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CHINA
No. 34775
On The Korean War Front
Uncanny Christmas Week Stalemate
By SELKIRK PANTON
Tokyo, Dec. 20.
The uncanny Christmas week stalemate on the South-North Korean border continued tonight without any Chinese Communist forces being seen near the 38th Parallel.
Tokyo GHQ intelligence officers, already puzzled by the Chinese failure to exploit the northern break-through, were further mystified in the past 24 hours.
But
50
is
Strong Australian and Ameri-] defeat and now totals at least can patrols with mortars, 150,000 trained soldiers ready trucks and radio vans pene for a drive southward. 70-mile trated deep Into the
far there No Man's Land between the fro sign of any aggre Chinese Reds and the United | sive intentions against tho Nations' forces below the south beyond the steady build- Parallei.
up of supplies and materials reported they saw no especially in the centre of the evidence ese vops, 18th Parallel front
regular North Koreans or even guerillas, though the patrols probed 100 miles north-cast of the present United Nations
lincs.
South-
In Seoul, the jittery Korean capital and the first objective of any Chinese drive southwards, "Execution hill",
scene of recent mass executions has been quiet as the Western front during the past 24 hours,
For the first time yesterday, United States and
OBSERVERS WARY Military observers in Tokyo.. however, regarded the lull with faced with the rising tempers the greatest wariness as 4British similar
"All qulat" preceded soldiers, the tiny South Koreans with carbines failed to hand-tied men and women "Communists" DM the
the Chinese Reds' intervention In the drive by the United Na-
tions forces northwards, re- won
dobacle.
sulting in the United Nations' edge of freshly dug trenches in full view of the United Nations men,
They stress tonight, that quite apart
from the known But last night Dr Chinese Communist
Syngman forces RCE....
South Korean President, swarming southwards, the announced he had ordered the. North Korean army has now speed up of trials of alleged recuperated from its smashing
20 Dead On
Missing Aircraft
ed
Fifth Columnists and the exe- cution of any death sentences
owing to the "general military situation and the shortage of prison cells."
242 EXECUTIONS
He admitted that 242 persons, mnny of them women, had been executed by bullets through the back of the hend
since October 1.
These South Korean
execu-
tlons which have shocked
Madras, Dec. 10. Western Allled soldiers
A search party today reach-directed
the limelight
have Gway
the wreckage of the Air from the Hungnam beachhead
that crashed in operation.
India plane
tonight
heavy fog over a mountain last There the final stages of the Wednesday, and said the 20 Far Eastern "Dunitirk" passengers
and crew membera are taking place under a fitful were dead.
glare of star shells with carrier The
plane disappeared on borne aircraft and heavy guns Wednesday night shortly be of the United Nations' fleet off fore it was due at Coimbatore shore scaling off the last-
of the
on a flight from Bangalore. minute beach stand by The search party had toremnants of the original 60,000 wait for a break in the wea-survivors ther before
north-east beginning their Korean trap sprung by Chinese long climb up the mountain to Reda-London Express Service, where the plane crashed.- United Press.
Mid-Air Collision:
Thirty
30 Killed
Salgon, Dec. 10. French officers
and
men were killed on Monday in
Press.
BELOW THE 38TH
US Eight Army Head- quarters, Korea, Dec. 20. The Eight Army Headquarters
Established 1845
Today's Weather: Lighi variable or moderato Northeasterly winds, Cloudy and hasy, o
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1950,
Parcels For Good Hopes
The Boys
Christmas mall for the British troops in Korea has already been despatched from London, The government ts allowing one Christmas parcel up to three pounds in weight to be sent post free to each man strving in the British foreta in Korea. Here we see one of the staff of the special army post handling the troops' mall-London Express Service,
ofloo
For
General Wu Has A Xmas Greeting People Of America
Lake Success, Dec. 19. Communist China's Wu Hsiu-chuan ridiculed United Nations cease fire efforts today as "trickery and a plot" in a farewell statement before leaving the United Nations for home.
But, with a rare smile, he wished the American people "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
"We believe that only by striving for the cessa- tion of the war may we obtain a real cease fire." Wu said in his statement at Idlewild airport.
mitteo
to
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Of Some Relief Total US Exports Ban
GOVT. APPEALS TO HK
MANUFACTURERS
Reports from Washington today indicate that the Com- morce Department is prepared to reconsider the total export embargo imposed against American materials and commodities destined for Hongkong.
