EDISON MO LAMPS
FROM ELECTRICAL DEALERS
The
United States
Hongkong Telegraph. O
(ESTABLISHED (881).
09019 #1BETALTER. SATURDAY. DECEMBER 13. 1919.
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
GERMANY MUST SIGN,
Paris, Dec. & The "Echo de Paris" states with regard to yesterday's Supreme Council Meeting that it is opined that only the ultimatum. to Germany which is being drafted to-day can get the Allies out of an embarrassing situation and that Marshal Foch declared yesterday that if the ultimatum is despatched he is ready to carry out the plans prepared last June, the threat of which brought the Germans to Versailles. Well informed people affirm that the Allies will occupy Frankfort and Essen if the Gormans do not sign forthwith.
London, Dec. 5.
Marthal Wilson's summons to Paris emphasized the seriousness of the position that is developing out of the grow- ing arrogance of Germany. The Supreme Council in Paris yesterday secretly discussed the enforcement of the Treaty. Marshal Foch was present and the deliberations will be re- sumed to-day. Despatches from Berlin indicate that the Government's position is becoming difficult in face of the bluster of the militarists where demonstrations bave become bolder since receipt of the Entente notes. It is apparently believed that the demobilisation and war weariness of the Allies and the supposed secession of the United States will prevent the application of military pressure to enforce the Treaty. The Freiheit" throws a sinister light on the armament of the Defence Corps and describes the semi-oficial statement cabled yesterday as a monstrous fiction. It declares that the Citizen Guards drill regularly, including bombing practice, while the socalled Public Security Police are officered by regulara and equipped with heary mortars and flamethrowers.
London, Dec. 5.
Mr. Bogar Law, speaking at Glasger, prophesied that there will be no general election for at least three years. Referring to the doubts as to whether Germany will ratify the Treaty he said that Britain and the Allies had the power and would, if necessary, exercise it to assure that the Treaty, which is a stern treaty, be not merely ratified but carried into effect. A sufficient portion of Britain's great army is being preserved to see that the terms of peace are enforced.
Paris, Dec. 6. The Note to Germany was not communicated to the German Delegation to-day.. it will probably be presented.
"O-MOTIOW.
Paris, Dec. 6.
The Supreme Council's note to Germany demands that the German Government sign the protocol, failing which the
Allies will adopt military measures of coercion.
Paris, Dec. S.
The "Petit Journal" states that the Allied Note demands that Germany sign the Protocol withode discussion and precludes the possibility of further negotiations. After three days notice, the war regime may be resumed and the blockade automatically re-established.
Paris. Dec. 6.
The The text of the Nate was adopted unanimously. greatest secrecy anturally is maintained regarding its con- ients but it is uglerstood, however, to be of the firmest tone and there is very reason to beleva German discussion in cua- pection with the endormanent the Treaty will be closed once and for all. It is even possible that Germany may agree to the exchange of ratibenthen- within the week.
Paria, Dec. 6
Although nothing has bewu pablished regarding the dis cussions of Foch, Wilson, and the Supreme Council it is generally understood that everything is ready for immediate action. The Rhine troops have been re-grouped in such a mana to facilitate advance. It should be remembered" that the Treaty of Versailles is not yet is force. The Armistice :egime
Armistice still exists. The prolonged
short period February 15:-"For Ül without date of expiry." It can therefore be ended on three days notice. Meanwhile telegramas from Switzerland raport the cxodus of wealthy Germans from the right bank of the Rhine while the number of Germans awaiting permission to eater Switzerland is increasing daily.
Paris. Dec. 6
was
The British attitude towards Germany is described as one of absolute firmness. Complete agreement exists be- tween Fech and Wilson, all measures having been taken in the Armies of Occupation with the view to continuing military preparations. From Strasbourg come reports of unusual military activity. Numerous heavy guns have crossed the Kehl Bridge to the right bank of the Rhine.
London, Dec. G.
The Daily Mail" at Berlin has interviewed Herr Noske anent the advance of the Allies. After preliminary blaster be declared the Allies can do what they please as Germany, does not possess the means for resistance. The statement is re- garded merely as an effort by the Government to save face.
London, Dec. 5.
In the House of Comnions, replying to Sir Donald Me Lean. Mr. Bonar Law stated there was little reason to doubt that the communications now being bell between the Allies and the German Governgient with a view to immediate, rati- fication of peace would result satisfactorily.
THE INDIA BILL.
London, Dec. 5.
In the House of Commons the Government's India Bill passed its third reading unanimously.
In the House of Commons, in the course of the debate on the Government of India Bill, Mr. Gershom Stewart asked what guarantee we had that India would not manipulate tariffs against Britain i
Mr. Montagu asked what guarantee have we that Aus- tralia wontt He declared that nothing could do us so much barm as the slightest suspicion that we wanted to alter the tariffs of India in the interests of British trade. The solidarity of the Empire rested upon imperial goodwill.which had always. been developed by mutual trust. He did not think this matter could be dealt with under this Bill
RUSSIAN CONDITIONS.
