1919-03-17 — Page 5

Page

FAR EA

KET

FRO

A DEADLOCK AT SPA.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS," MONDAY, MARCH 17TH, 1919.

BRITAIN FIGHTING FOR ABOLITION OF CONSCRIPTION.

AMERICA'S THREAT TO ITALY.

WITHDRAWAL OF ALLIED TROOPS FROM RUSSIA.

COAL PROFITEERING AT HOME,

LONDON BANKER'S VIEWS ON INDEMNITIES

| THROUGH URTER'S AGENCY.]

DEADLOCK AT SPA.

ARMISTICE DELEGATES

RETURN

HOME.

Pati, March 7th.

Russia, that pioneer of advanced de mocratic thought" had already adopted the most violent form of conscription,en compassed by the most cruel conditions. Nevertheless, we were doing our utmost, by precept and example, to procure the universal adoption of The deadlock at Spa is the centre of throughout Europe, and we had already voluntaryism

all attention. but it Drtist

begun to re-establish the voluntary sys thought that because the Allied delegatestom, to which, before the war, we were delt Spa, the negotiations have been almost the sole adherent. broken off. Both the Allied nad enemy Helegates have returned to their respective tountries for instructions, in view of the new situation.

nol.

be

ARMISTICE CONDITIONS REFER-

RED BACK TO MARSHAL POCH.

PARIS, March 5th. Now that Mr. Lloyd George bau re tarned, it is expected that the Supreme Council will settle down to the jinmediate Bolution of the Armistice difficulties.

The chief ronson for the delay has been the confusion of the aims of the experts entrusted with the drafting of the terms. Some have drawn up temporary condi tions, others worked on

1 permanent basis. It was therefore considered neces- sary, yesterday, to refer the conditiona

STEPS TO SECURE FRUITS OF WAR.

He emphasized that the Bill was not wanted for gending a large force to Russia. No one would be foolish enough to suggest intervening there with con- seript troops. Be pointed out that, siner November 11th, no one had been called up under the Military Service Act. If it became necessary to keep up the Army of the Rhine during the greater part of 1090, he would consult the House about calling up young men to go out aa reliofa, but he did not believe that such a step would be necessary,

Our Army of the Rhine was not larger than the army the United States was

back 10 Marshal Foch and his advisers, keeping there at present, but, naturally, who hope to have them co-ordinated for

fur smaller than the French forces. We to morrow's Council.

should be prepared to reduce our forecs: if others reduced theirs. He concluded by urging the imperion, necessity of the Bill, as without it we could not secure the fruits of war.

Le Temps experts that Mr Lloyd George will ask the Council of the Powers to adopt speedier methods of work in view of the disquieting conditions in Ger It says that Mr. Lloyd George many. considers it necessary to hasten the signa- ture of the new Armistice Convention, which alone will enable the Powers to end the blockade and preserve the credit of the Allies.

BRITISH PREMIER'S VIEWS.

PARIS, March 5th. At the instance of Mr. Lloyd George, the discussion of the military terms of the Armistice has been adjourned until to- morrow, in order to frame motion embodying his views

LATER.

The Military Service Bill passed ite second reading in the House of Commons by 304 votes to 71.

BELGIAN CLAIMS TO DUTCH TERRITORY.

PARIS, March 8th.

Mr. Lloyd George has arrived bore. It is stated that the Commission on Belgian Affairs has decided to make no re commendation as regards Belgian claims to Dutch territory, regarding it outside its jurisdiction to dispose of territory belonging to a neutral.

GERMANY'S. TROUBLES. COVERNMENT TROOPS DISPERSE MOB,

BALE, March 5th. A message from Berlin, dated March otl, stated that a crowd tried to hold up the troops marching to protect the Police Presidency. The troops fired, dis persing the mob,

A message from Prague reported that the general strike in the German towns in Bohemia proved a fiasco.

GERMANY AND INDEMNITIES. SIR CHARLES ADDIS' VIEWS.

LONDON, March 6th. Speaking as the Institute of Bankers last night, Sir Charles Addis suggested that the indemnity should be a moderate AMONDE. Germany ought to pay, but there was nothing wenk or unmanly in practising the Christian law of forgive

11e85.

пека

nation

An attempt by the Spartacists to storm ALBANIA'S CLAIMS.

