1917-12-26 — Page 1

The China Mail.

ESTABLISHTO

HOLIDAY ISSUE

HONGKONG. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1917.

No. 17,040.

六廿月二十年七十叠百九千蠻英

THE WESTERN FRONT.

RAIDS REPULSED.

THE WAR.

TO-DAY'S

TELEGRAMS.

1 Reuter's Service to the Chino Mail.)

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GREETINGS.

FROM H.M. THE KING.

The following messages have been received by Major-General Ventris, Commanding the troops in China, from. His Majesty the King:-

No. 1,

"I send to all ranks of the Navy and Army my hearty good wishes for Christmas and the New Year I realize your hardships, patiently and cheerfully borne, and rejoice in the successes you have won to nobly. The nation stands faithful to its pledges, resolute to fulfil them. May God bless your efforts and give us victory. Signed GEORGE RI".

No. 2.

THE ITALIAN FRONT.

ENEMY ATTACK STOPPED.

LONDON, Dec. 24.′′ An Italian official message states — The enemy, yesterday morning, at the Buso-Valbella sector, broke in our defences. We stopped him at the rear positions and our counter-attacks are progressing satisfactorily.

We drove the enemy to the left bank of the Piave Vecabia, to the south of Gradenigo.

A BRILLIANT RAID IN A SNOW-

STORM.

LONDON, Dec. 24...

.

An Italian semi-official message states that the Italian Brigade, known as the Yellow Riflemen, or Calvarie, carried "Our Christmas thoughts are without a brilliant raid during a snow-storm, the sick and wounded sailors and yesterday evening. soldiers. We know by personal ex-

perience with what patience and cheerfulness their suffering is borne. We wish all a speedy restoration to health, a restful Christmastide, and brighter day to come. Signed "GEORGE RI and MARY R"

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG TO HIS TROOPS.

LONDON, Dec. 25." Field-Marshal Sir Douglas, Haig in a special Order to the "Armies in France, says:

Our victories and successes have been very considerable. They might well have led to an early and com- plete victory, but for the Russian collapse. It behoves us to harden our hearts and steel ourselves for further effort. I have every confidence that the same courage and determination.

as in the past will be forthcoming to

meet the further demands for the

safety of our hearths and homes in the coming year. "

LONDON, Dec. 24. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports:-

We drove of attempted raids to the south-east of Epehy, in the neighbourhood of Monchy-le-Preux

and to the west of La Bossee.

MUCH AEROPLANE WORK.

LONDON, Dec. 24.

RUSSIA.

THE RUSSO-GERMAN PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

NEGOTIATIONS OPENED.

MEDAM Dec. 28.

ed at Bresilitovsk.

The peace negotiations have open

Germany has five delegates, head ad by Dr. von Kuehlmann; Austria eight, headed by Count Czernin; Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig the Minister of Justice: Turkey four, Bulgaria fire, headed by M. Popofi,

headed by Nessim Bey, the Foreign Minister, and Russin thirteen, beaded

M. Kjeneff. by

reports:-

The enemy, early this morning, raided an octpost to the east of Epehy and took a few prisoners. A few other raiders, in the neighbour hood of the Menin Road, were driven

of.

Our aeroplanes, on Saturday, bombed a big gun near Lille and

1 GENERAL MOBILISATION IN

UKRAINE.

ETARFAIRED

ANOTHER RUSSIAN GENERAL LYNCHED.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 24.

A general Ukranian mobilization has been ordered and the Don Cos. Taabkey, in a message, sack Government has agreed to place describes the horrible lynching of the Cossacks at the disposal of the General Korovitchenko, by u mob. Rada, in the event of an attack, and

M. Kerensky had appointed also to provide supplies.

General Kotovitebenko to commard

Fighting is proceeding between the Ukranians and the Maximalists, 80- miles, from Khurkoff, and it is re- ported that there are 700 casualties.

ARREST OF AMERICAN RED CROSS

Le

AGENT.

NEW YORI, Dec. 24.

A telegram from Petrograd states that M. Trotzky has announced that Colonel Kolpassinkoff, the Petrograd agent of the American Red Cross Mission in Rumaria, has been arrest ed in connection with the automobile

Dr. von Kuehlmann, presiding, emphasised that there could be, no question of drawing up an elaborata peace treaty, but only the settling of the most important conditions for affair. the speedy re-establishment of peace-

The American Ambassador states

also butments, billets and trenches.ful intercourse, especially cultural that the Embassy and the Red Cross They machine-gunned the infantry and economic. He also emphasised in the tranches and many thousands that the negotiations must take into of rounds were fired...

machines were

Four German brought down. The aerodromes of the enemy's night flying squadrons and also important milway stations- were bombed during the night and several. pilots made two ights. At one verodrome, many bits were

obtained on the sheds.

