1918-06-21 — Page 5

Page

THE WAR.

VIOLENT BATTLE RAGING ON THE

ITALIAN FRONT

GRIM RESISTANCE BY ALLIED TROOPS,

MR. BONAR LAW REVIEWS THE MILITARY

SITUATION:

OUR TROOPS MORE READY THAN EVER TO FACE THE ENEMY.

BRITISH SHIPPING CONSTRUCTION

EXCEEDS DESTRUCTION.

o-Belgian Front.

Tialian Front.

LATEST CABLES.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

THE BRITISH FRONT. AERIAL OPERATIONS.

LONDON, June 18th.

12.10 am.

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

ITALIAN FRONT.

A BRILLIANT FEAT ON THE BRITISH SECTOR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JUNE 21ST,

LONDON, June 19th. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re

Reuter's Correspondent at Italian ports on aviation as follow: The enemy's Headquarters telegraphing on the 17th machines were active on June 17th over

inst says that one of the most success- the northern portion of the British front,

fal features of the organization of the and there were many air combats.

We destroyed 25 aeroplanes and drove Italian Army consists in the wise dis

down three.

We dropped 20 tons of bombs on rail. way stations, junctions, dumps, and aerodromes in the daytime and nine tons

at night-time.

Five British machines are hissing.

SUCCESSFUL RAIDS.

LosDos, June 18th.

10:00 p.m. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig te -ports:-We carried out successful raids

last evening northward of Lens.

We raided southward of Halluch this morning and captured several prisoners, after strong fighting..

GERMAN REPORT.

LONDON, June 18th..

10:00 p.m. A wireless German official report states:We repulsed the enemy who attacked towards midnight south west ward of Albert, following violent out Bursts of firing.

THE FRENCH FRONT. FRENCH IMPROVE POSITIONS.

A commun 'que states:-Artillery activity was fairly lively north-west of Mont didier, also between Montdidier and the Aisne.

tribution and rapid handling of reserven. This is illustrated by a brilliant feat on the British sector, which further testified to the splendid Anglo-Italiang camara

derie The British defenders in a cer Eain position were ordered to retire with

BRITISH OFFICIAL MESSAGE.

LONDON, June 19th.

6'am.

A British Italian official message. states: The situation on the British front is unchanged. General Cavar particularly draws attention to the Northumberland Fusiliers, Sherwood. Foresters, Warwicks, and the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, for the nghting qualities they displayed in the

battle of the 15th iust.

The Anglo-Italian artillery showed great iniative, causing the heaviest losses to the enciny.

General

.

EARLIER CABLES.

(TRBOLGH BEUTER'S AGENCY.] REVIEW OF THE WAR. SPEECH BY CHANCELLOR OF

EXCHEQUER.

LONDON, Jung 18th. Mr. Bonar Law, in the House of Com ons, in moving a vote of credit for 500,000,000, recalled that the vote moved on March 7th was for £000,000,000. June 8th had been £182,000,000 millions, Estimated expenditure for 6 days to

while actually the expenditure had been £9,500,000 less. While it was not safe to The Air Force, owing to the mist, was rely upon, a diminution throughout the unable to operate practically during the year, he considered the estimate might whole of the battle, but gallantly delayed be taken as an indication of the general the enemy's advance across the Piave.

position. After mentioning that the The total prisoners taken exceeds 1,000, Possibilities of the country's production while the material includes hve moun-have nearly reached the maximum, he said loans to the Allies and Dominions tain guns, 72 machine-guns, 20 flammen during the 60 days under review showed werfer, and ona trench-mortar. ·

reduction from the estimate of 10,160,000. The total debt due by the Allies to Great Britain was £1,370,000,000, while the Dominions owed £200,000,000,

Reviewing the general situation, Mr. Bonar Law agreed with the enemy's belief that the Austrian success in Italy would have far-reaching results in France, but up to the present the Austrian offensive

NO GERMAN REGIMENTS.

Lesbos, June 18th. It is not believed that there are any German regiments on the Italian front, although probably German commanders have been sent to see that the German plan is carried out in accordance with Gerraan rules and habits

ENEMY THRUSTS ARRESTED.

On the northern edge of Montello wo strengthened our occupation on the river

| as far as Casaserena.

4

had failed. (Chours:)

After paying a tribute to the teneity and courage of the Italians, Mr. Bonar Law said the Italian Command was per fectly confident and did not fear the result The Allies had given a great deal of The enemy from the north-eastern ground in France during the past three salient of the mount delivered montils, but the enemy had not attained attacks. The first was arrested castward any of his well-known strategic objects. of the line north-eastward of Giavera. (Cheers.) There is clear and increasing and the second was held up immediately evidence in the German Tress that the

1918.

