Y
OVERNIGHT NEWS PAGE
Britain
National Day Marked By Tense Atmosphere
London, Apr. 23.
The heat of politient fires which acem likely to change the face of Europe anew-not necessarily in a territorial sense if the democracles have their way-shows no sign of cooling off. The realisation of this weighs heavily on the British press on this St, George's Day,
Serious attention is devoted to the situation in all is aspects, despite the absence of surprises since Presi- dent Roosevelt startled the world with his message to the dictators. which is eloquent of the steady determination of every shade of pubile opinion to face up to the seriousmers of the hour. While the democracies and axis Powers are seen engaged in something of a race to woo the smaller Powers before Friday, when Herr litter is due to reply to Mr. Roosevelt, there is acknowledgment in plenty that this does not complete the present ple-
ture,
As the Sunday Tinies observes editorially however, the diplomatic picture may vary in detail from hour to hour. One thing is unchang- ‚log, and that is the present necessity for the British nation to develop its maximum ghting capacity within minimum time. Thus, the issue of conscription is raised unew in some Journals. Led by the Obseruer, they affirm that the matter will be re- raised at to-morrow's Cabinet meet- ing and give further currency to the
Rumania
MAY BE GIVEN BIG LOAN
New London Report]
corre
London, Apr. 23, Commenting on the forthcoming Anglo-Rumanian negotiations on the occasion of the vialt of the Foreign Minister, M. Gufcheu, to London where he is scheduled to arrive this
diplomatie afternoon, the pondent of the Sunday Times states he is in a position to confirm that the British Government does not in- tend to ask that the guarantee to Rumania be transformed into a pact of mutual assistance, as was the case with Poland.
The correspondent attributes much Importance to the economic negotia tions between the two countries, which will take place simultaneously with the political talks, and an- nounces that, M. Gateneu will have his
with the conversation President of the Board of Trade, Me. Oilver Stanley, to-morrow.
first
The correspondent asserts that the British Government intends to place a credit of £2,500,000 at Rumanin's disposal-Trans-Ocean.
RUMANIAN TALKS
London, Apr. 23.
British sources have revealed Rumania's astonishingly frank reply to Germany.
Monday,
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH
Bishop of London
London, Apr. 23.
Itis Majesty the King has noenluated the Rt. Rev, Geoffrey Francis Fisher, present Bishop of Chester, for dection by the Dean's Chapter às Bishop of London.
Bistop Winnington Ingram of London is shortly retiring. Reuter.
Yugo-Slavia
TO JOIN WITH AXIS
· POWERS?
Venice, Apr. 23. Italy-apparently induced Yugo- Slavia to join the Axis during the Italian Foreign Minister's confer ence with the Yugo-Slavian Foreign
Minister yesterday, thereby giving the Axis a solid block of territory in which the Axis will be predomin- ant from the Baltic and North Sea to the Greek frontier,
Although no communique has been issued, it is understood that the re- spective ministers have worked out detalls for
a non-aggression pact Walarla dels sponsoring to be Bulgaria firmly within the Axis.
It la reported that Belgrade wants the pact to be triangular between Yugo-Slavia, Hungary and Rumania, whereas Hungary, on account of her territorial claims against Rumania,
to consider desires
exclude Humania.- United Press.—
"Germany is in a betler position than Rumania to know her own in- tentions," it is said.
Diplomalle circles here this to amount almost to a snub, and admit that Rumanla has ccrtali ap- prehensions because of world condi- lions-United Press,
TALK WITH M. BONNET
Paris, Apr. 22. Important results fire expected from Rumanian Foreign Minister
to Paris of the the visit French capital on Wednesday. He will confer with the Foreign Minis- Georges Bonnet-Trans- ter, M.
Ocean.
reports the past 48 hours that Germany
Franco has made a new pleu for in- troduction of what to this country would be a revolutionary pence time
measure.
The aim of British policy in the Balkans in seen by the Sunday Times diplomalle correspondent as an en- deavour to promote a neutral bloc of countries (no doubt including Bul- garla) pledged to come to each other's assistance.
to the
Receives Replies To Questionnaire
Brussels, Apr. 23. Semi-oMetal sources here kald Dat Belgium's
to
Ilitter was: reply "Germany, Britain and France, in anticipation, answered, President Roosevelt's question in 1937 when they guaranteed Belgium territory."
