Hongkong Telegraph
(ESTABLISHED 1881).
ANDERSEN MEYER & CO., LTD.
式拜鐵變化廿月五英店香
TUESDAY MAY 21, 1919.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
MORE LOOTING.
Simla, May 24
THE AFGHAN SITUATION.
SINGLE COPY: 10 GAES
BAĦĦ 136 PER ANNUM.
SOLE AGENTRS
ANDERSEN MEYER & CO LTD
Na 2 Queen's Road,
All is quiet on the Dakka front. The inhabitants of Ninggahar realise that if they abstain from hostile, actiön they have nothing to fear from the presence of our troops. Our foraging parties ate collecting supplies in the villages, bringing local produce for sale. Two airmen who were recently forced to land in the Bazar Valley Landi Kotal safely? Hostile troops and armed tribesmen recently collecting in Gandao Valley It is reported that parties of have been, bombed by aeroplanes. Afridis and other tribesmen who arrived at Jalalabad after our aerial bombardment of the forifications and barracks on the 21st. freely looted the almost deserted city. The troops fled panic-stricken and the looters helped themselves liberally to the unprotected Army stores. The Nawab of Dir repeats his congratulations on the British success and is confident of the Amir's ultimate ruin. Leading Malik, an important Achakzai tribe at Chaman, have assured, the Goverment of their loyalty.
WHAT OF THE AMIRS BROTHER?
Simla, May 21. Reuters special Peshawar correspondent says it is impossible to ascertain definitely the fate of the Amir's brother, Nasrullah.have reached Froster opinion inclines to the belief that he died a few days after the new Amir's accession. The Afridia believe that he is still alive. It is stated that the other day the Amir sent for Nasrullah and offered him the Throne, saying he himself was going to fight at Khyber in the uniform of a common soldier. Nasrullah refused, on the ground that Inayatullah, the late Amir's eldest son, should have been offered the Throne. Another successful raid was carried out yesterday Quier and methodical plans have been made to continue the ga.. files of Jaden camels and bullocks carts are now passing through Khyber Pass, in addition to motor convoys and despatch riders. presenting à wonderful and romantie sight There are saip- ers at Sulk. in Bazar Valley, but they fest to roach the Pass.
THE ARMISTICE REQUEST,
✔ THE PEACE MANOEUVRE.
Simla, May 24.
:
After the departure of Aħdur Rabaman, the late Afghan envoy. across the frontier, two companions, Habibullah and Colonel Ahmad Ali, who were detained at Peshawar pending the arrival of the British Agent at Kabul, produced a Firman signed by the Amir, dated May 20. sayingTo Habibullah and Ahmad Ali,- I have been informed by the late Afghan envoy that the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India discussed with him before his departure the question of the cessation of war. Opening the field and proceed to the British Camp and discuss the terms of peace. If you find the ground favourable for peace, inform me. In any case it is necessary, and I authorise you to take these steps." The delegates were unwilling to explain why they delayed the production of the Fizman until Abdur Rahainan's departure. The explanation probably lies in the fact that the Firman was intended for confidential guidance and not for production. The admission of the netessity to discuss terms, though the ground was unfavourable mer still be put across the frontier and informed that there is for peace, is hardly in the language of recognised credentials. Both
nothing to add to the written message already handed the envoy..
A Bolshevik wireless message from Russian Turkestan con- tinues to furnish interesting sidelights on the new regime in Afghanistan. On the 22nd the Jutogh station picked up a message." emanating apparently from Kuahk, addressed to all Eastern stations fe announcing the remarkable news that according to official advices thefrom Kabul Afghanistan is endeavouring to obtain the support of the ribes on the frontier with a view to securing on exit to the sea by gaining possession of Karachi port."