MINISTERS.

LONDON, June 19th-

that resident Ministers of the Dominions The Moringo says it is proposed in London be appointed, at least for the

Regarding the present military situa- | DOMINIONS AND RESIDENT tion, Mr. Bonar Law' said in new blow was coming soon, but it was impossible to say where All information received I shows that despite all the sufferings and hardships, the murale of our troops was never higher than it is to-day, and they were never more ready to face the enemy.

duration of the war, in addition to the (Cheers.)

High Commissioner. They will deal with all war matters concerning the Domin The Chancellor of the Exchequer nextions. It remains to he decided whether paid a tribute to the French soldiers and all will be members of the War Cabinet," the splendid spirit of the French people like Lieut.-General Smuts and Mr. The result must always be uncertain, but Hughes jutge viewed the future without alarm, these responsible and best competent to

but if within three months the enemy did not secure any of his well-known strategic objects his campaign will have proved the most disastrous campaign in which he has engaged, despite his victories hitherto

Concluding, Mr. Bonar Law and the future of the country and of the world depends upon the next few weeks. depends, firstly, on our own and the Allied troops, but also on those at Home. It is for us to bear a share of the strain thrown upon us as our soldiers have and will bear theirs, with confidence and hope. (Loud cheers.)

LATER.

MR. ASQUITH SEEKS INFORMA

TION.

·IE

WAR

ADMIRALTY APPOINTMENT,

LONDON, June 18th. The Gazzfle announces that Commodore.

Bartolome has been appointed successor to Rear Admiral Halsey at the Admiralty. DR GARRETT ANDERSON'S

SUCCESSOR.

LONDON, June 19th. Sir Robert Stevenson Horne has been Garrett appointed successor to Dr."

Anderson.

DUTCH

EARLIER CABLES:

SOCIALIST · LEADER

SUSPECT

that Holland would not declare war if Dutch vessels were torpedoed.

AMSTERDAM, June 18th Mr. Asquith, after paying a tribute

The Dutch branch of the League of to the constant and undaunted temper Neutral Nations has decided to telegraph of the nation, urged that it was in the Mr. Havelock Wilson warning against interests of the Allied cause that full and authoritative information as regards M. Troclstra, the Dutch Socialist leader, the progress of the campaign should he and asking whether British sailors are given from time to time. He asked for information as regards the operations in willing to transport a pro-German who at and the collapse of Russia. He said they marinis assured the German Socialists Palestine, Mesopotamin, and Salonika, the beginning of unrestricted aub. could not close their eyes to what going on in Russia, norite future relations wipe Russia, of the slate or to treat her to the Allied cause He was not disposed to as non-existent, or to assume an attitude That would be a policy of fatal short- that" she must stew in her own juice." sightedness

Mr. Asquith advocated building up with Russia with all the resources of diplomacy and, if need be, naval and litary assistance. Russia stood to pain moro by a Gormian defeat than any one of the erparate members of the Alliance.

Mr. Asquith urged, that it should be publicly that we are anxious as ever to stated publicly that we are is anxious as ever to have Hussin on our side, and our sunce should be given to the great Russian Democracy that they had our sympathy in their present anxieties and

armoil.

TROELSTRA MAY NOT RECEIVE.

HIS PASSPORTS.

THE HAGUE, June 19th. Herr Scheidemann, interviewed, stated that M: Troelstra has returned to Berlin.

e view to straightening the salient, a southward of the San Mauro-San Andrea ermm people are becoming disappoint the relationship of an intimate alliance M. Troelstra so far has not received nis

railway.

small detachment being left on the crest of the mountain, 3,000 feet high, to cover the withdrawal. The Austrians tried to

Successful coupride-main were carried overwhelm this detachment, but the out and 100 prisoners captured.

