1917-08-18 — Page 5

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THE

WAR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS SATURDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 1917.

GREAT BATTLE IN THE WEST.

ANGLO-FRENCH OFFENSIVE.

WAR SITUATION, REVIEWED.

STATEMENT BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

POPE AND

Franco-Belgian Front,

LATEST CABLES.

[THROUGH RAUTEE'S ADENOV.]

THE GREAT BATTLE.

THROUGH GERMAN EYES.

LONDON, August 16th.

A wireless Gorman official message

PEACE.

FRENCH PROGRESSING. ARTILLERY ACTIVE.

manner. PARIS, August 17:

HOSPITAL SHIRS.

THE AGREEMENT WITH SPAIN.

LATEST CABLES. THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

THE WAR SITUATION.

LLOYD GEORGE:

POPE AND PEACE.

THE PAPAL TERMS.

LONDON, August 16th. The text of the Papal Note, addressed

By the way, ong men are laughingly

A message amplifying the Premier's predicting the end of the Huss' luck in

remarks, says that Mr. Lloyd- George, the matter of the weather, since the other

referring to the military position, said day we captured one of the meteorologi-

he anticipated this year a great converg- aal exparts of the German Army.

LONDON, August 16th. ing movement against the foes of Russia, It is too early yet to gather reliable In the House of Commons, Lord Robert who was equipped therefore as she had details of the nghting That the battlecil confirmed the Anglo-France-Spanish Rover been before The nippets were to the heads of the belligerent peoples, was desperately contested is assured by agreement regarding bospital ships, cabled ginning to grip, out one claw of the the great strength of the reserves thrown on August 7th. He said he hoped that nippers is out of repair, momentarily, has been published. in by this portion of Prince Rupprecht's it would end the enemy attacks on hos Therefore, they had not attained the It is prefaced by a statement that His group. Between the early morning and vital ships, but a definite assurance from converging pressure anticipated. But Holiness aim since his accession has been fon o'clock last night, the Canadians beat Chrmany had not yet been received. The things ar mending. The situation -in to observe absolute neutrality and con- off no fewer than ten German counter-names and full particulars of identifica Russia is very dificult, hence he deprecurrently to do everything in his power attacks and have still retained the whole tion of all British hospital ships will be cated a discussion of the domestic polito hasten the end of the war. He states of the captured ground. As the enemy's communicated to the enemy prior to their ties of Russia, (Cheers.) "Despite the that he has not erased daring the three reserves had to advance over open ground, employment as hospital ships, in accord- difliculties and troubles, at the end of painful years to short the belligerent they suffered heavy, especially the Fourth once with the Hague Convention. Lord three years, when every country must feel peoples and Governments to respo Prussian Guards, who seem to have been Robert believed that the suggestion for exhausted, I would not exclunger thing that has been done has not beolt fraternal relationship, although every- specially retained as a counter-attacking the new arrangement came from Britain. military position with that of the enemy made public. His Holiness refers to the force. They moved forward Inte in the

to day, afternoon to assemble for attack. The General.

non-success of his previous appeal for The best the enemy can do an a year; pence, since when the war has become ground was swept by our artillery. They

when practically their most powerful more cruel, extending on land and sen actually cape in battalions, marching in

opponent at the beginning of the war isand ever in the air. Defenceless cities, fours. Our machine-guns also did terrible

momentarily paralysed by internal diffi quiet villages, innocent inhabitants have work amongst them. Although one divi-

aulties, is to barely hold their own been stricken with desolation and death. sion marched on, the men never seemed

against the attacks of the British and The Note, envisages the multiplied and to get any nearer our line. Meanwhile

French, and she is not quite doing it aggravated sufferings that will ensue if corpses were piling up in an appalling IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY MR. On the contrary, in that year she has been the war continues, perhaps for years.