Dorpat, Dec. 8.
Pasca conditions have been exchanged between Busala Kethonis. It is understood the Russian conditions in
Pscognition of the Borist, political ampeskj
stis and-commercial relationant
- nahindered by commercial
“ports. The Bolshevists her
demand final poson,
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE NAVY'S RECORD.
London, Dec. A
The Navy Estimates amount to £157,800,000. Mr. Walter Long points out that a large proportion is for services pre- Armistice and mentions that the situation in Ireland neces- sitated the employment of six destroyers, three sloops, and The clearance of the six motor launches in Irish waters. sena from mines will be accomplished well within scheduled time. The loss of life in mine sweeping is only 8 per cent. The new Atlantic Fleet may be compared to the Grand Fleet It will consist of battle squadrons two, compared to four; battle cruiser squadrons cae, compared to two; cruiser squadron oil, compared to two; flying squadron one ship. light cruiser squadrons two; compared to seven; destroyer flotillas four compared to six; submarine flotillas three six: 252,000 officers and men have been compared to demobilised 611 ships are cancelled out. 1,005 have been 993 of His Majesty's ordered and are being constructed
ships were lost in the war. including 13 battleships and 3 -battle cruisers. In addition 815 auxiliarics were lost.
3,000,000 persons and 30,000,000 tons of goods were transported at sea during war time. The estimated expenditure of the new construction is £25,000.000.
LATEST WAR BOOK.
London, Dec. B.
The latest and one of the most interesting war.books is Cardinal Mercier's memories of Belgium during the German occupation." the publication of which is begun in the "Times." Cardinal Mercier makes his correspondence with the German authorities the feature of his story as embodying: "My war The experiences in their tensest and most vivid reality." bouk, unlike other war books, dwells on the moral aspects of the struggle. Cardinal Mercier, from the outset, grasped In his that it was a conflict between right and wrong.
first communication to Von Bissing he told the latter he. represented:"A surping, hostile nation in whose pre- sence the Belgians assorted the right of independence." From this attitude Cardinal Mercier did not swerve until the day when Baron Lancken came to tell him evacuation was imminent. Lancken said: "You are to us the incarnation of orcupied Belgium." Documents quoted by Mercier show the Germans, fuming and helpless, were unable to silente and afraid to imprison Mercier who refuted and silenced. denounced and baatered his enemies.
GERMAN RETREAT.
Copenhagen, Dec. 8.
A Leitish communique reports that Germans continue to retreat beyond the Murajewo-Shavli line abandoning much. material, including fifty locomotives, hundreds of waggons, The Letts have forty guns, aeroplanes, and wireless outfits. repulsed the Bolshevik attack in East Latvia.
GERMAN CUSTOMS DUTY.
Paris, Dec. 6
The Supreme Council has finally examined the question of payment of Customs Duty to Germany on the land frontiers. The German Government desires the duties collected in gold as on the sea frontiers. A decision thercanent has been post- pened, pending enforcement of the treaty.
FIGHTING THE BOLSHEVISTS.
London, Dec. 3.
A War Office message says the Caucasus Bolsheviks were compelled at Atrangel to retire to the defences of Tsaritsin on which in assaults on the 1st last. they were completely defeated. The centre of the Den army has been driven back west of Kalach. The Reds are attacking the volunteers with increasing vigour.
EARL HAIG'S ESTATE.
Londen, Dec. 5. Subscriptions amounting to fifty-four thousand pounds sterling are invited to present Earl Haig with Bemersyde Estate in Scotland as a personal gift from the people of the Empire.
PERSIAN BANDITS.
London, Dec. &.
What is authoritatively described as a fine piece of work, now concluded, has freed the Persian Province of Ispahan from dangerous bands of mounted brigands and resulted in the complete defcat, capture, and execution of most dangerous outlaws in Persia Affairs in the province of Ispakan, became most serious owing to bands of robbers joining forues. The Government of Teheran sought aid.from the Shiraz Governor. General whereupon joint columns of South Persia Rifes marched from Shiraz and Kerman respectively distance of 300 and 400 miles, and concentrated upon Ispahan. The outlaws took up quarters in a strong walled village which was amply provisioned. The Shiraz column, commanded by Lieut. Col. Fraser, alter forced marches, surrounded this stronghold and helped by cther Persian troops stormed it, capturing the entire hands who so lengthily terrorised the country.
EARLIER SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.
(From Our Own Correspondents.)
WAR TROPHIES FOR SINGAPORE.
Singapore, December 12, Two light guns, twenty machine guns, fifty helmeta, eight packs one signal thrower, sixteen trench mortars and eight wire cutters o captured German war material will be sent to the Malay States a trophies.
UNITED ENGINEERS.
Singapore, De
an extraordinary general minating. resolved to interesas the capital from fam
日式廿月 2
THE SHIPPING DISPUTE.
GUILDS OFFER OF ARBITRATION.
REPLY OF THE OWNERS,
SINGLE COPY: 10 OTS.)
