Press Commentary
ALLIES' FIGHTING
SPIRIT
Monday,
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH
Nordic neutrals fear worsening of
Keener Edge To Most their situation
Deadly Weapon
LONDON, Apr. 7 (Reuter).-- Dovelopments during the last few days in the Allied economic policy have given an even keener edge to their deadrical weapon. This is the consensus of Sunday's British press comment which is chiefly confined to two things
tightening of blockade measures and the ever deepening co-operation of the British and French.
tho
The latter, in described as not only the Allen mak source of power but also destinest to be a permanent basis for bulldog a new Europe.
The press view is that ever since the last inceting of the Supreme War Council a new fighting spirit has
SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH" COPENHAGEN, Арг. 7(UP)-Scandinavia, warned by both Europe's war camps that any move in favour of one side will be considered a hostile act by the other, is clinging passively to her precarious neutrality perch, wondering whether the coming week will bring an incident which will topple one of her component nations into war.
The war of nerves, which has been raging at fever pitch Scandinuyin this throughout
week and which has caused very great apprehension in Oslo and Stockholm, is now consider-
Diplomatic Offensive
been clearly evident in the punching ed to be the least threatening of Important Development
Although offelal comment is lacking it is now reported that the British notes demands are less friendly in tone.
speeches of Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. all the Scandinavian war clouds. Winston Churchill, the Allied notes to Norway and Sweden, the Anglo- French talks, the British drive in the Balkans and the hastening to London of the Bulkan envoys. These all form ene of the most valuable factors in the defent of Hitlerim.
Main Problem
Polillest circles maintain that the notes were more concerned with Russia than Germany, slating that the
Expected This Wook
LONDON, Apr. 7 (Reuter),— The coming week is expected to provide an even greater Allied development than last week.
Eff
Exchange At A Glance
SELLING
T.T. London Demand
3274
T.T. Shanghul
1/21 1/21 .350
T.T. Singapore
224/2
T.T. Japan
.03%
T.T. India
.02%
T.T. U.S.A.
TT. Manila
T.T. Batavia
40%
T.T. Bangkok
150 1084 .10.85 .08 1/01.
1/3 1/34
TT Sugon
TT. France T.T. Switzerland TT. Australia
BUYING
4 m/s L/C London
4 m/s D/P
4 m/s L/C UŠA.
4 m/s France
20 d/s India,...............
11.40 ..04
U.S. Cross rate in London 4.021⁄2 U.S. Cross rate in N.Y...3.5814
SHANGHAI H.C.L.
Japanese Blamed For Increased Food Costs
April 8, 1940.
IDENTITY
DISPUTE
Unusual Caso At The Supreme Court
Who is Loung. Mel-ha?. This was the poser the Chief Justice, Sir Atholl MucGregor, was ask- jed to settle at the Supreme Court this morning when two sisters, parties to a suit involving a house in Kowloon City, both claimed to be of that name.
Plaintiff, who called herself Leung Mel-ba, asked the Court for a de- claration that she is the owner of New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 2351 (13 Nga Tain Long Road) and an order for: her younger sister, Leung Shiu-fan, allas Leung Mel-ha, to return the Crown Lease and other documents in connection with the property. De- fendant counter-claimed for a de- claration that the property belonged to her.
Mr. Percy Chen, Instructed by Mr. C. A. S. Russ, appeared for plaintiff, and defendant was represented by. Mr. Eldon Potter, mc., instructed by Messrs. Woo and Woo.
