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The FIRST EDITION
Cont
Hongkong Telegraph
TOUNDED J001 四拜禮 號十二月二英港香 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, .1941. 日五廿月正
No. 18307
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WHITEAWAY'S
OPENING OF DEBATE ON HONGKONG BUDGET: UNOFFICIALS' CRITICISM Complaints Against Inefficiency Of Several Govt Departments
The debate on Hongkong's 1941-42 budget opened shortly after half past nine this morn- ing in the Council Chamber, when all the Unofficial members of the Legislative Council made their contribution.
The Colonial Secretary, Hon. Mr N. L. Smith prosided, in the unavoidable absence of His Excellency the Acting Governor, who is indisposed, as a result of slight injury sustained while out walking yesterday.
The Hon. Mr J. J. Paterson thought the budget was a good one, but affairs were bad, and he wondered whether no member of the local Hea- venborn was ever dismissed for inefficiency.
CONVOY expressed the opinion that the conduct of some of the Government's
QUERY IN HOUSE Exaggerated Reports
The Hon. Mr S. H. Dodwoll wanted some of the iniquities of the present war taxation bill to be ironed out and revealed himself opposed to direct income tax. He too, was highly critical of the Government ser- vices, and suggested that the special war time departments had been staff- ed, not with men considered suitable for the jobs, but with senior men Government had either to find jobs for, or pension off long before their pensionable age.
the departments and the public.
Mr Dodwell suggested an enquiry into the many LONDON, Feb. 19 (Reuter). Recent German claims to have serious charges that had been made against certain de inflicted heavy losses on apartments; he said this would be in the interests of both British convoy were dealt with in the House of Commons to- day rising from a member's invitation to make a statement on the reported loss of 13 vessels and whether those vessels were under protection.
Mr. V. Alexander, replied that it The First Lord of the Admiralty, was not possible to answer such a question without assisting the enemy, and in the meantime the questioner should not assume that the reports broadcast by the enemy were correct. No Protection The Labour Meinher, Mr Emanuel Shinwell, asked whether it was not the ease that a full report-had ap- peared in the American press and ihat a Atalement had
had also appeared that this very important convoy had no protection whatever.
"Are these facts not well enough known to
esemy?" he asked, Mr Alexander replied: "Mr Shin- well is in error in assuming that the enemy's statement was correct. It is a statement I do not accept any more than 1 had accepted the report in the case of a previous convoy in the where the enemy claims Atlantic were grossly exaggerated."
Governor's Accident
Falls While Walking
The Hon. Mr M. K. Lo, chief spokesman for the Chinese members, made comprehensive survey of the Estimates, criticised the Financial Secretary's assessment of the war taxation returns; deprecated the suggested increase in death duties, and was also critical of the manner in which the work of food controlling was cerning firewood, and the manner in which the work of the Im being effected in Hongkong, as well as Government's policy con- migration Department was being carried out.
The early speeches, which had been delivered up to the time of going to press follow.
ground while at the same time are milding a network of air shelter tunnels under 11.
in
an unwilling Chinese population might easily lead to our getting less
revenue and cost us more to collect.
Adverse Criticism
During the deliberations of the Select Committee, the conduct of cer- tain Government departments came in for much adverse criticam. My
ber
PFEREI
HAUCHS
Berlin Too, Has Air Raids
Berlin has been receiving share of air raids since the war, despite the Nazl boast that it was impossible for attacking planes to get past defences. Here wo see civilians in Bertin clearing sway debris after an. R.A.F, at- tack.
RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
BY GERMANS OVER GREECE
Honourable friend the Senior Mem- has already dealt with this mat- ter, but I should be lacking in my duly were I not als
also ta
BELGRADE, Feb. 19 (Reuter).—Reliable reports that German planes made stress the extreme serioumers of the adverse reports and complaints which reconnaissance flights over Greece yesterday are taken here to indicate that Hitler far many have brought members of the pubile is going forward with his "nerve war" in an attempt to force Greece to give up the
of us Un- olfielais. Unfortunately,
any struggle against Italy, If any few, we offe
supported by evidence because those' raid of the serious charges made can be
I
I concerned are unwilling to come tor-i
Hon. Mr J. J. Paterson
I am very glad indeed that theward for that purpose, but grievances | Opening the debate-the-on-Mr.Government have agreed to include are, so numerous that in the interests an extra $100,000 for the University, of the departments themselves, as J. J. Paterson, sold:
Your Excellency, it is usual for of which the revenue has been well as that of the public, an enquiry
the should be held. the Unofficial opening the debate to badly reduced by the fall
Last year in the remarks I made deal with those matters on which, we value of the Chinese National Dollar are all agreed and in which no other that it can barely carry on in a man during the budget debate, I express- member has any very speelal inter-ner befitting the Colony. Our pre-ed my conviction that the Govern-
This procedure this year leaves stige is at stake, and it seems to me ext. me little to
say.
We have written Your Excelleney about the conduct of some of Gov- ernment's affairs which we padiy feel to be bad. This will, we hope, be dealt with at mother time we do wonder how it is that, alone of all the Services and unlike the busi-
world, no mumber of
Our local Heavenborn is ever dismissed for in- efficiency..
Perhaps the answer. Is that none is ever ineficient.
11CSS
The budget is good budget and on behalf of all the unofficials I would like to thank our Financial Secretary for the very great care he has taken of the Colony's finances. Night Soil Collection
Full Report In Later Editions
The
on
debate
the Hongkong budget was continuing as this edition went to press.
A full report of the de-
bate will therefore appear in our later editions.
War Taxation
ment was suffering from three dead- ly disabilities: firstly, their Inability to dispense with the services of an unsatisfactory servant: secondly, pro- mation by seniority rather than and thirdly the higher pay
finer in this Colony as compared
with must others, which reduces to a minimum the healthy transfer of staff from une Colony to another, and breeds a parochial-minded service.
In the Report of the last We
War Revenue Committee the. members, composed of the leading business men of the Colony under the Chairman- ship of my Honourable friend the Attorney General, were unanimous in recommending that:-
"Before fresh taxation is imposed 10 meet this need. Commission (preferably a Royal Commission) be
Makes Japan
Overtures To
Official Britain
It now seems clear that he may try intimidation before risk- ing a conflict by sending troops. to the Greek frontier, -The-German-planes-dropped-no- bobs and were not fired on by the Grucks.
It is not known whether they used
Bulgarian or Rumanian bases.
Under No Pressure ATHENS, Feb. 20 (UP)-Informed quarters stated that Greece is not under pressure from outside regard- ing peace proposals.
LONDON, Feb. 19 (Reuter).--The Japanese Foreign Minis. ter, "Reuter's" diplomatic correspondent learns, has addressed a special message to Mr Anthony Eden, the Foreign Secretary, in which he offers to take whatever action be needed to restore normal conditions not only in the Far East but anywhere in
They said that the Turko-Bulgarian the world.
declaration does not alter the existing This official endorsement of commitments between the Balkon the proposal made by Mr Ishii, States.
Balkan Bloc Necessary the Japanese spokesman yester-
LONDON, Feb. (UP)--The day gives it a very different im Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs portance from the apparently told the House of Commons to-day casual suggestion of i sub-that some time ago the Government had Informed the Balkan countries ordinate officini.
bloc for the
of purpose maintaining in contractual relationship with Ger-independence and political integrity. Mr Butler did not answer when many and Italy although Mr Ishit
whether or expressly stated that those countries Sir Alfred Knox asked,
not, he could state that the Turko- had not been consulted,
|Bulgarian pack allowed the Germans
Anglo-Soviet Impasse
Mr Butler's New Statement
LONDON, Feb. 19. (Reuter). set up to investigate the whole or-No further progress in Anglo- ganisation of civil government in this
mies which would permit of a sub-i
20
It becomes a serious approach from of the necessity of forming a Balkan the head of a government which is
Naturally Mr Matsuoka's message
will be received with the considera-to cross Bulgaria and attacks Greece.