These Prussians. certainly

beaten in several great battles with Must the world become a held of death marched to their death like soldiers, and A communiqué aays-In Belgium our

severe losses, and hundreds of her guns and Europe speed to an abyss and lend when they at last halted and retired attack has successfully continued.

LONDON, August 15th, have been captured, which is not a bad a hand in its own suicido? Therefore a there was so little left of the Division

Afr Lloyd George, the Frumier, made test of a winning or losing battle-alleuse of his supreme duty as the Father. The infantry broke the enemy resistance virtually annihilated. Our own casual Commons on several aspects of the war the campaign

that it may truly be said that they were an aportant specen in the House of that when Russia was practically out of of the Faithful and also the solicitations of his children imploring intervention, west of Steenbeek and are progressing in sies till last night were light, consider situation.

When Russia ng recovered, and Aueri, as well as the voice of humanity and conjunction with the British. They caping the character of the fighting

H Erst referred to the food position, ca is really in the enemy will have some reason, impel him to renew a pressing The enemy's artillery has been intense which, he said, had very considerably im thing to think about. The present peal for peace, but in order not to which have been tore than usually advenu August last year there was a stock of Our diffenities will diminish and our terms, as previously, he now submits more turous. Coloured ball and signal lights six-and-a-half million quarters of wheat power will increase while their difficul- und invites the belligerent Governments concrete and more practical proposals have been soaring and bursting in wre- in the cuustry. Now it was eight-and-a-ties will turrense, and their power diminish to deliberate on the following points, gular firework display throughout the

which seem to form the basis of in fair day: The bulk of these signals of distress half Brillion. (Cheers.) Stocks of oats and they know it.

und barley were also higher. There had

and lasting peace: came from the Germans

been a considerable saving in bread con- sumption, while the acreage under cul- tivation had been increased by one million. If the harvest was as good as promised, then the condition of the coun y as regards food supplies, taking every- thing into account, was very satisfactory. He still urged economy, because the more four Canada and the United States, from were France and Italy also drew up Blics. There was an increase in the re serve of sugar.

Eight thousand tractors would be avail-

says:-The second great. Flanders battle tored all the enemy positions and took and has been directed by his acroplanes, proved since the early part of the year. moment is the hour of their difficulty online himself any longer to general

burst forth with an artillery duel of the most violent description along the const between the Yser und Deutl.

over 300 prisoners. Considerable material was captured.

Both artilleries were active in the regions of Laffaux and Hurtebise.

The Germans fired St. Quentin Cathe- dral, which was burning for several

The English attacked on an eighteen kilometres front between Bixschoute and WWytschuric. The English attacked between Hulluch and Lens yesterday hours,

2011Jug.

Four Canadian Divisions forced our first positions in an effort to deepen the gap on both sides of Løvos. - Their objective

gam is small.¦, Eleven fresh attacks Bouthward of Hulluch and westward of Lens failed.

the Cathedral.

GERMAN CLAIMS.

LONDON, August 18th.

A wireless German official message

FARLIER CABLES.

GREATEST BATTLE IN ALL

HISTORY

LONDON, August 16th. The latest British stroke is clearly part of one great offensive, constituting what is probably the greatest battle in all his tory. Comment both in London and Paris

EARLIER CABLES.

LABOUR TROUBLES IN

GERMANY

Primarily, the fundamental point Fought to be the substitution of material fore of arina by the moral force of right, from which there should be an agreemerit for a simultaneous and reciprocal reduc tion of armaments, according to rules AMSTERDAM, August 10th.

and guarantees, to a degree only neces- sary for the maintenance of publié order, Handbills have been circulated amongin each State, and then the establish

ia restrained, for it is realised that an economised tho leas we would need German munition factories, inciting thement of arbitration, providing for con-

von-

munication hopes that the workers will State refusing to submit international not listen to such incitements.

was Vendin-le-Vieil village, but their saya-We shattered the Flanders assault

on & front of thirty kilometres.