Forgery Alleged
Mr. Chen explained that the reason why defendant was also called Lewig Mei-ha in the writ was because she huã filed a memorial notice with the Land Office under that name. The case for the plaintiff was that the signature on the notice had been forged by defendant. Both of them SHANGHAI, Apr. 8, (Reu-claimed to be Leung Mel-ha, and Talks have already begun between ter).—The present high cost of therefore one of the issuen to be word Halifax and the British diplo- vital necessities in Shanghai is decided was the question of identity. In September, 1930, went on Mr. threatened K Russia secures control malle representatives in the Balkans entirely due to the "monopolistic | Chen, plaintiff bought the house
manner" in which the Japanese from A secret session of the House of
one Kwan Kung-shun for Commons on
on Thursday will discuss
are hampering the free flow of $4,350. The property was duly con- food from the interior, says the veyed to her, and in May the follow- M. Paul Reynaud, the French Pre- "North China Daily News" on issued. Three economic blockade.
ing year a new Crown lease was
possession of the
The main problem lies in north-Western, Pawera will feel themselves
west and south-cast Europe.
As the "Sunday Times" puts it, theof or possesses a port on the Atlantic. The Scandinavian capitals do not relation of the neutrala to Germany
feel themselves to
to be in the name is that of threatened men.
Scandinavia and dilemma in
In this In north-west
this respect as they do Holland they see their ships destroy-in the Europe ed, seamen murdered and their
neutral waters abused with impunity
but they do not dans to retaliate.
war.
(and the Danubian countries.
In this connection M. Kohl's speech /mier, is now holding conversations the bugis, of an extensive survey improperly obtainter, defendant
with the French Ministers to the Bal-
failed to arouse much Scandinavian kan countries and a secret session of
The stronger passnges of comment.
Tuesday. his speech were attributed to the the French Senate will be held
1 Germany wins the war, not one of them will survive; yet here they rising pitch of national Indignation 'and are hardening the rod for their backs over Norway's losses of lives by supplying Germany with iron ore, ships and the disrespect for her If the neutrals are unable to de-neutrality rather than any stiffening fend their interests, the "Sunday Times" continues, our job is to study "gainst either war camp. how we can persuade them to do so. In south-east Europe the position is different. We must help the neutrals to face up to Germany by two methods. We must buy their goods and we must give them firm guarantees against military destruc tion.
"Emco," the new British Balkan Trading Company, is a pointer to the first method.
General Weygand with lits, Allied Army in the middle East is a pointer to the second.
Whole-Hearted Blockada The Economist says that, while the Allies have every sympathy for the predicament which the neutrals are in, and do not intend to deprive them of their rights, it is only plain commonsense to say that the only effective blockade is a whole-hearted
The speech indicated that there will be no new departures in Norwegian policy as a result of Lord Halifax's note.
Diplomatie circles characterise the speech na reiteration of Norwegian policy, which has not been changed since 1914.
on
by the paper for several weeks. Organisations, individuals and Kroups familiar with the actual conditions were Interviewed for the survey and the facts ascertained are in keeping with the prevailing con- ditions.
Committeo's Report
fence and since then had refused to return to plaintiff. Defendant also caused a memorial notice to be entered in the name of Leung Mei- ha and not Leung Shiu-fan, "which was her proper namo.
The defence denied that plaintif was Leung Mel-ha and further pal Council appointed a Price Control property on behalf of defendant to The dally recalls that the Munici-alleged that plaintiff bought the Committee in March and asked that whom she was indebted to the ex- n report
be submitted to aid in tent of $8,000 for which she signed
noic. devising ways and means of relieving the situation.
R
promissory In connection with the promissory
Three-Part Offensive
LONDON, Apr. 7 (Reuter).-The Allles' diplomatic and economic offensive falls into three parts, says "Renter's" diplomatic correspondent. They are (1) the notes to Norway and Sweden, (2) conversations be- M. Georges Monnet, the tween French Minister of Blockade, and Mr. Ronald Cross, the British Minister of Economic Warfare, and (3) Laiky
In part the Committee's report stated: "The Committee is satisfied Meanwhile, however, German and between Viscount Hallfax, the Bri-
Intrigue ish
rie Secretary, Foreign British broadcasts-which
that the fundamental cause of the and theh
high prices to be recognised- the Scandinavian people have been English Ministers to the Balkans.
pecially It is learned that the notes to Nor wheat, meat and fish are concerned,
as for battfing
as domestic flercely over Scandinavia all this week end."
and way
Sweden reserve English | The
"National Copenhagen
und to lesser extent, vegclables) la Tidendo's" correspondent in Ber. Tights in dealing with the Genun fact that this area has been in Leung Mel-ha and bought the house
use of Scandinavian waters to evade lin reports that Germany considers the blockade.
become ✡ that Scandinavia may battle-feld in a matter of days or hours-and, under
of pressure
mounting belligerent warnings and rumours. Scandinavia is ready to believe it..