All our machines returned..

CHRISTMAS DAY REPORT,

LONDON, Dec. 25.

account what.had become historical.

THE RUSSIAN PEACE TERMS.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 24.

organisation were in no way involved in any counter-revolution movement.

the troops in Turkestan.

THE BRITISH ADVANCE IN PALESTINE.

LONDON, Dec. 24. An official report from Palestine

84 VS-

Our troops on the extreme left, with Naval co-operation on Saturday continued their advance northward of Nahr-el-Auja, reaching the line Sheik el-Ballutah-El Jalil, four miles northward of the river, and occupied. Fejja and Mulebbis, southward of the Khelbirch river; also Rantie, Khelbeida, and

dropped on the retreating enemy,

Two and a half tons of bombs were

PRICE, $3.00 Per Month

KAISER VISITS THE YERDUK,” FRONT

A NEW FOUNDATION FOR

THE WAR.

MSTERDAY, Dec. 24. The Kamer visited the Verdun Front, on December 21.

Eulogising the troops on the Western Front; the Kaiser said their sacrifices, had enabled their epmrades on the Dving and Iscazo Fronts to achieve successive victories, and added that a new foundation for the conduct of the war had been created. AUSTRALIA AND CONSCRIPTION.

NO QUESTION OF PACIFISM.

MELBOURNE, Dec. 25. The Referandum figures are now Against Conscription For

993,000 -820,000

It is believed that, the majority i

causing many casualties, and also on rolling stock and transport. Machine-largely due to the solid vote of the guns fired 6,000 rounds on the Labour Unions smarting under the recent strike defeat, and alen to the enemy's-column-at-short range.

catopaign by Archbishop Mannix in- fluencing the Catholics, and it is further caid that the industrial classes have failed to appreciate the larger issues involved.

LONDON, Dec. 34.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 'BY THE РОРЕ

EVENTS IN JERUSALEM."

ROME. Det: 25.

ני

"1" THREATENED SOCIAL CATASTROPHE

PETROGRAD, Dec. 24. The Russian Delegates have pre- The Times Petrograd Correspon- septed six points to the Brestlitovsk dent points out that the endeavou Conference, including to forcible of the Bolsheviks to come to terms acquisition of territory; the restora- with Ukraine, and their modified THE "SPECIAL LANGUAGE OF tion of political independence to the attitude to the Constituent Assembly,

Reuter is informed that all the anti- peoples who have lost it during the indicate that the Bolsheviks are

conscription leaders have expressed war; self determination by national realising their danger. All southern In a Christmas message to Cardinal Labour leaders are fighting at the Front strong win-the-war views Fromment groups; no indemnities; private per- Russia is now anti-Bolshevik. Vannatelli, the Pope states that it is to and others have sons there, including Sir Douglas Haig to-day reports:sons to be compensated for all losses We have taken a few prisoner in from a special fund, to which all the come shorter, and the coal supply conciliation have been in vain; There is no question of war-weariness The food supply threatens to be-be regretted that his efforts for a re Mr. Tudor, the Anti-Conscription leader encounters southward of belligerents shall contribute, on from the Don is cut off, while pear Cambrai. There is mutual artillery proportional basis, and the same prin. is still remote. The war of classes, nevertheless he would continue his or Pacifion, but merely a olsah of activity westwurd of La Basses and ciples shall be applicable to coloniesters not only to result in o

mission of peace throughout the world opinion with regard to the numbers The attackers returned with much eastward of Ypres.

as to their parent countries.

social catastrophe, but in the ever- despite all chatscles. The present ture and other industries essential which can be spared from agricul booty and many prisoners,

The lest clause probibits an tual subjection of Russie to German calamity would never finish until men to winning the war. The Common- economic boycott, separate customs Imperialism.

and society return to God. In these wealth of Australia is maintaining agreements, and a naval blockade not

days we may go in the footsteps of larger forces in the field than all the pursuing any direct military object.