Penal indemnity was a bad basi- the Alexander Barracks PARIS, March 7th.

was repulsed. The Albanian Delegation has requested main thoroughfares and many tanks

Numerous barricades were erected in the incunity such as would cripple fer- The argument for indicting an

the Council, if their claims are not used to clear the streets of demonstrators.preparing for another was appeared to many economically, and prevent her from sustained, to permit the United States to Pillaging had increased. administer the territories claimed for a and drapers' establishments wore exicu- Food-strope

be self-destructive. Obviously, crippled year They also ask that Americansively looted.

Germany could not pay a penal indenini- troops should be permitted to оссиру

would be guaranteed by rippling a ty. It was a chimera to supposo perce Northern Epirus, which Greece claims. EQUAL TREATMENT TO THE CENTRAL POWERS.

PARIA, March 5th. Tardieu, conversing with jour- nalists, said that the pence preliminaries,

be applied similarly to at present being drawn

would 1213, the Centra! Powers, Bulgaria and Turkey. EUROPEAN FOOD PROBLEM. AMERICA'S THREAT TO ITALY. WASHINGTON, March 7th.

M

The Bolshevist agitator, Nuna, was arrested to save him from being lynched by the crowd.

PURELY BOLSHEVIK GOVERN- MENT IN BAVARIA,

LONDON, March th Reuter learne that all authoritative

After the prior claims of France, Bel- gium, Italy, Grevec, Sertria, Rumanis and Montenegre had all been satisfied, and our own civilian durunge repaired, he feared little would be left to defray our military expenditure, even if Cer many was skinued.

information confirms the report that the the minimum injury to British trade it To secure the maximum indemnity with situation in Germany is very serious.

Since the murder of Herr Eisner, the free access to raw materials and freedom would be necessary to allord Germany The United States has warned Italy only existing organ of the Government, indemnity, which should be for a moderate Central Council of Bavaria, which is the to arrange her own mode of paying the that unless the latter ouds the delaye has been dominated by a small band of atmount, well within her taxable capa plies to the newly established Jugo-Blav formed of soldiers, sailors, and the worst alive, in the debtor, the hope of redemp- being caused to the transmission of sup-Bolsheviks, supported by an armed mobeity, and on such terms as would keep and Czecho-Slovak States, stops will be taken to cut off the supply of American foodstuffs to Italy. SUPPLY NOT EQUAL TO DEMAND.

PARIS, March 4th.

In eannection with the discussion to the Council of the Powers on the foeding of Austria-Hungary, the Czecho-Slovaks, foodstuffs were at present being despatch eto, it was pointed out that 800 tons of ed daily, but what they wanted was 300,000 tons,

ITALY CLOSES HER FRONTIER. During the frontier after the Laibach incident

the discussion the Italian delegates were asked why Italy had closed thus hampering the feeding of Central Europe.

time, a purely Bolshevik Government has INNOCENT FRANCE AND GUILTY elements in the town. Thus, for the firsttion within a reasonable time. been set up in Germany, controlled by Russian agitators, who are in close touch with the Bolshevik

GERMANY. Moscow.

headquarters in

effective support is believed to be Herr The position of the Scheidemana Gov- ernment is regarded as shaky. Its only Noske's 36,000 troops.

GENERAL STRIKE A FAILURE,

COPENHAGEN, March 8th. An unofficial telegram from Berlin, dated March 5th, declares that the gen

sneller manufacturers are busy although eral strike is regarded as a thorough failure. The postal officials and the big store employees oppose the strike. the bigger are not working. Government The

places and have re-occupied the Police troops are guarding the most important Btaties. It is stated that the Governt

The Council continues the discussion on March 7th when a decision will be taken GERMAN MERCHANT SHIPS Note the situation completely in hand

YET HANDED OVER

THE SITUATION - EASED.

COPENHAGEN, March 6th.

In the House of Lords, Lord Wimborne drew attention to the question of the foeding of Europe.

Lord Crawford,, replying, said that Austria was fed partly by army sources.

partly by Italy.

and

Much bacon and condensed milk was going to Germany via Rotterdam

relieve

He said that the mercantile tonnage demanded from Germany in order to distress was not forthcoming. It was estimated at two million tons, yet not a single ton had been delivered in Allied ports.

the

THE PEACE CONFERENCE. A BUSY FORTNIGHT.