on which the authority of the sender demands but there is not likely to be New Life Movement any variation in the general and im- mutable principles of British polley. CHUNGKING, Feb. 19 (Central
observed News).—Chungking
the Eden's. Statement
reventh anniversary of the New Life LONDON, Feb. 19 (Reuter)-In Movement with meetings, vocational and special tion, Mr R. A. Butter, Under-Secret movie shows,
statement on the Far Eastern situs athletic competitions ury for Foreign Affairs, said that as
Madame. Chiang Kai-shek started the House was aware there had re
the anniversary observance by open- cently been increased tension over
log the newly-completed Loyalty certain events, notably over the dis- Memorial Hall of the New Life Socini
TURN to Back Page, Column 5 Service Centre.
fell, hitting his head, as a result of $384,400 for coolles only, we firmly than an increase in the present Ware renders it impossible for this re matters had not been carried viled at question time to-day to make contests, exhibitions, moss weddings,
of which he suffered from con-
supervision can be given to cussion for some time.
the existing arrangement until we can see more clearly what the future Inquiries made at Government holds for us, House reveal that there is no cause
The necessity for Evacuation is at forbidden His Excellency to attend to
of all three parties to it behaved any business before Monday,
badly, the Colónia!
Government ridiculously Tliere
no injuries except
for alarm, but the doctors have last apparent; I feel that some part peet. In Merefore are perhaps sus-;
Gre
At the
Ad. Stark Says Tokyo Must Be Ignored
We have suggested the postpone-we should either run the University While out walking with Majorment of various works which we be-efficiently, or not at all. General A. E. Graselt in the lieve can very well keep until later
Colony with a view to ascertaining Soviet negotiations could be re- whether it is possible to effect econo• ported by the Government neighbourhood of Wongneichong and these have been agreed to,
My Honourable friend the Finan- Road yesterday afternoon His think the result lies on the table.
stantial increase in the programme spokesman when questioned in of social services without undue in- the House of Commons to-day. Excellency, the Governor, Lieut There is one item however which cial Secretary considers it inevitable
crease of taxation."
Mr Butler said that since his General E. F. Norton, shipped and remains open, the collection of that we increase our War Taxation night soil by Government at a cast and favours on Income Tax rather
We realise that tho present situa-
last answer some weeks ago, Revenue Ordinance rates. Except as believe
nm not commendation to be encried out, but regards the Solory Tax, I affected by our local taxation, my if the same Committee is reconstitut- further by the Soviet Govern- Company being regis
registered at Home. Jed this year, I hope they will repeat munt.. My views therefore
sus this recommendation in their 1941
The Labour Member, Mr. Frederick comparison with Home report, lest 1940's be pigeon-holed;
Cocks, argued that as there was so taxation the Colony is of coured and forgotten.
Ittle difference between de jure and faxed lightly
Overhaul Needed
de facto recognition of the position same time, I am
I am not in favour of in-
There is pressing need for a thor in the former Baltic states that such bruises and His Excellency's condi- which failed completely to make creasing taxation on the low level in-augh overhaul of n system, which has small things should not be allowed to tion this morning is said to be much proper arrangements head of the comes. Married men with salaries ralaed the total of personal emolu- interfere with the establishment of
event, some of the evacuees who con-
say $10,000 per annum' are ments to such a fabulous sum. that better relationis between Britain and: better.
tinue to complain think unduly of "Statement To Council
dabing which when viewed in the know finding it increasingly difficult the Colony's taxable capacity in nor-¡ Russia.
theta mikt
Certain Large Issues Addressing the Legislative Council bomb-light of Coventry are little to make ends meet. Cost of living mal times is not equal to also pro- statistics show a very substantial rise viding what should be provided for this morning the lion, Mr N. 14 enough and the Home Government
Mr Butler sald: "There are not Smith said:
"Gentlemen, I regret to when it falled to enforce laws laid and those young married men with our social services, The paucity and
and mediocrity of the only small but certain large issues announce that ifle Excellency the down and allowed non co-operation evacuated familles and two house-
should receive executive: Acting Governor, while walking in
to fill the special war time depart take it further at present." country yesterday afternoon,
hensibility which reminds me of St
and chlidren, pro-
pre-ments has, nneen for
Mr Butler did not reply to a sup think, confirmed my last sustained an hijury which prevents Athanasius, his creed. him from presiding to-day.
