BXCHANOB
Closing Quotations ----
T.T, London 38.1356 d.
On Demand 31/33⁄4&
The Hongkong Telegraph
July 20, 1918,
Temperature
82
Humidity
87
7999
日三十月天
(ESTABLISHED
1881)
Copyright 1918, by the Proprietor;
July 20, 1917,
六拜禮 號十二月七英港香
WEATHER FORECAST-
SHOWERY, Barometer 29.58.
Temperature 6 km.
Humidity
79 % p.m. 89 79
66
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
THE BATTLE IN FRANCE.
The Boemy's Heavy Losses.
SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1918.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE FIGHTING IN FRANCE.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
RAIDS ON GERMAN RAILWAY.
How War Traffic is Bring Hindered.
London, Jaly 18.--
London, July 18. Beater'a correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on the The Press Bureau has ined a striking photograph of the morning of July 18, maya-Fifty German Divisions were brought damage caused by raids of the British Independent Air Force on the up on July 15, some of whom were not engaged, so it is open for German railway system. at Metzibloo. It shows exceptionally the enemy to parens the stack. The enemy suffered very heavily destractive barats in the engine sheds, and workabops and the at the Maronvillers masñf, advancing under the eyes of Franah remains of two incinerated traina. Great damage to the network of artillery observers. Piles of dead are distinguishable on the sloper lines is also shown. A significant feature is the almost complete and hills. A notable feature in eastern Champagne is the smooth absence of rolling stock, thus showing that the twenty-one zeide working of the carrier pigeon servios under the German bombard-since Jane 21 apon this important junction have materially reduced
the enemy's war traffic,
meat.
A French Advance.
Londen, July 18.
A French communique says:—We attacked this morning frem the region of Fontenoy on the Aisne as far as the region of Bellesa. We advanced at certain pointe from two to three kilometres. We have taken prisoners. There was no change during the night on the Marne and in Obampagne. South west of Nanteuil-la Fosso we brought to a dead stop a violent enemy attack North of Proenee an attack by enemy Gased troops failed completely.
Restrained German Comment
London, July 18: Beater's correspondent at Amsterdam says that comments in the German Press on the cffensive are characterized by singular restraint. The military correspondent of the Vorsische Zeitung admits the difficulty of using the factor of surprise and says "with. dot surprisa success is hardly to be expected." He expresses the "opinion that "we are only at the beginning of the offensive." Other experta take the same line.
יי
Bigger Blow Possible.
London, July 18. Authoritative quarters in London advise osution in predicting the coures of events on the Western Front. Undoubtedly the Gorman attack of July 15 was intended to bring off a great strategic success, ́but as this has not materialieed it is not improbable that they will utilise a large number of divisions still in reserve to deliver an even more powerful blow elsewhere.
GERMAN VOTE OF CREDIT.
Opposed by ladepandant Socialists.
London, July 14. (Delayed). Reuter's correspondent at Amsterdam says that the Reichstag has passed a Vote of Credit of fifteen thousand million marke, The Independent Scialists voted against the Credit and the Pales abstained.
The Reichstag has adjourned for the summer recess,
It is noteworthy that Count Hertling's referenes to Belgium was omitted from the first official report of the speech, which simply ssid "Count Hertling reviewed the political situation in the West." It was subsequently pablished with a covering note that the pass age was now given fally in order to dissipate any possible mis understanding in the public mind,
RETIRED ITALIAN GENERALS.
Not a Case of Punishment.
London, July 18.
It is officially explained that a wrong inference has been drawn regarding the announcement made on July 13 concerning General Cadorns and others. They have been placed on the Retired List because they are on longer holding active commands, but this in no Y way implies that they are being punished, more particularly as the whole subject of the Caporetto defeat is still under investigation.
THE CLAN ROBERTSON REFLOATED,
#
London, July 16. Renter's correspondent at Basnos Aires says that the ae. Olsa Robertson, mentioned on July 14, has been beached in the roadstead and reflated.
PARIS BOMBARDMENT CONTINUES.
London, July 16. Beater's correspondent at Paris says that, the long-range bombardment continues.
THE PALESTINE CAMPAIGN.
Australians Inflict Heavy LosSES.
"
London, July 18.