ing the Germans from Belgium and The enemy had only local successes at France, and here is a disposition to Driegrachten and Langemarck Wo com-fidently. There is evidence that the Ger

await developments calmly and The French fired 4,000 shells at St. pletely repulsed the enemy everywhere

between St. Julien and Warneton.

man General Staff do not think the fullable in the Spring. Quentin, and fired

The German Admiralty was circulating strength of the offensive has even ret figures of destroyed shipping throughout French attacks between Cerny and Hurte

developed. The German newspapers are fully alive to the Western menace, and the Central Empires with the object of bise Farm failed

latest comment shows that they are prob cheering up the Austro-Germans by creat ably instructed to prepare the people for ing the impression that England could certain possibilities. A semi-oficial cor- not last much longer. respondent of the heelche Foke Zer-claimed that we were losing half-a-milhon lung snys that the worst hardships and tons per month, after allowing for new the heaviest hours are about to come as construction. We lost 550,000 tons gross the Anglo-French are making a three-fold in April, but the gross losses in July time offensive. He warns the people to pre August looked like being better (Cheers) were reduced to 326,000 tons. (Cheers.)

their hopes centre it General von Hinder pare for grave difficulties, and says

BRITISH ARTILLERY.

ALMOST SENTIENT PRECISION,

HEAVY FIGHTING, GALLANT CANADIANS.

LONDON, August 16th. LONDON, August 16th. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, in o Router's correspondent as headquarters

communiqué, states: The says:--Both sides have been fighting this morning stormed positions to the Canadians desperately in the neighbourhood of Glencorso Wood, which is a strong souil-cast and east of Loos, on a front tactical point. The infantry loudly

of two miles, They carried formidable praise the almost sentient precision of

defences on Hill 70, which, sings Septem the artillery barrage. One of the worst ber, 1913, when the enemy resisted our experiences befalling the German counter

terattacks, have been atrengthened by every attacks was when the guns put down a deviće. After storming the first trench curtain-fire benind assaulting waves and system on the whole front, they advanced then headed them of with a creching, whirlwind barrage, alachineguns repre sented the chief dithealty with which wo had to contend.

as far as the western defences at Cite St. Auguste, penetrating to a depth of one mile. They gained possession of Cite St. Elizabeth, Cite St. Emille, Cite St.

burg.

BRITISH CAPTURE LANGEMARCK.

LONDON, August 16th Mr. Lloyd Georve has announced that Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig this morning captured Langemarck, taking 1,200 prisoners and capturing five guns.

Langemarck is situated about five miles north-east of Xpres]

BRITISH AIR AID.

LONDON, August 16th:

the nett loss for July and August would the present improvement continued

be at the rate of 175,000 tons per month. These figures showed that the Admiralty were meeting with considerable success. The Shipping Controller, also, had so reorganised shipping, the means for bettør loading, the hiring of ships more quickly,

PARIS BY RAIL.

LABOUR TROUBLES IN ENGLAND.

· RAILWAYMAN WÄNT EIGHT HOUR DAY

armen.

questions thereto or to neeept its deci- sions. The Note proceeds to express the view that once the supremacy of right was thus established, rules could be fixed assuring real liberty and freedom of the LONDON, August 20éh,`

seas, thus eliminating numerous onuses In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar of dispute, opening to all new sources of Law stated that the Cabinet had most prosperity and progress. His Holiness carefully considered the question of the floes not see any other means of solving The Germans Channel Tunnel, in consultation with the question of repaention for any payment their naval and military advisers, and of war costs than a complete and mutual were still of the opinion that it was im liquidation as a general principle, and practicable to proceed with it during warreters in this connection to the immense bents that will be reveived from dis- Besides, it is incomprehen- sible that the carnage will continue for economic reasons, and peaceful agreement is not possible without a reciprocal restitution of the occupied territories. Conseqneatly, Germany should evacuato Belgium, guaranteeing her uphampered independence. She should also evacuato French territory, The other group of belligerents should restore the German LONDON, August 16th colonies. With regard to the territorial In the Hons of Commons, Sir Arthur questions of such countries