Sinda, May 27 Reuter's special correspondent at Peshawar writes: A party of 40 Afghans, including Abdur Rahman Khan, envoy at Simlastwo Colonels and other officials of moderate standing, arrived at the lines under a flag of truce, claiming the Amir's authority to ask for an armistice. They were sent on to Peshawar. They have no letter from the Amir. The facts of importance connected with the party and its mission are that Bibi Hazrat, the Amir's mother, whose indoor to peace. I therefore depute and authorise youto go to the battle- fluence on Afghan politics is well known motored to Jallalabad last week; and that Abdur Rahman who is well known to the Indian Government, and some members of the delegation represent the Afghan Army, which, according to one theory, controls the Amir: on the other hand, it is suspected that some of the party are people making the Armistice proposal as an ex use for quitting Afghanistan when their own position is unsafe. Sey,ral, indeed, frankly said they prefer internment in India then go return their country.
Meanwhile the military situation in the Alchan plans has failed everywhere. An Afghan rising in Peshawar City, which was to coincide with the seizure of Khyber Pass, was stopped in time. The Afghans were dr ven off the mouth of the Pass. The enemy next hoped to raise the frontier tribes, but with the exception of a few outlaws no Afridis have responded. Although their gathering in Mohmand country" was supported by it Afghan regulars, 77 Lashkar hes yet crussed Karappa Pass. Again, after the defeat of the Jallalahad force at Dakka. the Afghans hoped to make something of an Army in Khost, under Nadir Khan. The last gentleman has been running up and down the Kurram frontier. at one moment on Feiwar Kotal, and then being heard of threatening Tochi: then a report spreads that he is about to lead a force from Ghazni down to Gomil Pass. The fact is that Nadir Khan has also failed to. raise the tribes and the Afghan regulars will not move into the Khost Passes till they are certain they have the tribesmen with them. Therefore it is not surprising that the Army leaders should desire
peace.
Aldur Rahman was sent across the frontier this morning.
EVIDENCES OF BOLSHEVISM.
Simla May 24. Fresh evidence of Bolshevik sympathies in the present regime in Afghanistan is afforded by a striking wireless message transmit- red to Moscow by the Bolsheviks at Tashkent on May, 20, announc- ing the receipt of two letters from Kabul, dared April 7. addressed to the President of the Russian Republic. In one, the Amir declar 4 that Russia. by raising the standard of Bolshevism, had earned the ratitude of the whole world and offered the honoured President of the Russian Republic the friendly greeting of his friend Amanullah. In the other letter. Mahmud Tarzi, the Amir's Commissary for Foreign Affairs, expressed the hope that permanent friendly relations between the Bolsheviks and Afghanistan would
now be established.
The cynicism with which Bolshevism is prepared to turn the most sacred material to its own base uses is evidenced by another wireless message transmitted almost simultaneously from Tash
kent. It emanates from M. Bravine, who has been entrusted with Bolshevik propaganda in the East, and is addressed. to the Eastern Propaganda Bureau. It asks that Barkatulia, a renegade Indian whose seditious activities during war are now notorious, should be pressed to finish his promised pamphlet on Bolshevism in the Koran and to despatch 100,000 printed copies in the Persian, Hindustani and Arabic languages by special courier.
MORE AERIAL ATTACKS.
Simla, May 25,
To-day bur seroplanes successfully bombed munition factories at Kabul, securing seven rits. A large explosion followed. A second raid on Jallalabad was effective., Several military buildings ware damaged and seen to be in flames.
THE TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT","
HOME AUTHORITIES' BELATED EFFORTS.
1
London, May 20, The Admiralty has ordered the most thorough search for Major Hawker and Lieut. Mackenzie Grieve. A strong force of destroyers
and tags has put to sea Aeroplanes will join in when the fog and rain, which are bampering the search, permits. is adopting measures regardless of expense.
The Air Ministry
"
N.C.4 ARRIVES AT PONTA DELGADA.
London, May 20
:
N.C.4 arrived at Ponta Delgada ar3.22 to-day.
THE SEARCH FOR HAWKER.
London, May 20. In the House of Commons Colonel Seely said that up to a late hour the Air Ministry had no news about Major Hawker There was a possibility that the airmen were picked up by a passing vessel without a wireless, also that Hawker's wireless might have been injured when the undercarriage dropped. Every available ship and aeroplane had been searching in very adverse weather.
ALLIES REPLY TO GERMANS..
