1938-01-15 — Page 7

THE CHINA MAIL, JANUARY 15, 1938.

STRATEGIC

Page 7.

IMPLICATIONS

OF U.S. SINGAPORE VISIT Regarded As More Significant Than Courtesy Call

NO OTHER NATION'S

SHIPS INVITED TO BE PRESENT

London, To-day.

The participation of American naval vessels- the three cruisers, Trenton, Milwaukee and Mem- phis-- in the inauguration of the completed Singa- pore Base, is occasioning some speculation.

The announcement generally is interpreted as

BANK GOVERNOR RESPONSIBLE

Paris, ̈ To-day. Considerable tension exists în Paris and the capital is buzzing with rumours.

Lobby gossip has it that the Governor of the Bank of France, who strongly favoured exchange control, caused the fall of the Chautemps Government.—Trans- Ocean.

possessing significance much beyond that involved MR. EDEN

in customary naval courtesy visits.

Its strategic implications in view of the Far

Eastern situation is obvious.

It is stated in London that the American warships will be the only ships of a foreign naval Power asked to be present on the occa sion of the official opening, thus eliminating the suggesting made in some quarters that the French or Dutch (or even the Japanese) might also attend.

HEAVY FIRING PRACTICE PROGRAMME

RETURNING TO LONDON

London, To-day.

The Foreign Secretary is under- stood greatly to have been rested from his Riviera holiday during the past fortnight and has decided to return to London.

He is arriving to-day and will have an early opportunity of con- sultations with the Prime Minister who has been in charge of the Foreign Office during Mr. Eden's absence.

The Prime Minister is spending the week-end at Chequers.

COMBINED EXERCISES

Firing Practice will be carried out from Stonecutters on Tuesday, Meanwhile, the War Office issues 25th January, 1988, between the a statement on behalf of itself, the hours of 9.00 am. and 2.00 p.m. Admiralty and Air Ministry, an-

Firing Area "E" will be affected. nouncing that combined operations

In the meantime, in view of the and exercises will be held in

Firing Practice will be carried resignation of the French Govern- Singapore at the beginning of out from Pakshawan on Wednes- ment, it is likely that the League February, in which ships of the day, 26th January, 1938, between Council, which was to meet at East Indies and China Squadrons the hours of 9:00 a.m, and 2.00 p.m. Geneva on Monday and for which and the Royal Indian Navy will

Firing Area “A” will be affected Mr. Eden was proposing to leave participate, together with troops

London on Sunday will be post- of the Singapore garrison, exclud- Firing Practice will be carried poned until January 26th. British ing the Volunteers, but reinforced out from Belchers, Mount Davis Wireless. by the 1st/2nd Punjabi Regiment and Stonecutters оп Thursday, and the Malay Regiment.

The R.A.F. squadrons in Singa- units pore, reinforced.. by some -from India and Iraq, will also

participate.

TESTING DEFENCES

The statement adds that Com- bined Exercises of this nature are carried out from time to time with a view to testing various of the defences of Singapore and is part of normal training...

The forthcoming exercises-which are expected to be on the same scale as last year will be of a comprehensive nature and, afford a further opportunity of studying the particular problems affecting each of the Services.

27th January, 1938, between the hours of 4.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m..

Firing Areas "D", "D" and "E" respectively will be affected.

Firing Practice will be carried out from Mount Davis and Stone- cutters on Friday, 28th January, 1938, between the hours of 12 noon and 6.00 p.m.

Firing Areas "D" and “E” will be affected.

;

Firing Practice will be carried out from Stonecutters Battery on 20th January, 1938, and 21st Jan- uary, 1938 commencing at 9.00 a.m. on each day until 12 noon.

Alternative day 22nd January, 1938 from 0900 hours to 12 noon.

Firing Area "E" will be affected. In accordance with sub-section 31 of section 4 of the Defences (Firing Areas) Ordinance, 1936, masters of The exercise, however, as is in-vessels and pilots of aircraft evitable in such a case, will con-empt from the operation of this Or- tain artificial elements which will dinance under section 10 are wärn- prevent any precise conclusions ed to assist in the carrying out of from being drawn. Reuter.

COMMANDING OFFICERS

The Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Squadron, Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Ramsay will be in com- mand of the naval forces.

ex-

the firing practice by hastening through the firing area affected, or by consenting to be towed out of the firing area, if necessary, by any vessel acting under the orders of the Military Authorities.

The military forces will be under force will be under the immediate the command of Major General command of Air Vice Marshal A. W.

G. S. Dobbie, General

Commanding, Malaya.

RAF units in the

Officer Tedder, Air Officer Commanding, ----- Royal Air Force, Far East-Com- defending mand.- -British Wireless..

'

LEAGUE COUNCIL MEETING POSTPONED

Geneva, To-day.

The meeting of the League Council, originally fixed for Mon- day, has now been postponed until January 26.

The postponement was proposed. to the countries concerned by the Secretary-General at the request of the French Government, sup- ported by the British, although the Rumanian Foreign Minister had already arrived at Geneva and other Ministers are, on the way.

It is not expected that the re- quest will meet with any opposi- tion, although it may encounter some criticism.-Reuter.

SARRAUT

ASKED TO FORM GOVERNMENT

Paris, To-day.

the

M. Edouard Daladier has refused President Lebrun's invitation to form a Government owing to importance of his task in conduct- ing the Ministry of Defence at the present juncture.

The President has as summoned M. -- Albert Minister of State-Reuter.

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