1915-12-29 — Page 5

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THE WAR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29TH 1918.

WILL GREECE BE INVADED?

ENEMY SUBMARINES ACTIVE.

FRENCH MAIL AND OTHER VESSELS SUNK.

ARTILLERY WORK IN THE WEST.

INDIAN TROOPS LEAVE FRANCE.

THE KING'S MESSAGE.

SHIPPING LOSSES.

FRANCO-BELGIAN FRONT

THE BALKANS:

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] GERMAN ATTACK IN

CHAMPAGNE,

EASILY REPULSED.

Paris, December 28th. The evening communiqué says:Wo

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.}

ITÜROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] ENEMY SUBMARINE

ACTIVITY

FRENCH MAIL AND OTHER STEAMERS TORPEDOED.

LONDON, December 27th The following steamers have been

BRITISH.

The Teddy, the crew being saved., The Cottingham, seven being saved. The steamer Hadley has also been sunk.

FRENCH,

The Fille de la

part of the crew and passengers being eved and landed by the steamer Alerot, 80 of the crew and passengers lost

A Paris message confirms the sinking of the Villo de la Ciutat. It says that the

iner was torpedoed by a German sub marine in the Mediterranean on the 24th inst, without warning. Pasangers and crew were landed as Malta,

{THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

INDIAN TROOPS LEAVE

FRANCE

KING'S INSPIRING MESSAGE.

LONDON, December 27th. The departure of Indian troops from France is revealed in an official announce mont which anys:—” At a parade of the Indian Army Corps before their departure from France, the Prince of Wales deliverod a message from the King-Emperor, warmly thanking them for their services, which are now required in another field of action." The following is a text of His Majesty the King's message to the Indian Army Corps in France:

(TYROUGH REUTER'S AGENDY.]

CHRISTMAS AT THE FRONT.

HOW THE SOLDIERS ENJOYED THEMSELVES.

(THROUGH BEUTER'S AGENOT.)

PERPLEXING POLITICAL

POSITION.

FULFILMENT OF PREMIER'S PLEDGE.

LONDON, December 26th, Christmas at the Front is graphically

LONDON, December 27th. desoribed by Reuter's special correspon-

The political situation is most inter eating. The Cabinet meeting today will dente in France and Macedonia Da France, Christmas Day broke wet, which are stated to reveal a

probably discuss Lord Derby's figures, blowing and cheerless. By noon, the tun sifating the fulfilment of Mr. Asquith's fact necks

struggled through the clouds and later pledge, and, possibly, leading to the re- the weather was fine and very mild.signation the anti-Compulsionist There was plenty of good fare in the Ministers. Even a General Election is trenches and the day was spent, as com suggested, but a compromise mar be

which no efforts can successfully over- fortably as the waterlogged environmenta

effected by giving the single unattested men another chance of joining voluntarily while the compulsory schema is being come permitted.

prepared.

"More than a year ago I summoned you from India to fight for the safety of the Empire and the honour of my plodged word on the battlefields of Belgium and France. The confidence then expressed in your sense of duty, courage, and chivalry Eighty persons were drowned or the you have since nebly justified. I now re

Fille de la Ciotat.

BELGIAN,

LATER.

The day was uneventful, neither side

being provocative. There was a deal of hearty though desultory singing in many places where the German trenches were close to ours. The gutteral chanting of the Boches oconaionally reached our lince and invariably this was the signal for most vociferous choral singing in an attempt to drown the sounds. The Ger man overtures in the direction of frater Wales, who has shared with my Armies thenising were slight and faint-hearted, as dangers and hardships of the campaign, though their contemptuotis rejection was to thank you in my name for your services a foregone conclusion, and express to you my satisfaction.

quire your services in another field of action, but before you leave France I and Tho Ministre Beernaert, seven being my dear and gallant son the Prince of saved.

[The Yaldo, 4,563 tons, was built in 1001 for the Ocean Navigation Co., Ltd.

The Cottingham, 513 tons, was built in WILL GREECE BE INVADED? 1907 for Messrs. A. Mock and Sons.

The Ville de la Ciolai, 6,378 tons, belong- ed to the Messageries Maritimes and was

CONTRADICTORY TIDINGS.

LONDON, December 27th, The news from Greece is most contra

successfully bombirded the enemy posi-dictory. It is stated that the Greek tions between the Grand Duno and the military authorities, doopite Gorman sea, destroying parapets and blowing up threats of an advance after Christmas, a blockhouse. We exploded a mine in believe that the enemy will not enter Artois, north-west of Hill 140, and frus Greek territory, owing to the hesitation trated enemy attempts to occupy theof the Bulgarians to embark on a new

campaign without a definite objest,

The Balgarans think they have attained goal of their conquest, Serbian Macedonia, and are reluctant to add to their already huge Cosses unless promised further important derritorial compensa tion,

crater.