NO SHIRKING OF RESPONSIBILITY,
Paris, May 20. The Allied reply to Count Rantzau's Note regarding responsibility for the war and reparation, has been handed to Count Rantzau. It draws attention to the impossibility of dissociating responsibility and reparation; therefore, as reparation is admitted, responsibility is involved. It points out that the Germans did not object to Mr. Lansing's Note of November 5, containing an indictment of German The tribal Lashkars in the Gandao Valley were attacked by agression and emphasises that the German people cannot renounce aeroplanes and it is reported that they were scattered north- {responsibility for the actions of the former Germana Government. wards.
WHO PLANNED THE RISING?
Simla, May 24.
MURMANSK FIGHTING.
BOLSHEVISTS DEFEATED.
Router's special correspondent at Peshawar, writing today, saysAfghanistan is passing gradually into the hands of Saleh Mahomed, a Commander-in-Chief belonging to the Durpi Poble family who trusted and confided in the late Amir Although he 'fanlly joined Amanullah, he was acquitted of complicity in or
London, May 20. knowledge of the murder of Habibollah. This fact is important, The War Office announce that a message from Murmansk dated because in spite of the Afghan predeliction for violent the 19th, says that Poryenets, the northern extremity of Lake crime, the Amir's murder' and the subsequent execution Onega was occupied by the Russians. Before evacuating, the of innocent men caused indignation in Afghanistan. Even Bolshevists removed all, their males over 14 years of age, also all the border Pathans seem horror-struck. The adher-their steamers and launches. But the lake is icebound; therefore, ence of Saleh Mahomed alone kept. Amanullah on the throne. It the vessels cannot go far away." remains to be seen which of these planned the invasion of India. Beth seem to have been misled-on-the-internal-situation in India. The Afghan Postmaster at Peshawar, who is well educated, ill- balanced and emotional, received exaggerated reports from Indian seditionists of the Punjab riots who told the Amir that the time was opportune.
...
37
PRINCE OF WALES' VISIT TO CANADA.
NDIAN
OCEAN
CHINA
AUSTRALIA
THE EMPIRE AIR ROUTE. The above map shows the Empire air route, described by Major-Gen. Sykes to the Australian and New Zealand Crub in London regently. Pioneer flights as far as, Karachi, Delhi, and Cal- curta have already been made. Egypt will be the starting point of the chain, and eventually a line back to England may be made. In this way a journey to Australia could be made in five or six days. A telegram to hand yesterday stated that the Australian Government is offering a prize of £10,000 to the first pilot of Australian nationality arriving from Britain by December 31. 1920, within 720 hours, on an all-British machine.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
A PARLIAMENTARY BATTLE OVER PREFERENCE.
“MR." AUSTEN CHAMBERLATS ́S JUSTIFICATION","
London, May 21.
In the House of Commons on the second reading of the Finance Preference and the absence of a levy on capital. Bill, Mr. McLean moved its rejection, objecting to the policy of
as
To-Day's Exchange
The closing rate of the" dollar on demand today was Is 6.7-16d.
The Weather.
Forecast-Fair. Barometer 29.76. Temperature" 2 p.m. Humidity 2.p.m.66.
LEST WE FORGET.
-80.
Mr. Chamberlain at length combated the Liberal criticism regarding Imperial Preference. Preference was to reform our whole policy. He instanced that Preference would be given in cases where capital was to be expended in one of the Dominions-- (Cheers)-also that the Government decided two years ago that
I am son of a Louvain professor. purchases on their behalf if not made in Great Britain should be I met at Farmes, whilst I was made in the Empire Overseas rather than in other countries, and with the army, a man who was a the Government recently instructed all its departments to give refugee from Louvain. He had effective preference in Government contracts to Overseas, both been son.e 25 years in the service regards .offers to Tender and price. (Cheers.) of the Louvain University as a Mr. Chamberlain pointed out that the policy of Preferente bad porter, and is well known to me, been bailed with enthusiasm in the West Indies and was approved a man of integrity. He came to by every Dominion. It obtained friendly recognition by the High give me information as to the Commissioner of Canada while people in South Africa were grateful happenings at my father's house, and hopeful. They saw in it an opportunity for the development of of which he had been left in their industries.