A Palestine official message says:-The Australians, in a counter-attack at Abatellet! on July 14, inflicted severe lossES, There were one hundred and twenty dead on one Brigade front alone. We bombed E! Kettrani and Aoman stations, hitting troops, asmps and serodromes.
ENEMY AEROPLANE OVER THANET.
London, July 18.
The Press Bureau announces that a hostile aeroplane flew over Thanet st a great altitude on the evening of July 18, but wea immediately driven off.
BRITAIN'S FOOD PRODUCTION.
Prospects of a Satisfactory Situation.
London, July 18.
In the House of Commons, Mr. Protheroe stated that over 300, 000 wamen, 60,000 soldiers and 10,000 Germans prisoners and interned aliens were now working on the land. The arable gres of Britsin had been increased by over two million acres. The wheat, and ont serenge had each been inoressed by three quarters of a million and the potato acreage by nearly a quartæ of a million. Given su average harvest, the position of the Allies was decidedly better than in 1917 or 1918, and the relief to our tonnage by not having to bring supplies from America was of the greatest savistazos,
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE FIGHTING IN FRANCE.
Bitter Battles Being Fought.
London, July 17.
A French communique says: South of the Marne, the Germans attacked last night with fresh forces north of St. Agnan, Chapelle and Mont Hodon and succeeded in pene- trating La Bourdonneris. The battle, continues bitterly on the wooded slopes immediately south of these points. Far- ther east, despite very lively attacks, we held the enemy on the southern edge of Bouquigny and Nesles woods. The Germans also attempted a powerful effort in the direction of Monvoisin which they seized, but a counter-attack drove them out. Between the Marne and Rheims violent Eghting is proceeding at Courton woods. The saemy attack in the region of Vrigur completely failed. East of Rheims local enemy attempts were resultless, notably in the region of Prunay. The Germans, who were codeavouring to renew their assaults on Beaumont, sustained sanguinary deleat We everywhere entirely maintained our positions.
Situstion Distinctly Good,
London, July 12 Beuter's correspondent at French Headquarters says: It is increasingly clear that the enemy's strategic objective was the occupation of the whole of the right bank of the: Marne from Chalons to Chateau Thierry, using the river 2 as a shield for his uncovered flank in the final march to Paris. The attack failed mainly because General Gourand was constantly posted regarding the enemy's intentions and his sector was thoroughly prepared. The enemy's attempt "in the region of Prunay to reach Beaumont which was re- pulsed with heavy loss was doubtless intended to complete the isolation of Rheims. The enemy, despite his most violent efforts, made no progress on the Marne front this morning. The importance of the battle as a whole lies in the proximity of Montagne-de-Rheims to the scenes of the Bghting in the Marne valley. A serious advance eastward in this direction would not only imperil Epernay but Montague itself, which is exposed to being turned from the south. It is authoritatively stated that hitherto twenty seven German divisions have been identified as actually engaged while, including reserve divisions, probably about fifty enemy divisions are participating in the offensive. Prince Rupprecht's reserves have not been sufficiently drawn upon to exclade the possibility of attack in the north. The German setimate of thirteen thousand prisoners is exaggerat ed. The situation is officially regarded as distinctly good.
Ludendorff's Lapse.
London, July 18
The Daily Chronicle" correspondent at French Head- quarters, referring to the apparent aim of the offensive, namely to seize Chalons, the wooded plateau called Montegne de Rheims, Epernay and Montmirail and thus secure Rheims by envelopment, says this vast stretch of the French centre, when occupied, would be the base for a further final operar tion the nature of which can only be guessed, possibly either an attack westward against Paris of eastward against Verdun, Toul and Nancy. The correspondent says this strategy is, in the opinion of competent soldiers, an extraor- dinary lapse on the part of Ludendorff, savouring of infatua tion, as it is his last stake. It is already doomed. There appears to be no immediate prospect of the enemy reaching Chalous, Epernay or Montmirail, but if they did so at a huge cost they would be no nearer victory, bowever much they inconvenienced the French communications and ravaged the countryside."
French Start to Altack,"
London, July 18.
-It is authoritatively stated that the French started & considerable attack this morning between Chateau Thierry and Soissons which is believed to be progressing well.
The French have retaken Monvoison and Chenclarein, The Italians have re-taken Clairizet, south-westward of Rheims
The Germans progressed slightly northward of St. Agnan.
