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The
FIRST EDITION
Hongkong Telegraph.
FOUNDED 1981
No. 13611
Britain Prepares To Man A. A. Guns
LONDON, Apr. 27.—Proparations to man anti-aircraft guns throughout the country continuod all day yesterday and through the night.
They are reminiscent of the preparations which are made during the September crisis.
►
This is the result of Mr. Chamberlain's statement in the House of Commons yesterday that it will be necessary to reinforce anti-aircraft defences during periods of uneasiness.-- United Press,
CHINESE SMASH INTO NANCHANG
Bitter Street Battle In Kiangsi Capital
KAOAN, Ápr. 26. THE CHINESE forces have smashed into Nan- chang, capital of Kiangsi Province,
Bitter street fighting is now in progress, according to fleld dispatches.
The streets are strewn with fallen Japanese and Chinese soldiers while huge tires seen for miles around are quickly re- ducing many houses to ruins.
Other Chinese units are have forced their way to the Japan- ese aerodrome in the eastern suburbs of Nanchang and to be engaging the Japanese troops there.
sald to.
S.O.S. For Reinforcements Lientang, key point nine miles to
Film Star Due In Hongkong
GENEVIEVE TOBIN
四拜禮 號七十月四英港香
· PARAMOUNT'S famous
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1939. 日八初月三
SINGLE COPY 10 CENTS
$36.00 PER ANNUM
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WHITEAWAY'S
Mr. Chamberlain Explains Conscription Decision
GRAVE SPEECH
SPEECH SHOWS URGENCY OF PROBLEMS
LONDON, Apr. 27.
A CROWDED HOUSE last night heard the Premier, Mr. Neville Cham- berlain, explain the decision of the Government to introduce conscription in the United Kingdom.
Broadly speaking, said Mr. Chamberlain, mobilisa- tion-whether complete or partial could take place in the United Kingdom only after the issue of a Proclama- tion.
The Proclamation differed in the case of each Service, and would have to declare that a State of Emergency existed.
The original motives for such Proclamations, doubtless, were that they could be issued when the outbreak of war: appeared imminent.
But in recent times, war might not appear to be imminent, and yet general conditions might be so uncertain that it was desirable to take certain precautions without the publicity and shock to public confidence which would be caused by the issue of Proclamations.
Accordingly, the Government had decided at-once to introduce a bill entitled the "Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Bill,” which would simplify the procedure, and enable the
service
to call up any class or descrip- tion of reserve and auxiliary forces.
THE PREMIER
A.R.P. PROTECTION FOR 100,000
MINING EXPERT'S REPORT ON PLAN FOR PEAK TUNNEL
IN PURSUANCE of its campaign for deep tunnel air raid shelters in Hongkong, the "Telegraph" is able to-day to publish a report by a Consulting Mining Engineer on the practicability of the scheme for driving a tunnel through the base of the Peak from the city to the Aberdeen side.
The report has been compiled and made at the request of this newspaper.
It discloses that the scheme for such a tunnel is entirely practicable, and would afford complete protection during air raids for 100,000 people.
In times of peace, the tunnel] could be used to accommodate a louble stream of vehicular traffic
sides of the island by a direct route.
Government, by an order in council, to authorise, the various Pope To Hold His ining the northern and southern
departments
*
The bill would be temporary in character, and he hoped it would be passed without delay, in order that the Government might be empowered to act under it at once.
Every country in Europe had powers which the Govern-
himself of it at one time or another to effect partial Canadian mobilisation.
the south of Nanchang, hus been movie star, Genevievement sought under the bill, and practically everyone availed abandoned by the Japanese, who Tobin, is arriving in Hong- have been recalled to Nanchang us reinforcements, The Japanese unit kong by
the
at Hsichtowshib, a point north-east Pacific liner Empress of
Seventeen Japanese officers and Japan on May 5.
of Ldentang, has been wiped out,
soldiers were taken prisoner - and
eight Japanese machine-guns and.
She is on her honeymoon 67 rides were seized by the Chinese. Miss Tobin was married in committed Hollywood recently to her Kaoyushib, between Kaoun and movie director, Mr. William Nanchang, has also been regained by Keighley.
A Japanes captain hara-kiri when he was surrounded,
the Chinese. Many Japanese were slain in action.
Fonghsin Doomed Meanwhile, the Chinese column counter-attacking Fenghain, 23 miles west of Nanchang, la pounding at the gates. The Japancae' inside the city have set fire to many civilian houses, They are said to be preparing for withdrawal.
To the northwest of Nanchang the Chinese tighten their hold on Wu- ning. Fighting continues in the suburban hills. In an engagement at Chillshon on Tuesday a Japaneso unit was routed. Chinese captured
two Japanese light machine-guns ind 21 rules-Central News.
