1918-01-05 — Page 5

Page

THE

THE WAR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS. SATURDAY.

'TURKISH OFFENSIVE IN

PALESTINE.

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT BY BRITISH TROOPS.

"BRESTLITOVSK PEACE COUNCILS. GERMANY'S HYPOCRITICAL PROPOSALS UNMASKED.

ITALIAN HOSPITALS BOMBED,

Branco-Belgian Bront,

"LATEST CABLES. ĮTEROUGH REUTER'S LOKNOT.] THE BRITISH FRONT, GERMANS ATTEMPT TO FRATERNISE:

LONDON, January 3rd. Correspondent Reuter's

Cat

British Germans Headquarters states: The attempted to fraternise on New Year's Eve, displaying during the day messages lifted above the parapet. One of these intended for the Australians con

for the sumption, and suggested that as the Germans were giving the Russians peace, perhaps the Anzacs would be glad of pence niso, upon which a burst of Bring shattered the notice-board.

A detachment of Yeomanry surprised the Turks, who were preparing for attack, and baymeted over one hundred

By nightfall of December 27th our troops had advanced two and a half miles on a nine-mile front, a remarkable feat in such terrain: The advance continued most rapidly on the 28th, position after position falling into our hands. When the various British forces were linked up on the 29th they had seized all the highest points on the Judaean watershed.

The Turkish losser during the three days' fighting are estimated to be at least 5,000,

There are a number of Germans among the prisoners

Italian Front.

FARLIER CADLES. _{THROUGH" REUTER'S AGENCY.]

AUSTRO-GERMANS BOMB HOSPITALS.

GREETINGS TO AUSTRALIANS. Subsequently, about midnight, the Gormans threw over a large number of grenadea. Accompanied by a barrago by machine-gune they sent up a fine display of Very lights of all colours along the whole length of the front, and a tremen dous bags voice roared three times in succession. A Happy New Year, Aus patients.

tralia!"

EARLIER CABLES.

RAIDERS REPULSED.

LONDON, January 3rd. Field-Maceba! Sir Douglas Haig re porte: We repulsed night-raiders in the neighbourhood of La Bussee, taking

prisoners.

The Near East.

BARLIER CABLES.

{TBROUGH BHUTRE'S ADENOZ J

NEW TURKISH OFFENSIVE ENEMY LOSES FIVE THOUSAND.

LONDON, January 3rd.

Reuter's Correspondent at British

London, January árd, An Italian official report states: The enemy bombed two hospitals at Castel Franco and Veneto

and killed 18

General.

LATEST CABLES

[THROUGH REUTERS AGENCY.). DEPARTMENT OF OVERSEAS TRADE

EARLIER CABLES

RUSSO GERMAN PEACE

NEGOTIATIONS. A

PROPOSALS BITTERLY UNMASKED

PETROGRAD, January 3rd Trotzky, addressing meeting of the Central Committee of the Soviets, mordantly unmasked what he described as the hypocritical pence proposals of Germany

He declared that his Government and workers would never consent to auch con- ditions as Germany wished to impor. If the Central Powers did not consent loyally to the free disposal of the des- tinies of the Polish and Lottish nations, it would be urgently necessary to courageously defend the Russian Revolu tion.

JANUARY 5TH 1918.

The Russian Delegation expressce views in a statement the taxt of which Bubstantially agrees with the sixth sec

tion.

This was cabled as followe VI There must be no restraint after the war. This condition is of the greatest Importance in the pre- paration for amicable relations between beligerent countries,

RUPTURE IN NEGOTIATIONS

LONDON, January 3rd.

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS.

ANGLU FRENCH DEPOTS AT ARCHANGEL

LONDON, January 3rd. The Timer Correspondent st. Potrognad states that the British and Frouch depots at Archangel have been broken up and their ships withdrawn.

RUSSIAN COMMISSIONER IN

LONDON

M Litvinoff, a prominent London Bussian associated with the Russian Political Exiles Society, holds the post of Russian Government Commissioner in London,

M. Troizky's speech to the Soviets is the first official news received in London that the peace negotiations are ruptured. Even get, the terms to which M. Trotzky takes exception have not been disclosed, PALAOB IN SPAIN DESTROYED but it is apparently true that Germany adopts the attitude that Poland, Cour land, Lithuania and Esthonia have already expressed a desire to be annexed to Germany, and that, therefore, Ger- many must remain in occupation of these regions

form in the German language by the governing authorities with a view to dis- tribution among the German troops at the front

AMERICAN WAR RECOMMEN.