British Positions Improved.
London, July 18. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports: The Aus- tralians had a successful local enterprise on the night of the 17th in the neighbourhood of Villers Bretonneux, advancing ..the line south-eastward for upwards of a mile of front. They captured two field guns and a number of prisoners and machine-guns. We aughtly improved our positions eastward of Hebuterne, successfully raided southward of Hebutérne and drove off-raiderz southward of Bucquoy. There is con-:: Kiderable hostile artillerying northward, of Bailleul. We' secured prisoners in patrol encounters northward of Bethune and westward of Merville. There is great hostile gua saali- ing on the Villers Bretonneux front also hostile artillery and trench mortar activity in the Albert sector.
"Thunder and rainstorms on the 16th hindered air work.. We dropped thirteen tons of bombs on Zebrugge molej billets at Estailes and Merville and also on aerodromes and dumps. We brought down ten seroplanes, drove down. four, and shot down siz balloons, aflaine. Nine of our machines are "mişsing.” Our night fiers dropped five hundred bombs on rail function: at Beclin and billeta:" "All returned, GA large enemy bomber descended behind our lines.
A Brilliant Italian-Effort. -
London, July 18. Benter's correspondent at French Headquarten, tela- graphing at midnight, says it was a brilliant Italian counter- attack that prevented the Germans reaching the important point of Courcy. The French are delivering counter-attach aa frequent as and more vigoarous than the enemy attacks, especially south of the Marne where there are indications that stabilisation is near at hand.
Situation Entirely Favourable.
London, July 18. Reuter's correspondent at French Headquarters, wiring at eight on Wednesday evening, says: The situation is entirely favourable. The enemy cast of Rheims has hot moved Bince the collapse of his abortive thrust in the morning in the direction of Beaumont, Fighting continues between Rhaima and the Marne and south of the river but the enemy has not seriously advanced anywhere. The battle is more and more degenerating into a series of local actions in which the French infantry have asserted their superiority, turning the German infiltration tactics against the enemy.
Reuter's correspondent at American Headquarters, wir ing on Wednesday afternoon, saya a downpour of rain slowed up operations. Fighting continues in the region of the counter-attack begun yesterday. Many Germans be tween the railway and south bank of the Marne apparently escaped to the north bank during the night
Heroic French Resistance.
"London, July 18,
A French communique reports: The battle continued. with unbroken determination on the whole front west of Rheims, but notwithstanding the efforts of the enemy he did not succeed in increasing his advance. Our troops by their heroic resistance and incessant counter-attacks stopped. the enemy thrust after all the fluctuations of advance” and retirement of the day. Actions are progressing south of the Marne on the wooded alopes northward of St. Agush and Mont Hoden chapel The sharpest fighting north of Camblity resulted in our holding the enemy to the southern outskirts of Banquigay and Chataigniers woods. The enemy succeeded east of Devilly in regaining a footing in Monvoisin. Between the Marne and Rheims the battle continues north of Bedül in Kings-wood, which the Germans penetrated and which we are defending foot by foot. The forest of Courton is the theatre of furious combats. The enemy continues to be held. Westward of Anteuil the Germans did not succeed in reaching Pourcy Ditch, which has been the objective of several renewed powerful attacks. A brilliant Italian coun- ter-attack westward of Anteuil drove back the enemy. Enemy corpses lying in front of the lines in the valley of Arbre-de- Ombreux testify to his heavy losses. The situation is un- changed in Vrigny sector and south-west of Rheims East of Rheims we broke an attack between Beaumont-sur-Yesle and Sillery. Our positions are intact on the whole Champagne Eront
Americans Regain Positions,
London, July 18.
An American communique states: The Americace in the Marne sector entirely regained possession of the south bank of the river. The enemy north-west of Chateau Thierry re-attempted to attack near Yauz The attack was com- pletely broken up by infantry and artillery fire before reaching our lines.
FRANCE'S NATIONAL DAY.
Paris, July 15..
A laves message says: President Wilson, in a telegram to President Pioncare, says that July 14, like he American July 4, had taken a new significance, not only for France but the world. "The ocean seems very narrow to-day. France is so close a neighbour to our hearts. The war is being fought to save mankind."
