1939-12-13 — Page 1

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SOVIET REBUFFS LEAGUE

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CEYLON TEA

THERES NONE BETTER

FINNISH SUICIDE SQUADS

APD

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

Helsinki, To-day. The Finnish army has suffered only slight losses, and no wounded have reached hospitals in towns in the interior,

See Page 5

CHINA MAIL

OLDEST NEWSPAPER IN THE FAR EAST. ESTABLISHED 1845.

No. 30,804

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1939 Price: 10 *ta.

CIANO "PEACE" SPEECH

Rome, To-day.

Count Ciano is to make his keenly awaited speech on for- eign affairs on Saturday morning.

There is increasing speculation on the likely trend, with persis. tent rumours that he will indi. cate new peace proposals, with Germany's approval.-Reuter.

showing that the field NOT A

hospitals, despite restrict- ed facilities, are able to cope with all cases.

Finnish losses have been reduced to a minimum by the fortifications and also by the heroism of members of the "suicide squads."

i

When the Reds attack the Finns withdraw their troops, leaving in the defence positions a fow volunteers armed with machine-

guns.

These troops fire only when enemy has come extremely near.

SURPRISE

IN GENEVA

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

Geneva, To-day. The Kremlin's refusal to send a representative to Geneva has not surprised ob- servers, who, however, have the been further shocked by the Soviet Government's refer- ence to the text of M. Molo- tov's speech on December 4.

The volunteers meet certain death, but inflict very heavy losses on the

Russians and protect the main body

Havas. of the Finnish army.

HUGE FORCE READY

Stockholm, To-day. Correspondents in Russia of Swedish newspapers predict an in- tensification of the Soviet offensives in Finland, and mentlon 1,500,000 troops and 1,000 planes as being thrown into action soon.--Reuter.

SOVIETS SINK NAZI STEAMER

(SPECIAL TO "CHINÀ MAIL")

Helsinki, To-day. A Soviet submarine sank the German steamer Bolle rum (2,200 tons) off Mandy- luoto, yesterday.

The mibmarine used its 5-inch gun. The captain; "mate, and one sailor

were killed, and 29 others were saved. No further details are available

Havas.

HOTEL CECIL DRUG CASE

FOUR WELL-DRESSED CHINESE WERE THIS : MORNING BEFORE MR. H. ZDWARDS CHARGED ITH SSESSION OF DANGEROUS

TEL. CECIL, ANG

It is recalled that M. Molotov de- clared Russia recognised only the "popular Finnish government" formed at Terijoki after the occupation by the Red Army and headed by Kuusinen, for 20 years an exile and a member of the Comintern's executive committee.

A poor impression has also been created by the fact that the Soviet - gave the presence of the Polish delegate at Geneva as one of the motives for their abstention from attending the League › meeting, Havas,

SOVIET MAY BREAK OFF RELATIONS

London, To-day. Soviet circles in London de- clare that Moscow will break off diplomatic relations with Paris and London if Russia is expelled from the League.

Similar action will be taken against all countries voting for expulsión. Reuter,

represented by Mr. C. Y. Kwan.

"It was alleged that a large quantity* of heroin powder, and pills was found in their possession.›

Defendants, were remanded for week.

Mr W. Grimmitt opposed. bail, except on the basis of $100,000 for each defendant,

LATE FINAL

NIGHT

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WHAT PEACE WOULD MEAN TO CHINA

GLOOMY VIEW OF FUTURE OF NATIONAL DOLLAR

Shanghai, To-day.

FACTORS LIKELY TO influence the future of the Chinese national dollar are weighed by "Finance and Commerce," leading financial weekly, which feels that the fate of the currency depends on whether or not peace returns to the Far East in the near future.

After referring to the recent heavy purchases of for- eign exchange in the Shanghai market to cover large imports of cotton and rice, the paper adds: "Commodity prices everywhere are rising, and China has to continue to make essential pur- chases.

"Not only is she forced to purchase for granted that there is no hope

direc-of peace. far more heavily in certain. tions than she would in normal cir- “On the other hand, the posi- cumstances but she has to pay twice tion is such that should peace the number of dollars which would come" In the comparatively near future, there will be an imme- have been necessary six months ago,

diate possibility of a spectacular and four times the number

Improvement.

which

would have been required less than two years ago.

"There lies the weakness.

"China even now is supplying for- eign markets with gradually increas- "The whole economy of theing quantities of a few native pro- country is suffering through the ducts which are urgently needed and tremendous pressure on its pur- for which good prices are being paid. chasing power, and unless there is

EXPORT IMPETUS some change for the better, it is only a question of time before a further collapse is witnessed.

HOPE OF PEACE

"But it is a constant struggle to get them over the many obstacles which block their way to the coast.

"If those obstacles were suddenly "Those who take a long-term view removed, an impetus would be given and prophesy a further weakening to export trade which would make of exchange rates are probably right its beneficial effect felt in practically in their forecast, if it is just taken all directions."--Reuter.

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