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T. T. London 38/354d.
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The Hongkong Telegraph
22.79
(ESTABLISHED Oopyright 1918, by
1881)
December 12, 1918,
Temperature
Humidity
a.m. 69 95
kam. 68
December 18, 1917,~
14
Humility
8122
日十月一十
THURSDAY, DECEMBER
12,
1918.
四踔體:聪二十月二十英港香
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS,
PRESIDENT WILSON'S VISIT.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
“GREAT BRITAIN'S DAY" IN AMERICA,
American Tribute to British Achievements.
New York, December 7. "Great Britain's Day" was celebrated to day in the United States. Glowing tributes were paid to the British valor and their ssorifices during the war. The Union Jack was flown over all public buildinge. » Fifth Avenne was ablezs with the British colours. | All papers pablished editoriale paying homage to the British achieve-
ments.
General Pershing cabled thus:-"Steadfast in adversity and wounded with a thousand wounds, Great Britain's hammer blows zever weakened or faltered. But for the tenacity of her people the war would have been lost. To us who are sociated with their gallant troops words of praias are inadequate to express car admire. tion. The things which our kinemen hävs done lave brought about an inseparable union between them and our eles. We car them the right hand of friendship as that our two natione may more firmly be link d together and ensure the future of the world."
EARLIER
TELEGRAMS.
LIBERATED LORRAINE.
France Takes Possessina,
Pazia, Dec. &
On Sunday M. Poincare, M Clemenceau, M. Lesbing and members of the civilian authority in France at Metz book over official possession of Lorraine. Four special trains jeft Paris yesterday with Deputies and other guests. One special train was for the President and Premier, Marshal Zoffre, the Presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deput je. On Monday the President takes official possession, of Alsace at Strasbourg-Harak
The Ceremony at Strasbourg::
Strasbourg, Dec. 9.
M. Poincare has arrived at Strasbourg and was met by. the municipal authorities, Ministars, Senators and Deputies and by Marshals Foch, Petain and Haig. The Mayor handed the keys of the city to M. Poincare who declared that France would never give them up.
M Poincare, accompanied by Marshals Foch, Joffre, Petamm and Haig, M. Clemenceau and numerous Senators and Deputies officially entered the town and were acclaimed by the veterans of 1870 and Allied troops. The President in a speech definitely rejected the idea of a plebiscite for Alsace and stated that Britain, the United States and Italy were absolutely convinced of the country's determination to adhere to France. The pronouncement aroused a moving
tburst of patriotic joy.";
Joy in Metz
*
Paris, Dec. 9. Metz is in transports of rapture over the ceremonial State visit, of the President of the Republic, Premier #lemenceau and Marshals Forh and Joffre, Sir Dougas Haig, General Pershing, Marshal Petain and Lord Derby: Never has Metz seen so distinguished a company of visitors and mever have its narrow streets been so brilliantly decorated. M. Poincare presented in front of the statue of Marshal Ney on the esplanade, Marshal Petain with his batch as Marshal of France saying: "You are a worthy successor of the famous Lorraine General Fabert," A formal review of the troops took place and, headed by the Americans, they marched in procession through the town At the reception la the Town Hall the Mayor said: "Now for the plebiscite.". que distinguished party made a visit to the Cathedral and grave of Bishop Dupont des Loges and a visit to the ceme- fery of Chambieres. The President left at four in the afternoon for Strasbourg; spending the night in the train,- Harse.
TERRIBLE TREATMENT OF BRITISH PRISONERS.
London, Dec. 5
Fresh evidence of the ferocious treatment of British war prisoners taken during the offensive of 1918, by the Germans continues to be received. A further report by Justice Younger's Committee contains much sworn evidence that prisoners behind the firing line were half starved, much overworked and bratally treated. They had to sleep with- out shelter and were unable to change their clothes. A sumber actually died of starvation. The report shows that the Germans recently transferred to East Prussia and Ger- man Poland prisoners who were no longer fit to work bahind the lines on the West Front. A witness from Heilsburg in East Prussia said he saw over two hundred arrive in camp there on two trains. They were mostly stretcher cases and all raving for something to eat. Some of them found a tab of refuge which they devoured. Their lothing was torn and they said they had no proper food and no medical treatment. They could hardly ever wash off the dirt which was thick on their hands and faces. They were like skeletons.
