EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
(Continued from Pags L)
DETAILS OF THE SINN FEIN CONSPIRACY.
London, May 95
A Press Burean statement regarding the Irish arresta states that the revolutionary movement consisted of two series of nativities, first the German attempts to foment rebellion and second the preparations in Ireland, to carry out these attempts.
It is possible to give a detailed account of the connection between the Sinn Fain leaders and the Germans in the period prior to the abortive Easter rebellion of 1816, but a full statement of the subsequent facts in the Government's pos seesion would not be to the public interest, because it would reveal names of those sasisting the Government, also the channels of communication through which the German Gov- ezument is acting.
The story begins on 6th. November, 1914, when Herr Zimmermann transmitted through Count Bernsdorff a mes- sage from Sir Roger Casement asking that a messenger, if possible a native-born American, be sent to Ireland with word that everything was favourable.
Casement also asked that an Irish priest be sent to Ger- many to corrupt the Irish war prisoners.. Father John Nicholson, an Irishborn American, reached Germany and transmitted messages to America in January 1915. Von Papen reported in December 1911 that verbal assurances had been sent to Ireland and the response to Casement's re- quest had produced an excellent impression The plot ripened in the beginning of 1918 Catht Bernsdorffa des- patch of 10th February included an extract from the report of John Devoy, head of the Clan-gael Davoy wrote that action in Ireland could not be postponed much longer be- cause he feared the leaders would be arrested. Devoy add- ed that it had been decided to begin the action on Easter Saturday and be arged that arms and munitions reach Limerick by that date.
Conant Bernsdorf, following his usual practice, sar reptitiously attached a note to the message passed by the American Government for Berlin, fixing the raing for Esst- er Saturday, and urging the prompt despatch of munitions. Von Jagow replied on March 4th, that the ame would be Ianded in Tralee Bay. Count Bernsdorff sent a message on March 14th that the Irish agreed and he was sending messenger to Ireland with full details. Count Bernsdorfi also telegraphed a code for use between the Germans and the rebels while the arms were in transit and explained that the submarine might safely enter Dahlin Bay sa fair so the Pigeon House without encountering nets. Fon Jagow on 28th April intimated that the arms would be sent and a special code word used nightly an introduction, to the German wireless press services.
FB
German sub-
Count Bernsdorff informed Berlin that numerous private wireless receiving stations existed in Ireland. Urgent mes- sages from America to Berlin on 18th and 19th April fired the delivery of arms for the evening of Easter Sunday, They pressed for a landing of German troops and asked for an air-raid on England and'a naval attack on the Eng- lish coast. These attacks actually occurred between with and 99th April. It was declared to be the hope of the rebels and their German and American friends to blockade the Irish ports against England and establish mazine bases in Ireland. The rebellion brok, onf & day later than the schedule. The GermanTM support miscarried and ended in complete failure. The British Government has the clearest proof that the Irish volunteer, were long m communication with the German authorities and received money through Irish American societies Soon after the horizon became clear. the Sinn Fain leaderS again asked Germany's help, Berlin sent a message to Washing- asking Germany's help, Berlin sont message to Washing 'ton on 17th June, advising that Germany was ready with further help if the Irish would only say what sort of help was required. Count Bergsdorff in a despatch of 16th Jans described the rebellion and stated that £1,000 had been pro- vided for Casement's defence. Count Bernsdorff on 95th July sent a message that the reorganisation of the rebela was progressing." He had remedied their lack of money. Count Bernsdorf on 8th September enclosed & remoran- durs from the Irish Revolution Director, resident in Ameri- ca, containing detailed proposals for a fresh rising contin. gent on Germany sending an expedition with sufficient mill tary force to cover the landing. Germany was to fix the time to advantage. Submarine and seppelin bases in the West of Ireland were mentioned as an inducement.