Enemy thrusts at the end of the Brenta latter, though almost completely sur-Valley and eastward of Frenzela Valley rounded and out-numbered ten-fold, held were promptly arrested. the enemy at bay. The commander of a

detachment of Alpini on the left of the detachment decided on his own initiative: to attempt to rescue the British. The question was whether the Alpini would

ed with the success attained. He was Partial attacks in the Grappa region sure Great Britain's anxiety-three months were repulsed.

go would have been less if it had been possible to foresee the present position We must regard the struggle in the light of the phases of the first blow on March 21st," which was undoubtedly an enemy success. The first phase of the Battle of the Lys was also a great German success, but, on the other hand, the intense enemy attack on the Third Army before Arras which immense losses were inflicted on the resulted in a complete British victory, in

On the eastern margin of the Asiago Plateau we wrested from the enemy Bazca Pizzo and the heights south east.

ward

of Sasso, capturing 300 prisoners. We and the French, strongly attacking,

Tho

prisoners.

regards

A

General Bands, they appointment of the

Forces to whom they could give more that, if unity of command was necessary Lhere was no soldier in the whole Allied

| be abls, to, arrive in time to and the de- The bearing of the Italian and Allied Fenenly. ***The same was true of the later instine and complete confidence than the.

lenders alive. Alpini said:

The commander of the Men, we should be too late if any but British bulldogs were des fending the position, and any but Alpini

chamois were rushing to the rescut,"

The Italians thereupon dashed forward, shouting "Fica Iughliterre" and were received by the British with cheers for Italy, The Austrians were surprised and We carried out a local attack south of wavered. The commander of the British

gained around on the spur of Cost Lunge British further west captured numerous other prisoners, troops, is admirable. From St. Elvio to the sea every man understood that the enemy absolutely must not past, and every defender on Mount Grappa felt that each vard of the historic mountain was sacred to their native land. To all our own and the Allied artillery may be assigned particular merit for breaking the first impetus of the onslaught.

illustrious Fock..

*...

Mr. Asquith asked for assurances that

measures are being taken to replace wastage of combatants, also to improve the means of communication, as the enemy's example in this connection, enabling them to move divisions in an incredibly short time by night, had been a son to us,

Finally, Mr. Asquith reiterated the

firmest belief, not only in the goodness but

the eventual triumph of the Allied

cause.

Plus of the battle of the Lys, where, after repeated attempts, the enemy were unante wo overcome the British resistance, and we would legitimately claim that as & British victory. The hrab attack on the french was a great enemy victory, but the recent lumense attack entirely failed deadly and most threatening of the war, These attacks, which were the most nummediately had important and far ENEMY RUSHING UP RESERVES.renching results, which it was hoped in

LONDON, June Laur

the end would prove decisively important Une resulted in a unity of command, and 6.00 m. la

who tollowed the conflat

Mr. A. F. Whyte contributed to the Mr. Warner Allen, on the Italian front, everybody telegraphing on June 17th, says the would realise that the results had justi. debate a glowing tribute upon the vast and glorious effort the Italian people fed the change. (Cheers) where alone he obtained a limited success continued battle must be a question of publicity should be given to our unques enemy is rushing up reserves to the Piave,

This long have put forth, and urged that glenter reserves, the Allies' great source of which tioning appreciation of it.

in America "The enemy had not play their part, and the Italians in this have an advantage, as they hold interior lines with great roads and a plain from Angrica (Loud cheers). He wish reserves before they could be reinforced the concentration of troops which aro admirably provided for inotor-transport number of troops sent from Great Bri ed it were possible to tell the House the The ftabans have adopted a

masterly

Sustain and the strength of our own forces Every method of offensive defensive." enemy advance is followed by a counter. The strain of necessity had render- stuce March 1st. It was a large num~ attack which is pushed home most rapidly and 100st decisively. In several "enses,

ed possible what seemed impossible.

American recovered prisoners They have come.

troops

not comDS" batteries have

Loud cheers.) released by a epcedy counter-attack.

flea is not coming into the war. She is EARLIER CABLES.

in it--(reacwed cheers)- d the Ameri- can troops have justified everybody's hope as regards their fighting quality.

passports to England, and it is believed

he may not receive them.

ECONOMIC

RESOURCES OF FRENCH COLONIES,

PARIS, June 18th. Petri Parisien learns that, as a result of the forthcoming interpellation in the Senate by M. Flandin, Senator for the French Indian possessions, a special Senate Committee will be appointed to study the economic resources of the Krench Colonies, and to submit bills for

and after the war. the purpose of increasing the economic production of the colonies in war-time

TURKS ADVANCE INTO PERSIA

LONDON, June 18th, Turkish communiqué Blates:Wa

occupied the town of Tabriz, in Persia, and both shores of Lake Urmin, with a view to protesting the wing of our army in the Caucasus, sa

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

SCHEME

Valsery, improving our positions and detachment capt from the trench and The moment has come for the reserves to did in the aim to use the Allied Law indicated that the Government how to introduce responsible government

capturing 100 prisoners and machine-guns.

some

A German raid was repulsed in the -region of Avocourt.