As Italy; Stanley spoke of the possibility of a stop- Austrin and Germany, and France, the page of work by a section of the railway hope is expressed that the opposing way drivers and firemen with the object nations will conciliatorily examine these of establishing the principle of an eight. mutters, taking into consideration tho hour days. He stated that the Cabinet people's aspirations as far as possible was of opinion that an eight-hour day and coordinating le special interests was impractiable in- war time. He did for the general good of buman acciety, not believe that may responsible body of The same spirit of equity and justice should animals the examination of ether participating in a stoppage, but steps ticularly those relating to Armenia, were being taken to deal with any Balkan States and the territories cou

the emergency.

Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the Nationalble, historie and traditional lung Dosing the old Kingdom of Poland. The Union of Railwaymen, dischifmed sufferings of the latter, especially in the threat of stoppage of work.

present war, should arouse the nations' sympathies. The Note believes that an acceptance of the foregoing leading points will prevent a recurrence of the quarrels and prepare a solution of the economic question. It concludes with an earucat and prayerful appeal to turn a favour-

ear to the communiration. Cardion) Gasparri, in a covering letter with the Note, asks His Majesty the King to convey copies to the Presidents the King of Italy in consequence of the of France and the United States and absence of diplomatic relations.

The Boche artillery appears to have Laurent, Bois Base and the western half a British air squadron bombed a German months of 1917. In the last six months men would prejudice war conduct by territorial and polition questions, fe

A message from Amsterdam says that afforded rather erratic support. Zonne of Buis Hugo, capturing all their objec sheds

barracks, automobile park and munition beke Redouby was

at Contrai on Tuesday doing tbo sectie of fierce, tives. Our casualties were slight fighting to-day. Preked Sturmeṛuppen.

We enormous dainage. Twenty soldiers suf chiefly delivered the counter-attacks.

repulsed five counter-attacks, one of which fored casualties. The squadron returned

*safely. The fresh continued to progress well,

was: by the Prussian Guards. The but their movement was mainly designed enemy's losses were heavy, 202 prisoners Russian bront. to conform to our advance.

already having reached the collecting stations.

ALLIED ATTACK. FURIOUS FIGHTING.

LONDON, August 16th. Field-Marshat Sir Douglas. Haigre ports: The Allied attack on a front of nine miles, northward of the Ypres Menin-Road, was continued all day in

on the left, advanced astride of

We completely repulsed an attack in the neighbourhood of Pilken, on the Langemarck Road. We brought down nine Germon aeroplanes and drove down. five. Boven of our machines are missing, two of which were overtaken by a violent eterm.

The Alfies this morning again attacked on a wide front east and north of Ypres.

resistance.

LATEST CABLES.

THROUGH REUTER'S AGRNOE:]

TURKISH OFFENSIVE

HEAVY FIGHTING,

PETROOR, August 16th.

A wireless Rússian oficial message says;

The Roumanians, for strategical rea mona, withdrew to Bovejs, taking up t new line. We repulsed attacks in the offensive in the direction of Focsani, north-eastern. The Turks, together with several thousand Kurds, took the offen sive on Tuesday in the direction of Kharput. They were repulsed every where with the exception of in the region of Mount Balbusdag.

and the taking of ships off longer voy that he had been able to scoute, that although we had diminished tonnage we were carrying more tons,

Shipbuilding was quickening. Many ships had been ordered from abroad. Six hundred and eighty thousand toas were built in Britain in 1915, 628,000 in 1010, and 480,000 tons in the first six of 1017, 1,420,000 tons would be acquir ed, of which 1,100,000 would be built in Britain, making the total for the year 1,000,000 tons, besides large inval con- struction. He believed the shipping losses would decrease, and he was certain con- struction would increase. M

We still needed more shipping, but if the United States exerted her full capa- city, as doubtless she was preparing to do we should have sufficient tonnage not only for the whole of 1918, but, if neces hary for 1819

THE EXILED EX-TSAR.. FEAR OF COUNTER-REVOLUTION

received by the Government of a counter lite of an attempt to release the ex Tear revolutionary agitation and the possibi from confinement at Tsarskoye Bele.