vided they pay their evacuation year's criticism up to the hilt. I amplementary question which implied I am Hon. Mr S. H. Dodwell maintenance expenses
themselves. I quite
sure that the executive heads firstly that Russia is terrified of sure I may express on behalf of this Council our deep sympathy and the Addressing the meeting, the Hon. am also strongly in favour of ex- of the Government staffed these de- Germany, and secondly that the Bri- empting charitable contributions from partments not with men they con- tish Ambassador in Moscow. (Sir hope for an early recovery."
Your Excellency, Amendments to taxation. This is done at Home and sidered to be suitable for the jobs, Stafford Cripps) should be brought the Budget recommended by the if it isn't done here our charities wil but with senior men they had either unck to report to a secret session. of Select Committee and agreed to by surely suffer,
to find jobs for ar pension off long the House of Commons. Your Excellency have considerably I am convinced that a change from before their pensionable age. Al- reduced the deficit originally fore the present compromise taxation to though they probably won't admit it, shadowed LONDON, Feb. 19 (Router).—Na-
Honourable friend straight income tax would lead to the Financial
Secretary
that this is the case. The tives of Tanganyika, in the areas of the
the same unfortunate opposition that they know in their heart of hearts!
LONDON, Feb. 19 (Reutor),~~A big|ed a similar project for defence workt Everyone must regret the need for it encountered last year. Rather 1 Minister has made it clear that he Walkizi and Ngrumbl are determined: to play their part along with other the pruning that has taken place, and think we should endeavour to iron wants to rid himself of much of the trial of officers who have joined int the Island of Guam "because Japan Gunm was American property, say-
the pre-verblage and red tape in which the General de Gaulle's movement is to
ing: "Our netlong should be deter- citizens of the Empire in helping the must also admit that we lag behind out some of the iniquities London men and women rendered lamentably in the matter of social sent Bill. There must surely be service abounds. Let us pray that, begin on February 20 at Gannat, ten might take offence," homeless through the "blitz." services. The leeway must be made great advantage in knowing what at the end of this war, ho will go miles west of Vichy, states a Vichy "It is inconceivable to me," he mined by what is best for the United They have donated respectively 90 up as soon as possible, but surely it revenue It produced on the basis of further, and see that it is placed on dispatch to the offelal German news added, "that Japan could or would States and not dictated by any foreign
take offence to any such inoffensive Power, mens dit gi meg akar
The House will alhost *: certainly is nothing less than lunacy to spend 1030. On that of 1040, even at the more businesslike and workable agency,
The-proceedings will_not_be_open nousures." If she did, then the TURN-to-Back-Pago, Column-5. large sums on claborate hospitals and same rate, it should produce mors, footing,
to the public.
protest would be unwarranted and polles stations on the surface of the whereas to force an income tax on
Native Sympathy For Allied Cause
and 128 head of cattle, their most cherished possession, to relieve the distress of the air-raid homeless.
holds to
to succeed. A Trinity of Incompre-te samle vin in
the allow- to n° material available this year involved in this question and I cannot
Mr S. II. Dodwell remarked:
by
mainte
Continued on Pago 5
Vichy Trial
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Reuter)-A letter from Admiral Harold Stark, Chief of Naval Operations, suggesting that any Japanese protest at the United States' naval defence measures should be "totally disregarded" was read by Mr Carl Vinson, Chairman of the Naval Committee of the House of Representa tives, to-day.
The Committee was beginning the debate on the $242,000,- 000 naval bage development programme.
Admiral Stark pointed out in blaĮ should, in my opinion; be totally dis- lotter that the House last year defont,¡ regarded!
Adiniral Stark emphasised that