KANDATIONS,

LONDON, January 3rd. The recommendations made by the American Delegates at the Paris Confer ence to their Government includes: That the United States exert all their influence to secure entire unity of effort, military, naval and economic between themselves and the countries associated with them in the war, inasmuch as the successful termination of the war by the

United States and the Allies can be greatly hastened by the unison of the United States in the shipping pro- gramme that the Government and the people of the United States bend every effort to accomplish this result by ystematic co-ordination of resources, men and material, that the greatest amount of tonnage be, devoted for the transporta- & number of houses adjoining are on

tion of American troops; that a desmite plan be formed for the active utilisation The water pipes were frozen, and it of the American naval forces.

MADRID, January 3rd. The Palace at La Granja has been

destroyed.

Bre

was impossible to use the hose.

A few treasures were saved, but the

LATEST CABLES.

SPANISHI PARLIAMENT

After M. Trotzky's speech, the Soviets passed a resolution declaring that the refusal of the Representatives of Gor-

This may be inferred from a remark many to admit the free right of oppres-able article published in the Soviet organ sed nations and colonies, seized before Izavestio, and reproduced in pamphlet cases are immense. *^ the war, to dispose of their own destiny signified that the German authorities are

DISSOLVED. adopting their old annexationist policy. Austria and Germany refuse to guaran-

MADRID, January 3rd. tee immediately and irrevocably

The article, which is headed, The Mask

The King has dissolved Parliament, removal of their troops from Poland, Is Torn Off, declares that the conditionsnd the elections have been fixed for Lithuania, Courland and parts of submitted to the Russian Peace Delega February 17th The meeting of the new Livonia and Esthonis. The free affirmation show that all the Austrian and Ger- Parliament is fixed for March 3rd. tion of the will of the populations of the man promises of democratic peace arẻ. occupied countries is impossible until

unconscionable lies." the populations return. The allegation

the

EABLIER CABLES.

After describing various exhibitions of BOARD OF TRADE OFFICIAL of the German Delegates that the will the mailed fist in Poland and

RESIGNS

ing and starvation of the popula

London, January 3rd. The Morning Post states that Mr. tion, -the article Bays that only Wardle las resigned the secretaryship of

und⠀⠀⠀ Polish "land- the Board of Trade. German barong

ADENIAL

LATER Mr. Wardle has denied that he has resigned.

THE MAN-POWER CON- FERENCES,

LONDON, January, 3rd.

of the peoples of these countries has Lithuania, by the enslavement, shoot- already been manifested ... is" without foundation, because the peoples of the occupied countries could not express their will under martial law and a po military censorship. We defend the owners ask for annexation to Germany. These are the people whom Austria and right of Poland, Lithuania and Cour-

Germany Essume speak for the entire land to dispose of their own destiny really and freely. We say to the peoples Population as regards self-determination, of Austria, Germany, Bulgaria and which, in this sense, means nothing but Turkey: Remember that the conclu the violation of the will of the mdag of on of an immediate democratie peace workmen and indigent peasants. The will depend, above all, on you. All the German Government desires to "free !!

A deputation of employés received by peoples of Europe look to you who are the peoples on the Russian Western Fron- Mr. Lloyd George demanded that the Sir Albert Stanley, President of the exhausted and bled by an unprecedented tier from the Russian Revolution and sub- Employers Associations be represented Foard of Trade, in a foreword to the war that you will not permit the Aus-jugate them with German capital, impose at the conferences between Labour and current Board of Trade Journal, outlines trian and German Imperialists to the Austrian monarchy upon Poland, and the Government on the subject of man a programme of the Board's extended make war on Revolutionary Russia for make German duchies of Lithuania and power. activities towards increasing oversea the subjection of Poland, Lithuania Courland commerce, including the dissemination of Courland and Armania.'"'

The article concludes: On such basis up-to-date information from all parts of Subquently, the representatives on the Russian Government can never enter the world.

all Fronts were telegraphically sum into negotiations The mask has fallen," The Journal states that the new Domoned to Petrograd. They admitted and the word is now with you, German partment of Oversets Trade will control that the situation on the Fronts is dis soldiers and workmen. Rise, soldiers of the Board of Trade Trade Commissioner trossing, but declared the Army would Germany, for a revolutionary struggle

LONDON, January 3rd.