The couple are
disembarking from the Empress of Japan in Hongkong and will say for one night at the Repulse Bay Hotel. They will leave Hongkong on May 6 by Air France plane for Saigon,
REJECTION FORECAST
Hitler's Speech To-morrow
BERLIN, Apr. 27. IT HAS been learned from a
Australia And reliable source that Hitler has
The Pacific Seeks Common Defence Policy
informed Herr von Ribbentrop, Doctor Goebbels and Field Mar- shal Goering that his Reichstag
new
The Government had given consideration also to liabilities...which, with the approval of all quarters of the House, they had incurred in Europe within the last month, and the means at their disposal to discharge them effectively.
Mr. Chamberlain added: "I need, of the assurances we have given to perhaps, hardly repeat that the object
certain countries, as well as the other governments, is not to wogo conversations now proceeding with war, but to prevent it.
Impress World
"Bearing this object in mind, we cannot but be impressed with the view shared by the other democratic countries, especially by our Iclends in Europe, that despite the immense effort already made by re-armament, nothing would so impress the world with the determination of this country to
offer firm resistance to any attempt at general domination, as its acceptance of the principle of com- pulsory military service, which is a universal rule on the Continent.
"There is an obvious weakness in the voluntary system which allows
one man to devote himself to pleasure or gain, while his neighbour devotes himself to train- Inn and readiness for war.
and "It is generally understood
speech will generally reject accepted that in time of war, mill-
President Roosevelt's proposals.
It s learned that at present he plans to answer the nations who he asked to state whether they felt menaced,
CONSCRIPTION
IN HONGKONG See Page Six
"Hitherto, it has not been thought necessary
CANBERRA, Apr. 26. OUTLINING the Australian His speech is expected to leave his Government's defence policy, course open, without taking the Mr. Menzies, the new Premier, initiative in any further negotiations. said that while the Common-include
It is expected that the speech will tary service should be compulsory
declaration defining the from the outset. wealth must stand or fall with future aims and future developments other countries of the Empire, of the anti-Comintern front, her defence policy must have as a basis the primary risk and responsibilities in the Pacific borne by Australia and Now Zealand.
ย
to introduce such Meanwhile, the Brilish Ambased the pledge given by Lord Baldwin measure in peace-time, and I renew- sador has been forced to give his that compulsory service would not message from the British Govern be introduced during the life of this ment to the Foreign Office Secre- Parliament in peace-time. „tary. Herr Ernst van Welzsacker.--- |--
United Press.
"Mindful of It, I look forward to the
Snub To Envoy day when wo shall have a concert of Pacific Powers in the Pacifle in both
London, Apr. 26. senses of the word. This means in- Questioned in the House of Com- creased diplomatic relations with themons to-day whether Sir Nevite United States, China, Japan, and the Henderson would interview Herr von Netherland East Indies.” —Reuter,
Dibbentrop before Hitler's speech Mr. Chamberlain said that Sir Nevile Henderson had been received by Herr Welazaker...
WASHINGTON, Apr. 20-Pré- sident Roosevelt has asked Congreas
It was impossible to arrange an to appropriate $32,000,000 to enable interview with Herr von Ribbentrop. Doubtless Sir Nevile Henderson work to be started on the chain of naval bases provided for in the $80,would use his discretion_about_seck |000,000 naval nie bain bill,~~Reuter, | PLEASE Turn-To Page:4;
War Mattor Of Hours'
"We are not at war now, but when every country is straining all its resources to be ready for war, When confidence in the maintenancy of peace has been undermined, anil - överyone knows that if war is: to came we might.'pass' into it in a maiter, nos of woekd, but of hours. how can we pretend that this is peace-ilma, in any sense. In which Ute ferm can be fairly used? "Under the bill it will be necessary to call up certain territorial and in PLEASE Turn To Page 4.
Resta
1
First Consistory
The total cost, exclusive of road surfacing, would be $1,160.300. The scheme could be completed in ten months,
SINGAPORE GIFT FOR DEFENCE
The report received by the "Teic- Grateful Acceptance
VATICAN CITY, Apr. 28. The Pope will hold a consistory in the first half of May in order to appoint
new
Camerlengo of the Holy Church, and to
crente several Cardinals,
Owing
comprehensive document, to recent dentbs,
graph" is the number of Cardinals has been re-
covering every detail of the proposed plan. duced to 50, Including 32 Italians. -Trans-Oceani,
The Crisis NOWS-
MALTA, Apr 26.-The British Mediterranean fleet sailed this morning for their first summer cruise in the East Mediterranean, the ships will visit Egypt, Pale- stine, Cyprus and Grecce.--- United Press.
"
•
Istanbul, Apr. 20. The Turkish Government has replied to Hiller's questionnaire saying that Turkey does not feel mensccd---United Press.
Paris, Apr. 20.
The French Foreign Omee insists that the French Am- bassador is returning to Berlin with no speelal mission such as the British Ambassador is carry- ing.
1
On the contrary they say his return is merely intended to de- monstrate solidarity with Bri- tain.
the German Foreign Minister receives the French Ambassador the latter has been, instructed to emphasise that' France, heartily supports Pre sident Roosevelt's proposals. United Press.
