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The Hongkong Telegraph
WEATHER FORECAST
(ESTABLISHED
1881)
Copyright 1918, by the Propfator}
October 15, 1918, Humidity
Temperature
1v. 2 p.m. §4°
$5
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8073
日一十月九
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
SPECIAL TELEGRAM.
October 15, 1937,
1918.
二拜歳 五十月十英港香
EARLIER TELEGRAMS,
SINGLE COPY 30 CEF TE
896 PER ANNUM.
A WET DAY IN BILLETS,
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
EARLY ARMISTICE® UNLIKELY,
WHAT THE ALLIES WILL REQUIRE,
MARSHAL FOCH MASTER OF THE SITUATION,
" London, October 12 The feeling of the general public on Sunday as regarde the proposed armistice seemed mainly one of suxiety lest anything is done to jeopardise s just tecompense for the sacrifices made.
This is reflected in numerous interviews with public men, for instance, the Lord Mayor of London; the Bay BJ Campbell; the Chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. H. M. Hyndman; and Lord Haldane.
How the Leinster crime has Eected opinion is evidenced by the speech of Mr. T. P. O'Connor at Whitfield's Tabernacle, in which be declared it was impossible to approach the subject of peace with scool mind in view of the universal horror and rage at the Leinster murders. The Allies must, he said, apply to Germany that force which alone is a guarantee of the non-recurrence of infernal crimen. A meeting at the Coliseum, sddressed by Lord Denbigh, psased a resolution demanding the panichment of German criminals and the granting of no armistice until eurrender is unconditional.
A German Revolution Feared.
London, October 14:
Reater learns that the Isiaster and Hirona Maru crimes have -caused consternation in certain German official quartere and in
mentrai countries,
High German financial quarters are now following shipping circles in advocating a pesce upon President Wilson's conditions,! arging otherwise that an internal revolution is inevitable.
Marshal Foch the Master..
Lyons, October 13,
A French wireless message states:-Toe French newspapere, in -commenting apon the German Reply to President Wilson's Note, state that before, transmitting the enemy nolicitations for an armistice and peace to the Eatente Powere, President Wilsa-bas-demended from Berlin precise and supplementary explanations. If the enemy Government replies to the President and asks if he is satisfied by the explanations of the Note given by them, then President Wilson will transmit the enemy reply to the Allied zovernments. If the Allied Governmente deem it opportune to make a reply they will confer with each other-if they have not already done so. If an affirmative reply is made, Marshal Foch will decide what military conditions must be imposed with a view to an armistice.
Marahal Foch is not the man to permit any subterfuges where- by the enemy could renew the contest.
Marehal Foch is now the master of the hour, and presents to the enemy a double mode of compulsion; bis strategy on the field of battle and the weight of the victories gained by him during these negotiations. It is essential not only that Germany admits herself to be conquered in this war, bat that she must be placed in a position that it will forever be impossible for her to wage another war.
The Allled Requirements.
London, October 14,
It is authoritatively stated that there is no prospect of an early armistice. Moreover, when the time is ripe for considering the. proposition an armistice will not be seriously considered without accompanying naval and military guarantees that Germany is not merely ready to sheathe the sword bat that she is absolutely power. less to resume hostilities.
These fundamental pointe represent the views of Britain and the Allies.
President Wilson is unlikely to reply at present. It is expected that he will consult the Allies before definitely drafting an answer.
NEW SUCCESSES IN FRANCE.
FRENCH TROOPS ENTER LAON.
CAPTURE OF DOUAL BY THE BRITISH:
Lyons, October 13.
A French wireless message states-The retreat of the enemy has been accelerated along the whole front.
On Saturday General Gourand occupied Vegziers, Vieil and Asfeld-la Ville, between the diane and the Oise.
The enemy bave evecasted Laonnsie.
The Forest of 8'. Gobsin is turned on the left to the south of Laon. General Hangin'e Army iş four kilometres from Laon. Between Lson and Orsonne the French troops are approaching the plain of Bissone.
The British are progressing on the line of the Salle Rivař, The British have ostried Dɔasi, and now threaten Denain,
More French Progress.
-
London, October 13.
Reuter's correspondent at Freneb Headquarters, writing this evening, saya-Farther French progress has been recorded from the Oise to the Aiene and in Champagne.
