EXCHANGE:
Closing Quotations:—
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On Demand 38. 3,3/162.
The
Hongkong Telegraph.
(ESTABLISHED"1881).
WEATHER FORECAST.
FAIR
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8151
日九十月弍十
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
PRELIMINARY PEACE CONFERENCE OPENS.
FEATURES OF THE FIRST SITTING.
in twos and threes.
Paris, January 18.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1919.
KEUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
PRELIMINARY PEACE CONFERENCE OPENS.
PRESS DEMANDS.
Paris, January 17.
登拜禮 號十弍月登英港香
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
A ROYAL BEREAVEMENT,
KING GEORGE'S YOUNGEST SON DEAD.
London, January 19,
H. M. the King's youngest son, H. R. H. Prince John, died last (H. R. H. Prince John Charles Francis was born st York Cottage on July 12, 1905.]
HOW ROSA LUXEMBURG WAS KILLED.
SINGLE COPY: 10 CENTS
$36 PER ANNUM.
TO-DAY'S CHINESE
TELEGRAMS. - A
ل شهر
Wah Tsz. Yat Po Service)
Peking, Jan. 19:
The Press Demand for Publicity,
A meeting of the delegates of the Allied and American Fress
The Paking Press has a state- passed a resolution stating: "Firstly it is essential to ensure full
ment saying the Japanese Euro- Large crowds, including journalists, cinema operators and publicity of the Peace Conference; secondly, that the communiques night.
pean representatives have been diplomatically successful in photographers, assembled early before the Foreign Ministry to see should be as complete as possible; thirdly, that besides the communi
handling the French Foreign the arrival of delegates at the opening of the great Peace Conques full summaries of each day's proceedings should be issued not
Minister who presides at the ference. M. Jules Cambon was the first arrival and the rest followed necessarily for textual publication, but for the guidance of correspond
After entering the Foreign Ministry they ens who will maintain full freedom of comment; fourthly, we are
Preliminary Conference, and have induced him and others to agree passed through the Salon du Congres and the Salon des Ambassa-opposed to any interference of free intercourse between the peace delegates and responsible journalists; fifthly, the committee recom- deurs, reaching the Salle de l'Horloge, where they took their appointmends equality of treatment for the Allied Press by abolition of the
BODY REMOVED BY MOB IN DARKNESS.
to only two seats for Chins. The ed places, which were marked by little white gilt-edged cards.
Japanese representatives stated London, January 18. President Wilson on arrival was saluted with drums and fifes. censorship in all Allied countries; sixthly, apart from the general The Indian and Hedjaz question of the admission of the Press to the Conference, the Com-
The official story of the death of Herr Liebknecht and Rosa that China's internal trouble. He smilingly posed for the camera-men.
mittee is of opinion that journalists representing Allied countries Luxemburg only arrived from Amsterdam to-day. It states that the is not settled and that two pers delegates, with their brilliant turbans. lent picturesqueness to the should be permitted to attend the formal opening session of the Con-crowd broke up the escort and pounced upon Ross Luxemburg, who sons, one representing the North scene. President Poincare received the same ceremonial as Presid-
was placed in a car unconscious. The mob subsequently stopped and one the South, would not in-. ent Wilson, The delegates chatted in groups in the Salle de
At the Press Conference there was substantial agreement bethe car and a man shot ber. The others seized her body and dis- crease the troubles in China. l'Horloge, President Wilson lengthily conversing with M. Clemen-
This decision classes China among cean. The Allied journalists who were admitted to the Conference tween the British. Italian and American Press delegates to recom-appeared with it in the darkness.
the third or fourth rate nations. were seated in a gallery having communication with the Salle de end actual representation of the Press at the Conferences. The French, however, dissented. After the French delegates withdrew,
Telegrams from peace head- quarters at Shanghai indicate President Poincare entered at 3.5 p.m.. walked quickly to the the following resolutions were adopted by the British, Italian and Presidential chair and in clear tones delivered the opening address. American Press delegates. Firstly, that there should direct re- all standing meanwhile. Mr. Lloyd George entered while the speech presentation of the Press at the sittings of the Conferences; secondly,
that the Conference is likely to was proceeding. President Wilson was half-turned to President the Press of each of the Great Powers should be represented by not
open on the 20th inst fawer than five delegates and the smaller Powers which have taken Poincare and gare occasional nods of approval. Poincare concluded, the interpreter (Lieutenant Mantoux) read the active part in the war should be proportionally represented. Presidential speech in English.
l'Horloge,
I
After President
Seventy-two delegates were now seated round a horseshoe "table. "President Poincare was at the head with President Wilson and the American delegates on his right and Mr. Lloyd George and The Secretaries eat behind the British delegates on his left. President Poincare, while at the other end of the room shorthand writers were accommodated. The Assistant Secretaries sat at tables at the sides of the room.
