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THE WAR.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 32D. 1917.
AMERICA AND GERMANY.
“GRAVE CRISIS'
REACHED.
WILD GERMAN THREATS OF NEW **FRIGHTFULNESS.”
MUCH BRITISH ACTIVITY
General.
LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
AMERICA INDIGNANT.
TEXT OF NEW GERMAN NOTE.
ALL LIMITATIONS TO BE ABANDONED
AMSTERDAM, February 1st.
The text of the German Note to
SEVERANCE OF RELATIONS WITH, America, which has been published, ex
GERMANY INEVITABLE.
STATEMENTS BY GERMAN CHANCELLOR.
GERMANY WILL ACCEPT ALL
CONSEQUENCES
AMSTERDAM, February 1st
AMERICAN PRESS COMMENTS, Naval Activities.
EQUAL TO A DECLARATION OF
LONDON February 1st.
According to Renter's correspondent at In the Reichstar, the German Chan New York the Thorl characterizes the collor, in _aneouncing the decision in German Notens, in effect, a declaration, favour of unrestricted submarinism, of war against the United States It stated that Germany's submarines had says that President Wilson must carry been very considerably increased since out the terms of his own ultimatum to last Spring, and they hoped to render swiftly that Berlin can have so excuse for the difficulties of the Entente, owing to misunderstanding the purpose and policy the world's had corn harvest, unbearable of the United States, and that thereafter They would also make the conl question the United States must adopt the men of Italy and France more critical, and sures necessary to protect the lives and would cut off Britain's supply of are for property of its citizens on the high sens munitions, and timber for the coal mines. “If this means war on Germany, so he
He was of opinion that the dangers to it.”“
Germany of unrestricted, subujarinism had been greatly decreased, nyd quoted the opinion of General von Hindenburg,
at the military situation permitted presses agreement by Germany, to a great Germany to accept all consequences,
THE TIME FOR A DECISIVE extent, with President Wilson's wishes
BLOW WASHINGTON, February 1st.
and principles, but regrers that tho There is high indignation at the Ger attitude of her enemies renders impossi- Continuing, the Chancellor said the Entente's difficulties were being rendered man note, and the opinion is freely oxble a realisation of these sublime aims
- more acute by the increased lack of cargo pressed that E severance of relations is
immediately, Inevitable
The plans of the Central Powers were space, in respect of which time, and sub GREAT BRITAIN SINGLED OUT not aimed at the destruction of crushing marine and cruiser warfare, had pre
FOR ATROCITIES.
of their enemies, and were quite compared the ground for a decisive blow to patible with the rights of other nations, be asserted, while the disadvantages to AMSTERDAM. February 1st.. The pasange in. Bethmann-Hollweg's and especially of Belgium, which, as the Germany therefrom had correspondingly peroration, “ the Admiralty and flest are Gorman Chancellor declared a few weeks decreased since last spring. He con firmly convinced that Great Britain will ago, Germany never intended to annex, Sinued:-General von Hindenburg a few he brought to peace by force of arms and but solely wanted to take the precaution days ago described the situation to me as the result of experience of submarine that Belgium, with whom Germany de follows:-"Our front is firm on all We have everywhere requisite warfare is taken as the text for Gerares to live in good and neighbourly sides.
reserves. The spirit of our troops is man Press comments. the papers un-
good. I am confident that the military animously singling out Great Britain aa
situation as a whole permits us to accept the enemy and promising unheard of
all the consequences of unrestricted sub terrors which will "mortally hit the
marinism, and as this in all circumstances island people.
is a means to injure our enemies most grievously, it must begin,”
AUSTRIAN COMMENT
AMSTERDAM February 1st The semi-official Austrian organ, the Fremdenblatt, hopes that peace, for which the world lunging, will be brought nearer by the employment of the strongest means agairm the tyrant of
the seas.
NO FEARS IN FRANCE.
Panis, February 16t
The papers, while recognising that the task of the Allied fleets in daily becom ing barder, refuse to be intimidated by the threat of further atrocities ut the very moment when the enemy's force is failing
relations should not be used by the enemy for hostile designs,..
WE STAKE EVERYTHING. Proceeding the Chancellor said. We cannot discuss the enemy's conditions, which could only be accepted by a totally defeated people. We are challenged to fight to the end. We accept the challenge, and stake everything. We shall be vic- forious.