South-east of Laou, we reached a line running straight from Orgeval to Ami Fontaine. In the centre we occupied ■ strong position north of the Aisee and are bridging the river under "occasional,hes vy artillery fire. “
Farther east, in the great northward bend of the Alene, we hold the southern back of the river to Youxiera. --North-of-the-line Dumerous fires indicate that the enemy does not intend to hold long his new natural line along the Berre Biver.
Freach "Enter Laon.
I
London, October 14. Beater's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on Sunday afternoon, Baye:-The-French entered Leon without a light, therewith recordering & grest group of natural obstacles which for years have formed the keystone of German defence in France; "
Last year Lison seemed the finsi goal of our efforts; to-day ita capture is merely su episode in the pursuit, The semi-circle of hilla in front and the network of railways behind it, made it the strongest defaznive position in France,
SINGAPORE'S CENTENARY.
Movemeat.for a University,
(From Our Own" "Correspondent).
*Singapore, October 14.
His Excellency the Governor bas announced that the Govern maar is establishing in Sogapore a College on the lines of the large provincial Colieges in Britain, forming the nucleus of a fature University in comasmoration of the Centenary of the Oslonyà
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
BRITAIN WARNS GERMANY:
London, Oct. 18.
The Press Bureau issues a statement by the Inter- Departmental Committee on War Prisoners, announcing the receipt of Germany's refusal to ratify the Anglo-German prisoners agreement, unless, guarantees are given against the deportation or interament of Germans in China. The statement proceeds to say that the Government is deter- mined to take drastic steps to end the continued maltreat- ment of British war prisoners behind the lines, in the salt, wines and elsewhere. They accordingly demand Germany ⚫ to redress these grievances particularly. Firstly, to immedi ately remove prisoners not fewer than thirty kilometres bo- hind the firing line. Secondly, to afford proper and humane treatment to prisoners in occupied territories and elsewhera. Thirdly, to permit the Netherland's representatives to in- spect occupied territory behind the lines with a view to ascertaining if the grievances have been redressed. Fourth- 15, to undertake that no prisoner shall henceforth be employ- ed in the salt mines. Fifthly, to carry out the articles of the recent Hague Agreement, containing a humane code of treatment of prisoners. Germany has been notified that. unless within four weeks these requirements are accepted- and Britain is satisfied by neutral reports that the necessary, action has been taken, Britain will, in concert" with her. Allies, take such reprisals as are deemed necessary to compel Germany to treat prisoners in accordance with International Law and the practice of civilised nations. In any case Bri- tain will hold Germany responsible for the unlawful and.. iniuman treatment of prisoners and take all steps in their power to ensure that, the persons responsible for these out. rages are punished. The nature of further reprisals which may be taken will be considered in consultation with the Allies. Steps are, also being taken to secure better treat ment for prisoners in Turkish hands and instruction has been sent to General Allenby that in the event of an armistice with Turkey the immediate and unconditional return of pris oners should be required:
THE LEINSTER OUtrade.
London, Oct. 12.
All papers are most indignant at the coldblooded mas ssere of the Leinster which, committed at "this juncture, is bound to defeat Germany's purpose of peace, for it proves that there is no real change in ber Government
Sir Edward Carson writes demanding that the Govern ment insist upon the delivery of the Leinster assassins Before receiving further notes.
The "Daily Mail" demands the delivery of every"Ger- man submarine and merchantman as a condition of peace.
· The "Daily News" calls for the punishment of the Ger man criminals and says talk of peace at present is a naï- seating mockery. It adds that the abdication of the Kaiser will not satisfy the Allies, for a criminal's responsibility" cannot be cast off like a worn out coat.
MORE PROGRESS IN SERBIA
London, Oct. 13.
A wireless German official message states: In the face of strong attacks we retired to the heights north of Nish Nish was occupied by the enemy.
A French eastern communique states: There was riolest" fighting on Oct. 10 south of Nish between the Serbians and the enemy, reinforced by a new German division. Counter; attacks, by German Alpine Corps on the left bank of the Morawa were shattered with heavy enemy losses. East of the Morawa the Serbs continue to advance on the billa south-of Nish Since Oct. 15, including the Eleventh Ger- man and the Bulgarian Army which was surrounded at Kirsant and Elen. Passes and surrendered, the Allies" have captured 20,000 prisoners, including 1,600 officers, fire generals, 2,000 guns, hundreds of machine-ans and mine throwers and immense booty.
