bearing a photograph of the opera. The same pro- deoure that applies to transit passengers will be followed in sach esses.
DONT FORGET
TO-DAY. Theatre Royal-9.15 Performance in aid of Charities.
Violaris Theatre 9.15 p.m. Bijon Theatre-9.15 p.m. New Hongkong Cinematogr -9.15 p.m.
TO-MORROW. Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m. Bijou Theatre-9.15 pm. New Hongkong. graph.-9.15 p.D.
Monday, Feb. 25. - Bsco Meeting-1st Day.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, Race Meeting 2nd Day."
Wednesday, Feb. 27. Bace Hesting,--3id Day,
An Experimental Air-Mail Floet.
"Aerial Transport" was the subject of so address delivered ry Colonel Mervyn O'Gorman, con- sulting engineer to the Director- General of Military- Aeronautics; and formerly imperintendent f the Royal Aircraft Factory,, to the Royal Society of Arts recently. The great air problem, he said, would be to bridge the histo ́t between the censation manufacture -'for
and the start Bir fleet The now liberats some of the