Christ to Jerusalem. Human counsels other Dominions put together. Her AMSTERDAM, Dec. 24.

and divine design have advanced Navy the only Dominion Navy within together, the former subjugating the the Empire has been serving since the countries, the latter granting theage-long

war broke out. Australia has paid all páryer of our fathers for giving back to her own war expenses. All political

The Yellowmen, who lay in ambush, followed up a violent burst of artillery, rushed and killed the enemy sentries, swept past the entanglements and com-patro: pelled the terrified defenders of the position to surrender.

GERMAN REPORT.

LONDON, Dec. 25,

A German official report says:— On the 24th inst. between Asiago and the Bronta we stormed the

1

Sir Douglas Haig reports - Yesterday we drove of raiders south-eastward of Ypres.

There was hostile artillerying at Epeby and southward of Poelcapelle,

The enemy delegatious at Brastlitovsk There is vigorous bombing and air-hare unanimously agreed upon the

Col-del-Rosso and the heights adjointing. Despite the baze, enemy basis of a reply to the Russian pesce

ing westward and eastward and took 6,000 prisoners.

ITALY AND THE STATUS QUO.'

FIRM STAND AGAINST IT.

BOME, Dec. 13 The Chamber passed a vote of con- fidence in the Government, by 345 votes

proposals.

artillery machines were active.

We brought down five in air-fight-

The reply will be formulated to ing and two others by gunfire. One morrow. of the latter was a large twin-engine machine Three of the occupants were taken prisoner.

Our night fliers bombed several nerodromes with good effect. One of our squadrons at daylight dropped

to 50, after a speech by Signor Orlando a ton of bombs on Mannheim.

who, referring to the advocacy of peace Bursts were observed on the main by Socialiat Deputies on a basis of the station works, and fires in the town. status gua, poitited out that Germany bad never spoken of such a peace,

Enemy scoute repeatedly but unsuc- cessfully attacked. AMERICAN WEEKLY WAR and had never mentioned the re-

Heavy anti- nor had aircraft fire forced down one of our inten-machines. The others returned.

14

REVIEW.

THE ENEMY'S INTENSIVE PEACE

PROPAGANDA.....

atoration of Belgium, Austris ever shown any tion of restoring unredeemed Italy. Rather than accept a peace which would

NAVAL AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY. leave Austria in possession of Italian territory, the Italians would retreat

LONDON, Dec. 214 The Admiralty announces fighting, as far as Sicily; moreover, the naval aircraft yesterday dropped six tbat return to the status quo would be im- tons of bombs on St. Denis Westerem his weekly review of the war says possible after the immense sacrifices of and on Mariakerke und Oostacker the war. The only way to safety was by resistance (Loud and prolonged cheers).

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.

Mr. Baker, the Secretary for War, in

No matter what superiority in men and guns the enemy may temporarily be able to bring to the West, and even admitting an eventual modifcation of the Allied line in his favour, nevertheless, he knows, as far as it is humanly possible to foresee, his effort will inevit- ably result in merely local sudceques.

THE ITALIAN NATION'S SOLIDARITY.

ROME December 24.

The big Government majority in the Chamber is generally considered an overwhelming proof of the nation's solidarity to make any serifice necess

aerodromes. Good shooting," was made."

All the machines returned.

DUNKIRK BOMBED,

LONDON, Dec. 24.

A French comminique states:- There was reciprocal artillery on the right of the Meuse, in the Mort Homme region.

Enemy aeroplanes, yesterday even-

dropped 40 bombs on Dunkirk. One civilian was killed and three wounded

It would appear that, as a forerunner the heralded German offensive in the West, an intensive peace propaganda is to be initiated. A careful examination of the situation reveals that the enemy sagain preparing to us for peace before the Allies are victorious The Germans would have the world believe that the military situation is such that they will be able to dictate Ceace terms; they, therefore, threaten Controller's defence which, amongst 28 there were 100 air fights, mostly

to pursue the war with increased gour, and as a complete overthrowing, of the Interventionist movement.

THE VORWAERTS RESUMES PUBLICATION.

AMSTERDAM, Dec. 2t. The Voricaerts has resumed publicz tion sur gives prominence to the Food

that unless this dictated peace is accepted has ssanied such proportions as to the German forces on the West. Front endanger the general food supply will break through the Allied line. The WATLOUS" TEPorts of immediat German Peace proposals,

blofarma stonld not

MACKED OUT -

FRENCH AERIAL ACTIVITY.

LONDON, Dec 24, A French communique states: From December 21 to December

EVACUATION OF OCCUPIED TERRITORIES DEMANDED."

PETROGRAD, Dec. 25. It transpires that the Maximalist peace conditions include a demand for the speedy evacuation of the occupied territories..