Paas, March 8th, The British Delegation at the Coufer situation. The Allies had just enough

This put a new complexion on ence is now fuller and contains more im-tonnage to meet their own requirements. portant members than since the begin-aware of the seriousness of the situation The Supreme Council in Paris was ning of the Conferenso, and from the few weeks to concert emergency measures in Europe. It was hoped, in the nex vitally important meeting

pending the transfer of the German Mor- Supreme War Council this afternoon

cantile Marine, until the departure of Mr. Lloyd George, on a brief visit to London, about March 20th, every day will be crowded with

The Council has adopted the naval terms of the Armistice, but the question of the late of the German Fleet and its apportionment, among the Allies has been roserved. The sitting has been charac-work. torised by absolute unanimity regarding the disarmament of Germany.

VOLUNTARYISM

VS. CONS-

of

the

Mr. Chamberlain crossed the Channel yesterday with Mr. Lloyd George. The Premier insisted

On the neces Bity for firmness, definiteness, and promptitude On the part of the Allies towards Germany.

He point ed out that the Armistice bad not merely military but political

conse- quetees, for which heads of the Govern- insisted on ments were responsible. Therefore, he

strengthening the regards the strength of the German drafted by military experts, especially as terms

CRIPTION. BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POLICY.

LONDON, March 6th. In the House of Commons, Mr. Wine *ton Churchill, speaking on the motion for the rejection of the Military Service Bill, said the Government's policy was against permanent conscription and for the creation of a Volunteer Army for Overseas garrisons and Home defence. The scheme was progressing well.

We were fighting in Paris for the abolithiat tion of conscription throughout Europe; we had demanded its abolition in Ger

Army,

of

A TRAGIC SITUATION. JE

troller, Mr. G. H. Reborts, declared,

LONDON, March 7th. Speaking at Newcastle, the Food Con- upon unimpeachable authority, that the food situation throughout large tracts of Europe was tragic.

The people of Rumania, Serbia, đùa tria and Germany were actually starving, It was a question of whether we could supply sufficient foodstuffs to these coun- tries in time to prevent a catastrophe..

The Supreme Economic Council was straining every nerve in this direction.

AMERICA.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF INVEST- MENTS ABROAD.

WASHINGTON, March 14th, The Government is taking steps to countries, to be prepared in order to tion with the credit condition of other gather extensive information in connec

THE COMMISSIONS' REFORTS.

encourage American investments in for- cign countries.

The work, which will be undertaken by PARIS, March 5th. Tho Council

" Department of Commerce, assisted by the Power agreed

has the War Trade Board and to the American proposal has been started on a comparatively small the Treasury tho Commissions should present, with their reports, conclusions. scope of its enquiries by assigning a only have a consultative role but should that it has been planned to extend tho not scala with a report to the Consular agents. in the form of articles, to be inserted in special anazicial o many, and advanced detailed proposals would, of course, always be free to albar

the peace preliminarion The Council jects. --American

on certain sulf the texts proposed by the Cam

THE UNEMPLOYMENT preschou

QUESTION." Waqziworom, March 8th- A Conference of State Governors and Mayors boatedly debated the ration

for limiting the German Army on a long undaunosally decisions willy Mayat” Be servico voluntary basis, capable of male taining internal peace but incapable of manacing the security of neighbouring Staton

BRITAIN LIKELY TO STAND ALONE.

NO ALLIETE OCCUPATION OF SCHLESWIG.

PARIS, March 6th M. Tardieu, in a raception to jour naliste, said that the Belgian Claims Commission had not yet considered the question of Dutch Limburg, and added He did not know whether the British that so zone of military cocupation.

would view would prevail, as wo soon, would Danish Government declared that the be created in Bohleswig because the be almost alone in this polity, bus dis-would sumie to provint German inter presence of Allied warships at Blonburg cussions were provending. It was pos.

foranos with the plebiscita com sible that Japan, France, Italy, and the United States might all adopt some form gif compulsory norvlocy, while, as regards

A racssage from Weinar, dated March Berlin Mejority Socialiste and the Gor 5th, states that negotiations between the ernment have ensed the situation.

Berlin. strikers that the Workers and The Government is proposing to the Soldiers' Councils shall form an organic part of the Constitution.

SCHEIDEMANN MINISTRY

RESIGNS.

LONDON, March 12th.