For two and a half years England has misused her naval power in a wicked attempt to force Germany into submission by hunger, and the persists in a starva tion war which does it hit the fighting forces of her opponent, but forces women and children, the sick and the old, to suffer grievous privations, which are endangering the peeple's strength. Thus the British lust for power cold-bloodedly increases the sufferings of the world with out regard to law, humanity, or protests from severely predjudicea neutral
The Chancellor declared that a most ratio After an attempt to reach an under fanding which was answered by important fact was the number of Cer an enemy gunouncement that intensified many's submarines, which had very con- the war, the Government must continue siderable increased compared with last the battle, forced upon it any for spring. Thereby a firm basis has been existence, with all its weapons, and must created throughout the world which had therefore abandon all limitations which already cansed Britain, France and Italy
LATEST CABLES. [THEOUGH REUTER'S AGENOT
MADE IN GERMANY,✅
ENDEAVOURS TO COVER UP
BRITANNIC OUTRAGE
T
LONDON, February 1st. The Admiralty Ganounces that a Gor. man wireless message alleges that the Britannic curried 2,500 British soldiers and not invalids. This allegation is based on the sworn testimony of Albert Hessuny, an Austrian singer, who was interned at Malta on the outbreak of war, and returned to England on the Britannic,
The only true statement in Messany's The other newspapers print similar story is the fact that he returned on the coniments, They agreed that Germany's | Britannic because he was un invalid, for new war zone order is a counsel of which he was repatriated. desperation, and is insulting and into-
Herable
IMMEDIATE SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS URGED:
NEW YORK, February 1st. The newspapers consider Germany's announcement of ruthless submarining as the gravest issue of the war, and many arge the immediate severance of dip matic relations.
Several papers, notably the 'oril, are in favour of handing Count Berstorff his passports,
SITUATION MOST GRAVE."-
WASHINGTON, February 1st. President Wilson and Mr. Lansing cou ferred for an hour, after which it became known that the Government had already begun to formulate deânite steps with reference to submarinism. The situation is regarded as most grave, It is inti- mated that some kind of action has already been taken, but the nature of it
is not indicated,
-
ANXIOUS.
HOLLAND
TIME FOR DECISIVE ACTION.
AMSTERDAM, February 186 According to Renter's correspondent at Amsterdam, competent circles regard Germany's announcement of ruthless sub marining with grave anxiety,
The Dutch pres dwells on the risks of cutting off seaborne importe, and experts state that there will be an entire paralysis of industry though Germany's latest
German precs messages are filled with similar falsehoods with a view to manu- facturing pretexte for the intest methods. of warfare
It is announced that it cannot be too. emphatically restated that never since the beginning of the war have any lut invalids and hospital staff embarked on nny British hospital ships,
GERMAN PROHIBITIONS.
THE WAR ON SHIPPING,
AMSTERDAM, February 1st
The remorandum decompanying the German note prohibits traffic in waters. round Britain, France and Italy, and certain areas of the Mediterranean The exceptions are from America to Tul- month, and Flushing to Southwold It permits an American passenger service with Falmouth, once weekly, defining the routes such ships must follow, and ela borate signs which ships must corry. The American Government must also guaran tee that such ships do not carry contra. band.
Germany has notified, Holland that she 18 willing to make special provision in respect of mail and passenger traffic from Flushing to Southwold.
A WAY OUT.
CHARLESTON (S. Carolina), Feb. 2nd.
The German freighter Liebenteels, TheTeleproof states that Germany is which has been, tied up since the war, has. resorting to bew - and desperate action gener
threat
sunk. - The Captain declined the assist
elgian Front.
LATEST CADLES.
(THROUGH KRUTES'8 AGENOT.);
BRITISH ACTIVITY.
ENEMY ATTACKS REPULSED.
LONDON, February 1st, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re porta: We have improved our position northward of Beaumont Hamel, sad carried out a successful raid south: eastward of Neuville St. Vasst. We repulsed, attempts to approach our line south-eastward of Armentieres, and east- ward of Ypres, Two other attacks were made in the neighbourhood of Wytschacte by strong partics dressed in white. They were beaten tack with benvy casualties. The enemy's artillery has been more PARTY
active southward of Ypres.
CALM ON FRENCH FRONT.
PARIS, February 1st.
A communiqué says There is nothing to report except a lively artillery duel dt Hartman Vielerkopf and east of Metzeral
BRITISH CAPTURES IN
JANUARY
LONDON, February 1st. Field Marsha Sir Douglas Haig re ports that the British took 1,228 German prisoners during January, including 27 officers,
Among the regintents who specially distinguisho themselves was the second battalion of the third New Zealand Rifle Brigade
EARLIER CABLES.
FRENCH FRONT
AEROPLANE FIRES FIFTY
SHELLS
LONDON, February 1st.
A French communiqué Bays that a
French dir nadron bombed railway Vorannes and bivouacs east of Nesle. stations and depots as Curchy and
A French teroplane gun, fired fifty abella un cantonments at Mesnil, Saint Nicaize and Herly, on the Somine.