Against Hukbalahaps
The
sald
Manlia, Dec. 20.
Philippine army government troops have killed 23 Communist Hukbalahape during the past two days.
An Army spokesman sald 14 dissidenta were counted dead following a major drive by four hat- tallon combat Seama Camarine provinces Southern Luzon.
of
the
of
Nine others. were report- ed killed by
a contingent Fifth Battalion Combat Team which en- countered a group of 25 Huks about 00 miles North of Manlia in Tarlac pro- vince-Associated Press,
Reuter this morning quoted a Commerce Department Partial
spokesman as saying that America intends to lift the ban on
11
exports to Communist countries sufficiently to allow shipment Mobilisation of goods to Hongkong and Macao for "minimum essential civilian requirements.' The spokesman added that the recent PI ban was in the interests of American security, but he added that America had no desire to strangle the colony of Hongkong.
However, he commented, the United States was not! going to allow the shipment of large quantities of sup-
plies which might be transhipped to Communist China.
+
In Hongkong this morning the Government PRO 40 Aircraft
released a statement from the Director of Commerco and Industry. Here is the text:
The Director of Commerce and other equipment that might and Industry stated today that be used against the United circulars were being sent to all Nations forces in Korca, known manufacturers in this
While Britain has always co- Colony calling upon them to
operated with other Western assist Government in its efforts to
Powers in seeking to prevent obtain essential raw materials
trade in vital strategic materials by completing returns showing
with China and monthly requirements and exist-
Curtain countries, ing stocks,
case raises peculiar
biggest entrepot centre for trade with China
Government
much
TO FOLLOW LEAD GIVEN BY US
Manila, Dec. 20.
The Philippines decided to follow the United States in partial mobilisation for
Search For possible war at a top level
Lost Plane
conference of policy maker. at the Malacanan Palace last night, Informed sources Bald.
No official announcement wao. made on topics Wiscussed at the meeting.
mid but GOUTCOS messages from Ambassador to Joaquin
Manila, December 20, Forty aircraft took off short- other Iron ly after dawn today (Wednes- the present day) to continue the search for
problems a US Military Air Transport the United States valuable information on record Hongkong, besides being the plane missing 24 hours with 57 Elizalde, chief delegate to the
United Nations Carlos P. in respect of the vast majority of factories, but it has been de-
Romulo
mission calat and cided to call for further informa
Bernabe Africa at Tokyo wh tion with view to checking such recorda
The messages, it was reported, painted a grave picture of the International situation, A consequence the policy-makers deelded to take immediate stepa. First planes over the search
to mobilise the manpower and today reported heavy economie resources of the Isinerds- machine. The inclusion of Hong-clouds sill prohibited search for possible outbreak of war, kong in the embargo is far more among the 5,200-foot high Attending in addition ..to. likely to damage the internal mountains which extend along Cabinet members and the Coun economy of the Colony.
the
directly
cil of State (composed of some opposite BRITISH VIEW
Manila,
as well Weather The British view is that the were not much better over the were high ranking military offl-
conditions elder statesmen
business and financial leaders) United Kingdom and Hongkong Philippines Sea, pilots reported. cero of the Philippines and have already done everything practicable to
Major prevent certain
General Leland B. The plane was enroute from Hobbs, chief of the Joint United vital strategic materials from Okinawa to reaching China,
Chek Air Base States Military Advisory Group. action
would be
North of Manila. According to Exact steps to be taken to.
is also a Crown persons on board, Colony. The ultimate responsibi
When last heard from at 7.15 population, therefore, rests op
four-engine C-54 was believed the Home Government, The Director..expects to re- ocive the co-operation
Moreover, the British Govern approaching the rugged eastern of the factories in this measure' and
ment is by no means satisfied | coast of Luzon, intimated that
that a trade embargo on the factory any which attempts to rain
American pattern would damage 11.71 advantage by
the furnishing in- correct returns would receive little sympathy.
lity for the well-being of its am, Manila time yesterday, the read to the assembly.
the
זה
receiving caries of the circulars Managers of factories not
before 8′′a.m. on December 23, should call at the Trade Branch of the Department of Com- merce & Industry on the 2nd floor of
Brigade Build- ing on
that day when copies will be distributed to them.