L'ETROGRAD, August 10th Dealing with the military situation, be the ex-Tsar and family, whose exile wat Bolsk, in Siberia, is the destination of declared that he would not exchange our decided on in consequence of information position for the enemys. Our discul- tics would diminish' and our powers in- crease. The enemy's difficulties would increase and their powers diminish.

The Premier proceeded to read a tole gram from the Front regarding the Intest

stated that were fighting had continued, be The telegram and the result was not yet determined. The French were effectively on operating, Law stated that the Conference on the while the Canadian Infantry had won Reform of the House of Lords would

conspicuous success. He then meir consist of fifteen Peers and äfteen mem Lioned the capture of Langemarck, and bers of the House of Commons. went to say that this is the supreme hour for patience, courage, endurance, hope and unity. “Let us go through this, hour with the old temper of our race, That will enable us to destroy the great military despotism, so that next year we,

LONDON, August 15th In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar

face of strong resistance. The French, There is heavy fighting. We are pro Suchitz Valley. The Germans renewed offensive, which, he said, was not intend. HOUSE OF LORDS REFORM | Zuygochinoto and Dismude dead, the sressing it all points, despite a abubborn cleared a tongue of land between the

We repulsed three more Your Canal and Martjevnart. They capuntor attacks last night against new tured a bridge-head at Driegraschten. positions on the Leng battle front. Our The British centre rapidly captured artillery broke up concentrations near

Cite St. Auguste. the first objectives, and carried Lange marck after heavy fighting. They ad- vanced half a mile beyond, and estab- lished themselves in the German trench

CLAIMS...

SILVER.

LONDON, August 18th Silver stands at 4 There are no

ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.

LONDON, August 10th.

The Piss proposals are the topic of the moment. An interesting fact is that the covering letter addressed to king George asks His Majesty to transmit the Note to France and America, nations, which are friendly Allies. The opinions of the papers are unchanged that the proposals are absolutely unacceptable, as they mean merely a German perce

ANGLO-FRENCH OFFENSIVE

PARIS, August 16th. An official wireless German message A communique states-In Belgium, says: -Northward of St Raoni and system, the days final objective. There preparation, we attacked at dawn in con. We dislodged the enemy from the west

after a violent and thorough artillery Ponciu, Ruso-Roumanian attacks failed.and the world, shall begin to reap the offerings. The market is firm, and there| HONGKONG DEFENCE CORPS was force and continuous fighting for junction with the British Army on our bank of the Berath, taking 3,554 prison the high ground northward of the Menin right The infantry, with superb elan era and capturing 16 guna,

Assaulted enemy positions on both sides Road. The enemy repeatedly heavily of the Steenstraete Dixmude Boad, Naval Activiites, counter-attacked, and pressed us back carrying all their objectives. They cross-

on a of the part ground won earliered the Steenbeck, progressing on the right

Our artillery broke up evening counter. attacks in this neighbourhood.

BRITISH CAPTURES MUCH AERIAL ACTIVITY.

LONDON, August 18th: Field-Marshal Sir Dougloa Haig re- ports:-Eighteen hundred prisoners have already been brought in. We have repro gressed eastward of Loos, and have pri soned 890 sines yesterday in this frant,

Aeroplanes effectively co-operated yesterday, and machine gunned counter

attacks.

We brought down twelve and drove down four. Three of ours are missing Excellent aeroplane work was done zo-day

bank in contact with the British troops.

A vigorous attack south of Ailles carried

a solid enemy trench system on a front

LATEST CABLES.

{THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

of one kilometre. Four enemy counter

RUSSIAN LOSS. attacks were easily repulsed. Up to the

PETROGRAD, August 16th. present we have taken 120 prisoners. An enemy mine destroyed a torpedo, During our attack in the Ailles and boat destroyer in the Aland Archipelago Hurtbite sector, seroplanes flying low, despite the bad weather, accompanied the infantry and machine gunned enemy dug. outs and reserves.

BARLIER CABLES.

SHIPPING.

fruits of our valour." (Lond cheers.) are buyers

Mr. Asquith, who followed the Premier, said we could survey the scene, not with complacency after what happened in CHINESE TELEGRAMS.

Russia, but with satisfaction so far as our own edorte were concerned. What happened in Russin frustrated one of the great military purpose of the Allies, but they hoped, Russia would soon resume her fall share of the common taak,DENGA Mr. Bamsay Macdonald pressed the Government to reconsider ita attitude to

{BY COUNTERY OF THE CHUNG NGÐI.

BAN PO...

CHINO-GERMAN TREATIES,

Sangrai, August 17th. wards the Stockholm Conference, and The Ministery of Foreign Affairs has argued that M. Kerensky favoured it set a Note to the Dutch Minister stating Mr. Bonar Law, replying, denied the that the Treaties of 1861, 1880 and 1801, truth of the insinuation that M. made between China and Germany, have Kerensky's telegram, stating the Provs--beca cancelled. sional Government's attitude towards Stockholm, was the result of a fishing Rous, August 16th.

message sent by the British. M For the wock cuding August 12th there Kerensky's wire was entirely spontane were $50 arrivals and 3009 seilings. Six oraz Its real importance was that Britain steaners find, five sailing vessels were had believed that the Russian Govern sunk. Only one sailing ship was over a mont itself was initiating the Stockholm hundred tons.

HOME Conference. He believed that to be true

DESPERATE BATTLE

LONDON, August 16th. Reuter's correspondent at British Head quarters sayɛ ---At 4.45 this morning, the Anglo-French renewed their offensive in Flanders, attacking from the region opposite the famous Polygon de Zonne PARIS, August let beke, in the south, to the left of the French positions, in the north, Heavy gunnery all night long swelled into great intensity as the time for launching the assault drew near. The weather, save for light abowors, was tolerably clear.

For the week ending August 19th the arrivals of vessels at French parts were 1.010, while the sailings numbered 1,028. One vessel over and three under 1,800 tons were sunk, and five vessels were us successfully attacked

til the time of the change of the Government, but the present Government expressly dissociated itself from direct responsibility M. Kerensky had pointed out that a Coalition Government could not be brand by the decisions of a confer ence in which one party was represented

CHINESE AFFAIRS IN AUSTRIA

The Government has cabled the Chinese Minister at Vienna ordering him to return, and to entrust Denmark with China's interests in Austria.

MISCELLANEOUS

DEALING WITH RANK

The following clauses have been added. the Military Service Ordinance vor

(1)Every person who is able to military service under this Ordinance. and who immediately before the com- wencement of this Ordinance was a member of any rank, of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps or of the Hongkong Volunteer Reserve shall upon such commencement become a member of the Hongkong Defence Corps and shalt therein have the sure rank as he had in the Hongkong Volunteer Corps or in the Hongkong Volunteer Reserve imme diately before such commencement pro- rided that nothing in this sub-section shall be construed as giving any such persons any right whatesouver to be continued in that rank, ak

(2) All sums which immediately be fore the commencement of this Ordinance were standing to the credit of the Corps tain have been sent to Peking the Hongkong Volunteer Reserve shalk Austrian officers and Marines at Tien-Funds of the Hongkong Volunteers and

the Pehtai River. The Ministry

Five German prisoners have escaped to forthwith be paid to the Colonial Gov. war has despatched gendarmes to round Defence Corps as the Governor may of ernment for the benefit of the Hongkong them up.

direct.