BRITISH PRISONERS RETURN- ING FROM GERMANY.

Rotterdam, January 3rd. Two hundred and thirty-five disabled British war-prisoners from Germany have arrived.

Three hundred and seventy civilians are

NEWFOUNDLAND POLITICS.

PREMIER RESIGNS.

LONDON, January 3rd. Sir Edvard E. Morris, Premier of

Newfoundland, has resigned in order to maintain political unity in war-time and to obviate the danger of a revival of party issues in view of the forthcoming general election

The war policy of the Coalition Govern- ment is unchanged.

BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO

AMERICA

RESIGNATION TENDERED LAST

SPRING

WASHINGTON, January 3rd.

· The resignation of Bir 8

Spring Rice, British Ambassador to the United States, was tendered during Mr. Balfour's visit to America last spring. AMERICA AND SCANDINAVIA

WASHINGTON, January

3rd.

An agreement has been reached to send aguantity of necessities to Denmark Sweden and Norway.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM,

LONDON, January 3rd. The commandering of the British Museum is being reconsidered in view of the complaints.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PRISONERS OF WAR

FUND

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE HONGKONG

DAILY PRESS,

Bia, Respecting the collection for the

Headquarters at Jerusalem, telegraphing Bervice within the Empire and the For- defend the Russian Revolution, but they against a prolonged war. Fire no further expected to day, all bound for England and for the relief of British prisoners

on the 30th ult, says: The record of the last few days fighting, which drove the Turks helter-skelter from their im mensely strong positions, was a great achievement

The Turks opened the offensive on the night of December 28th, strengthened by Caucasus Division. The enemy troops had been told that Jerusalem was lost for ever if the attack Failed. Besides this appeal to their religious fervour, they were told that abundent food was await ing them

The first attack was delivered on our right Hank at one in the morning. Then there were repeated attacks, but they all failed against the firmness of the British

defenders

There were eight attacks" round the Kent position at Tel El Ful, and still more furious absaults east of Jerusalem, which were equally unsuccessful. Here the fighting lasted the whole day without rcossing, hand-grenades being chielly used, and hundreds of Turkish dead were

left before the Britiib pontions.

The Britishi casualties were setonishing- Jy small. Meantime, our Higher Com mend had prepared a counter-stroke, -and forces were detached against the "Turkish communications towards Birch

and Ramallah

The troops had to advance over most difficult country, where thủ guns vyere dangling-over precipices when being

hauled into position, and the men at gome

places had to cling to one another's shoulders onssteep rocky terraces.

eign Office's Commercial Attache Service demanded bread and boots.

within the Empire and the Foreign Office's Commercial Attache Service. It is intend

PETROGRAD, January 3rd.

The Bolshevik News Agency, referring od to extend the Trade Commissioner to the Brestlitovsk proposals, says that Service to India and some of the prinArticles I and II were German pro cipal Crown Colonies, which will greatly posals, to which the Russian Delegates increase its commercial purposes.

refused to agree.

The Journal describes the new system of distribution of information under the pledge of secrecy to traders and manu- facturers regarding possible importers in certain foreign countries of British manu- factured goods. The idea is the outcome of the Enemy Trading Act. Ten thou sand traders have

already availed them selves of its use, all of whose bond fidder have been doubly checked with the assist ance of the leading commercial organisa tions. Even more confidential and more secret is the special register, which pro vides wider information regarding trade openings abroad, reports on foreign com- petition and various overses industries THE FOOD PROBLEM IN

BRITAIN.

LONDON, January 3rd. Lord Rhondda, in a speech, stated that the Food Ministry was willing to make grants in order to encourage the establish ment of comanual food kitchens The food, situation need occasion no alarm, sa the scheme for compulsory rationing in nearly complete, and would be applied after it had received the Cabinet's sanction.

The margarine output would shortly. equal the pre-war figures, the tex fupe plies would soon improve, and the prices would be reduced He foreshadowed s considerable temporary shortage of meat.

