1918-06-28 — Page 5

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THE WAR.

THE HONGKONG. DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JUNE 28ra, 1918.

VON KUHLMANN ON THE DURATION OF THE WAR:

AN ABSOLUTE END CAN HARDLY BE EXPECTED BY PURELY MILITARY DECISIONS.

ITALY'S ONWARD MARCH.

THE IRISH PROBLEM:

PRIME MINISTER ON THE FATAL MISTAKE OF THE CHURCH

ENEMY SUBMARINISM WANING.

Franco-Belgian Front.

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH BRUTER'S AGENDY.], THE BRITISH FRONT. HOSTILE ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.

LONDON, June 20th.

i p.m.

Sir Douglas Haig states:--We took a few prisoners and a machine-gun in raids and patrols in the neighbourhood of Sailly-le-Sec and westward of Merville:

Hostile artillery is active in the neigh bourhood of Ville-sar-Ancre, Gomme- court, Bailleul, southward of Lens, and in the Hazebroucle sector.

EARLIER CABLES.

"NOTHING.

LONDON, June 25th.

10.35 p.m.

Field Marshal Sir Dougins Haig says there is nothing to report.

abeds and barracks in Offenberg, and the Explosives factory works and railutation in Karlsruhe. They made direct hits, which were observed, on the engine sheds and barracks in Offenberg; two direct hits on the engine sheds and metallurgi. que works in Karlsruhe, causing a large explosion, which was confirmed by photo.

HENTRIES DISCOVER WEAKENING OF AUSTRIAN LINE.

LONDON June 25th.

-6.45 p.m. Reuter's · Correspondent at Italian Headquarters afates that the Austriam retreat began on Saturday night, the enemy leaving a small rearguard with machine-guna

The Italian sentries discovered ä weakening of the enemy line carly on Sunday morning, when the strong pre sure was inmediately increased.

LATEST CABLES

THE POSITION IN IRELAND COMPLICATED AND ANXIOUS

LONDON, June 25th.

In the House of Commons, the Irish

Secretary, Mr. E. Shortt, stated that circumstances in Ireland to day were com plicated and suxious. When the Prime Minister, carly in April, explained the Government's Irish policy there was every appearance that both Home Rule and Conscription could be carried to a successful conclusion, but since then the circumstances have entirely changed, First ly, owing to the discovery of a German plot in Ireland, which was a real and An Austrian communque claims the imminent danger to Great Britain withdrawal everywhere on the Piave to secondly, because the anti-conscription cording to plan

feeling in Ireland lins been used by ex-

AUSTRIAN REPORT.

LORDON, June 25th

6.25 p.m.

..!

THE HOME RULE QUESTION THE PREMIER ON THE SITUATION

BARON KUHLMANN'S

ANNOUNCEMENT

A SURPRISE AFTER HIS ROSIEST DESCRIPTION OF THE MILITARY

POSITION:

LONDON, June 25th. Mr. Lloyd George, speaking in the House of Commons during the Irish

LONDON, June 25th. debate, emphasised the difficulties and Baron von Kuhlmann has been describ- perplexities of the Irish problem. It was ing the military position in the rosiest a problem of governing Ireland with the of colours, saying that Generals Hinden- full assent of the Irish people.

Any burg and Ludendorff Were God-given failures should be viewed indulgently geninses and actually declaring that the because the Government was largely pre Austrian offensivo had been a note- occupied with the most tremendous worthy sucecas "'. Hence the tensation responsibility of prosecuting the war. created (by his announcement that the He believed that it was not beyond the war might not end even in 1919) was the capacity of the House to carry through a greater. He admitted that it was "✡ measure of Home Rule, dealing equitably common idea that the length of this war with the legitimate objections of a lace was something new, but he quoted from part of the Irish community, but the ven Moltke, who, speaking in the

The Italians since June 16th lost 59,tremiste in conjunction with the Germa discovery of the recent conspiracy and the Reichstag in 1890, said that the duration

prisoners, the total losses being 150,000.

KING GEORGE'S CONGRATULA

TIONS.

LONDON, June 27th. The Press Bureau announces that the King has telegraphed to the King of italy his heartiest congratulations upon

plot

He did not suggest that any substan tiak proportion of Irish anti-coneerip tionists knew they were being used to further the German plot. It had teen alleged that the German plot was bogus plot, intended to injure Ireland

રી

antagonism of the Roman Catholic of a great European war would be ins Church towards Conscription, constitut-calculable.

graphs, and the Saarbrucken station the victorious results of the recent opera He regretted to say the plot actually members of that Church outside Ireland, tive quarters among our enentie

and factories were damaged.

We shot down two enemy aeroplanes and drove down two others in the course of attacks on our machines.