Amsterdam, Dec. 9.
The French armistice delegate at Spa has unconditional- ly demanded greater liberty for war prisoners in Germany. The German delegate unsuccessfully sought to exact mutual concessions.
AFFAIRS IN GERMANY,
Arrest of Industrialists.
Amsterdam, Dec.. &
"A message from Muelheimster states that the prominent Industrialists August Thyssen, Fritz Thyssed, Edmund Stinnes and others were arrested last night by the Workers' and Soldiers' Gouncil on charges of trasson and attempting to induce the Entente to occupy the industrial region.
The Paris Matin" understands from Holland. that Prince Henry of Prussia has proclaimed the formation of a Royalist party
Demonstrations in Berlin,
Amsterdam, Dec. 10.
A message from Berlin states that a large number of ical meetings were held in the capital on the Sia, in-
shades of Bocialist groups and Spartacusers, but no disorders. The disturbances on the 6th arose Sitampt by keveral thousands of soldiers to oOTSI
filentire of the Berlin Soviet proclaim à repablis Leer Ebert the President; but Herr Ebert retired
PEACE CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS.
Three Separate Stages.
London, Dec. 5 The "Times" Paris correspondent outlines the details of procedure of the series of meetings in connection with the Peace Conference to be held in Paris and Versailles probably beginning on the 20th.
There will be three separate stages towards final peace. The first will begin soon after President Wilson's arrival in Paris on the 12th, with the representatives of France, Britain, Italy and the United States discussing points which must be considered at the final congress and the method of procedure at this meeting will be a sort of Super-Versailles Conference, probably assembling at the Trianon, the palace in Versailles park, and sitting until the beginning of January. The second step will be the summoning about March of the plenary Peace Conference of the Allied nations. The big Allies will probably have three to five delegates, the smaller Allies probably two and the newly liberated States in process of formation one delegate. This conference will be a big Peace Congress. Its decisions will probably form the ground plan of a Society of Nations which the enemy will be asked to siga and which will be submitted to a conference of the whole world as a basis for the decision of a Society of Nations in a subsequent international meeting. The plenary Allied Peace Conference will probably sit in the Galerie-des Glaces where the German Empire was proclaimed at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Much spade work will be done in smaller committees meeting at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris which will tackle questions, like new frontiers and tha international status of such central European waterways, ak the Rhine, the Danube, etc.
37
Abolition of Conscription.
London, Dec. 9. Coalition Headquarters announce if the Coalition Gor ernment is returned to power it will go to the Peace Con- ference with the deinite intention of proposing the abolition of conscription in Europe.
.
Russian Representation."
New York, Dec. 9. Prince Lvoff, the ex-Premier of Russia, M. Bakhtete Russian Ambassador to the United States, and other Russian leaders have sailed for France to attend a conference of Russian diplomats in Paris on the question of Russian repre sentation at the Peace conference. -
To Counter-Balance Germany.
Paris, Dec. d.
The Inter-Allied Peace Conference opens on 17th Dec ember...HayaA
Russia's question is the most serious before Europe and humanity. There can be no complete peace without a well- organised Russia for counter-balancing Germany-Havas.
What Belgium Desires.
London, Dec. 10.. The Belgian Foreign Minister, M. Hymana, has isstied statement indicating that Belgium at the Peace Conference will probably ask for a review of the treaty of 1939 under which Belgium was deprived of the principal portions of her provinces of Limburg and Luxemburg. M. Hyman thinks that Holland ought to renounce her monopoly of the Scheldt. which "unfairly and unnecessarily bottles up the port of Antwerp."
A Just Peace.
London, Dec. 9.
M Lloyd George, speaking at Queen's Hall, emphasised that peace must be a just peace and var must be made. more difficult if not impossible.. Hence, he was an ardent believer in a League of Nations. Those who provoked the war must be made to pay the penalty and the more exalted ones were the most responsible. Democracy must so fashion its judgment that Kings, Emperors, Crown Princes and such, like will know in future that if they bring upon earth wretchedness of this kind the penalty will inevitably fall upon their own heads. The peace conference must abolish the gigantic conscript armies which have been the means of tempting rulers to make war.