LONDON REACTION The China Mail's London correspondent
this
morning cabled that the American decl- sion to restrict trade with
The Chinese Communists are our peace proposal to stop the sald today (Wednesday) fighting insisting on their own terms to war was rejected by the Anglo- has broken out between South end the fighting but the UN American ruling circles without Korean and Korean Communist has rejected that demand and due consideration, we are not in troops on a 30-mile front south has set up a three-man com- despair. We shall continue to of the 38th parallel
try to work out a strive for peace," said the fighting was
An Eighth Army spokesman cease-fire ageement, Little hope the air collision of two French vicinity of Chunchon,
in the is held that this committee will Wu referred to the defeat in Hongkong in an effort to pre- Air Force transports la a train-45
That is be successful,
the Security Council of a pro-vent American goods anding miles Northeast of the "Any device which reverses i posal put up by him and spon- their Way into ing fight over the French Naval Republican capital of Seoul and this proccos (the Chinese plan) sored by the Soviet Union calling China has caused deep concern Communist base at Tourane, Associated 10 miles South of the 38th is nothing but a trickery and a for the United States to stop in London. The Colonial Secre- plot," Wu continued. "Although; aggression against Formosa and tary la in consultation with the China and for the with Korea, cide what steps should be taken Hongkong Government to do- all foreign troops from Korea.
Last Saturday he told a special news conference that the UN conse-fire moves were a "trick" about a compromise colu- to tie the hands of Communist
Meanwhile the Chinese "volunteers" and that Government's request that the Hongkong Communist China is standing by strongest representations should demands, backed by the Rus-be made to the United States its do stana, for the UN forces to leave Korea and for the US to pull out of Formosa. The United States
parallel.Associated Press.
COMMENT OF THE DAY
Talking Out Of Turn
is sometimes unfortunate that Government
spokesmen in the United States are apt to say more than they mean; or to say things in such a way as to leave unfortunate impres sions. Take for example the Washing- ton spokesman, who, opened his heart so fully to a London correspondent about his ideas of the American embargo imposed against exports to Hongkong. It has created an unhappy and quite misleading impression. The Washington Government spokesman. talked as though the. terms of the current embargo were irrevocable; as though they could not be modified; as though the last word had been said on the subject. Manifestly this is utter rubbish. Long before this US Govern- ment spokesman had had his say, the United States Consulate-General in Hongkong had requested Washington to clarify the embargo for the purpose of trying to obtain, for this Colony modifi- : cations of the overall ban. This has since been followed up by Hongkong Government representations to the Secretary of State for the Colonics requesting his intercossion on the #Colony's behalf. The official reaction to the embargo hsa signally indicated Government's concern over the prob lem, and the ready willingness of the United States Consulate to support Metal plena with its own unbiased appreciation of Hongkong's position is sufficient to abeady confidence in the final outcome of the negotiations now
under way. There has never, at any stage, been any panic amongst local merchantmen in consequence of the sudden and all-embracing embargo. On the contrary, the local business houses, while acknowledging that a prolonged ban against all American exports to Hongkong could have a serious effect, have expressed quiet confidence that a suitable and necessary compromise can, and will be worked out. Hongkong is not afraid of the word "austerity" of this it had experience during the Pacific War; but it sees no reason for applying the word
or the phrase "minimum economic standards" at this stage. Our ordinary requirements are not extrava- gant-for most of the inhabitants they are meagre, and the commodities which we require from the United States can have no effect upon that nation's new economy nor can they in the slightest · degree interfere with America's impor tant defence programme. It is reason- able, therefore, not only to hope that part of the present embargo will be. removed," but that Government spokes→ men in Washington will, in future, more carefully choose their words when com- menting on a subject of such delicacy. The United States; and the British Commonwealth are aiming for completo understanding In these difficult times and we cannot allow dramatic - and colourful statements from official spokésimon on any subject to profudico that
understanding and common partnership.
in view of this action and to discuss the possibility of bring- HA
tion,
and other UN forces have reject-Parcel Post
Ved such demands and the dead-
Bock continues,
A three-man UN Committee seeking to work out a cease-fire will continue lis efforts despite the two strong statements from Wu and no word from Peking.— Associated Press.