Three British machines are missing, of which one was forced to land in the enemy's lines through engine trouble Italian bront

LATEST UABLES.

[TBROCOR REUTER'S AGENCY.

ITALIAN FRONT.

CAPOSILE BRIDGE-HEAD RE-

OCCUPIED

LONDON, June 28th.

5 p.m. An Italian official mes age states:- Having re-occupied the bridge-hend at Caporile, we, yesterday, extended

pro- voking and withstanding resolute enemy

AERIAL OPERATIONS, Despite a high wind, our acroplanes did. much reconnaissance and other work yes- terday, enabling our guns to engage many batteries. Heavy rain later prevented flying. During intervals we vigorously bombed hohind the enemy's lines, drop ping 15 tons of bomba The enemy did not-give much chanes for combats. We, We took 37 prisoners, as well as a few brought down two neroplanes. Thres of hundreds during the cheering up of the ours are missing,

We also brought down an additional

machine on June 23rd.

BELGIAN 'REPORT.

LONDON, June 25th.

11.50 p.m.

A Belgian comaulique states there was great reciprocal artillery activity near Nieuport and Ramscapple.

Attempted attacks against three of our posts broke down.

LATEST CABLES.

THE FRENCH FRONT,

A GERMAN ATTEMPT REPULSED.

LONDON, June 20th.

4.20 p.m. A French communiqué states: We mado raids in the regions of Mailly, Raineval Melico, Vinly-nu-Cornillet and Lorraine, and captured prisoners and machine-guns.

counter-attacks..

battlefield.

it,

TWENTY THOUSAND AUSTRIAN: PRISONERS.

LONDON, June 25th.

1110 p.m..

It is estimated that the Italians hava taken 20,000 Austrian prisoners since the commencement of the offensive.

EARLIER CABLES.

SUBLIME ONRUSH OF THE ITALIANS.

LONDON, June 25th. Italina Correspondents, describing the little on Sunday, state that be onrush of the Ithians was sublime. The Austrians, who had crossed to the right bank of the Piave previously, lived.hours of hell No respite was given them. They were shelled day and night. Their bridges were demolished, and their boats wern

A fresh German attempt on our small sunk, and those who succeeded in climb- posts, north of Leport, was repulsed.

The American troops, yesterday even-

ing up the river banks were mercilessly shot down. Then the coup de grâce was

tions in which the Italian Army fought || existed.

Mr. Sherit proceeded to give with a gallantry and fortitude which striking examples of German propaganda bas elicited the admiration of myself and and intrigue in Ireland. He mentioned the British people."

that the sources of information on which the Government relied, both in Ireland and outside, had always proved reliable. Proceeding Mr. Short traced the activity of German agats in Ireland from 19. He said the Government found that Germany had been in toach with Ireland since the war, and messages

DEMONSTRATION IN ROME.

Roms, June 25th. There was a great demonstration last evening in honour of the Army in the beflagged Venezia Square. An enormous orowd carrying flags rendered an ovation.

to the army, and there were fervent patriotic orations.

Germany's reply to the Pipal Note.

He denied Mr. Balfour's recent declara.

tion that Germany, ever desired or even thought she could win world dominion. Napoleon had shown that such an idea wan Utopien. (Hear, hear, from tho Centre and Left) Regarding who was

ing a challenge to Imperial supremacy, But this, continued Baron Kuht had antagonised feelings inside Ireland mann, was a world war with enormous- Rule. It was one of the most fatal inje- despite tho and in the House of Commons to Homely increased armaments. Í`inust say that

brilliant

of our

beloved it was universally condemned by recognisable desire for peace in authorita- takes the Church had ever committed. He armis, there has been nowhere clearly

while a great many inside Ireland dis sociated themselves from its action. Until that it was Germany that had shown o Baron Kuhlmann proceeded to nilege

the atmosphere created by this challenge willingness for peace, mentioning the was removed it was impossible to attempt famous Reichstag Pence Resolution, and Home Rulo legislation. The whole temper of the assenting Irish Unionists but been altered, while the attitude of the Sinn Feinces as regards the protier man plot was the most deadly blow to the Liberties of Ireland which had occurred in his (the speaker's) life-time,• He was still hopeful that a conciliatory spirit not only went to Ireland from German could be recreated, enabling a settlement sion and marched to Parliament and the sources, bup to Germany from Irish of the Irish question During the war Premier's residence, thero Signor sources. The Government Enew that in Ireland was a was problews, and as long 16 Whs that Russia desired war, with

a certain port in Germany a Orlando spoke from the balcony.

large as a settlement was not attained our France playing the role of instigator.. amount of ammunition was being louded difficulties would be increasing and alsh | As regards Germany's aime, she desired into two Germini submarines, and, more. those of the United States.

a free, strong and independent existence within the boundaries drawn for her by over, enemy submarines had been seen

history; also oversca possessions and colonies owing to her greatners, wealth anit provoit colonial capacity; also free- dom for her trade on the sch Tho achievement of these aims was an abso lutely vital necessity.