The Question of Schleswię.
London, Dec.
Beuter authoritatively learns that the repeated state- ments emanating from Germany that Northern Schleswig has been ceded to Denmark are wholly untrue. Denmark is at present not prepared to come to an agreement with. Germany thereansat, bat will leave the settlement to the Peace Conference on the basis of self-determination and principles of nationality as outlined by the associated govern ments.
BRITAIN'S DAY.
Big Celebrations in America.
New York, Dec 7. The American people have organised "Britain's, Day?" to-morrow in order to express thanks in the schools, churches and other public places throughout the United States to Great Britain for her share in ensuring the liberties of the world...
Ex-Presidential candidates Alton Parker and Hughes and other leading Americans will address mass meetings. The Allied diplomats are participating in the celebration.
An official statement says that America is proud to voice the world's debt to Britain for her immortal "con.. temptibles," for her great feet, for her hundred thousand graves at Ypres and for her million dead in the war. "As an equal beneficiary in the fruits of victory America gives thanks to Britain. Hail Britannia?".
Mr. Lloyd George has cabled's sympathetic message The celebrations include the entertainment of the members of the crews of the British cruisers at New York and Boston
Tribute by General Pershing.
Washingtony Dom -B- Mr. Baker, Minister of War, in the course of his among report, quotes eulogies by General Pershing saying that the warmth of the welcome accorded to the American; izcepa by Great Britain and France was only equalled by the resili ness of the Commander-in-Chief of the veterans armies. the Allies and their Staffs to place their experience our disposal. The co-operation of the Allies was of the most cordial nature. The reception of those of ou forces who passed through England and the there was always entimanatic. Altogether it -impressed upon us that the lies of lanema tay the Britch and ourselves togel
-|
Experts Among the Party.
New York, Dé “L The Presidential party aboard the George Washington includes twenty-three experts on the political and economic conditions of Europe and Asia, with several tons of doen- ments, and mapé.
Resentment in America.-
London Dec. 5 t There is considerable resentment in the United States, even amongst the Democratic politicians and newspapers, regarding President Wilson's departure to attend the Peace Conference, especially in view of the uncertainty regarding the programme he intends to submit to the Conference.
A Royal Welcome Prepared.
Paris, Dec. 9. President Wilson will receive a right royal welcome to Paris and naval honours at Brest such as few heads of States ever saw. His arrival is timed for Saturday at ten in the morning. "Prince Murat of Rue Monceau has placed his splendid mansion at the disposal of President Wilson's. party. The City of Paris will present a gold medal to President Wilson and has expressed a wish that he visit the ravaged towns and villages of Northern France.
Naval American escorts to meet President Wilson at Brest next Friday morning comprise nine dreadnoughts and thirty destroyers-Havna.
THE ARMISTICE
Fulfilment of Financial Clauser.
Paris, Dec. 5. The Finance Minister states that the Armistice Commis- sion has formulated conditions for the ful5imant of the financial clauses of the armistice including that Germany shall not alienate or concede any mortgage on her railways, mines, forests nor any industrial, commercial or colonial en- terprises wherein the State is interested. She shall not touch foreign securities belonging to the State or gold in the. Reichsbank except under conditions already laid down. She shall immediately hand over to the Fratico-Belgian authori ties the securitaten from North France and Belgium and restore during December the notes of the National Bank of Belgium, also cash belonging to the Franco-Belgian Banks which she converted into marks, and hand over to the Allies the gold she received from Russia under the Brest treaty.
To Prolong the Armistice.
Amsterdam, Dec. 8.
A message from Berlin says that Herr Erzberger an- nounces that the French have requested the German Anny Command to designate plenipotentiaries to discuss the prolongation of the armistice at Treves on the 19th. or 13th. insti
SHIPPING MATTERS.