The Importance of the Anglo- French negotiations with Turkey in connection with the Eastern Mediter- rancan
underlined by the Observer's diplomatic correspondent. Dealing with another aspect of the growth of the anti-aggression front- obscurity
the relations between Rumania and Poland-the Sunday-United Press. Timer diplomatic correspondent
points out that conditions
changed have since the alliance between the two countries, framed with a view to
The
โถ
mutual protection against the Soviet. correspondent adds that the Rumanian-Polish treaty, therefore, needs to be brought up to date and M. Gafeneu will be able to explain In London-where it is due to-day
SWISS NEUTRALITY
London, Apr. 22, The reply of Switzerland that the Federal Council has not been natin of Preident Roosevelt's intention to send peace appeals to the German and Italian Governments,
Secondly,
the Council is confident there will be
respect for Swiss which the Confederation will
Japan-Britain
EAST ASIA TENSION GROWING
Diplomatic Talk In Tokyo
Tokyo, Apr. 23. Sir Robert L. Craigle, the British Ambassador, was received by Mr. Inchiro Arita, the Foreign Minister, this morning for the first time follow- ing his return from Shanghal. -
It is understood that during the Interview, which lasted for one hour, Sir Robert Craigle told Mr. Arits that while relations between the British and Japanese residents in Shanghai and other places in China were be coming smooth, it
was regrettable that settlement of varicus pending issues between Japan and Great Britain was making slow progress,
April 24, 1939.
British Budget To-morrow
London, Apr. 22.
Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will present his Budget In the House of Cam- mons on Tuesday,
Members of Parliament aro at present occupied with the inter- national situation so that there I to speculation as to the contents of the Budget, but it is generally expected to lay further burdens on taxpayers.Reuter Bulletin.
Japanese May Land At Foochow
Peipinit. Apr. 23." Foreign reports fram Foochow in- may dieate fear that the Japanese Mr. Arita replied that the Japan-shortly attack the city from the sca ese authorities in China were con- and try to make a landing. tinuing careful studies with a view Lately the city has been subjected Ip
accelerating set
Fettlement
of out-to many.bombing raids by planes standing questions.
from the Japanese alrcraft-carriers. Information regarding the latest
Three such rukds yesterday did developments in Europe was under-considerable damage
and caused stood to have been exchanged.
sixty casualties.
Owing to the air raids and fear of
AMERICAN PLANES
The Nichi Nicht Shimbun, com- ments that resumption of negotiations an attempted landing the Chinese in Tokyo at this juncture is signi- Provincial Government is reported to ficant
In view of the visit of Sir have been removed inland to Yen- Archibald Clark Kerr, the British ping on the Min River.--Reuter. Ambassador to China, 10
Chungking. The paper indicates that the Chi- Nese Ambassador Quo Tal-cht, was
at Lendon, Mr. was requesting Lord Halifax to
include China in the "anti- oggression" bloc and the Chinese Pressure from Berlin
Ambassador to Washington, Dr. Hu Shin, was appealing to the Secretary Belgrade, Apr. 22. of State, Mr. Cordell full, to include Political circles suggest that Yugo Chinn in those countries whose in- Slavia be asked to join the anti-dependence should be guaranteed. Comintern Pact or at least establish evidence of her disinclination to join the Anglo-French defensive alliance. Further pressure is expected to be exerted on Die occasion of M. Markovic's visit to Berlin, which is now scheduled for April 28.
Responsible circles, however, do not believe that Yugo-Slavia will allow herself to be thus entangled.
-Reuter.
Vote for Democracy
Belgrade, Apr. 22. Ten thousand young Yugo-Slavlans representing a diversity of organisa- tions and all shades of party opinion, attended a meeting in the Belgrade University. A resolution was adopt- ed in favour of democracy and ap- pealing to the Government not to cover a secret adhesion to the ng- gressor with the cloak of neutrality. -Renter,
Friendly Talks
Venice, Apr. 22. A communique was issued after the meeting between
Count Clano, Italian Foreign Secretary, and M. Markovitch, Yugo-Slay Foreign Minister, which states that the vor- lous questions of interest to the two states in the present international situation were examined and also the recent events in Albania.
The
conmunque confirmed the very friendly relations between Italy and Yugo-Slavia.-Reuder Bulletin..
what progress has been made in this neutrad with her army and which British Defence
direction.
Whether or not the Far East will Germany-and-other-States inve-em- enter into the Anglo-French agree-phatically recognisedi.-Reuter.
ments with the Soviet Is still
matter for conjecture, but reports from Parts do not support those made yesterday. Commentators ex- pect that with M. Ivan Lalsky's re- turn to London, Mr. Chamberlain will be in a position early this week to make a statement as to the pro- gress of the negotiations.