Paris Left Wing imorning newspapers criticise the rottirn of the British and French Am- bassadors to Berlin,
A typical criticism by "Le Ordre: "Another mistake by the changeable democracies. As was expected, Itler. Inter- prets the Ambassadors' return a sign of weakness."-- United Press...
ROME, Apr. 20-Signor Benito Mussolint has summoned a Cabinet meeting for Saturday -morning-Reuter.
LONDON, Apr. 20.
M. Malaky, Soviet Ambas sador to London, who B da' route. to London from Moscow, will break his journey at Paris with the object of informing the Soviet Ambassador there of the course of the ↑ Angle-Nussları conversations-Reuter,
ELECTION ISSUE ON COMPULSORY SERVICE? Labour Tables Amendment
LONDON, Apr. 26. MR. CHAMBERLAIN is being urged by his Conservative advisers to make conscription 'an immediate general election issue, It is believed by this section of political opinion that under present conditions, compulsory military service would make an _excellent issue.»***
Reports from Conservative Party organisations throughout the country itate that the negative attitude of the Trade Unions leaders and- the Parliamentary leaders of the Labour. Party does not reflect the opinion of Labour throughout the country, and [[that ' Mr. - Chamberlain,could. count
upon an overwhelming victory.
Capitalising Position
The Prime Minister himself does not seem to ko inclined to capitaliso The position politically, but informed circles Intimate that should the Opposition, persist in treating the problem as a purely political ques- ilon, the Premier might easily change his attitude-Trans-Ocean,
Resolution For Commons Debate
LONDON, Apr. 20. - The text of the motion which Mr. Neville Chamberlain will present to Jo House of Commons on Thursday, which will open the debate on, con- scr.pilon, is as follows:
It envisages a drive, 12,000 feet long, right through the base of the Peak,
By Britain
LONDON, Apr. 26. ANNOUNCING in the House of Commons to-day the Straits Harbour Reclamation Legislative Council's resolution The height of the proposed tunnel offering £1,000,000 towards the would be 20 feet, the width 40 feet: cost of general defonce in the The area of the section, which British Empire, Mr. Malcolm would be semi-circular, would be MacDonald said: 1,350.6 square feet.
"I have requested the Governor to Total yardage to be removed would express to the Council His Majesty's be approximately 280,000 cubic yards. Governments grateful acceptance of The Engineer suggests that the this most generous gift, and warm major portion of this could be used appreciation for the sustained and for the reclamation in Connaught practical co-operation of the Straits Road, where Government has de-in sharing the costly burden of Em- cided to extend the Prays by pire defence, of which this gift is yet reclaiming an extensive area from another example!"" the harbour between. Pottinger Street and the Naval Yards.
The cableway which was used at Slyng Mun during construction of Jubilee Reservoir, and which is now lying-idle, could be utilised to carry into the soil over the city streets the harbour reclamation.
Ten Months'.Work
The Report estimates that the drilling speed, working at both ends with three shifts, would be 40 feet per day. At this rate the tunnel would be completed in ten months.
Estimated cost of Labour and Supervision is $193,000, as follows: Chief Engineer
@. $1,250 per month Superintendant @$1,000
per month... 6 shift bosses $500 per
month
1 Superintendant mechs
$500 per month
1 Electrical Engineer @ $500
per, month
100 machine drillers @ $1,50
per day..
100 helpers 0. $0.80 per day 100 coolics ( 50.70 per day 50 fitters @ $1.50 per day.. 1 Chinoco General Foreman
@ $250 per month... 0 Chinese "shift foremen @ | $100 per month
General
Total
$12,500
10,000
30,000
5,000
6,000
45,000
24,000
21,000
22,500
2,500
0.0001
10,000
$103,500
Estimated cost of equipment (allowance is made in the full estimato for total depreciaton). $103,000. This includes a ventilation system which would become a par-. mianent fixture.
The equipment così is computed na follows:
Air compressors, 1,000 cubic
foot units (2 for harbour side, 2 for Aberdeen) Rock drills, heavy drifter
That this House approves the proposals of the Government to introduce, as soon as possible, a system of impulsory military train-type with cradles E "ing'ng mundaneed on April 20......
"It regards such a system as ne ceatary for the security of the nation, PLEASE Tuth To Page 4.
$40,000 10,000
710,000
Drill sharpeners, and accer
sory plant Mucking machines, 2 re-
PLEASE Turn To Pago 4..
The reply was greeted with cheers from all sides of the House-Reuter.
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Further Late Nows
German Troops In March, Past
Burgos, Apr. 26. Members at the Condor Legion, composed of Germans who fought on. the Nationalist alde, wero received by. the military, Governor of Vittoria 10- day,
After the march past, the Governor declared that memorial for the Condor legionnaires killed in the night for National Spain would be erected. near Villorio.—Trans-Ocean.