$36 PER ANNUM,
To the above letter, Messys, Deacon, Lasker, Deacon and Harston have replied as followe
"Dear Sirs-We are in receipt of your letter of yester- day's date which we have placed before our clients the Shipowners Protection Association of Hong- kong.
Are Good Tires
-TO-DAY'S EXCHANGE:
The closing rate of the dollar, on demand, to-day was. 5s (194ð.
·TEA DANSANT.
The dispute between a number "Our clients note that it is not of local shipowners and the now the intention of the Cap- officers and engineers operating tains, Officers and Engineers Another, very enjoyable tes their ships has been. advanced concerned to determine their en-dansant took place at the Houg another stage as the result of gagements other than according tokong Hotel yesterday, when the a joint meeting of members law, that is say, those employees ever popular entertainers Aileen of the China Coast Officers' who are on six months Arti-and Doris Woods again appeared Guild and the Marine Engineers cles determinable in Hongkong and delighted everybody. It has Guild of China held yesterday will hot terminate the same until been well said of the Misses afternoon. As previously report the expiration of their Articles Woods that they are graceful and ed, certain owners have proposed and then only in Hongkong; and original and possess the necessary that the matter be referred to that as regards those who are magnetism to attract, are clever arbitration, and yesterday a meet under Articles which can be ter-entertainers with plenty of dash; ing was called to discuss this and minsted on twenty-four hours' and a knowledge of how to get also whether the proposed cessa:cotice in Hongkong, the same their audience.
DAY BY DAY.
tion of work should be postponed will only be determinable in Tea dansants will be held at in order to afford the ship-owners Hongkong on twenty-four hours' the Hotel on Monday and Thurs an opportunity of offering some notice.
day next, December 15 and 18, definite counter-proposals.
The Captains, Officers and the Misses Woods again appear“ Following discussion, the meet-Engineers concerned are of course ing. ing unanimously decided to write legally entitled to do what they to the Shipowners' Protection now propose to do, and the owners Association offering to submit concerned can take no exception the matter to arbitration.
thereto; consequently, in view of This morning we have received your letter of yesterday's date, from Messrs. Hastings, and Hastno legal proceedings will now be inge, the solicitors for the com-instituted. bined Guilds, the following copy "Our clients bare already of the letter that has been sent to given a detailed consideration to the owners' solicitors as a result your clients' demands and have
John Tearney, sailor from of last night's meeting, in wbichi compared the present wages paid will be found the conditions with those in various other parts of H.M.S. Hawkins, was charged governing the offer
the world. Our clients have also before Mr. J. R. Wood this morn- "Dear Sirs, We have just carefully considered the presenting, with damaging a gas light to heard from our clients. Captain position of the freight mar- the extent of $5 at No. 5. Spring The defendant, D'Oliveyra and Mr. W.J. Stokes, ket, and have come to the con- Garden Lane. that at the meeting held this clusion that it is impossible for who stated that he knew nothing afternoon, it was resolved that the them at the present time to con-about the occurrence, was fined Companies concerned should be sider any increase of wages, but $5.
One fatal case of cerebro-spinai fever was notified yesterday, the victim being a Chinese.
Music-lovers will be interested
notified that the captains, officers we are instructed to state that and engineers concerned are at a future date, should there be a prepared to submit the matter now substantial rise in the freight to hear that M: Sykora, the well- in dispute to a Board of Arbitra-market, OUT clients will be known 'cellist, who visited Hong- tion, one Arbitrator to be chosen prepared to re-consider the kong in February last with M. Sklarevsky, ia Bow passing by the Guilds and one by the situation.
owners and a third by these two "We ara farthe instructed to through the Colony on his way the arbitrator chosen by each state that he- are at the from Java to Manila. He later party to be approved by the other: present m by particular intends to go to America and will that in the event of this offer cases of harap, the owners possibly be able to give a con being accepted, the proposal of concerned will be prepared to cert on his way back from Manila. the captains, officers and engin discuss the same with the em
cèts concerned to cease work ployees concerned."
on December 17th should be
It was also decided last even- cancelled in the case of those Compaties who accept arbitra- ing that if this ofer is not accept- Ition, and further that in the egented, the decision to call a strike! of this offer no being accepted bo- Jon December will be strictly fors noon on Tuesday, December adhered to. From the above itl 16tb. the captains, officers and will be seen that the week-end)
for the engineers concerned should take is an important one the necessary legal steps to ter parties concerned in the dispute, minate their engagements by 24 but it is to be hoped that an hours notice at their port of en-agreement will be found. The gagement,asstipulated for by their members of the Guilds are having Articles of Agreement, at or after a meeting at the Astor House noon on Wednesday, December to-morrow afternoon, when the p.m.
situation will be further discussed. 17th.
COAL
STRIKE
DON'T FORGET.
TO-DAY-
Boxing
Theatre Royal.
urnament-9.15 p.m. Coronet Theatre -5.15 and 9.15
Victoria Theatre-9,15 p.m.
TO-MORROW. Coromet Theatre-5.15 and 9 15
Victoria Thestre-9.15 p.m