Speculations as to the attitude Herr Hitler will take up on Friday are now beginning, but little that is concrete emerges from these, with the exception that Polish and Ger- man circles in Warsaw understand that strong diplomatic pressure will be brought to bear on Poland to dis- suade her from binding her fate with the Western Powers-Reuter.
FUGITIVE PIANIST
Austrian Artist to Play Over Station ZBW
Hands that have angered plano keys in Austria will play, to Hong- kong listeners over Station Z.B.W. shortly. They are the hands of Erich Porges, fugluve from Austria. They are winning him a livelihood in his exile and may win him fame akin to that which he enjoyed at home.
Tall, dark, and interesting, Mr. Porges presides at the pluno in Jim- my's Kitchen. His fluent playing is | supported by the violin of another European fugitive, one-time pro- minent Viennae.
Born in Vienna, Mr. Porges spent his early childhood struggling to learn the plane against the wishes of his father. He was 18 when his father Announced that he intended to ap- prentice him In business; but the urge to pursue his musical carcer fired the youth and he ran away. He became planist in a small hotel in Semmering, one of Austria's well- known ski centres.
LITHUANIA'S TREATY
London, Apr. 22. Lithuania's reply to the question- nalre refers to the Lithuanian- German Treaty of March 22 regard- Ing the cession of Memel.
By the Trealy, Germany shoulder- ed an obligation never to resort to or support force against Lithuania, -Reuter.
CAUTION IN RUMANIA
Conscription Said To Be Very Likely
London, Apr. 23. According to the Dally Telegraph, the question of conscription for military service will be considered at a meeting of the "Inner" Cabinet which had originally been convened to discuss the Budget.
The main reason for this; the
Chungking Conversation
The paper understands that leaders of the Kuomintang Government, in cluding Dr. Wang Chung-hul, the Foreign Minister. and Dr. H. H. Kung, President of the Executive negotiating with Sir Archibald for further British assist-
wero
Yunn
ance to China.
the
X
FOR CHINA
New York, Apr. 22. Although a spokesman of the Chi- nese Embassy in Washington denied knowledge of any impending tran-
the well-informed
New sactions, York Times states that it learns that contracts for purchase of 100 or more planes are being negotiated for shipment to Chinn.
The report says that in addition to planes, contracts for aeroplane engines and equipment to a total value of from U.S.$7,000,000 to $15.- 000,000 are being negotiated.
The journal asserts that, ព result of their
the conversations Shanghai, the two British envoys in that the four-polat British policy the Far East came to the conclusion towards
Secrecy prevails, adds the news- For East should be paper, but it is understood that the prospective orders tentatively include vides, firstly, that Japan's actions planes capable of nearly 300 miles The four-point British policy pro- 54 Seversky single-seater pursuit should be counter-acted by economie on hour-Reuter. warfare anticipation of exhaustion
strengthened.
STO
M
To-day's report said Mr. Samuel Needleman of the Aviation Equip- meat Exporting and China Airmotive Company has been in conference at Los Angeles with Mr. A. L. Patter- United Aircraft Corporation's China representatives.
Aeroplane Paris of her national resources; secondly,
New York, Apr. 23, that assistance to the Chiong, Kathat one or more contracts for planes The New York Times understands shek regime should be continued; thirdly, that the bice of Democrneles for China will be signed next week, to intervene in should be extended to the Far East
China
affairs; and fourthly, that Britain's position in the Far East should be safeguarded.
Characterizing the alleged British policy as "diametrically policy as
opposed to Japan's fundamental
policy for the
The report adds that the order in- construction of a new order in East eludes three to four million dollary
the Asia,"
paper says that further worth of United Aircraft Corpora- conversations between Japan and tion's plane equipment. Great Britain will not serve to settle pending issues unless Britain under-
It is said that the American com- stands Japan's position correctly.-man."United Press.
panies are
Uhhrough a "middle ere selling Donnel.
Trans-Ocean adds that the Sever- sky pursuit planes are equipped with 10,000
house-power Pratt-Whitney twin "Wasp" molors. This machine which is one of the most modern in the American Army, is equipped with machine-guns and САП olen carry light bombs.
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NATIONAL REGISTER
Bucharest, Apr. 23. Reliable
sources state that Rumaula's reply to Hitler's question- naire states that she had no advance newspaper declares, is French insisthe journal declares.-Reuter, information regarding
Roosevelt's tence on some form of conscription message.
in Britain, but it is also believed in Rumania does not consider herself London that
such а! Innovation to be menaced by Germany, but she would be the best answer to allega- is forced take precautionary tlons in the German Press that mensures owing to the threatening England is prepared to draw upon developments
her frontlers. all her resources except man power. United Press.