A Serbian official, message states: We occupied, after hard fighting," the whole of Selichevitza mountain and reache ed Goritza. Our cavalry is advancing towards Kourcheulia and Prokoaplye. We prisonered many belonging to threa new German divisions and captured six guns.
THE WAR IN THE AIR,
London, Oct. 13.
The Press Burean states that 542 German aeroplanes were destroyed or disabled on the Western front in Septem- ber, fifty-nine balloons were destroyed, and 238, British machines are missing. The figures are exclusive of the heavy casualties inflicted by the Independent Air Force and British, coastal squadrons in raids on Germany and Belgium,
NO STRIKES IN CANÄDA,
Ottawa, Oct. 13.
An Order" în Council forbids strikes and lockouts in casential industries in war-time under severe penalties.
A GERMAN AMNESTY”“”.
Copenhagen, Oct. 13
A message from Berlin states that the Kaiser has order-
ed the Chancellor to draw up an extensive amnesty for political offsadize.
THE PEACE OUTLOOK..
German Suggestion Concerning Evacuatios.-
London, Oct 12.
The following is a continuation of the German' reply: The verman Government in accordance with the Austro-Han- garian Government for the purpose of bringing about an armistice declares itself ready to comply with the President's propositions with regard to evacuation and suggests that & mixed the President may occasion the meeting of commission for making the necessary arrangements concern- ing the smcpation. The present Gorman Government which has undertaken the responsibility of this step towards peace Las been formed by conferences and is in agreement with the great majority of the Reichstag. The Chancellor, sp ported in all his actions by the whole of this majority, speaks in the name of the German Government and people.
The reply is signed by Dr. Solf.
To Succeed the Kaiser?
Paris, Oct. 12. A Havas message states There is a rumour of the Kai- ser's abdication. A story is repeated that the Crowa Prince's son, aged twelve, should be selected to succeed under the Begency of the Kaiser's brother."
Abdicátion Dimanded.
Zurich, Oct. 13. The "Fraenkesche Tages Posi," the Socialist Nuremburg. newspaper, demands the abdication of the Kaiser and says the nation is convinced that the responsibility for the pre- sent situation rests with the Kaiser, who is the last of the military monarchs. He does not appear to new Ger many to be fitting a representative of the national unity which has suffered from his rule. He has always demanded the greatest sacrifices of his subjects. He should now ascri- ce himself if his abdication will obtain better peaca termS.
Two Years'. More War!
*
New York, Oct. 13. Sir Eric Geddes declared that in the midst of her peace offensive Germany was preparing for intensified submarin ism, but the Allies are ready to meet it. His advice was not be deladed by hopes of early peace, but to be prepared. "for two years' more war. Since the war the British Navy had escorted overses about sixteen million men, with the loss of less than the one thousandth part of a man in every hundred.
Popular Opinion.
London, Oct. 13. Germany's reply to President Wilson became known in London, late in the evening through announcements from the stage in the theatres and on the screens of the cinemas. It was received with tremendous enthusiasm, and the singing of the autem tithem so prolonged that the performances in some cases were suspended.
The popular view was that the reply was equivalent to complete surrender and the end of the war only a matter of weeks.
Essential Requirements.
London, Uct. 13. The Sunday newspapers unanimously doubt the sincerity of the German pove and declare that if the Germans think that all that now remains is to haggle over conditions at “a conference they will be rudely disillusioned, The papers point out that the Allies have their points"in addition to President Wilson's fourteen which do not cover the manifold German crimes committed since President Wilson's points "were enunciated nor provide for the arraignment of the master criminals who inspired and organised the strocities, nor do they refer to reparation for sea crimes like that of the Leinster. The papers do not believe that President Wilson will recommend the Entente to grant an armistice "without solid guarantees to prevent Germany escaping in- evitable military disaster and their suggestions of terms prior to the suspension of hostilities include occupation of Metz, and the Rhine bridgeheads, the dismantling of the. German fleet, the surrender of all submarines and a declara- tion that the colonies will not be returned. All conclude that Marshal Foch can be trusted to dictate terms which will not cheat the Allied armies of the fruits of their splendid victories.
A British Conference,
London, Oct 13."
Mr. Balfour and Mr. Bonar Law are conferring with the Premier to-day pn' the German reply to President Wilson which was received at the Foreign Office this morning fromí the British Minister at The Hague.