̈A Proposed · Hostel,
London, Dec. 5. Speaking at a meeting at 10 Downing Street this after- noon in support of the appeal of Lady Dimsdale, for £100,000 for a hostel for merchant seamen as a memorial from the women of the Empire, Sir Eric Geddes stated that 2,475 ships were sunk in the war with their crews aboard and 3,147 with their crews left adrift.
-Toe Net British Losses.
London, Dec. & The effect of the war on the merchant shipping of the United Kingdom is strikingly illustrated by a Parliamentary paper which shows that on October 31 the position of world tonnage was: Losses 15,053,756 tons; Gains by new con- struction 10,849,527 tone; Enemy tonnage captured 2,392,576 toas; Net loss. 1,811,564 tous.
The position of British tonnage, excluding transfers", to and from the British flag, then was: Losses, 9,031,628 tons; Gains by new construction in the United Kingdom 4,342,290; Purchases abroad, 330,000 tons; Enemy tonnage captured 718,520 tons; Net loss, a,443,012 tons.
THE BELGIAN ENTRY.
London, Dec. &
A correspondent describing the Belgian entry into Air says that the proclamation prescribing their behaviour in- exactly translates the German proclamations issued in Bel- gium and an incident during the entry demonstrated to the population that the proclamation must be obeyed. A Divisional General stood in the city square to take the Belgian division's salute. When the first regiment wheeled into the square files of soldiers walked along the pavements ahead of the colours calling for hate to be taken off A number of men dad boys hesitated and the soldiers fing the offenders hats off and there was no hesitation anywhere when the next regiments and colours passed. A dramatio episode during the entry was the strange sound of British cheers heards at a distance.. Presently an unkempt and unshaven stream was seen marching from the east. They were British prisoners from Sennelager and many "Old Contempibles "bad the satisfaction of seeing the Germans doff- their bats to them.
THE ROMANOFES.
How They Met Their Death.
Amsterdam, Dea
A Berlin message reports that Kieff newspapers publish details of the murder of the ex-Tear and his family by Beltbe- viks at the convent at Ekaterinburg on 17th July. They were taken to a cellar, lined up against a wall and shot successively. The Ozar's last request was to dia” with the sick Czarina in his arms. This was granted. The Grand Dushem Tatiana, who was only wounded, was killed by rifle butte.The corpses, were burned in the outskirts of Ekaterinburg.
Terrible Murders.
It is confirmed that the Bolshevika Hussin, ordered the deaths of Grand Duk
teh Grand Duchess Ehrabotkį)
Constantine kind Iyor and
Nov. 20
SINGLE COPYI@CENTS. 136 PER ANNUM,
WAK SAVINGS.
Twenty-fourth List of the Local
-Association.
Daring last month, War Loss was purchased by the Hongkong and South” Chian War Bavinge- Amocin tion, for its members, amounting
to $185 811.68 (Straits Currency). The amounts. paid in, particulars of which are net out below, were invested in Straite Settlements War Loan st 6 per cent.
The membership of the Association has reached 1,182.
Full particulars and application forms may be obtained from the undersigned.
1 Sabeoription of
6,500
1
2.500
2 Subscriptions of
2,000
1 Subscription of
1,500
-1,800
Subscriptions of
1,000-
900
800
600
500
Subscription
470
450
410
4 Subscriptions of
1 Subscription of
4000
350
820
8 Baberiptions of
300
1 Subscription of
275
260
4 Subscriptions of
250
1 Subscription of
245
248
210
13 Subscriptions of Subscription of
200
170
#2 Subscriptions of
160
7
*180*
3
120
38
19
1 Saboription of
6 Subscriptions of
8
8"
18
Total
200
€5
50,469
$2,095,220
Total amount received
to date TotalsmountofStraits
Currency received-- sinos last invest- ment
Previously ledged
soknow.
$34,699.29
419,394.84
Total ... $154,094.13.
Total amount of Star-
ling recaived sinoa / last investment Previously ledged
oknow-
£1920
11,982 16:05.
Total *** £12,071:16 03
Total amount of Gold Dollars received sizos last inventznemt at Previously acknowledged,
157.00
Total...G 86 895 14
Total amount
Previously acknowledg
19401
585.00
7584 404