The second reason is a military one since Territorials are only available for instruction for
ing officers is required.
Tokyo, Apr. 22. The Kokumin Shimbun says that Ja- panese official and private circles are greatly irritated at the news that Britain is not only seeking a rap prochement with the Soviet but also Numerous two-senter planes for Intends to extend the Democratic both fighting and bombing have been front to the Far East,
ordered from the United Aircraft Firefloat Coxswain Said To Forms for Chinese Now Japan may have to reconsider her Company and a considerable number attitude towards British rights and Aircraft Works have also been in-
of training planes from the Ryan Have Hit Policeman Interests in China. the newspaper cluded. It is reported that other air-detective and a woman at Gloucester Register will shortly
Being Printed says.
A struggle between J Chinese The Chinese National Voluntary craft companies have received The news is construed as indicating ders for later deliveries.
Road near Tonnochy Pier, Wanchal, existence.
come into Bolshevisation of East Asla that Britain is assisting in the The planes will probably be sent
on Friday, led to the appearance of Forms, similar to those to Burma or Indo-China to be as-
three persons before Mr. R. A. D. distributed to the British residents already What diplomalle action the Gov-sembled there and flown acress the Forrest at the Central Magistracy on In the Colony, are now being printed. ernment will take against Britain is frontier.
Saturday. The woman, Chan Yee, matter for serious consideration, The American press features this 40, was charged with the theft of a forms will be carried through by
The work of distributing thear order as an indication of the will of plece of rewood from the harbour, Chinese members of the Legislative the
"War Fossiblo"
the Chinese Government to continue while her daughter, Leung Chun, 17, and Executive Councils. The actual resistance to Japan.
was charged with obstructing the register of Chinese volunteers will bo The Miyako Shimbun according to Trans-Ocean, declares
RAIDS IN KIANGSI
police Qulcer. Kwok Ngan, 35, kept in the offices of the Secretary. that Japan
Klan, Klangsl, Apr. 23. coxswain of a firefloat, was charged for does not want war, but any pro-
Chinco Affairs. Kwelki, enst vocation by
Klangs town, 103 with assaulting and obstructing the The register will be open to all Britain -would
im-miles south-east of Nanchang, was detective, Yeung Sang, C321. mediately find a suitable answer.
Chinese-to British subjects of ralded yesterday by three Japanese Det.-Sgt. T. Cashman said that the Chinese birth and to any Chinese The paper of the Japanese
alleges that, in spite planes. Six bomba were dropped woman was arrested by the detective who feel they owe allegiance and town, demolishing four who had seen her pick up the fire-who would be ready to help Britain a few hours efforts to normal oreign Minister's Inside the
wood, which had fallen overboard it an emergency arose. weekly and a large number of train-relations. Britain Anglo-Japanese civilian houses,
Bysisting by
Gen-
Yushan, on the Cheklang-Klangst from a junk into the water. As he eral Chinng Kal-strek and co-Railway, 184 miles east of Nanchang, was taking her to the Police Station,UNIFORMS FOR CHINA that Mr. Chamberlain
The Daily Telegraphs understands operating with Russia, has increased was also raided. Eight bombs were the girl, it was alleged, attempted to has been the tension between the two countries released in the busy sections of the rescue her mother, and the man was argument that some deeply impressed by the French to the extent that wor between town-Central News,
Manchester, Apr. 23. sald to have struck the detective a conscription would do more
measure of
Briläla and Japan seems possible.
HONAN TOWN BOMBED
The Chinese Government is mak How in the back. than anything else to convince the smaller
Nanyang, Honan, Apr. 23.
Chan Yee admitted picking up the cotton goods suitable
Ing inquiries for 20,000000 yards of Neislung in west Honan was hea-piece of firewood, and was fined $5 uniforms. The value of the goods is for military European countries of Britain's de- -termination to resist aggression.
vily raided by 18 Japanese warplanes The girl, however, sald she was mere- £500,000. yesterday. morning. The raiders dumped about 100 bombs. Loss of ointment, as she appeared to be dis-1,250,000 yards of khaki and white
trying to give her mother some
Enquiries are also being made for Lives
News and property is heavy treased. The detective, she alleged, drill valued £30,000-United
to
on
DENMARK NOT THREATENED
Copenhagen, Apr. 23. It is reported here that Denmark has replled saying that they do not feel themselves to be Ureatened,
However, the Danish Foreign Office refused to say even whether they had received questionnaire from Hitler, United Press.
SWEDEN'S REPLY
The French Ambassador, M. Cor- bin, saw Mr. Chamberlain on Friday reply to and intimated that France would welcome some form of conscription in Britain.