The apartment is a gorgeous one, overlooking the quai and river. It is lofty, with walls literally hidden under gilt rococo ornamentation and hang with scarlet curtains. Several huge crystal chandeliers depended from the ceiling of the room, which takes its name from the magnificent clock behind the President's chair. It
ferences.
PRESS TO BE ADMITTED CONDITIONALLY,
London, January 18.
AN ENQUIRY INSTITUTED.
Amsterdam, January, 19.
An investigation has begun to discover whether the officers commanding Herr Liebknecht's and Rosa Luxemburg's escorts had fulfilled their duty. The officer commanding Rosa Luxemburg's escort has been temporarily suspended because he did not sufficiently protect her against the public.
Twelve million dollars of the surplus Customs revenue will ba handed over shortly.
Shanghai, Jan. 19. Within the last three days seven cases of opium smuggling by soldiers on the railways bave
been discovered. The President instructs Maḥ Lung-Più to punish the offenders severely.
THE GOVERNMENT EMBARRASS ED.
London, January 18. Correspondents state that Berlin bas been thrown into a state A communique dated the 17th inst. from Paris states. The of nervous tension by the killing of Herr Liebknecht and Rosa Preliminary Peace Conference sat for four and a half hours and Luxemburg, similar to the tension on the eve of the Bolshevik decided to give Belgium and Serbia three delegates each at the rising. The people generally fear that the Spartacist reprisals and Conference, and the King of Hedjaz two. This finally established acts will undoubtedly embarass the Government. the number of each Power's delegates. The agenda for the opening
THE NEW ARMISTICE TERMS. sitting of the Conference on the afternoon of the 18th inst was
REPATRIATION OF RUSSIAN PRISONERS AND HANDING
The British and American arranged and the meeting finally examined the question of publicity of the Conference discussions. It unanimously registered that it is
OVER OF VESSELS.
Ministers have inquired from the anxious that the public through the Press should have the fullest
Paris, January 16. Peking Government if there is information compatible with the safeguarding of the supreme
The text of the new Armistice terms confirms an carlier message any truth in the report that reached with a minimum of delay.
night. Furthermore, it stipalates the establishment by the certain foreign Power in Fang Associated Governments of a committee to control the Repatriation Wong Shan (in Manchuria) for of Russian prisoners from Germany."
really forms a half vast square apartment divided by a row of interest of all, which is that a just and honourable settlement be from Paris, and also the conditions cabled from Berlin last capital has been scured from
immense pillars. The other half was thronged with journalists.
Regarding the representation of India at the Conference, the Hon. E. S. Montagu has decided, with the approval of the Premier, view of the historic importance of the opening meeting, to depute the Maharajah of Bikanir and Sir C. P. Sicha to be the represent- atives of India on this occasion.
ELECTING THE PRESIDENT..
London, January 19.
The committee will sit at Berlin. German merchant vessels & mining enterprise. are being taken over in order to assure the supply of foodstuffs to Germany and the reat of Europe. The arrangement is without prejudice to the final disposal of the vessels. The restitution of all
Following President Poincare, President Wilson moved that a rather than those of the Legislature. The essence of the material removed from France and Belgium is stipulated.
that
OTHER TERMS.
in
It is however obvious that publicity regarding the preliminary conversations now proceeding must be subject to limitations necessarily imposed by the difficult and delicate nature of their
Chang Chung-cheong (Chinese object. The communique proceeds with a justification of its decision and points out that these conversations are far more analogous to
linister Tokyo) reports meetings of the Cabinet, which are always and necessarily private,
that the Japanese. Government and people advocate returning democratic method is that Governments have privately deliberated
The Tsingtao to China.direct. Clemenceau be permanent President. He said this meeting must and that the conclusions be subject to consideration of a popular
Paris, January 17, matter has been submitted to a be regarded as the supreme crowning of diplomatic history. Never Chamber and in other public ways. The danger is pointed out
An announcement has been issued that the renewed Armistice diplomatic committee for cod- before had so many nations been represented with a view to settling of raising national and international controversy by premature provides for the surrender of submarines ready to proceed to sea, the sideration. He however recom- the problems of the world in so many degrees. They all admired publicity; also the fact is impressed the delegates'
destruction of submarines that are being constructed, and mends that it would be bettergo. duties
become infinitely more difficult. M. Clemenceau's commonsense and had acquired real affection for
The also a clause placing the German merchant fleet at the disposal let the matter be decided by the communique contends that' him. "We all desire the same thing." M. Clemenceau here nodded
premature publicity will!