President Ebert declined to accept their A message from Berlin states that the Scheidemann Ministry has resigned, but resignations.

THE GERMAN ARMY. VIEWS ON MILITARY DISARMAMENT.

Marshal Foch's report on the proposals

Pants, Murch lich A Havas mesengo says;—

of Mr. Lloyd George for Germany' The Suprente War Council will hear military disarmament, requiring Ger many not to be allowed more than 100,000 men under arms, including police and customs officers,

Those views are not fully shared by Marshal Foch, who objects to a profon ajonal army on the ground that it would be a nursery of cadets for the eventuality of a mobilisation. It would be better to reduce the General Staff of cadets than the number of men spending a

fow mootha. in borracks, ‘.

THE DURATION QUESTION.

PARIS, March 7th.

terms themselves. assume a more important aspect that the and military termos is beginning to The question of the duration of naval

GERMAN

DEVASTATION. AN ORGANISED GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT.

PARIS, March 27th.

PARIS, March 13th.

A Havas messuge says: M. Deschanel said at a meeting at the Trocadero : Innocet France is ruin ed while guilty Germany in intact. She shall pay."

GREAT BRITAIN'S IMMENSE WAR

DEBT.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION. A PLEA FOR SPEEDY ACTION. LONDON, March 13th,

dealing with commercialviation, em

The Times Correspondcat in 'París, phasises that the British Empire holds

very strong position, since two great world air toutes, nuinely from Europe to Austenitad vid, India, and from Cairo to the Cape, elargely over British territory.

Berges the establishment of supply. and repair stations on these routes as soon na possible, and the appointment of an Imperial Air Commission to decide- what proportion of the cost should ba berne by the Dominions and the Colonies, and the standardisation of one type of engine and aeroplane for the route.

He estends that there must bo standard British engine for the whole Empire, because stations ed the Imperial air routes will be unable to stock spare parts for more than one type of engine or be staffed with mechanics expert in more than one machine. The immediate adoption of a standard engine would compel other countries using the British

try a practical monopoly in commercial British machines, giving British indus routes to adopt British engines

and

strategic value of the above routes, en- acroplanes in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Ro cuncludes hy emphasising the abling the Imperial Air Forces speedily concentrate in Egypt.

LONDON TO PARIS SERVICE.

PARIS, March ilth. A Havas message says: French aeroplane firme are planning Aerobus routes to London and various French provincial towns, also to Algeria and Morocco. The English aerial service ie to be started very soon, the London to Paris return fare being £10.

to

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, COMMANDER-

NDER-IN-CHIEF AT HOME

LONDON, March 13th. Field Maral Commanding-in-Chief the It is officially stated that Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig has been appointed Forces in Great Britain.

WAR PROFITEERING. REVELATIONS REGARDING COAL

PROFITS.

increase of coul profite during the war Remarkable revelations regarding the

LONDON, March 5th.

the Coal Commission in the House were made at the first sitting of

Lords,

to day by Mr. Financial Adviser to the Controller, while, on the average, during the five who stated that Great Britain was 270,000,000 tons and years ending 1913, the output of coal in the figures for 1018, up to September, were profit £13,000,000, the corresponding 218,000,000 tons and E30,000,000.

Coal

the debate on foreign affairs, Mr. Boner Law said that Government realised that

LONDON, March 6th. In the House of Commons, during

the country expected to get the best possible indemnities from Germany. He plasted that it was our business to get overy penny wo could, but it was useless holding out the hope that the of indemnities would wipe out the country's Dickinson, immenso war debt. pesce quickly, because there was a real He agreed that it was turgent to get danger

of Germany sinking into Bol. shevism.

Moreover, there was the greatest neccesity to get our own trade and industy re-started most effectively. Therefore, the sooner the blockade way ended, with the know- ledge that we could depend upon an other weapon, the better it would be for Great Britain and the world.

THE BRITISH NAVY. NEW ESTIMATES ISSUED.

LONDON, March 6th. The Naval Estimates for 1019/20, amounting to £148,000,000, and providing for a personnel of 20,000, have been issued.

The largest items include £87,000,000 for new construction, repairs and main

THE ARMY ON THE RHINE £18,000,000 for ornaments and aviation. tenance, 426,000,000 for wages and

GENERAL SIR W. ROBERTSON IN COMMAND,

LONDON, March 13th. General Sir William Robertson been appointed General Officer Com- manding-in-Chief Rhine,

Army of the

the

bas

INTER-IMPERIAL TRADF. BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S DEBIRE TO FOSTER IT.