Our artillery between the Somme and Rheims damaged a German work.

The Germans, after a bombardment in Champagne, launched an attack on our lines, which was easily repulsed.

The French artillery made good practice in the Vosges, destroying a battery of machine guns.

tho

Boncealed On the other hand, it is declared that a formidable converging Tureo-Bulgo-Oer- man attack is likely in a few days.

The Times correspondent bas had an in- terview with. M. Sconloudis, who states that Greece has

EFFECTIVE FRENCH ARTILLERY WORK,

PARIS, December 27th,

The evening communiqué slates that the French artiEery has been most active in Artois south of Bailleul and south of Arrus, and made most successful practice

in Champagne, disturbing onemy working

dopt in Woevre.

British and Indian comrades-in-arms,

In the afternoon" every meadow at the rear of the lines which was in any wise

of

It is noteworthy that the Observer, till

recently a supporter of the Government, now accuses Mr. Asquith of procrastina sin and irresolution. It says: "If he is unable to make up his mind to give the country the fighting lead for which it a longing, then Mr. Lloyd George, who should take his courage in both hands and appeal, like Chatham, to the nation." The Observer says he would win clean

stands for what the country wam

out

CABINET MEET ON BOXING DAY.

LONDON, December 27th.

The Cabinet mot to-day, there being a

on the regular run from Europe to the yours has been a fellowship in toils and under cover became a football field amo arge attendance of members, Mr. Asquith

Far East. She left Hongkong on November 27th, bound for Marseilles.]

RUSSIAN DESTROYER AND ENEMY SUBMARINES.

hardships, in courage and endurance, often against great odds, in deeds nobly done in days of eu ever memorable conflict Ja a warfare waged under new conditions, and peculiarly trying circumstances you have worthily upheld the honour of the Empire and the great traditions of my Army in India

the troops. The reserves and these billets celebrated the day with far more

traditional thoroughness.

The Christmas mails were colossal and exceedingly heavy. A single day's de- livery Christmas week totalled 18,600 bags, representing three million letters and half a million parcels.

returning from the country, where he spent the Christmas, sud Mr. Lloyd

George from the Cigade.

It is understood that the final rosults of Lord Derby's campaign wore considered and that Mr. Asquith will make a state- went thereon shortly after the Recom

The unuusal spectacle of a Cabinet meet- ing on Boxing Day attracted a crowd.

Most of the Ministers entered the meet-

PETROGRID, December 28th.. An official announcement reports an encounter between the destroyer Gromky, off the Bulgarian coast, and a number of enemy submarines. The Gromky skillfully

"I have followed your fortunes with the evaded two torpedoes, and repulsed the deepest interest, and watched your gallani submarines. It is believed that one sub-actions with pride and satisfaction,

mourn with you the loss of so many gal marino was sunk

lant officers and men. Let it be your con- GENERAL.

solation, as it was their pride, that they streets, while legs and heads of turkeysing their hats into the air. freely gave their lives in a cause for were seen protruding from every motor

[THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] FIERCE FIGHTING IN MESOPOTAMIA.

BRITISH CASUALTIES.

LONDON, December 27th. obtained sufficient It is offically announced that General- guarantees that the belligerente will Townshend reports that there was force. evacuate Grock territory after the fight-fighting on the 24th and 25th inst. for

ing.

possession of a fort on the north side of

Just

the honour of their Sovereign and the safety of my Empire. They died as gallant soldiers, and I shall ever hold their acrifices in grateful remembrance.

***You leave France with just pride in honourable deeds already achieved, and with my assured confidence that your

proved valour and experience will contri

I pray God

The conditions at the encampments on the hills of Macedonia were far more cheery, there having been warm, sunnying anrecognised, but when Lord Kitchener

drave

up in a moter-car the crowd rushed spring-like weather for days past. Salonica there was a regular Christmassy

Tcross the street, cheered, and waved umbrellas and handkerchiefs, even throw- air, Quantities of hilly were sold in the

AL

Mr. Lloyd George also had a hearty ro ception.

STORMY OĦRISTMAS

WEATHER.