The Articles are as follow I-Russia and Germany should declare the state of war ended and that both

nations were resolved to live together in

shot on the Russian Frunt; do not be the on board Dutch steamers. executioners of Russians and the Revolu

STRUCTION POLICY,

of-war to be taken at Union Church on Bunday evening, it is rightly and natur-

tion; let not a single regiment proceed LABOUR'S POST-WAR RECON- ally asked whether our gifts are sure to to the other fronts. If you wish a general perce, enable the people to come

their senses.

to

MESOPOTAMIA AND ARABIA. The returned Russian Delegates state that the Germans insist upon retaining the Russian industrial centres now o cupiod until a general peace is concluded, and that one of the primary eventual German pesce conditions will be the era cuation of Mesopotamia and Arabia.

the future in peace and friendship. On condition of complete, reciprocity ristis her Allies, Germany was ready as soon as penco was concluded with Russia and the Russian armies were demobilised. sto eracuate the present pasitions and

occupied Russian territory so far as The Revolutionaries were shot after the different inference may result from

Roumanian troops had occupied Leovo Article 11.

and other villages in Bessarabin.

い

THE SHOOTING OF REVOLU

TIONARIES.

After the Russian Government, in

The Ukrainian Rada has handed over accordance with its princples har pro claimed for all peopes of Russia the right the Jassy Ugeni railway to the Roumno. of self-determination, melnding complete "ians. separation taken cognisanc of the

No supplies are being sent to the décisions expressing the will of the people Fourth Army, whose Ukrainians do not demanding full state independence and Separation from Russis for Poland recogaire General Tcherbatchelf, and the Litlmazia, Courland, portions of Esthonia Rada. It was the Military Hevolutionary and Livonia, The Ruskinn Gov

ment Committee

of this Army which was in recognises that these manifestations must vited to Jay where it was arrested In the present circu!

regarded sexpressing the will of the is ready to draw con As in these districts to going stipulations apply

tion is not such as

special com

Article

and one member shot,“

LONDON, January 3rd. The Labour Party has issued a draft report outlining its policy after the war and the reconstruction to be considered at

on co

dis.

reach their intended destination,

Hay I, therefore, of your courtesy, a word upon the subject 7.

have

It may be assumed that a certatu amount of leakage must occur, but care- ful enquiries show that it is really very

a party Conference in June. The report small, and that by far the greater part says that a new social order must be con of the parcels sent out duly reach their structed based, not on individualist ad laseres. Even, however, if the amʊúnt which miscarries were considerable, wo or capitalist production, but

should still be under obligations to con- operation in production and tribution for the benefit of all; and not tinue the work, for there is abundant one of enforced dominion over subject evidence that it means not simply as natious, subject colonies, subject classes, acceptable addition to internment rations, but escape from actual starvation to tens and subject sex, but on equal freedom.

of thousands of our fellow countrymen. It recommends the universal enforcement An appeal from Mr. H W Blade of a minimum wage, the immediate adop

appeared in our local Press. May 1 tion of a scheme to secure the employment quote his closing words for we have of soldiers and war-workers on, demo lately received a fresh appeal and they bilization, by the establishment of publia are still applicable! We are much in and the least works, the reduction of working hours beed of funde,'' he says, "r

we can do for our prisoners in Germany, to a maximum of forty-eight weekly. Austri, Turkey and Bulgaris is to keep The report demanda the nationalisation them from actual starvation. Of course the Germans ought to look after their of mines, railways, electricity, and insurprisoners themselves, but they won't, and we have no means of compelling them ance, repudiates protective tariff and insist upon a levy on capital

BRITISH AIR COUNCIL.

LONDON, January 3rd.

At the office of our War Charities Com mittee there many be seen hundreds of post- cards from individual prisoners acknow ledging the receipt of parcels which our The Boumanian Legation, replying to

contributions have paid for. Could these M. Trotsky's threat, says: We are not

be publicly exhibited, they would touch It is officially announced that an every heart and make us even more will- estion of aware of the events at Leovo, hat there Air Council was established to-day thought in the midst of our comfort and ing than I am sure we are to fake troops

and includes Lord Rothermere, Prezi abundance for those who are, all too sball, in Roumanian territory which were in- dent Major-General Trenchard, Chief of liberally ready to perish ****

MAANDEN D shall be glad to receive and acknow tolerable. Moreover the whole Russian Air Staff Bear Admiral Mark Kerr ledge any contributions which waY - ME Divisions were pillaging and burning. Deputy Chief of Air Staff and Sir kindly sent by friends unable to be pre-

sent at the

Koura, etc. Hence the Roumanian Government was William Weir Director General of Air

JKIRK MACONACHIF obliged to intervene."

Union Church January P DIE craft Production,

iden.

with the Rus

arrang For ratifiention.

RE Plebiscite broadlines without any military TIMBUTA Whatever of the already existing separation proclamations.

were conflicts with Buaian