Count Bernsdorf was evidently having difficulty with his tools. Bernsdorff on 24th October warned Berlin not to allow Cap-
tain Boehm, then living at Rotterdam, to write to Irishmen in America because the letters were apt to reach the wrong people. We subsequently arrested Bochm in British waters." Bernadorff's despatch of December 4th mentioned the Irish leaders in America pressing for a reply to their proposal of September 8th, Herr Zimmerman on 31st December replied giving the quantities of munitions it was proposed to land between 21st and 25th February 1917, adding that it was impossible to send troops. Bernsdorff replied on 13th January that the Irish Committee declined the proposal on the ground that a rising would be useless without German troops. After America's entry communication between, the German Government and the Sinn Feir leaders temporarily broken, but Devoy's messenger service between 'America" and Ireland was unaffected.
WAS
The clue to the new line of communicafion was subse- quently obtained and actively followed up. The effect of this new line was visible in Ireland in the speeches of Sinn Fein leaders at this period. Mr. de Valera, addressing the Conven- tion of Irish Volunteers on 27 Oct., 1917, said he would never advocate another rebellion without hopeful chances of suc cess" Proper organisation would result in half a million fighting volunteers," but there was no hope of success except through a German invasion of England and landing of troope in Ireland. They should be prepared to leave nothing undone. towards that end. Valera in January, 1918. Baid: As long as Germany is England's enemy and England is Ireland's enemy, for so long Ireland will bẹ Germany's friend.
For a considerable time it was diffenit to obtain accurate information of the German-Sinn Fein plans, but it was de finitely ascertained in April, 1918, that a plan for landing arm in Ireland was ripe for execution. The Germans were only awaiting information from Ireland regarding the time and place. The British authorities warned the Irish Com- mand regarding the probable landing of an agent from Ger.... many from a submarine. He actually landed on 12th. April, and was arrested. The new rising depended largely on the landing of munitions from submarines. Evidence existe that the rising was planned to follow a suscendol German Okend sive on the West Front. Britain would then presumably bẹ....... stripped of troops.
Documents found in Valera's possession showed that he worked out in great detail the constitution of his rebel army and hoped to muster half a million trained men. There is evidence that German munitions were actually shipped aboard submarines from Cuxhaven in the beginning of May and The German submarines for some time have been busy on the west coast of Ireland on other erreads than the destruction. of shipping
A
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, MONDAY, MAY 27, 1918.
י.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
DETAILS OF THE SINN FEIN CONSPIRACY.
Thus it will be seen that negotiations between the Sinu Fain Executive and Garmany ware virtually continuous for three and a half years. A section of Irish-Americans wero at first the intermediary for the discussions, but since Amer ica's entry communications with the enemy have tended to be more direct. The second rising planned in 1917 only broke down because Germany was unable to send troops. The plans for the 1918 rising were maturing in connection with the Ger- man offensive on the West Front. A new shipment of arms from Germany was imminent.
An important feature of every plan was the establish- ment of submarine bases in Ireland in order to menace the shipping of all nations. In these circumstances no other course was open to the Government if ustless bloodshed was to be avoided and its duty to the Allies fulfilled but to intern the authors and abettors of this criminal intr.gue.
Commenting on the Irish evidence the Daily Tale- graph” says that even a cursory perusal of the evidence justifies the action of the Government and the explanations why the latest evidence cannot be giren will satisfy any reasonable person. Possibly some now interned had no direct treason- able communication with the enemy, but will anyone doubt that they knew of the conspiracy in progress.and were con- senting parties to treason! The Government had thể choice of two alternatives, either to wait till the eleventh hour and make a`complete bag without bloodshed or wait til the twelfth hour for the cold-blooded murder of Irish plicemen which always inaugurates an Irish rebellion. The Govern ment did its duty and public opinion will now deward that the ringleaders be tried and punished without delay. If the Constitutional Nationalists are sincere in disowning sympathy for the treason they will surely not hesitate to swell the chorus of detestation in" Allied countries at the 'nlamous Sinn rain treachery.
1)
The "Daily Express" says the Government has establish- " ed a courinding prima facie case against the Sian Feiners. They should now be tried as publicly as possible. Ireland will listen to them no more if they are proved guilty in open court; but half Ireland will believe them innocent if they are kept interned without trial
The "Daily Graphic" says that the Government's action is amply justified.