LONDON, December 27th. A stormy Christmas culminated in a hurricane to-day. There was a continuous all of rain, lasting for 14 hours, which caused a rapid rise in the Thames. The river is several feet above summer level.

lorry proceeding towards camp. Count les Tommies could be observed struggling. along with one or two live birds under their arms; the price, which were re- ently six or seven franes, rose to forty and sixty franes. Nuts, raisins, dates, figs and oranges were sold out Never has Salonics seen such celebration,

The Christmas situation in the trenches The Athens correspondent of the Daily the Kut Peninsula, in which the enemy hate to further victorina in the now felds permitted granting to the men, who have Trees wore uprooted, and wooden struc

recently had a fatiguing time in digging tures blown down. There were numerous the new lines, a Chronicle has interviewed M. Gounazis, effected a lodgment, was repeatedly viset of action to which you go.

holiday. Everywhere

wreaks along the coast. parties A fine shop blew up a munition who is regarded as the inan of the future, ed and Anally withdrew, leaving 200 dead to bless and guard you, and to bring you there was the read holiday spirit, football,

He emphasised that Greek neutrality-inside the fort on the 24th inat. His back safely when the final victory has been races-and-games-being the order of the MH. would last only so long as her territorial further casualties are estimated at 700 won, each to his own home, there to be day. The holiday was celebrated in the killed and wounded, and ours at 109,- welcomed with honour among his own Fronch camps with almost equal enthu- integrity was respected.

siasm, and the men entered into the play. ing of Rugby footbal] with the "most" hazy The Tun re- notions as regarde rules. which is dated the 24th inst. It says that The King's message takes pride of place from ten o'clock in the morning till past in the newspapers, all of which heartily whilst the onlocking French joined in the sulting convulsed the British Tommies, noon our position was heavily shelledorse His Majesty's stirring words.laughter good-humouredly. In the even- The enemy baving trenched his way to the

The Timer says that the justice of the ing concerts and sing-songs were beld, fort, effected au cutrance, but was driven King's tribute to the services of the In one mess actually transporting a piano out, leaving 200 dead inside. This fort dian Corps in France will be admitted, into the Camp. is on the right flank of his landward position on the north side of the Kut Peninsula.

A French battery caught a munition train halted at Hachimette station, in the Vosges, and observers saw a terribo ex plosion.

HOSTILE TRENCHES.

BOMBARDED.

LONDON, December 28th. ¿communiqué says that the enemy in the morning spring a mine opposite our line to the south-east of the Hohenzollern Redoubt.

Wo consolidated the nearest edge of the crater.

GERMAN TROOP MOVE- MENTS.

LONDON, December 28th. According to advices received in Amsterdam from the Belgian frontier, the Germany are carrying out considerable movements of troops behind the front, delaying their projected attack owing to increasing ignorance concerning thu nam- Our artillery bombarded hostile tranchesbers and positions of the Allies. south of the Ille-Armentieres railway

•

with good effect. The enemy, replied NAVAL ACTIVITIES... vigorously, but did little damage,

Elsewhere there was only nonaj - urtil- iary notivity,

MINING AND ARTILLERY ENGAGEMENTS.

LONDON, December 27th. A communiqué issued by the Press Bureau states that there has been some mining activity south of the La Basses Canal, where an enemy mine failed to

ĮTEROOOD HECTER ́S ÁĠENGY,}

SHIPPING LOSSES.

The fighting at Kut-el-Amara is re-people." ported in two despatches, the first of

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS.

bat for Indian soldiers trench warfaro

under our leaden and sunless Western skies, and in the drenching rain of the winter months, was extremely trying and

The second despatch, dated the 36th inat, says that fierce fighting occurred from midnight for the possession of the there can be no question that the Govern fortThe enemy effected a lodgment in-

FIGHTING IN PERSIA. TURKO-GERMAN DETACHMENT.

DEFEATED.

PETROGRAD, December 27th.

A communiqué says that the Russians,

CHURCHILL RETURNS TO THE FRONT.

LONDON, December 27th, Mr. Winston Churchill has returned to France,

GENERAL CASTELNAU

ATHENS, December 27th, General Castenau has left Athens on hig return journey to France,

ESCAPEDGERMAN PRISONERS, "SECRET DOCUMENTS? SEIZED,

As a sequel to the recent escape of of German prisoners, the authorities of the Japanese War Department have car. ried out a series of strict searches at the residences of certain German merchants Moji, Kurume, and Fukuoka simultane ously...

the northern bastion, but was ejected:ment has been well advised to transformidway between Teheran and Hamadan, and of families of German prisoners, at

He came on again and occupied the them to operations nearer their Mother defeated a Turko-German detachment, bastion. The garrison, composed of the land.

consisting of rebellious Persian gendar Oxford Light Infantry and the 103rd. In-

The Telegraph says that so lofty a tri-mes and bands armed with artillery and fantry, held on to the entrouchment. They bute has been gallantly earned in many mackine guns, The enemy lost several were reinforced by the Norfolks and the field. His Majesty, with his custe positions; many were killed or wounded, 104th Regiment. The enemy vacated the bastion early on Christmas morning and mary tact, had clothed in memorable end others fr retired into his trenches 400 to 900 yards words the feelings of all Englishmen a to the rear, although his attacks had been they watched the prowess of these loyal made from his front trenches, which were soldiers of the King. Whatever may be

SINCE BEGINNING OF WAR.