Afterwards the crowd formed a proces-

SERBIA'S ENTHUSIASM.

Conru, June 25th. The Serbian Premier telegraphed to

Signor Orlando expressing the enthusiasm of the Serbs upon Italy's brilliant vie

ory, which brings nearer the accom plishment of the war's great task, namely,

a respect for the rights of all peoples,"

General.

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENOX }

THE EXPIRING SUBMARINE

CAMPAIGN.

SHIPPING RETURNS FOR MAY.

LONDON, June 20th. The Admiralty announces that the mer chant tonnage losses in the month of May, due to enemy action and marine risk totalled:-British 224.735; Allies and Neutral, 130,959. as compared with the adjusted aggregate for April of 911,450 and as compared with 630,336 in May of last year. The losses from marine risk, it is stated, were unduly heavy last month.

The Ministry of Shipping announces

that stearnships of and exceeding 500 gross ing, carried out a brilliant local opera given them when some Italians reached tons, entering and clearing United King. the left bank, north of Montello, and dem ports, but excluding coast-wise and took the enemy in the rear, while others cross Channel traffic, totalled 7,777,813 smashed the line from Collesella to tons last month. Madonna, and drove the Austrians pell- mell into the river.

tion towards the Belleau Wood. One hundred and fifty prisoners, including a Captain, have been already counted.

EARLIER CABLES.

LIVELY ARTILLERY FIRING.

PARIS, June 2

A communiqué states:-There was very lively artillery firing south of the Aisne

in the northerly region of Dessilly, La Poterie and Ifingef.

EARLIER CABLES.

A simultaneous Italian attack at the BRITISH SEAVEN'S BOYCOTT other extremity of the Piave also drove.

the Austrians into the river.

OF GERMANY.

TO PRESIDENT POINCARE.

in localities where the destruction of shipping could not live but their object. It was a very curious coincidence that a letter found upon De Valers was

written to hún by another who is in- teracd, alluding to something import- ant which was going to happen two months after the beginning of the Ger- inga offensive and reminding De Valera that the two months would not end until towards the end of May.

of that letter been shot f

He appealed to Sir Edward Carson to show the same spirit as he did two years ago and persuade Lister to secure the willing assent of the people of Ireland to Imperial unity. The Government adhered to the policy, proclaimed on April but in the method of its administration they would be advised by the proved udministrators.

responsible for the war, he said the deepor

the causes worý penetrated the clearer

LATERL

A PRE-REQUISITE CONDITION OF

PEACE

Ireland ought to take her share in the war. (Cheers.) We were fighting for a

The absolute integrity of the German principle for which Ireland had struggled, Empire and its Allies was necessary as b and therefore be hoped Ireland would pre-requisite condition of any peace dis

Mr. Ronald McNeill. Has the writer voluntarily take her share now. It was cussion. All other questions, however,

the duty of the Government, before pro might be subject to agreement, Mr. Shortt-No; and unless we are cecding further, to give her an oppor forend by those calling themselves friends tunity of voluntarily going into the of those interned we do

not

desire any struggle (Cheers.) more executions. • If we can ensure the safety of the Realm without any more executions we want to do so. If it is

othewise, the responsibility will be upon those who force it, not upon Us. (Cheers.)

"

Continuing, Mr. Shortt said the anti- conscription movement had produced a recrudescence "of drilling, seditions speaking, outrage, and midnight raids.

THE URGENCY FOR A SETTLE-

MENT.

As regards the question of Belgium, Germany refused to hind herself to a policy which would not also hind the chemy (Hear, hear.) But, he declared, no great advance towards peace could be Mr. Asquith, following Mr. Lloyd possible by publicly shouted statements. Georga agreed as regards the urgency for (Cries of assent,) Germany had not shut an Irish settlement as a necessity of the the door to, an honourable peace. Any war and said, therefore, they would repeat peaon proposal, wherever it came from,' the proposal of fifteen months ago:--Is it would not fall on deaf ears; but, once not possible to take advantage of the the moment came to exchange views, &

hero of the Representatives of the necessary prior condition would great Dominions to bring this matter before them again, and ask them; in the

presence

interests of the Empire, to suggest,

be

mutual confidence in cach other's probity. and chivalry. However, as long as every

overture was regarded as a trap it was

for arms, all of which entirely unfitted any country for a peaceful settlement of advise, and present some scheme for a impossible to see how any exchange day of its domestic questions,

settlement which might be acceptable to fit ideas could be initiated. Without such Both Lord French and he, after parties in Ireland and to the people of thorough investigation in Ireland, had Great Britain.