The conference with the Ministers to the Balkans faces the prospect that Dr. Hjalmar Schacht. former President of the Reichsbank, may be brought bnek to try and head off the Allies' intentions, but it is realised that the Allies possess the money and machinery and no finan- cial wizard can resist this pressure The "Sunday Express" says the wisest policy in that of a cal-to
Apr. (UP)-M. with a blocked currency and barter the normal."
7 watch every exit, for the rat cannot || Guenther, the Swedish Foreign live without water and must come Minister, is quoted in a out.
one.
The "Economist says that if the net is really tightened, German milltary forces must be used to break
Sweden's Attitude
SPECIAL TO THE "TELEDRAPH" LONDON,
as the only weapons.
The Ministers from
note, sald Mr. Chen, plaintiff did sign it, but did so under duress and as a result of coercion by defendant or her agents for she did not in fact owe the money. rice,
Plaintiff's Evidence Plaintiff told the Court she
was
money. In August,
the grip of a conflict since August, with her own the 1937, and that the terrain on which 1037 she visited Cholon, Cochin- Shanghal has been accustomed to China, where defendant was living, rely for its supplies, is under military in connection with the wedding of control."
her sister-in-law's daughter. After So long as
s farmers' supplies are the wedding, defendant obtained prevented from having a free market possession of her passport and refused for their commodities, the prices of to return
urn It to her
her unless and unti necessaries within the two foreign she signed a promissory note for settlements of Shanghai must exceed $8,000. She did not owe defendant the money and told her she would rather die than sign the note. To this defendant replied: "If you want to dle 50
ahead, for
Eventually, she signed the Daily Newa" confirms that while the and on the following day defendant population of the city has increased from 3,500,000 to 5,000,000 due to the accompanied her back to Hongkong. unolles Defendant stayed with her and one influx since the hostilities, Kupplies of foodstuffs allowed to come to day she asked her for the plans and
other
documents in connection-with- Shanghat by the Japanese are con-
the house. After having seen
them, siderably less than those from the
5,000,000 Population Doubt WES expressed on the statements,
accuracy of the above ment to the "Sunday Chronicles will find themselves co-operations
niversary of the war in a state of dence Preservation of her
deadlock they will have passed their first phase.
of
exceeding the but the survey of the "North China day die at my handa" you may one
ከዛ
formerly
ILLEGAL SHANGHAI COURT
to jan enterprise for saying that Sweden is "determined to hold fast to our neutrality to the bounds of diplomacy utmost and to defend it if necessary, understood.
"For Sweden the position of
question "Comunander Stephen King-Hall, in neutrality is not only u his weekly news-leiter, suggests that principle but the only practicable If the Allies can reach the first un-polley of
Indepen in protecting her vital interests. "Whether we look at it
#from fogical or u moral point of view, we can find no firmer base for our neutrality and it is on that that we have taken our stand from the be- ginning normal exchange with the belligerents of our own products and Imports, where necessary, for our national life, and otherwise a rules of international law." confirmation of the acknowledged
The job will then be to develop their resources to the full behind their defences so as to live as full and na civilized a life as possible. This is the second phase.
rc-
Imparative Objectives We must remember, he says, that during the greater part of our corded history man has lived and worked with his weapons at his side. This state of affairs may last three years
or more. During this time, the main task will be the develop- ments of Anglo-French co-operation of providing im- liberty and
wregnable defence and freedom in modern Europe.
At the same time they will have to
How the world that behind the bar- show riers Britain and France have creat- ed
a new world of steadily increasing economic and military strength and that, subject to the fulfilment of the war aims, the German
people can co-operate in that new world.