European Peace Conference. approval.
protract a speedy settlement and may create wrong conclusions
The South-west has now offic Mr. Lloyd George supported the proposal, referring to Mabout reciprocal concessions where mutual agreement may not have
He and M. Clemenceau as "the greatest young man of France.
allynotified Peking that Southern fally developed.
beet delegates have Clemenceau had often disagreed, arguing with each other vigorously like any two Celts. Referring to the greatness of the hour. Mr. Lloyd George said the world was thirsting for peace. M. Clemenceau yould not permit time to be wasted, for he knew it was the greatest eloquence that got things done.
President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George both spoke in English Baron Sonnino, speaking in French, also paid a tribute to M. Clemenceau, who was unanimously elected.
The Conference adjourned at 4,35 p.m.
MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED,
Paris, January 19.
would
of the Allies.
HANDING OVER OF 58,000 AGRICULTURAL MACHINES.
Amsterdam, January 17. A message from Berlin states that the renewed Armistice The communique's concluding paragraph says:-This reasoning applies with conclusive force to the present conversations between provides that Germany will deliver 58,000 agricultural machines of peace representatives of the Great Powers: Regarding the full Conference, various kinds, by February 17th, and punishment is demanded appointed.
The Cabinet has decided on the the following rule is adopted, namely, Press representatives shall be of those guilty of illegal treatment to prisoners of war in Germany. admitted to meetings of the full Conference but upon necessary As a guarantee, the Entente reserves the right to occupying a sector following enemy regulations:-- occasions the Conference deliberations may be held in camera. of the fortress of Strassburg, formed by the fortifications on the First, all interned Germans and right of the Rhine with a strip of territory between 5 and 10 kilome-those named by the Allies and PRESIDENT POINCARE'S SPEECH.
ters fronting the fortifications. London, January, 18.
SURRENDER OF TURKISH COMMANDER...
Cairo, January 17.
former employees in schools and industrial works shall be sent back to Germany; second, all Germans over sixty years old, or suffering from illness, and doctors,
Fakhri Pasha, commanding the Turks at Medina, has surrender-and teacher under contracts in
POLES TAKE OVER GOVERNMENT OF POSEN.
A communique dated the 18th inst. from Paris says President After the nomination of M. Clemenceau as President, the Peace Poincare welcomed the delegates to Paris. He saw in the delegates" Conference adopted a proposal alloting one Vice President to each decision to hold the Conference there, the homage of all nations of the fire Great Powers, after which M. Clemenceau said the represented towards a country which more than any other haded to Emir Ali son of King Hussein, of the Arabs. testimonies of friendship from President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd endured the sufferings of war. After recounting the outrages which George touched hic deeply. Their ambition was a great one. They led up to the war, be retraced the successive entry of the Allies finto the struggle, 'specially tributing Britain and the Dominions, and wished to avoid a repetition of the world catastrophe. All must
saying "Faithfully supported by her Dominions and Colodies, Great remain united if the League of Nations was to be practicable.
As regards the Orders of the Day, M. Clemenceau said he had Britain decided she could not remain aloof from a struggle wherein the fate of every country was involved. She and her Dominions consulted two eminent jurists on the penal responsibility of the ex-, Kaiser and their reports would be submitted to all the delegates. As and Colonies made prodigious efforts to prevent the war ending in regards responsibility for the enemy's crimes in war-time and, the triumph of the spirit of conquest and the destruction of right." legislation for International Labour, all the Powers were invited to President Poincare, continuing, said the intervention of America' submit memoranda thereupon. The question of the League of was something greater than a great political and military event-it Nations would head the agenda for the next sitting. The Conference was a supreme judgment passed at the bar of history by the lofty then adjourned.
couscience of a free people and their chief magistrate.
THE VOTING QUESTION.
London, January 18.
maintain order.
hospitals and schools will be allowed to remain.
are
Hung Hi-ling and others wha London, January 17.
now in Shanghai bave A message from Berlin states an official report says the Polish pratically arranged with Tang National Council at Posen has informed the Government that it has Shao-yee to hold the Peace Con taken over the administration of the Frovince of Posen, in order to ference in the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, and have wired the President to order accordingly,
The President wires the. Bouth West welcoming the appointment of peace delegates. He has silently agreed to hold the Conference in Shanghai, but the opening ceremony must be held in Nanking.
MARTIAL LAW IN BREMEN.
Amsterdam, January 17. A message from Bremen states that martial law has been
PRINCE LICHNOWSKY HEADING GERMAN PEACE DELEGATES.
Amsterdam, January 17. The Berlin and Munich newspapers state that Prince Lichnowsky will be leader of the German Peace Delegation.
GROWTH OF BOLSHEVISM IN GERMANY.