OBITUARY.
CAPTAIN H. M. JONES, V,C.
Captain Htary Michael Jonca, VC, died at Eastbourne on December 18th, aged 86. He was the oldest surviving wearer of the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to him for bravery - in the Crimean War Ho was wounded dap- gerously at the desault on the Redár. He entered the Consular Service in 1858, and became Minister, Resident in Bang- kok in 1889, This post be held for five years, when he went to South America,
and retired in 1898, Lapinia. Jones carried the Qacen's Colours of the Royal Fusiliers at the Alma, where he was shot. as Alma Jone
SECRET SESSION OF REICHSTAG. it has up to the present imposed upon Berious difficulties, which Germany firmly Decause she is aware she causet will, and ance of tags. It is believed that the through the jawbone, and he KNOWIN
AMSTERDAM, February 1st.
itenlf in the employment of its fighting
The Reichstag will debate on Dr. Beth-weapons, trusting that the American
mann-Hollweg's speech in secret session.
MR. TAFT'S OPINION,
WASHINGTON, February 2nd,
In the New Hampshire Legislature Mr. Tuft said a dangerous crisis had arisén in German-American relations, and he emphasised the necessity of has tening military and naval preparedness. GERMANY TO BE WARNED.
WASHINGTON, February 2nd.
It is believed that a communication has been sent, or fe about to be sent, to. Ger many warming her against unrestricted, submarining, and threatening the cover- ance of relations if Germany persists in breaking her pledge to the United States. Indications as to the Government's course will not be announced until ser- Lain steps have been taken, through the Mary and the Treasury, safeguarding American ports and other interests,
NEW YORK HARBOUR.
NEW YORK, February 2nd
The port is not sended
people and Government will not close its eyes to the reason for this resolution and for its necessity.
The German Government hopes that the United States will appreciate the
hoped to make unbearable by means of
restricted submarining.
the time has come when it is DOW Ussel was cuttled. never", when Holland must serioutly ask where her interests lie safest, and the reply thereto is not doubtful, for the Allies are fighting for the freedom of
He also pointed out the vital necessity of coal for the war, a question which, he declared, was critical in Italy and our country.” Frauce, and which the German sub- marines will render more critical still atate of affairs from the high standpoint. Moreover, especially us regarded Eng of impartiality, and will also help to land, there was the question of the sup prevent further misery und avoidable ply of ore for munitions and timber for sacrifce of human lives,
coal mines.
¡New
**
The Note expresses the expectation The Chancellor remarked that the sub that the American Government will wath marine warfare had been pressed into American ships against entering the its last acute stage. He admitter that blockaded zones, and its subjects against last March, and again in September, he entrusting passengers and goods to vessels was opposed to unrestricted submarining. trading in the harbours of the blockaded The moment had not then come but to-day the moment has come when we with the greatest prospect of success, can dare this enterpris. I am in agrèc ment with the Supreme Army Command that ruthless submarining will bring us nearer to a victorious peace."
zones.
SPAIN CAREFULA
MADRID, February 1st, After the Cabinet had discussed the German Nota, the Minister of the Interior conferre:] with the editors of newspapers
and communicated to them the contents of the Note He added that in view of the necessity of defending Spanish neutrality and in view of the gravity of the situa tion, he appealed to the patriotism of
MR. ASQUITH CONFIDENT.
LONDON February 1st, Speaking at Ladybank Mr. Asquith denounced the new German statement re- garding submarining. He admitted thas NEW YORK HARBOUR CLOSED. them all to observe a discreet composure, the situation was grave, but said that
EABLIER CABLES.
EXPECTED DASH BY INTERNEÐ
MERCHANTMEN
NEW YORK, February 1st.
The harbour was closed last evening,
all departures being forbinden, and a torpedo-boat stopped all arrivals at the. quarantine island
It is believed that German merchant-
zen are preparing to dash out to sea, Police are guarding the docks, where five Hamburg-Amarica liners are interned,
is he feared that when the purport of the the Navy, and measures such as the arm- Noto, which meant the interruption of ing of merchantraen, and the accelera foreign trade and grave internal dislocar
tion and construction and allocation of tion, became known, disorders · might occur, particularly in the eastern dis tonnage resources of the Allies, were all tricts. The Note also made it necessary being used in order to counter the cam to prevent all unnecessary consumption of paign commodities
The newspaper declare that the new submerite campaign promised by Ger many threatens Spain with hunger and run, and significantly remarks that Spain is waiting to see what the United States will do.