First Since
Pearl Harbour
Philadelphia, Dec, 19. The first Japanese ship to dock at a United States east coast port since Pearl Harbour, tied up here today with a cargo symbolie of Japan's changed position.
The 7,187-ton Pacific Marti carried 0,000 dons of scrap metal, an.Itom for which, Japan, scoured the world in her milliary hoyday. | She brought the scrap from Kuro, Japan,
Restrictions
Washington, Deo, 19. The Post Ofies · Depart ment today placed, res- trictions of mail and
parcel post to Hongkong,
Bed China, Including Manchuria and Tibet, and Macao. Formosa was not affected.
The action was the re- salt of the now export control regulations order- ed by the Commerce, De- partment.
Ordinary Iatters and post cards will «Ull be 30-
cepted. without export Hoences. Printed matter will be accepted without Homoes for Macao, and Hongkong. Parcel post
must
be Hoenecil.. for Hongkong, Macao Tibot. Parvel post servico to China proper has Al- ready been cănoelled. United Tren.
Chinese Communist
Any
War
further
more
area
coact
for damaging to British and Hong-its reported schedule, the trans-prepare the Philippines for war than it would be to the port should have been within 35 were not disclosed-Associated Communists:
minutes flying time of its destin-
Press, But the fact that Americanation when it was last heard
report action by itself cannot constitute asking for a
on the ENVOY REPORTS effective economic sanctions weather at Clark Field. against China is taken in London
Washington, Dec. 10. Air-sea rescue planes from Mr Alan Kiris. Ambassador as an indication that the Ameri- Guam and Okinawa, all avall to the Soviet Union, reported сап Government
will urge other countries
able aircraft at Clark Field and to President Truman today, Sor sterling area to impose similar Philippines Air Lines planes Mr Kirk sald he plans to re- in the North Navy patrol planes from Sangley the first time since his return Atlantic alliance
and
the Point, Philippines Air Force and from Moscow for consultation. restriction.a
trade with were taking part in the search turn to his post some time in
today.-Associated Press.
JanuaryUnited-Press,
China.
Japanese industry which has been experiencing boom condi- Korea will be hard hit by the tions as a result of the war in ending of trade
with China. Industrial production in Japan in October surpassed the 1932
to 1930 level, but plans for further increases in production, parti cularly of iron and steel, will be affected by the ending of reci procal trade with China, Japanese Industry will also be hit by the loss of valuable imports of mw materials from China-London Exprom Service.
Committee Approves Wilson Appointmont
Washington, Dec. 10. The Senate Banking Commit tee today unanimously approved the nomination of Charles-E Wilson, former President General Electric Company, to be Director of Defence Mobilization. Congressman Burbot Maybank said he, will ask the Senate to confirm the nomination on Wednesday-United Press.
STOP PRESS
Schoolboy Bowlers Hit
The Combined fichools bow
The Pacific Maru is also the Government la recalving the
+ Arst Japanese / vessel, to go attention of top-level officials fing was thrashed this afternoon through the Panama Canal ainee at the Foreign Offee. the war with Japan, and wilt bé
by the Hongkong Cricket Club There are, however, indica-opening pair when, by 3.15, the frat Japanee ship to make tions that the American Govern- and after an interruption for a round the world trip since the ment will follow up their recent
rath,
81/Zdr Kingsford and end of the war. She will take action with a request to the Bri- Major Wilson had a on & Goal whipment Mersal Gevernmeal to take similar without put on 195 Antwerp; and, wil load cargo in steps to ensure that Communiæt Kingsford hid
then scored 70 Europe for the Far East-Aston China le out off from all out and Wilson 52, with foreg clated Prose.
Kick Off
TO A HEALTHY
Green
Spot
PAT HALF-TIME ORVÄNT TÍMET CALL: FOR MON CARBONATED, GAIEN SPOT, THE DRINK OF "PURE""LUSCIOUS ORANGES!
NRI SOTA MAN PRODUCTA DOLS ATIV
WINTER
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