Mr. Dickinson admitted that the Gov- ernment increase of 2.62 per ton in June 1918, meant that £25,000,000 had been taken from the public. The incrense would not have been granted had the Government had the above 5gures before

it.

Mr. Dickinson estimated that the granting of the miners' demands would increase the cost of production of coal, by as, 7d. per ton compared with Septem- bor, 1918.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE

WAR.

WILL THE KAISER BE EXTRADITED

LONDON, March 11th- A Havas message saysa Well-informed quarters in Paris state that, as

a result of the report of the Conference Commission dealing with the responsibility for the war, the Kaiser' extradition may be demanded Dutch Government,

from the

The proposal is that the National Tri- bunals shall try all offences against the common law and the International Tri- banal shall deal with questions affect ing the Heads of the States and the lead- ing General, inorimidated, SIR GORDON HEWART IN PARIS.

of the Board of Trade, said that the the War Crimes and Responsibilities question, Lord Somerleyton, on behalf Howart, arrived yesterday and attended

LONDON, March 7th. In the House of Lords, replying to a

PARIS, March 7th. The Attorney-General, Sir Gordons Board of Trade licences issued during Commission, which has completed its the current year had not operated dis report, indicting the authors of the advantageously to the trade of the crimes, both high and Dominions.

·low. The Government earnestly desired to give the Dominions the utmost possible

POLAND. inarkets for their exports, and to foster trade within the Empire for those com modities which each part of the Empiré was best fitted to produce,

A Havas message says:-- German official documents discovered in Brussels demonstrate the organid

A Conferences between representativen destruction in occupied districts in ment was recently held at which the views of the Canaching Mission and the Govern France and Belgium, down

"Department was a branch of the ared. It was hoped that the Conference The pulling of Canads were fully stated and consid Governor

General

organisation Brumat,

would produce good results to the Mother country and Canada.

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON EM- PIRE GOODS TO BE WITHDRAWN

ז

on President Wilson immediately to con- THE DISTRIBUTION. OF GURREN of Major Rolph of San Francisco call THE GERMAN FLEET. for the relief of the unemployed. de apa kar pome vene Congress to pass overdug-legialation" "mingaDERED SHIPS.

CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS AS

ADVUCATED.

.

PARIS, March 7th..

ALLIED MISSION TO MEET GERMANS

POBEN, March 4th. by Baron von Rechenberg, ex-Governor of The Tator Allied Mission is going Krous to meet the German Mission beaded German Enst Africa

guanod the inhabitants of. Ba German neroplance yesterda GERMAN DELEGATE CONCILIATORY

The Inter Allied Commission crossed

Pos March 7th* the German frontier yesterday to meet the LONDON, March 7th, In the House of Commons, Mr. Bridg, German delegates at Kreuz The Ce discharged American troops stranded in her naval competition with the United not be given unless some unferomen necos sels of a few insubordinato individual had been done to provide work for the rome German capital ships would involve from any part of the Empire, willion to stop fighting is the Poles. They cha Major Rolph demanded to know what yielded the view this for England 16 lake continue to be imposed on goods coming declared that they were Just as an

the Qual d'Orasy. Mr. Lloyd George

Quindo discussion yesterday, at to rotorovomers had seemed very dejecie, vi

decided that no impart restrictions should or concilintary and reasonable

clothin

Cisima Commission M. Tardieu said American ships in Japan and Chips, in order to harmonise heir view with that from foreign countries, but all raw ferance, which it ispod, will have Referring to the work of the Belgina cancellation of the contracts for Bullding now agreed on this question; and, loy. It was impossible at present The German delegates will come tas

Now York. His resolution advocated the States. Great Britain and America wore

tho oonspnt of the Cabinot, which would that frontier fighting list benn den to th his report would suggest the revision order to afford employment for workmen of France and Italy, some abipe would materials would be free from. Import re the delegates agrood." of the Treaty of 1839, on which point all in Amerion. The resolution was referred possibly be apportioned to the latter wiriotional,

to remove all the restrictions on imports Powa very shortly, to continue the Con to a Committee for report.

countries, Instead of being destroyed,

spoody and satisinatory podoliston, j

pants (Continued on papa 6