The Handelsblad associates the recent rumours of German troop concentrations and fortifications on Hollands eastern frontier with a new German measure, and deduces that Germany is convinced Hol- land will be forced to take up arms,
TURKEY'S LATEST
SUPPRESSION OF ARABIC
LANGUAGE AN
LONDON, January 31st. Renter learns that the Turky are trying to suppress the Arabic language, and also to eliminate Arabic from the Mohamn medan religion by introducing non- Arabic prayera,
KING AND TERRITORIALS.
ROYAL HEARTFELT THANKS.
LONDON, January 31st His Majesty the King, in his letter to the Lord Lieutenant, referring to the Territorials, says: -- It is with much pleasure that I welcome this opportunity of thanking them with all my heart for their services 66%
BRITAIN'S PRODUCE.
AN APPEAL TO FARMERS,
LONDON, February lat. Mr R. E. Erothero (President of the
EARLIER CABLES.
MORE SINKINGS.
General Sir Henry Brassol so
Juson, R.C.B who died at Surbiton on Dec. Sat, aged 80, entered the Royal Marine Artillery in 1834. He saw considerable service during the second China War. From August 25th to September 5th. LONDON February 1st. 1868, he commanded a detachment at the The sinking of the following steamers
capture of a battery and the destruction of 100 junks and 230 gans on an expedi- announced-Vambrian Range (Brition against pirates at Kulan Island, for tish) Pododours (Portugues), Arge In June, 1860, he was present at the which he was mentioned in despatches,
and Hallbgoerg (Norwegian), a British trawler and a Danish schooner.
The Cambrian Hoge was sunk by German raider before January 17th,
RUSSIAN CAPTURES.
LONDON, February Juf.
4 Bussion - wirling official message says. Our warships captured five boats near Antolia.
GERMANY AND HOSPITAL SHIPS.
AMSTERDAM, February 1st. The German memorandum states that the route from the west and south of France to the west of England will re main free for hospital ships.
halkans,
The
Board of Agriculture) speaking at Maid- stone on the fixing of product prices, Appealed to tarmers to cultivate to the greatest extent so as to inducs India, Egypt and the Dominions to follow their example in the sacrifice of war profits, and thus enter nto a great moverent says whereby we should be able to stap our fingers at Chicago speculation
Mr. Asquith also said that victory for the Allies was inevitable. The notion | AMERICAN COTTON MARKET. that the struggle was about to end in a stalemate was a mere dream. He urged all to subscribe to the utmost to the Way Loan, and also the necessity of mobilis
ing and organising labour.
NEW YORK February Tat The cotton market upon opening ex--- perienced an unprecedented break, but recovered, later. The stock markets were similarly affected, and there was the wildest elling since the wEY
attack on the Peiho Forts and at the capture of the Taku forts in 1860. Brevet Colonel (Temporary Brigadier- General) HO Holman, who is appoint ed DA, and QM. G with temporary raak as major general, belongs to the Indian Army. He won the D. 8.0 the China Expedition, and the C.3G. in the preselit waAVAGAZZ
CHINESE SENATE AND.
GAMBLING.
THE SITUATION IN KWANGSI.
In the Chinese Senate on the 25th January, & discussion took place on a resolution submitted by Ma - Chup-wu, proposing the prohibition of all forma of gambling in Kwangsi. À committee, to which it had been remitted, recon mended that the principle of the resolu tion should be adopted, but that should be worded in the form of an inter pellation Mr. Ma Chua wit said that out of a total receipt of nearly $10,000,000 or from gambling licences only 81,800,000 Went to the Government, Even as a financial scheme the removal of the gam bling prohibition was a failure. But he must call attention to the sufferings of the people of Kwongs], so eloquently brought out He
brthe numerous telegrams led on the milies from mbling
Ho of the
BARLIER CABLES..
THROUGH BEUTEES AGENCY
RUSSIAN SUCCESSES. EN
CLEARING ENEMY OUT OF TRENCHES
LONDON February 1st.
A Russian wireless Oficial message espite nephyxiating. gas and frost, we picared the enemy out of the Eafneem high road and re-occupien trenches
from thus
House to deliver the the evils of licensed objected to recommendation
committee to change the resolution an interpellation. He said dation was made to the same
to
some
time before but the Government had done nothing to ameliorate the sufferings of erefore the people of Kwangsi.. He insisted on making the recommendation
resolution
Other members, laid stress on the fact that permitting: gembling to take place openly in Kwangsi the officials were deliberately allowing the people to violate the criminal law. Other views expressed were on the relative merits of making the
recommendation an inter pellation or a resolution. The question Da pa was inally referred to the second reading.
Peking Gazette.
We Frizstented on Wednesday three attacks against the heights eastward of Jakobent, having taken prisoners there
Ion Tunday of more than a thousand,
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