Too Vague.
London, Oct. 13. Reuter is informed that the next step is for President Wilson to consult the Allies regarding the German answer. Prima-facie the German answer seems to accept all Presi dent Wilson's points, but the zeal difficulty is Germany's dieregard hitherto of all obligations of truth and good." faith. The note does not make it definitely clear it. Pre- sident Wilson's terms are accepted outright or only as a basis, of discussion. Evidently such a mere vague statement will not be sufficient and no ormistice is possible except on rigorous guarantees that the enemy is not merely utilising the interval to resume military operations later.
A Complete Acc-p/are: ?
Washington, Oct 13
It is authoritatively announced that the German Note was transmitted by wireless from Neuen and picked up and forwarded to Washington through official and diplomatic channels. It seems on the face of it a complete acceptance of the President's 'terins.
M
Sheer Tickery,
Paris, Oct. 13, The newspapers emphasise the ambiguity of the German note and declare that the German assurances of the demo- cratisation of Germany are sheer trickery. They affirm that. conditions of suspension of hostilities must be dictated to Germany.
*
The Only Way,
Boms. Oct. 13. Signor Orlando in an interview declared: "The enemy -mast not be allowed to snatch victory from us by craft. He muit evacuate our territory and give definite guarantees. Only thus can the cause of peace be served.
*Continued on laye
By Captalu J. A. F. Ozanne,
Of all regions upon the earth. the department of the Par da · | Calais must surely be the wettest » -30 at any rate thought? the offma of the 22nd- (Service). Battalion of the Mudfordshire |Light Infantry; and, as their regiment hails from a conatry which has the reputation of being facile princepe in the matter of rain, they are told to be expeAME on the subjsci.
Drip, drip, drip A wes day a s depressing sort of thing at say time and in any place,” bai in a shell-torn farmhouse, “with its bepaddled yard and saturated manara heap, the absolute limit is reached, especially, as the Captain said, when people of depraved tastes parvist in smok ing foal cigars in a confined space. This remark was for the benefit of the Lewis Gun officer, | who had entered the misss smok- ing a cigar which he had purchased for the modsat gum of three sons.
However, thats, was, and. thing which made the lot of the Mad for {shires bearable, and that was the thought of the tranches. The wet and sticky clay, the slippery duck-boards, the sodden fire steps, these things have to be sean sod, experieded in order to be thor- onghly appreciated... Hare of any rata: the roof of the farmhouse wBAL sofficiently istaat to keep the rain out, there were dry bede to
in, and the lotford made by | Madame, not to mention the
omelettes, was excellent. **
Then there was the coming concert. In fire days the hatt-- alion Groupe of pierroli mái lá make its debut, I was going to be "some concert," "The idea bad originated on some soch wet day as 4bis the last time that the Madfordshires were in rest billets.. A certain amount of talent-- had been sent out with the last draft; and it was even whispered that a certain melancholy looking soldier amongst the new lot was a cam- dian with quite a provincial re- pulation. Obviously such an opportunity was too good to ba missed, and a committee was held forthwith. With the advent of a abaltern who played the piano | and who, in addition to being so expert in the art of ragtime,. way an adept at writing topics! verssa. edited to popular taste, the possibility of the battalion power ing a. troope which would bid fair to wipe the eye of the Divisional Pierrota seemed to be well within 'reach, and the Madford Minnier came into being..
A wet day in billeta, therefore, is obviously a day for extra re- bearsals, and the subaltern wha was the troupe accompanist work |ed hard at the tin-ketila piano on. that day, while the members of the troupe howlad in solo and in chora. The stage manager had gone into the town is the BE cart to see about the costumes. From all bin it was evident that.. the Misnice intended to do the thing in etyle.
Maanwhile the members of the rank and file, quartered in biros sad stables throughout the village, were busy clearing off their arrears of correspondence, Frivate Hodge, sprawling on bis stomach in shay loft, was indelicate enough. to hope that bis epistle would find its recipient, his sweetheart in the pesceful village of Duckberry- super-slash, the same as 15 leaves him at present Another men, joyful in that he had contrived
& green envelope, was writing to hia wife. In a corner of a barn?” samall group of men were playing
house,
These men had come out of the line two days ago and, with luck. they would probably be in billete Another ten days at Isast. Wet or fina a spell out of the trenches ia- not a thing to be morzsi atë