If this happens, Commander King Hall suggests that possibly a third phase of the military struggle may never be needed.
The Catholic organ "Tablet" looks
strict
Dogs Fight, Then Bite
Foreigners Summoned In Japanese Areas
noic
A new
SHIRT
This new shirt is ideal for Sports or Lounge wear, Made of fine Spun Rayon, is delightfully soft, cool and absor" ent. Can be worn as illustration or
tucked inside trousers, has short sleeves and two- way collar.
Obtainable in plain light blue, dark blue, russe grey and white.
$11.50. Loss 10% Cash Discount
MACKINTOSH'S LTD.
-MEN'S WEAR
SPECIALISTS
56
IT'S THE QUALITY THAT MATTERS
It is not by chance alone that State Express 555 are known as "the best cigarette in the world.” The discriminating palates of almost two generations attest to this fact, yeti they cost so little more to enjoy.
STATE EXPRESS 555
50 for $1.30
·
interior in normal times when the defendant kept them and since then E BEST CIGARETTE IN THE WORLD COSTS SO LITTLE MORA
population was lower, says the paper.
Gang Leader Imprisoned
Man Who Intimidates Wanchai Hawkers
SHANGHAI, Apr. 8. (Reu- ter).--Foreigners without ex- trality rights and Chinese north of Soochow Creek (Japanese- Said to be one of three leaders controlled area) in recent weeks of a gang of intimidators operat have been forced to appear in aing in Wanchai, Chan Po-kwan, "Court of Rehabilitation" to face 20, unemployed, was sentenced to civil actions, according to inves-two months' hard labour by Mr. tigations completed by the Sheldon at the Central Magis- "North China Daily News."
tracy to-day for theft of 10 Ignoring summonses from Japanese yards of cotton cloth, the pro- officials of the Court brings imme- Two dogs, one belonging to Mr. H.dlate arrest and, in many cases, perty of Wong Kun, 43, a
European Hurt In King's Park
S. Bascombe and the other to Mr. S. Fansey have been placed under observation as a result of an incident on the CBA, ground at King's Park yesterday.
WE
According to a report, the dogs fought with each other and as Mr. to the future from a basis of Anglo-Bascombe separated them he
on the hand. Mra Maddy of Prince Edward
punishment, says the paper.
The whereabouts of the Court are unknown, but it is established that hearings are held in a place belleved to be occupied by the Japanese Naval Landing Party.
hawker.
Wreck Stalls
DeL-Sergeant Morrison said Chan Was known to the Police. Hawkers were usually the victims of the gang, buif any. report was made to the Pollen there was usually Insufficient evidence. When the hawkers obtain- Four cases handled by the Courted the return of their stalls these
Four Cases Handlod
had refused to return them to her.
Crom-examined, plaintiff said she
could not suggest any motive why defendant, her own sicter, should have wanted to deprive her of the house. She denied that her father's surname was Chan and that defen- dant had been sending remittances to her.
The cace is proceeding.
Discussions With Neutral Envoys
LONDON, Apr. 7
(Reuter)--Ac-
cording to Paris Radio, the Swedish and Norwegian envoys in Berlin were called to the German Foreign Once by Herr von Ribbentrop this afternoon.
The discussion lasted an hour.
It's worth while
to fool and look as well as
PHOSFERINE
makes you
at all times and seasons of allies against a common foe. It Rond has reported that her dog bit came to public notice, though it is were often wrecked or the hawkers in all climates and travela
posible to obtain statements from themselves were assaulted. It was in all work and play
more or less a gang of intimidator at all ages was sent to Kowloon the persons involved.
French imity.
bitten on
This unity is much more than that
Is a unity from which, with the help
an amah, Wong Chi-Inn, on the right
in Europe will be born again.
is
Hospital
under observation
for
In one case, the wife of a Russian
of other nations, we hope that unity foot. Wonentment and the dog watchman was arrested in her home practically every fight that occurred!