MANUFACTURE OF ARMS

PROHIBITED.

11

り

A SPLIT IN THE PEASANTS' CONGRESS.

LONDON, Dec. 24. Reuter's Correspondent-at Petre grad states that a split has occurred

Centre;

*,

Christianity the sacred places where the Parties unanimously support the com blood of the Redeemer was poured out. secured; they also support the retention tinuance of the war till victory is Jerusalem, the sacred city for the of the German Facific Colonies and no

elackening of war efforts

ANOTHER PLOT IN ARGENTINA.

in the Peasants' Congress, between the Left and the combined Right and

The latter has formed its own blessed vision of peace, lifts to God a Executive with the watchword of hymn of exultation, gratitude and love. Power to the Constituent Assem- All must see that the events that have bly, and the former is negotiating just been accomplished in Jerusalem with the Maximalists with a view to have a special language which strength- the formation of a Coalition Govern eas the invitation we address to the ment...

A plot has been discovered in which people to return to God, because in German agents have been directed Jerusalem were blessed, not those who regardless of cost, to destroy all allied came in the name of arms, but in the shipping in Argentine ports. name of the Lord

THE GERMAN AND RUSSIAN SOCIALISTS.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 25.. "Maximalist News Agency

atates that the Maximalist Delega- The Maximalists have prohibited tion at Brestlitovak has written to the manufacture of arms in view the German Foreign Office stating of the probability of a speedy that the peace negotiations may be European peace!!

endangered if the German Minority Socialists are not allowed to go to Stockholm to meet the Russian Socialists:

THE CIVIL WAR.":

A COALITION GOVERNMENT DECIDED UPON.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 25.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 24... The Maximalist News Agency re- ports that the Bolsheviks are attack- ing Kharkoff and claims that the Bolsheviks now control the railways, to the south.

The Maximalists, and the Social Atelegram from Hover reports Revolutionaries of the Felt have that a large body of Cossack railway- agreed to form a Coalition Govern men, near Tastithin, have stopped ment in which the latter will have the Bolshevik troops going to the seven dents.

north:

RED GUARDS SENT AGAINST UKRAINE.

PETACHRAD, Dec. 24

INDIAN MOSLEMS AND TURKEY.

SUGGESTION TO URGE PEACE

BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 24.

-The order is attributed to the success of negotiations for purchasing the sur. plus of the barvesta. Stipping agents are dcpting precautiona ON TURKEY.

THE CAILLAUX CONSPIRACY CASE. BOMBAY, Dec. 24

PARIS, Dec. 24 "The Times of India has received letter from an Ladian statesman of high

General Dubail has signed the order position painting out that the heart of for the hearing of the charges against the Moslems of India is grieved to find M. Chillax, M. Loustalot and M. the principal Lelamis State warring Comby against the British Empire, and suggest M. Caillaux will be defended by ing that the Moslems of Indis should Maitre Demange, one of the defenders jointly urge on Turkey the desirability

of Major Dreyfus. of Peace.

THE EXPLOSION IT KRUPPS.

AMSTERDAM, Dce. 24- The Handelsblad states that the explosion, at · Krupp's factory occurred In a building in which there were 1,000

M. Comby is an ex-barrister and is alleged to have accompamed M. Loustalot to Switzerland to see the ex- Khediye, and to have been present at: interviews between M. Signor Cavallini, the Italian er member building was entirely burned down in Rome

There were no fatilities, but work in this section is entirely stopped.

REPORTED MOVEMENT OF TROOPS worker. The wooden portion of the of Parliament, who is now, under arres

" BY GERMANY.

PETROGRAD, Dec. 24. It is reported that the Austrians und Garthans

are moving troop Six thousand Bed Guards from from the Russian Northern and West Petrograd and Moscow are beng sent Fern Fronte to the South, Western against Ukraine..

and Humanian Fronte

A CAUCASIAN ARMY TO ATTACK:

EWGENERALPELLEDIN.

were set on

TETROO

other things," "admits that, illict trade over, the enemy v lines.

Digh enemy aeroplanes were brought low and Commenting on the speech of Mr fire of loved George, the paper says they are amaale to combat miffarien, but after the war the miglity current which k peace tune bad forced militarite on the defensive, would become verwi

We dro hombs.ou

DEFEAT OF"GENERAL" KORNI-

KIMED

MR. ASQUITH'S BONBEYERELY,

WOUNDED

LAPARIS.

GENERAL SARRAIL'S SUCCESSOR.