FOCH THINKS GERMANS WILL PULL THEMSELVES TOGETHER.
Paris, January 18.
President Poincare concluded:-"An immortal glory will attach proclaimed. Reuter's correspondent at Paris, discussing the voting repre- to the names of the nations and men who co-operated in this grand sentation at the Conference, and particularly referring to the work in faith and brotherhood, and who have taken pains to eliminate Forty- protest that the largest and most important Powers have only equal from future peace the cause of disturbance and instability.
According to a telegram from voting rights with the smallest and most inconsiderable, points out eight years ago today, the German Empire was proclaimed in a
Paris, it was originally arranged that it is necessary to remember that the Conference's problems chateau at Versailles. It was consummated by the theft of two will not be settled by vote. The Conference is rather a Parlia French Provinces. It was thus vitiated from its origin and, by the
that Chins should have three full- ment of Cabinets than A Parliament of Man" and it will follow fault of its founders, born in injustice. It has ended in opprobrium.
power delegates at the Peace the Cabinet procedure whereby policy will not be settled by the You are assembled to repair the evil done and to prevent a recur-
Conference, but Britain, France, counting of heads. The chiefs will give the lead and others follow. rence. You hold in your hands the world's future."
Italy and America have now The Peace Conference is and must be guided and controlled by the Referring to the regulations of the Conference, the commun-
decided to reduce the member to Great Powers who are responsible before world history for the ique states that belligerent Powers with general interests, namely the decisions.
In the course of au interview, Marshal Foch expressed the two, on the ground that China. The Great Powers are custodians of vast existing interests and United States, the British Empire, France, Italy and Japan, shall all have vital principles. They are unwilling to entrust the settle- Participate in all sittings and Commissions, Belligerent Powers with opinion that the Germans had not exaggerated much, regarding the did not do much in active ment by vote. It inconceivable, for example, that Great Britain, particular interests, namely Belgium. Brazil, the British Dominions need at present prevailing in Germany, especially in Austris, where service, because she is represented at the Conference, should be compelled and India, China, Cubs, Greece, Guatemala, Hayti, Hedjaz, Hon- the population is certainly bordering on famins.
duras, Liberia, Nigaragua, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Marshal Foch does not share the view that Germany is incap- to abandon her historic attitude on the question of the freedom of Siberia, Siam, the Czecho-Slovak Republic and Powers in a state of able of further effort as she still possesses an army, although it is the seas, because of a hostile majority vote, and similarly France diplomatic rupture with the enemy, namely Bolivia, Ecuador disorganised. On the other hand, the Allied occupation of the regarding Alsace-Lorraine and Italy regarding the Trentino.
Peru and Uruguay, shall participate at sittings at which questions Rhineland constitutes the strongest imaginable strategic barrier, The underlying principle, therefore, is agreement among the concerning them are discussed. Neutral Powers and States in especially as the Allies possess all the main avenues into Germany, Eve Great Powers. Without it, no settlement is possible. the delegates of all the Great Powers will attend all the sittings, the Process of formation may be heard when summoned by the Powers Marshal Foch does not fear a serious growth of Bolshevis, in delegates of the smaller Powers, the Dominions and India will with general interests at sittings devoted specially to the examins Germany
Marshal Foch believes that Germany will pull herself together and sweep aside "this wave of poison gas," attend only when invited. Hence when the Freedom of the Sass, tion of questions directly concerning them.
NEW ITALIAN CABINET.
While
THE POINTS IN DISPUTE.. affecting all, is discussed, it is assumed that all nations, including Overseas Britain, will be present. It is clear that the panel system
'London, December 18. admits of perpetual representation of the Domitions and there is
The Morning Post's correspondent at Paris writing on the 16th | nothing to prevent the British delegation comprising Sir Robert Borden, Mr. Hughes, General Botha and General Smuts if thought says the feeding of Germany and the question of indemnity are two desirable Anyhow, it is extremely probable that when the Domin points where any difference of opinion among the plenipotenti aries ions and India are not represented as fuch, one or more direct now centres. delegates of the Imperial Government will drop out and be replaced An agreement will probably be reached as regards the first, but
the second presents by Dominions or Indian statesmen, so that the Overseas Empire may The B&T hierCADOR CA 7 always be in a position to know what is transpiring and make its
have now disappeared voise heard..
of the Sen
Tr
SIGNOR ORLANDO, STILL PREMIER
London; January 18,4- The personnel of the re-constituted Italian Chabli that Italy is not disposed to conciliation, claims, Signor Orlando remian
(Continued on ZIEM
Ingo Slay
DON'T FORGET.
TO-DAY. Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m. Coronet Theatre -9.15 p.m."