LOST PROPERTY REWARD OFFER
Wook-ond Lossos By Europeans
and its members were mixed in
Wp
Wanchal.
Li Min, 22, of Salkung Road, was and taken to the Japanese Naval also sent to Kowloon Hospital as a Landing Party premises. She was
Passing sentence, Mr. Sheldon took result of a dog bite. He was walk- later released on the request of the into consideration, the youth of de
Municipal Police. ing in Kai Yan Road when an un-small child was forced to accompany defendant that next time the prison The woman's fendant. However, His Worship told Identified dog bit him.
term
would be longer and he would The woman was arrested because be recommended for banishment. she owed $80 to a Chinese store- Defendant admitted  previous keeper.
conviction.
Food Price Increase
A reward of an unspecified sum has been offered by Mr. W. H. E. Coates of 10 Peak Mansions, for the return of a gold ring set with rap- phires and diamonds. Mr. Contes re- ported to the Police that the ring, issue of the "Telegraph" hended valued at £30, had been lost between "food prices reduced," was R Tê Leighton Hill Road and Peak Hotel porter'a error in confusing figures. Mr. Simmonds of Island Road has Actually, prices have been increased reported the loss of a carving knife. alightly in respect of five items of Someone stole It from his home.
food as follows: Thick cream, Golden
her.
The "North China Dally News" learned from "absolutely reliable sources" that the victim ignored the Court summons.
Other cases also involved Chinese
debts.
Take Phosferine and
enjoy the recovered
Nerva Control that
keeps you at your
EUROPEANS IN ACCIDENTS
best.
The Court. functioning willent A news paragraph in Saturday's
the knowledge of the Comular
Two European women were in- body
or any other recognised | volved in traffic oceldents yesterday. authority, has the obvious nina of According to a report, Mra, C. Larsen curtailing the jurisdiction Chin of Stubba Rond knocked down LI ese Courts of the Settlement areas Sam-luc, nine-year-old boy, as she under Japanese control, says the was driving a car in Queen's Road paper.
East. Li was sent to hospital with head injuries.
Clothing and two clocks, valued at Butterfly brand from 35 to 40 cents $49, was reported as stolen by Ma, per aix oz, tin, and from 11 to 23 F. 5. O'Neill. Some person entered cents per tin of three ozs. Libby's his house at 184 Ausún Road. corned beef from 44 to 70 cents per Mr, F. S. Iminil, a metre reader, tin and Emery corned beef from as reported the loss of a raincoat, worth to 01 cents per tin. Oatment in tins, $10, from his home at 74 Johnston C and B brand 2 lb. from $1.16 to Itoid.
$1.37 per tin.
Miss Halliday was driving in NEW ORLEANS, Apr. 7 (UP)-ANathan Road when she knocked down tornado which swept through this Li Ping, a man. Li sustained minor atriet to-day killed at least & per- injuries abil was taken to Kowloon sons and caused property damage Hospital.
car WAS slightly estimated at $500,000,
damaged.
The
PHOSFERINE
The Greatest of all Tonles TABLETS or LIQUID
Proprietors PROSFEINE (ASHTON & PARSONS) LTD.
WATFORD, ENGLAND.
Solo Agent DODWELL & CO. LTD. 1.O, Box 34. BONGKONG.
APDI
$1 TIFFINS ·
at-
Jimmy's
Also A la Carte China Bldg., Hongkong.
Hankow Rd., Kowloon.
FOR YOUR
HEALTH'S SAKE
USE
HOT WATER
IN PLENTY.
A Gas Sink Water Heater
will give you HOT WATER
át any time for all Domestic
purposes, they are Hygienic,
Automatic and Economical.
Ask at our Showrooms for
a demonstration.
THE HONG KONG & CHINA GAS CO., LTD.
CENTRAL SHOWROOM:
KOWLOON SHOWROOM:
GLOUCESTER BUILDING Phone 24704 246,. NATHAN ROAD Phono 57341