The Daily Chronicle" says that the most startling part of the communique is the proof that the rebellion of Easter 1916 had direct German inspiration and was not au impulsive act of bothead enthusiasts, but part of a carefully planned conspiracy which if successful would have repar ably harmed the cause of Britain and the Allies, including catholic Belgium. But the communique should have provri. ed mom substantial justification for the recent arrests in order to satisfy Irish public opinion. Ireland is not and never has been pro-German. If it could be snym thất, the Sinn Fein leader really conspired to establish German sub- marine bases on the Irish coast this would prodis a great revulsion of feeling against Sinn Fein throughout Ireland.
EMPIRE DAY.
The Celebrations in London,
London, May 24. Empire Day was celcbrated throughout London. Flags were down on the principal buildings and all schools cole- brated the occasion during the forenoon, with special instruc- tion and patriotic addresses drawing attention to the essential unity of the Empire and tue freedom of its institutions among all subjects. Thereafter a half-holiday was given to, nát school children. The girls were dressed in white and wors red, white and blue colours, while the Union Jack was almost universally carried. The School Managers vinted the schools together with the local Mayors, while many soldiers fo-visited their old schools, and wounded were enter- tained at many.
The day was celebrated by the London Stock Exchange and commercial markets by the singing of the national an- them and cheers for sailors, soldiers, aumen and nurses.
French Tributes,
Paris, May 24.
The newspapers publish very warm and entanaastig leading urticles on the occasion of Empire Day calling atten- tion to the solidarity of the Empire in the alliance, with France and the other Allies. The "Matin", says that Expire Day becomes a celebration in nonour of the right and civiliza- won, a festival of noble peoples in their fight against the barbarians.
London, May 25-
The Press Bureau announces that President. Poincare sent the following message to the King: The whole of France. is nasocisting itself in the celebration of Empire Day, Moet- ings have been held in all the principal towns, when the magnificent war effort of Great Britain, her Dominions and Colonies was explained The President elequently refers to Anglo French bonds of union, common ideals and sacrifices.
"The King, replying, acknowledges the
generous in-
pulse impelling France to honour Empire Day and pays & tribute to the splendour of France's achievements and the glorious heroism which cannot fail to be crowned by a last- ing union of the hearts of the two pooples.
Our Loyal Colonies.
London, May 25,
At the Overseas Clab the 'Air Minister, acknowledg ing the cheque for the purchase otseroplancs, said the Domin ions" splendid contribution towards our Armies had almost be. come a byword, British gratitude and appreciation for it was nevertailing, but the contribution of Oversese fellow- opantrymen towards the scoess of the fighting air forces was greater than in any other field of warfars... He special- ly referred to the very large, enthusiastic and courageous guota, contributed by Australia and Canada and proceeded. so sketch the rise of the Air Force since the beginning of the wax. Outlining the policy he said every effort and en- ergy would be devoted to further development of the sir force and acceleration in many fields of serial activity which could eventually contribute to the success of the war.
Paris, May 25. The British Empire Day celebrations in France evok ed most enthusiastic articles in the French press, which emphasise the failure of the German efforts to separate the French the British and say France will mingle her prowa -with-the-Empire-solidly united-for-the ssivation of civiliss-
tion. Empire Day becomes a celebration in honour of right. and civilisation, & festival of noble people in the fight -against this barbarians,
Li
The Press welcomes Mr. Budyard Kipling, who haa al- ways been the voice of the Empire, at the side of Lord Derby at the Borbonne whore M. Deschanel referred to the British people na founders of civil and political liberty and now, the belwark of Etropers freedom. Germsay, he said, had united France and Britain Ear ever. M. Millerand explained how the mastery of the sea had been assured by the British Navy "and said thes the French Maritime League,
of which ·be vis President, was proud to associate itself with France's tri- bate. to Great Britain. M. Lorgues, speaking: for the Government, said the naval factor was decisive and thanki to maritime supremacy Great Britain and the Entente oka kooli tas the Furiuses without concern. Lood Derby responded
اکھو
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
· EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN.
London, May 14..
An East African official message states: Direct III sation has been established between General Edward's and General Northey's columns. General Edwards hat curejjed. Nanangu, up to now the German Headquarters, the enemy retiring south-west in the direction of Mahua.” We engaged the main body of the enemy between Nanungu and Mahus and drove them westwards.
OPERATIONS IN PALESTINE.