M. Take Janezen addressed a message to members of the Rumanian Colony assembled in Paris on the occasion of France's National Day, saying: "I should have considered it a great honor to make a speech on the occasion of the France fete, which benceforth will be a universal national festival. The present conflict cannot end except by the complete, defeat of Germany. A triple wall must be built around Germany, political, economic and moral, to 'separate her from frce democratic mankind."
WAR ANNIVERSARY SERVICE.
London, July 17.
The House of Commons has agreed to a motion by the Premier, seconded by Mr. Asquith, that the members attend a special service at St. Margaret's Westminister, on ath August to invoke Divine blessing on our just cause and the brave men upholding it. (Cheers.) The Premier declared that no words of his were required to commend the motion" when millions of our fellow countrymen were daily hazard- ing their lives so that right and justice should prevail on earth and when the fate of our country and the destiny,of the world depended on the efforts of them and their cam- rades 'from many lands.
THE ALLIED NAVIES.
Paris, July 15,
A Havas message says: M. Leygués, French Minister of Marine; stated that while the British squadrons were hold- ing the German fleet prisoner in the North Ben, the French Navy was barring the Otranto. Channel, and keeping the Austrian foet prisoner in the Adriatic, also guarding the eastern Mediterranean, a task in which it was helped by American and Japanese naval forões. The French, together with Allad squadrons had held in check the momazine piracy which in 1917 Germany pretended to be a menace-to the Entente, but which is now declining daily. Certain waters of the utmost importance for navigation had born.so well kept that now the U-Boata searcely dere venture there. If three months more than 4,000 vessels traversed these waters and not one had been torpedoed.
(Continued on page 9.)
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TELEGRAMS,
(Reuter's Service to The “Telegraph."}
FAMOUS JUGGLER'S DBATH:
London, July 15,
The death is sunon oed of the famous juggler, Oinquovelli.
THE SILVER MAKKET.
London, July 16, The silver market is quiet,"
AUSTRALIA'S MONROE'
DOCTRINE.
Japanese Comment on Mr. Hughes' Speech.
The Tokyo Azaki, in noting that the Germanë have become convinced of the unity between Britain and her dependencies and despair of the efforts to weaken the bonds, says the Germans noW point to a prolable cause of con- |flict between Japan and Australia.
The Tokyo journal regreta that the Australian Monroe dostrine presohed by Mr. W. M. Hughes, the Federal Premier of Australia, | has furnished the German Pream | with material for taking just such a view. "Hands on the" Austra☺" lian Pacifio" is the keynote of the Monros doctrine 60 Farnestly sapoused by the Australian Premier, who makes an exception in favour of America alone. That · Mr. Hughes is a statesman of decidedly pro-American leanings, the Tokyo journal proceeds, can be easily inferred fróm a speech- he made in London, attributing |the change in the tune of the | German Foreign Minister to the great efforts made by America for the prosecution of the war.
Whether the views of Mr. Hughes in favour of an Australian Monroe doctrine are supported by public opinion in the Coma- monwealth is difficult to know thinks the Tokyo Asahi, but it believes that since the German possessions in the South Bear were occupied by Anglo-Japaness co-operative action, and since the Japanese Navy assumed pairal duty over the entire Pacific, anti- Japanese sentiment, which was strikingly evident among the Australisus prior to the war, has in boided.
"But no matter what view of the Pacific question is generally held by Australisus, proceeds the Tokyo paper, they must under- aland that so long as it is Japan who is actually fulfilling the duty of guarding the North and Boath Pacific on behalf of the Allies, it is impossi¬~ ble to exclude Japan from participation in any discussion of affairs dealing with the Pacific. It would, indeed, appear that in framing their policy of defence the Australians ought to take into careful consideration by whom the security of the vast expanse of water, including the North and South Pacific" and the Ocean, is sotually maintained. This point, the Asahi believes, must be fally appreciated by the British poeple generally, including the thinking classes of Australis, notwithstand- ing the earnest advocsoy by the Australian Premier of his Mocros doctrine.
Bening, however, that s coming conflict of intereste between Japan and Australis is already being whispered in some quarters, our Tokyo contemporary thinks it necessary that any agreement, between Japan and Britain_re garding the disposal of the Gir man possessions in the Bath - Seas should be given as much. publicity se possible. The Asahi - suggests that the Governments. both of Japan and Britain should ranke public their views on the questions at the earliset opportunity
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