During the past five days 32 enemy. acroplanes were brought down and another four were brought down by our anti-aircraft guns, and 22 tons of bombs were dropped on the railway stations at Soissons, Roye, Nesles and Chaulnes.

AMERICAN REPORT.

LONDON, June 20th.

1.40 a.m.

An American official report states:- There was continued artillery firing in the Chateau Thierry region, also, on the Marne front.

Our patrols crossed tho Marne on the night of June 17th, and secured prisoners, Naval Activities.

ordered the charge, wherupon the Aus triqas withdrew in face of the attack on

their front and flank. "SLAMMING THE GATES OF ITALY IN THE FACE OF THE INVADER."!

LONDON, June 10th.. Reuter's Correspondent At Italian Headquarters, reporting on the 18th inst, states:-Montello, an oval-shaped chain of hills on which hinges the Aus trian offensive, has been occupied for several months by the British, who came to Italy under General Plumer..

The British division occupies the south western ridges of the Asiago Plateau with the French on their right.

⠀ STRUGGLE STILL RAGING.

LONDON, June 18th. 7.50 p.m.

are

high

Heplying to Mr. R. D. Holt, Mr. Bonar

raised in the debate. would at a later stage reply to the points. The vote of credit was adopted without a. division.

RUSSIAN

LATEST CABLES..

AFFAIRS,

BRITISH PROPERTY IN RUSSIA.

LONDON, June 19th.

Mr. Balfour has appointed a Com- mittee to ascertain particulars of British In this connection he quoted an extract property in Russia and to register claims from the minutes of the last Supreme for compensation regarding them War Conncil, Thanks to the prompt.

will render it impossible for the enemy reserves before he has exhausted his to gain victory by wearing out the Allied own."

wn. (Loud cheers.)

RAILWAY

BRITAIN ASKS HOLLAND FOR A ULEAR EXPLANATION.

THE HAGUE, June 18th.

An Italian official report states:-

and cordial co-operation of the President The violence of the battle somewhat de have been set on foot for the transporta

of the United States, arrangements which GERMAN USE OF LIMBURG creased en the mountain front, but 5tion and brigading of American troops increasing along the Plave. Magenda and Candelu to establish new The cutmy's renewed attempts opposite

openings on the right bank of the river on Monday were sanguinarily repulsed.

The trigg raged unceasingly from Fossalte to Caposile, ormidable attacks, alternated counter-attacks, and the begin nings of vigorous advances were crushed The struggle was suspended only late at night-time. The Italians were strena ously tried, but the enemy was unable to increase the short depth of the strip of ground on which fighting has been raging for four days.

The British, after reconquering the advanced positions momentarily aban- doned on Saturday morning with a view to strengthening the line, did not merely or arrested. LATEST CABLES.

resist all Austrian attempts but gallantly counter-attacked in a fashion that caused an Italian superior officer to remark

they are slamming the gates of Italy in the face of the invader."

THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY ) FHE "KONINGEN REGENTES.

THE HAGUE, June 18th. The British Naval Commander who is on beard the tugboat Zeeland is an interned officer, while the German. Naval officer on board is one of the German prisoners accommodated in Holland

EARLIER CABLES.

We captured 1,550 prisoners. Our airmen tirelessly participated in the battle, and effectively, notwithstand ing the heavy rain..

AUSTRIAN REPORT-

LONDON, JUDE 18th.

8.15 p.m.

LONDON, June 19th. An article in the New Starkman, ver the new scheme of Government for India, viewing the various publications upon

remarks that the Indian Nationalists, no more than the Civil Servants, have yet adequately grappled with the problemas gradually, The Nationaliste have laid stress upon increasing more and more the proportion of appointments held

by and on sitaultaneously increas Indians, ing the power and

of clected portion. members to the.