London, May YL
A Palestine official message states: We raided on enemy post on the right bank of the Jordan near Ummeshisiert, killing and prisonering a number. We brought down three aeroplanes in the neighbourhoods of Nablus and Latran. The Arabe raided a Turkish post on the Hedjaz milway at Wadi Jordun, prisonering fourteen. The Arabs also conducted other successful operations in southern Heljaz in the vicinity of Medina, destroying a section of track and capturing a convoy of three hundred camels attempting to enter Medina.
AMERICA'S WAR EFFORTS.
етедие
Washington, May 98.. Mr. McAdoo, after consulting with President Wilson, informed the Congressional leaders that new legislation was imperative including increased income and excess profit taxes, besides taxes on unnecessary businesses and luxuries. The Military Committee of the Senate umani- " mously voted in favour of à large expansion of the American Army and ordered a favourable report on the resolution. orging the increase of the Army by three million.
GERMANY'S LATEST ENEMY.
وال
New York, May 25.
A San Juan-del-Sur, message states that Costa Rica has declared war on the Central Powers
FINNISH GOVERNMENT RESIGNS.
Stockholm, May 25 The Finnish Government has resigned in consequence of the appointment of Premier Svin Hufund as Dictater.
{Contimuni on vaja 10
STRANGERS IN THE VILLAGE.
Another War Change.
for some time. It is a day when people of all ages who stick in grooves are spt to be violently jolted out of them.
CENSORSHIP
PROSECUTION.
A Case Against the Hongkong Telegraph.
At the Police Court, this after noon, Mr. G. W. C. Burnett, në publisher of the Hongkong Telegraph, was summoned before Mr. J. B. Wood on a charge of contravsning "the Censorship Begalations.
Mr. G. Wakeman, Crown Solicitor, appeared for the pro- secution, the defanes being represented by Mr. H. W. Looker,
The Crown Solicitor signified that he was quite ready to go on, with the case, but Mr. Lookar objected, stating that the same mans had only been served on Saturday week. He had been to see the Attorney. General about the matter and that gentle man had asked him to defer bis visit as he was ecgaged in the Criminal Sessions and could not attend to it. Ha (Mr. Looker). could not go on because he was not in a position to offer any explanation or any defence. There was no urgency about the matter. There had been some delay in serving the summons, so that it was clear there could be no urgency.
His Worship asked if formal evidence could not be given so SH to save time. Could not the Crawa Solicitor open the case P
to
Mr. Looker objzoted to this on the grounds that if evidence werS given he was not in s posi tion to cross-examine, so that from a common-sense point of view it was no good going on We are plenty of strangers with the evidence, as those who bowadays.. We sos soldiers gave it would have to attend dusty and hot, or wet and cold again for cross-examination. It oldiers-marching through the would obviously be a “hard- O. Fox Smith writes in the village on the long, long road of chip
the defendanta war. We see labour corps, forestry it the Crown Solicitor opened the Daily Chronicle as follows:-
corps, all kinds of corps, some case, sahis remarks would be pub Time was when in our village of them speaking in the manner lished in the newspapers and the and in nearly all other villages, of strange lande which were allegations might be read by some too for the matter of test-a formerly to most of us mere names people who might not read the
on the map, if so moeb, and which defence when it was offered. Granger was an object of interest we had never seriously thought of His Worship asked Mr. Looker. and curiosity. The sight of one as being peopled by men and if he could offer a ples so that walking up or down the street women not unlike ourselves, certain evidence which would was enough to bring a desen Some strangers even descend possibly be admitted facts might heade te the windows, and se, some such reason from the skica
ander stress of engine trouble or be given.