charge. He told me that when Referring to the criticism that the policy that he threw away the Germans arrived at Louvain £3,000,000 for nothing ", he asked was it nothing to respond to the they took possession of my desire, wish and hope expressed, by every Colonial and Imperial father's house and completely Conference for 15 to 20 years by Overseas representatives (Cheers) looted it, taking away all portable was it nothing that we should, at last fall into line with the policy articles of value and destroying first suggested by a Cape Dutchman and then endorsed by men of the furniture and other contents. every race. The Liberals' real objection was to the recognition of That they stabled horses in the the fiscal unity of the Empire.
drawing-room. That they des-
on Capital, Mr. Chamberlain said the question presented the greatest the street my father's manu As regards the demand for a Commission of Inquiry into a levy troyed, tore up, and threw into difficulties and would cause insecurity and fear at a time when we scripts and books (which were were face to face with a floating debt for which we must provide. very numerous) and completely the Budget additionally taxed them and gave capitalista another tents.
Mr. Clynes said the working classes were of the opinion that wrecked his library and its cont- That finally the Germans £50,000,000 yearly. Mr. Clynes ridiculed the idea that Preference burnt the house together with all could affect our relations with the Dominions Government. They others in the neighbourhood. The could not reward the men of the Dominions by putting into the Germans also destroyed, the pockets of certain traders large sums of money.
The amendment was rejected by 317 votes to 72.
THE AUSTRIAN PEACE TERMS.
Paris, May 20, The Austrian peace terms will be practically on the same. lines as those of the Germans. It is expected that they will be presented early next week.→→
SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.
(From Our Own Correspondent.) -STRAITS MERCANTILE MARINE.
manuscript of an important work of my late father which was in: the hands of a printer. Official deposition of a Belgian refugee before the Committee on German Outrages.
It D
WILL OPEN NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
THE COMMISSION'S SUGGESTED SCALE. It is important to note that the members of the Peace deputa-
Singapore, May 25, tion to Peshawar, although admitting that they had no credentials
London, May 24, Reuter's Agency is authorised to announce that the Prince of
The Straits Shipping Commisson's Report has been issued. from the Amir, claim to represent Saheh Mahomed and the Afghan Wales will visit Canada this year. It is expected that he will leave recommegle for Mastors and Chiefs salary of $420, rising to Army generally. All say they were ordered to make peace, being England in August and will formally open the new Parliament 8540 for First Office and Second Engineers $320 to £380; for themselves unwilling to return to their own country whatever buildings at Ottawa, happens.
Profound peace is reported from the Dakka front. The Afghans at Kurram, have not crossed Poiwar Kotal There are signs of activity in the Monhinand counter, where Mullah Jari Badshah is demonstrating It is believed he sees he dare not bring his regulars to Karapper Reach If defeated, as is certain, by our forces the Shalkadar mon
thick, them. Jan Badshah is
WHAT THE WAR COST GREAT BRITAIN..
A STAGGERING FIGURE,
London, May 23,
inducing the Mohmanda to nasconi ma creeping the Afghans ás a thing reserys behind. The former are unwilling to leave the Algham. In the House of Commons at question time Mr. Austen Cham unwatched The Afridis and diler tribesmen at Inilalabad, are plain ented that the net cost of the war to the United Kingdo #looting the bazaar and are in nilist with the Afghan troops.
Second Officers and had Engineers, $210 to $240; as well as lears and hospita
The Report recognizes the men's rule that members shall have
with non-members. the right to refuse to
MALAYAN AIR SQUADRONS.
Singapore,
the Gby
DON'T FORGET.
TO-DAY
Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.. Coronet Theatre-5.15 and 9.15
TO-MORROW,
Victoria Theatre 15 pu Coronet Theatre-5.15 and 9.15.
"THURSDAY, MAY 29,
"Star" Ferry Co. Lia-
ing of Shareholders at the Offices
of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson a Co. Lid=1130 Cm 3
· Peak Trangays Co. Ltd: Meeting of sharabol Hongkong Hotel