Stockholm, Apr. 23. Sweden has made Hitler's query. "We do not feel in any way threatened," It says. United Press.
FINLAND NOT MENACED
Hetsinfors, Apr. 23. The Finish Foreign Minister to- day announced that, in reply to the German query, Finland did not think Germany menaced Finish neutrality,
United Press,
NORWEGIAN SHIPS
Consul. Will Protest Against Seizure
Ski-ing on a powder snow in the warm sun during the day and playing Raz aki Waltzes and shahplattlers in the evening, Mr. Porges found Sem- mersing a blastul interlude. He de cided, however, to go to Graz, one of Austria's larger towns, and there he led his first big band and composed a few pieces.
A Viennese restaurant owner finally Two Norwegian ships have been discovered Elm and invited him to detained by the Japanese in Mamoi Vienna. There, except for one fleet-harbour in Fukien.
Chungking, Apr. 23.
NOVEL CONCERT
Competition in Singing And Dramatic Performances
I immediate steps are decided upon, conscription is likely to affect A novel concert in which ringing all men, not in reserved occupations, and dramatic contents among seven between the ages of 18 and 20, schools of the Colony formed the They are likely to be called up for programme, was held, in the Kwok military training within
few Slu Lau 'Hall of the St. Stephen's wecks and would constitute an unmmy Girls' College on Saturday evening. of about half a million men.
The competitions provided
shod An increase in the number of entertainment for a large audience. full-time soldiers is considered in The proceeds of the concert were for eireles favouring conscripUoa as the Student Relief Fund. particularly important with regard
URBAN COUNCIL
Applications for Licences
To Be Considered
hitting her mother right and left Press. was with his hands.
Kwok declaret he was merely a passer-by, and the detective, in his struggle with the woman, bumped
into him and accused him of striking him.
Both Leung and Kwoke were re- A letter from the Government manded on ball, and hearing of the relative to the appointment of the Hon. Mr. W. N. Thomas Tam and Mr.
cose was fixed for May 4.
B. Wong Tape to be members of the H.M.S. KENT RETURNS
Urban Council for a further term of three years will be laid on the table
Vice-Admiral Completes Southern Cruise
Dramatic Contest -1, Pul To to ale-rald precautions, since doubts Girls' School, 2, Y.W.C.A. (Gun Kwok at the fortnightly meeting to-morrow. have been expressed recently whether Club), and Lingnant Middle School. An application for a milk shop the present number of AA gun Singing Contest, (Boys' Schools) licence for 5, Arbuthnot Road, ground units, consisting exclusively of 1, Queen's College; 2. Pu Ying floor and another for the Klosi, Territorials would be suficient safe-Middle School, 3, Lingnam Middle Tram Stallon, Caroline Road, will be guard,
H.M.S. Kent, with Vice-Admiral School,
cunsidered. The Daily Telegraph article con-
Sir Percy Noble, Commander-in- Singing Contest, (Girls' School)- Other applications cludes with an assertion that the 1, St. Paul's Giria College, 2, Xing eating house Hcence for 20 Canton reached Hongkong on Friday evening Include an Chief of the British China Station. leaders of the Trade Unions, who Wah Girls' College, 3, St. Stephen's Road, ground floor; an eating house on the completion of Its couthern have sa for formed the strongest Girls' College.
food shop (fruit) licence, fui 73 opposition to the Introduction of
Icence for 220 Hollywood Rood, cruise. The escort vessel, ILMS. Essay Contest-1, St. Paul's Girls' ground flood; a food factory licence Falmouth, arrived back on Saturday so convinced of the seriousness of the 3, Queen's College.
33 d'Aguilar Street, ground door morning. situation that they will refrain from
11.M.S. Cardiff reached Hongkong creating any further dimculties Girls' School, 2, Pui
Mandarin Contest-1, Pul To Chun Yeung, Street, ground floor; a from the north on Friday night; Trans-Ocran.
Ying Middle food preserving licence for 131 Sal- Sho will leave for England at the end School, 3, St. Paul's Girls' College, kung Roud, ground floor."
of the month.
ng visit Calcut, he remained its learned that the Norwegian compulsory military service, are now College, 2. True Light Girls' College, gotil European persecution claimed Consulate-General in Shanghai will him among its many victime, es prolest to the Japanese. Consunite- Mr. Porges will heard from Z.B.W. Gentral, and request their release, studio on May 1 from 7.45 to 8 pm.
Central NewI,
ot
CONTINENTAL
The Sturdy: Portable
CARLOWITZ & ̈00, Queen's RdTel. 81225,