exchange of ideas, in view of the I do not believe the

enormous magnitude of the war and the concluded that it was an absolutely Imperial War Cabinet could perform a essential preliminary to any form of con-

tack more vital to the interests of the end can hardly be expected by purely,

number of Powers engaged, an

an absolute seription that and should be given Empire and more valuable to the prosecu military decisions alone without diploma. an opportunity voluntarily to take her tion of the war than to pave a way for a tie negotiations.- (Cries of "Very true, part in the war. The Cabinet had adopt- settlement in Ireland. (Leud cheers.)

The battle continued furiously all Sun-MR. HAVELOCK WILSON'S THANKSed that view, hence Lord French's pro day afternoon. The enemy machine-gun positions were taken one after another,

Yesterday six enemy aeroplanes were and the ground was strewn with heaps brought down.

Four tone of bombs were dropped upon aerodromes in the Aisne region.

Aerial Activities.

LATEST CABLES.

(THROUGH BENTER'S AGENOY:]

of dead.

ITALIANS COMPLETELY RE- OCCUPY RIGHT BANK OF THE PLAVE

LONDON, June 25th. An Italian official message says:-The Third Army on Monday, having com

clamations.

There was nothing new in the promise to give land to Irish soldiers and sailors

similar provision had been made in England, Scotland and Wales.

EARLIER CABLES.

AMERICAN SHIPBUILDING.

FIRST MILLION TONS EXPECTED BY END OF JUNE

PARIS, June 25th, Mr. Havelock Wilson has telegraphed to President Poincare thanking him on behalf of the British Seamen's Union for

Referring to Mr. Lynch, ka said that, denouncing the most favoured nation

WASHINGTON, June 25th, just as a Beore of years ago when treaty clauses. as regarde our enemies Lynch thought we were wrong he raised

The first million tons of new shipping after the war.

a battalion to fight against us so to contracted for by the Shipping Board Mr. Wilson continues: The Germans day when he knew we were right and will probably be delivered before the end BRITISH RAIDS ON GERMAN polled the last of the enemy rearguard have shamefully murdered 15,000 non com- believed in the justice of our cause he was of the month.

to surrender, reoccupied completely the batant seamen, and British sailors are right bank of the Piave, taking prisoner now resolved to boycott Germany after 18 officers and "1,607/men-

the war for five years and eight months, During the raids on the slopes of to which term a month will be added for with a sincere desire for a settlement of

The first of 45 steel, ships building in Monti di Valtella, and the Asiago every additional crime against, non-com this vexed question a settlement would be Japan for the Shipping Board has at Plateau we took 100 prisoners.

Along

the north-western front at batants.

achieved. Lord French and he himself rived in the United States, and of a Grappa, after heavy artillery firing, we in brilliant thrusts gained sonsiderable

had no difficult a problem as had ever Mr. Wilson appeals to the French Ben-faced a Minister of the Crown. They steel ships chartered in Japan 22 have ou the morning of June 25th the rail-sidingsadvantages in regard to ground and in men's League to inaugurate a similar would do their best to solve it, but they already been delivered to the United

flicted heavy losses. We captured 1,323)

would want the help of everybody in Ireland and of all parties.

TOWNS.

· CONSIDERABLE DAMAGED:

INFLICTED.

LONDON, June 26th The British Air Ministry, in an official Tessage, state:Our seroplanes attacked

and facturies in Saarbrucken; the engine prisoners and 30 machine guns,

movement.

and Hear, hear," from the Left) Wor hope our enemics will perceive that against our epormous military resources the idea that they can win is a dream, and that in due course they will find al way to approach us with a peace offer corresponding to the situation and satis fying Germany's vital needs." (Loud cheersy

MASTER SPY ARRESTED IN U.S.AA The Federal authorities have arrested Eman described as Ineutenant-Com- mander X, German naval officer, who is suspected of being the head of enemy The deliveries last week propaganda in America, and of having deadweight tonnage, Bernstorf Pending other exported ar

been delegated to this work by Count going to Ireland to raise a battalion to totalled 37,830

ght with us.

making a grand total of $23,200 tons for rests his name is withheld Maria Kde Fictoria, who was arrested on charge of spreading German pra- paganda, confessed she had received from although she denies she need the money Lieutenant Commander & about $40,009,

the

dissemination of Binn Fein German propaganda, calenda

A Central News telegram gives the name of the arrested officer as Lieutenant Commander Rodiger, and describes him as fermany's “ master spy,"

Mr. Shorit concluded by Baying that

1918.

States

for

or