Mr. Looker replied that whils many housewives to their cottage themselves into our ancient, he might offer a formal plea doors or garden gates on some anchanging fields. What would he would like to reserve the right cetensibly domestic errand which euch a visitation have meant a to withdraw it, Es did not know might serve as an exonse for a hundred and fifty years ago? whether he would plead "not good etare. Not that the attitude of Sometimes they come and build guilty or "guilty." That was the village was in any way like bridges over car winding river his position. He was sorry he was the traditional "'Ere's a stranger resobes, causing a mighty flatter not ready to go on, but three of the eave 'arf a brick at im!"-it and quacking among the feathered office staff were at the front and was simply that the arrival of a villegers of the reedy syota. there was pressure of basinesR. stranger was so unüstial that it Sometimes we get visita from If the matter had been an argent could not be passed over an-team ploughs and hay balers, one it would have bean different. noticed, Even eammer visitors whose crews are billeted in the He only received his” stawer were few and far between, for the village for the length of their stay, from the Attorney General this village although it lies smid and, one and all, they generally morning. scenery as fair sa sny in all sweet got a hearty welcome. Indeed, it
After farther argument, the England has no "attisotions" is hard to think how in these days Case was adjourned until June 6, of the guide book variety. Only it would be otherwise. Very, very two or three bouge, moreover, few of us now have no near and had suitable accommodatics, and dear one a stranger in a strange they generally got the same land. "I've got a boy of my own tamilies year after year. out yonder," is the sentiment one situste st Repulse Bay, was sold That is one of the things which hears so often, "and I wouldn't by auction at the P. W. D. offices the war bas changed. We hare like to treat ameone else's boy this afternoon. The lot, which got socustomed to strangers now worse than I'd like my own comprises 150,000 square feet, adays. We have simply bed to, treated.".
was sold to the Hongkong Hotel
Land Sala. Rural Building Lot No. 142,
whether we liked it or not. Szma There are the girls, too, girls in Co. at the upset price of $3,000. people perhaps didn't like it over abbreviated skirts and big boots mach. But there the thing is in which I am sure they would and there is no getting away from never have dared to rac the it. And I don's think there is village two or three years ago. It any doubt about it being very has taken the village longer, I good for na.
think, to get used to them than to For although, as I have said, the men, for women are admitted- the village was not openly hostile ly more conservative in such to strangers, it cert inly was matters. But that, too, is coming inolined to suspect them. Perhaps gradually.
POST OFFICE.
'OUTWARD Mails.
TO-MORROW.
it is an instinot filtered down from
Is the change one for the long ago arosetors who had every better? Beyond a shadow of s reason to look sekance at stran doubt it ie. The coining of Japan via Nagasaki--28th May, 10 s.. gers in days when the term stranger means the bringing of
Cabu and Iloilo--28th May, 9 am
10 #the
Hoon..
* stranger · Wae very often new ideas, new interests, new Shanghal and Nortis China-28th May, synonymous with invader or con-blood to the country-side, all Bwatow, Amoy and Foóchow-23th May, queror. In many country places which things will be needed when
newcomer is still a foreigner, the time comes for the repeopling Amoy--23th May, 2 p.m.. and the next county farring of rural England. It is the same Shanghai, N. China and Japan via Kobe parts."
thing which is happening
8th May, pin Villages are conservative places to us as s aution. All that in Swatow—~28th May, #p.m.-
on the whole. They like things good in local, as in the wider, WEDNESDAY, 29th May,
to go on just the same sa they patriotiem, will live; but narrow- Haiphong- 29th May, 8 năm. have always done. They don't
ness, suspicion, and exclusiveness, Philippine Islands-20th May, 2 pan. particularly Wast "improve are to be things of the past when ments." They don't este about the new order of things comes in. I
THURSDAY, 30th May. innovations, even if they are
They are only the repguard of Straits, Bangkok, Ceylon Bombay, Aden, entirely beneficial. It is the same
Perpt and Europe-30th May, la mighty army, these strangers
Registration 5 p.m.31st in all walks of society, sliko we have seen during the last few among the "old residents" who yours. More will come, and come Shanghai and Worth China-39th May occupy the larger homes, and the to stay; men from the cities who ancient inhabitants of thatched have learned to love air and space
FRIDAY, 31st May." coltages in the village street. and wide horizons, girls who have
And they don't or they didn't gone to school with Nature, men walow, Amoy and Foochow - 31st Ma74 Want strangers! That is brake in our wars, who will Philippine Islande-31st May, 1. p. regards, the older generations, seek and and health for abat'ered The young people have been nerves and bodies at the gracious]
SATURDAY, lat Jaue. inclined to get out the groove best of Ba
3 pm