Provincial Councils, but these things bring India uncarer to responsible Government What Mr. Montaga has to contrive is roue way to approach by successive steps the goal of handing over the Indian ad- ministration to Ministers genuinely con- trolling their own departments, and who are liable to removal from office if they forfeit the confidence of the Legislature. This is what the Government pledged. itself to advance gradually, and at its awn time... It is for this advance that Mr. Montagu

thes acticable stop immediately practicable

The writer of the article favours solution whereby the administration of every province should forthwith be divid ed into two parts, with distinct depart

part comprising

Mr. Bonar Law said the presence of It is stated that the increased traffic cents and budgets, One the Dominions Representatives and dis on the Limburg Railway amounts to 79 those branches which cannot by inte cussions with them had reminded him of train-loads daily from Germany to Bel-diately handed over would remain as at

serious preoccupation when they were gium and tie teren, and that the British present, and the other,

health. difference between the air and submarine with suspicion, and is asking Holland to placed under the members of Council here a year ago. He referred to the Government views the great inoreuse elueation and public works, would be situaties then and now. He wished it furnish a clear explanation regarding the chosen by the Lieutenant-Governor from were possible to tabulate, for the general nature of the goods in transit in order to notice not only of the people of this coun ascertain whether they are for military try bat of the whole world the magni purposes. There was no branch of which we have ficence of the British air effort. (Cheers.)

greater reason to be proud, (Cheers.). It was almost universally felt that our pir force was the best in all the theatres of

he submarine menace was probably still the cause of privation to the country, but for the first time in April, and the saune is true for May, of which the figures would be published immediately,

HOME-GROWN FOOD SUPPLIES COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDA

TIONS.

LONDON, June 18th.

the majority of the Legislative Assembly. This method of approach would not be a sham, but would gradually be an increas-

MR. RAMSAY MACDONALD'S VIEW. ing trial of the real thing

LONDON, June 18th.

An article by Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, .P., in the Colour Leader, ç-pressoy the opinion that Mr. Montagu's vicda The report is published of the Com-set forth in his Memorandum on the mittee appointed by the Ministry of Re Indian Government now before the War construction to recommend methods for Cabinet, are on the whole round. Ho

view of the interests of national security features of the new schema. First and future crisis like the pressait Great Britain real Legislatures to control the policy and be wholly independent of overseas finance, and an executive whi! is respon

and dairy

iry pro-sible to the political organ

was no chance humanly for

would bomust starvato submission. tantly feeted the military position.

of com

This img 2 than at

present, and if the re-arise that home Nationa

and lessons dent 02 overseas

A detachment of British cyclists accom- Plished bevoie deeds. They were chang ing their position, moving along a sunken road parallel to the front, when they suddenly ran into a vastly superior A wireless Austrian official report world construction of ships exceed the easing home-grown food supplies in then asks what ought to be the regulating Austrian contingent, who were barring ground at nuxerous points in Venetia.

slateGeneral You Wuring gained destenet of ships (Cheers.) There The Committee declares that in any most important is the catail shment of WORLD'S SHIP CONSTRUC their way. Instead of fleeing, they dis his southern wing, fighting stubbornly,

Bonus Great Britai TION EXCEEDS DESTRUCTION.

mounted and advanced with fixed reached the Fassetta Canal.

Archduke Joseph consolidated bis emas conviction that America could

Mr. Ramsay Macdonald LONDON, June 18th. bayonets. Simultaneously, the Austrianscassas in the Montello region. Coun- not possibly bring her resources into the commendations are adopted these objects scheme whereby the execute will ro In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar ordered a charge. Two waves of bayonets attacks broke down

We captured in three days in this re

include a minimum wage for agricultural Secretary of State, obedien: him on already Inbourers, that the minimum prices of the one hand yet bound to carry out thứ

varying in accordance with the variations creation of a deadlock. wheat and oats be guaranteed prices decision of the Legislature: This is the

in the standard of value obtaining after the war Government assistance for the establishment of the sugar and beet indus try, and the continuance of the present surta for ten years are recommended.

Law

announced that the world's ship clashed and a terrific fight ensued. Tho go:73 guns, including many of hearuggle soon enough to seriously affect would be attained The recommendations main the creations of the Viceroy or

construction now for the first time exceed splendid physique and undaunted courage of the British cyclists proved too much for the Austrians, who fled, discarding their rifler. The British, pursuing, cap- tured many rifles and prisoners.

od destruction. (Loud cheers.) There fore, there was no chance whatever, na far as it was possible to forsee, of Great Britain being starved into submission.

both sides of the Brents were constantly, enlibre. The enemy's counter-attacks on yet vainly, renewed,

British attacks southward of Asiago were equally unsuccessful.

Our prisoners are now 30,000 and the gunz capred 120

result has proved

histaken one (Cheers.) Tho

troops which reached a figure which even a month or come and are pouring in monthly have

two ago we would have thought absolute ly impossible (Cheers.) The inflow of American troops was the great fact of this year, and ought to be the decisive fact in the whole wad... (Cheera:)

THE SILVER M

LONDON,

CET.

ne 18th.

The silver market is quiet