LONDON, December 28th. Shipping statistics show that while, actuarially estimated, since the beginning of the war the lasses sustained by the British Mercantile Marine have been £10,000,000 sterling, the actual losses only 100 yards from the breach

The rest of Christmas Day was quiet aggregated £2,732,000. The total losses The fort garrison are in excellent Our artillery, to the north of the Somme,

for sixteen monthe forage cix per cent, spirits A whole Division appears to have. did effective work against the enemy's

boen engaged in the attack. positions and also east of Albert, Eise of the declared values.

damage our trenches.

where there were only intermittent minor

artillery engagements.

"ACTIVITY-IN LORRAINE.-

PARIS. Derziboř 27th,

A communiqué states that there has been

nothing doing during the night, except it Lorraine, where French artillery hom barded the enemy'e works south-west of Chateau Eialins

CALM

Panis, December 26th. A communiqué says:-The night. along the whole front has been quiet.

ENEMY SUBMARINES

SHELLED.

A MONTENEGRIN OFFENSIVE.

ENEMY ATTACK AGAIN REPULSED.

Since German prisoners have been interned in Japan Messrs. Siemens chuckert have been instrumental in effecting communications between Germany and the prisoners' camps at Kukuoka, Karume, and Matsuyama. Money arriv ing from Germany for the relief of German prisoners in this country is dis tributed among them by the firm to the average monthly amount of not less than DELHI, December 27th.

Y.10,000. In these circumstances, co- Reuter's correspondent cabling on Decludes the Shimonoseki correspondent of in store for the Indians, they had proved.cember 26th, says: General Townshend the Osaka: paper,,

"it is expected that an their incontestable worth on the Western reports that yesterday the enemy deter-important case besides the uues connect

ed with the escape of prisoners may be minedly attacked a portion of our pusi unearthed," although he gives no reason tion, but was repulsed, losing from six for such a deduction being drawn cum suca a legitimato roceeding a distel to eight hundred men. Our casualties

buting money among the prisoners, which is done with the full knowledge of the were under two hundred,

Japanese authorities, THE KING AND EGYPTIAN: ARMY.

front

The Daily Graphise comments that the Indians were hurried to the post of duty when we had no men ready to swell the LONDON, December 26th.ranks against the German hordes, and A Montenegrin communiqué says:The an urden! awaited them in which they

CAIRO, December 27th.

Kurume correspondent of the Mainichi reports that the military autho rities there made raids on the residences of seven German ladies whote husbanda are prisoners interned at the camp in

secret docu- menta," is said to have been discovered large trunk containing and seized.

On the same day, says the correspondent of the Mainichi, the gen darmerie proceeded to the residence of the wife of Commander Saldera, interned in the Kukuoka camp. Keeping a strict guard round the residence, the authorties instituted a rigorous and extensive search in the house, the result being the seizure of another trunk containing more "secret documenta,

· Montenegrin offensive in Sanjak led to a had transcended expectations. They had PARIS, December 27th.

sanguinary engagement, on the 3rd inst proved themselves, despite very handicap. Gogoral Sir D. Maxwell, the Comman-Karume. At the house of Fran Kopp s A Naval communiqué states that white. The eremy was driver beading towards exploring the Golf of Sulum, between Bilopolje, leaving on the field over five here to the proudest fighting traditions, der-in-Chief in Egpt, replying to the and even if they fought no more their | King's message to the officers and me, Egypt and Cyrenzeia, a Froach cruiser hundred killed. A hundred prisoners.

glory was secure.

BaysYour Magisty's. Armies in Egypt, bombarded and destroyed a Turkish bat-were taken

drawn from the United Kingdom, the LONDON, December 27th. tery, Simultaneously two large enemy

Dominions and India, unite is humble The Montenegring have continued the submarine were discovered and shelled offensive successfully. A communiqué

thanks for your gracious and inspiring The submarines remained at a great disaya they captured several villages after

greetings. We are proud of the confidence tauce and fled after a two hours can sharp fighting. All day the Austrians

placed in us and at the shara we are taking | in the fight for viciary." fost heavily

nonade

RING PETER IN ITALY.

ROME, December 26th. King Peter has arrived in Italy from

Valena