1920-02-27 — Page 5

Page

ARMY

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY

ESTIMATES:

MR. CHURCHILL'S FORECAST OF MILITARY REQUIREMENTS : RESPONSIBILITIES IN EAST AND WEST.

PEACE

TREATY PROSPECTS IN UNITED STATES:

SENATE REJECTS MODIFICATION OF LODGE RESERVATION.

PROPOSED TAX ON WAR WEALTH.

EXPERT OPINION ON YIELD "AND METHOD OF LEVY,

LATEST CABLES. [THROUGH KIUTER'S. AGENCY.] ARMY ESTIMATES. VUTE PASSED BY LARGE MAJORITY,

LONDON, February 23rd.

In the House of Commons, the Army Estimates Vote was agreed to by 215 votes

:to 12

BRITAIN'S MILITARY STRENGTH.

LONDON, February 23rd In the House of Commona, Mr. Winston Churchill, introducing the Army Esti xaates, laid stress on the fact that Con- moription would terminate on March 31st.

TEN ARMY SCHLANER

·EATEST CABLES.

TAX ON WAR WEALTH CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF INLAND

REVENUE GIVES EVIDENCE

LONDON, February 24th The Select Committee appointed to investigate the question of taxation of war fortones has opened its investiga tions ander the chairmanship of Sir William Pearce.

The principal witness was Sir John Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, who estimated that the cost of the scheme will be from one tenth to one-fifth of 1 per cent, on the amount collected. He anticipated that the tax will be paid to a considerable extent in kind, such as War Loan securities, and suggested that provision be made for pay. ments by instalments, the liability being assessed at the outset and the payments spread over ten years. He thought that the valuation would affect 340,000 persons but many individuals would have several valuations on ships, furniture, jewels estates, etc.

LATEST CABLES

27TB. 1920.

AMERICA AND THE PEACE

TREATY.

BENATOR" HITCHCOCK'S

PROPOSAL

WASHINGTON, February 91st. The first vote on the Peace Treaty since November was taken in the Senate today and resulted in the defeat, by as votes to 26, of a motion by Senator Hitchcock to amend the Republican reservations so that joint resolutions by Congress be required for the notice of the withdrawal of the United States from the League of Nations,

a

LODGE RESERVATION ADOPTED.

WASHINGTON, February 2nd. The Senate rejected by votes to 39 motion to change the Lodge reservation regarding the withdrawal of the United States from the League of Nations

Republican irreconcilable opponents of the Treaty voted with the Democrats.

The Senate then re-adopted by a votes Bummarising the Army scheme, Mr

to 20 the original reservation. Churchill emphasised that the Territorial

TIGHTENING TREATY DEADLOCK. Army will be the normal means of the

WASHINGTON, February 2nd. expansion of the British forces. For a

The outcome of the vote on Senator iffitchcock's motion is generally inter- Sir John. Anderson suggested the con-preted as likely to tighten the Treaty supreme emergency, such as that of August, 1914, Britain will be able to pro-sideration of some form of a "floating deadlock. vide complete one cavalry Division and charge" which would, sufficiently, safe

EARLIER CABLES, six Divisions of Regulars immediately guard the interests of the Crown without and in the course of the next few months interfering with legitimate businces THE FOOTBALL OF POLITICS. one Yeomanry Division and fourteen operations. He considered that the tax Divisions of Territorials, complete with equipment and Reserves Behind these will be the Cadets, capable of calling into being further twenty Divisions.

It was proposed to reduce the garrisons in the Middle East to the barest minimum compatible with security, sending re- in the event of an emergency...

should not fall exclusively on war pro fits, but also deal with the increase in wealth without regard to bow it was brought about. The Department could not discriminate between wealth gained by questionable means, and wealth accru- ing simply from the wary and wealth

He claimed that he had created in a single fear what was, broadly, the pre-war inforcements from Home or from India accumulated by exceptional personal

Regular Army, and had also organised

additional troops to discharge temporary

and new liabilities.

He mentioned that the British delegates had fought at the Fence Conference for the abolition of conscription, but the only response came from Germany under dire compulsion.--(Laughter)-All the other .States had retained compulsory service, including the United States, the origin tor of the League of Nations, and Russie, the home of advanced political thought

(Cheers and laughter)! *.

th

He alluded to the fast that the Domin- ions contemplated reproducing a number of Divisions from the present very fine military material, but an adjustment of our relations with them will be undertaken in the future months."

BRITAIN'S INVINCIBLE MIGHT.

effort and self-denial.

Asked what sum he expected to obtain. from the tax, Sir John-Anderson replied £1,000,000,000.

EXCHANGE AND HIGH PRICE SUPREME COUNCIL'S DECISION.

LONDON, February 23rd. The Supreme Council has arranged an discussion with experts on bis pro- bleky castigo you and European ratos of exchange

FUTURE OF CONSTANTINOPLE

TOPIC OF MANY SERMONS IN

LONDON, 13.

WASHINGTON, February 21st. Benator Hitchcock, in a speech in the Senate to-day, declared that it would be Treaty became the football of politics the Republicans own fault if the Peace

Senator Borah replied that the Treaty had steady been recognised as the issue Fin the doming political campaign.

AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL

CAMPAIGN.

REPUBLICANS ADOPT A ̈ PROGRAMME,,

SALE OF EX-GERMAN

LINERS.

NO AGREEMENT WITH BRITAIN.

WASHINGTON, February 21st... In reply to an enquiry from the Senate, President Wilson stated that he had not entered into any agreement with the officials of Great Britain concerning the sale of ex-German liners soized in Ameri can parts; neither had he entered into any agreement respecting the disposition of these ships by the United States.

SUPPORT FOR THE JONES BILL

WASHINGTON, February 21st. The Senate Commerce Committes have favourably reported on the Jones Bill, which prohibits the sale of ex-German liners except as Congress may bereafter decide.

THE AGREEMENT MADE IN PARIS,

WASHINGTON, February 21st. President Wilson has transmitted to the

CANTON NEWS

THE YUNNANESE TROOPS.

February 28th.

In regard to the Yunnanese troops, is is stated that precautionary measure equivalent to a modified form of martist law have been adopted by the Tuchun Addt- Mok, to prevent disturbances. tional forces are being sent to the North ern borders From yesterday afternoon, the regular train service on the Canton Hankow Railways has been suspended by the Tuchun, as the trains were taken up' for the transportation of troops to Shiu- chow. Lotters and telegrams relating to the disputo are to be consored, as rumours are aprending. It is reported that several of the high officers of the 4th Division of the Yunnanese troops, who are opposing the Tuchan's order, have disappeared, And the Tuchun has appointed several of his followers to take their places, ROAD IMPROVEMENTS.

All the new maloos (roads) in Canton Senate a copy of the proposed agreement have been completed with the exception made in Paris between the Allied and of two, the Tai Ping and Fung Ning Associated Governments under which each Roads. In connection with the proposed is to retain as its own the "complete title building of a number of military ronde in to and the use of all ships captured on the the province, the Tachan has issued an “ seas and detained during the war as a war order that an examination will be held

measure

The agreement also provides that since shortly for the selection of a number of the ships to be retained by the United Surveyors and engineers for emyloyment States, Brazil, China, Cuba, and Siam on the project. Those who have been train- exceed their claims for merchant tonnage ed as engineers and surveyors are asked lost, the Commission shall determine a to send in their names within the next reasonable value for such excess and these forty days.·· countries shall pay such sums to the Com-SAN PUT AND POO PUI LOTTERIES. mission for credit to Germany in making. reparation for the war losses of merchant ships.

On the expiration of the Hung Tak Syndicate's concession a merchant ban applied to the authorities for sanction to

TAXI-CAB FARES AT HOME, continue the monopaly for a period

TH

HUME SECRETARY SANCTIONS

AN INCREASE. "

Loxboy, February 1st. In consequence of the owners' demands for higher fares, the Home Secretary has decided to sanction an all-round increase of 50 per cent. upon pre-war taxi-cob charges from March 16,

The decision cancels the war-time initial hiring charge of sixpence.

OBITUARY.

Now Yonx, February 21st. The Republican State Convention has unanimously adopted a programme which LORD RUSSELL, THE JOURNALIST will be the Republican keynote in the coming Presidential campaign,

LONDON, February 20th. After declaring against all forms of The death is announced of the well- violence and revolutionary agitation, the known journalist, Lord Russellde

[The deceased Peer is, perhaps better Programme favours immediate ratifica tion of the Treaty of Fence, with declara-nown as Sir Edward Russell, who for 49 tione making it clear that the United States yours was Editor of the Liverpool Daily Zetams unconditional rights to withdraw Post. "He was clevated to the Peerage about from the League of Nations on proper year ago.]

NORDENFELT THE INVENTOR LONDOS, February 21st The death is announced of Nordenfelt, the inventor of the famous Nordenfelt quick-firing gu

notice, that the United Staten asenmes no

inter-

If the scheme succeeded, Britain "will have, for some years, a large latent reserve of trained manhood and ampla war material Germany could not become formidable for a number of years, while France and Belgium, who were organising large military forces, were bound to Britain by tice of friendship and interest. which were, probably embodied in the

obligations to send American forces. shroad that the United States shalt not Nevertheless, Mr. Churchill continued military arrangements Therefore, tem

be drawn by operation of. Part Thirteen Britain has returned to the voluntary porarily, there was no imminent danger.

in Western Europe,

but the time.might

the Treaty into the, net spread by system, and will have, by April come when the revival of the military

Low, February 22ndenteínational Socialism. 220,000 White troops, a compared with strength of Germany or Germany and The question of the Turkish retention The programme favours an

Kuzsin

of Constantinople, which is arousing national conference meeting at stated 175,000 before the war, and will also have, drastic revision of the

arrangemente Conduding,

hill, again em-lively public interest, was the subject of intervals to consider the rules of inter- FAR EASTERN CABLE during the greater part of the year, phasised that Britain alone, among the many serous to-day

national law. 109,000 Indians.

nations, had abolished conscription which had resulted in the limitation of her mili tar power

have to do the best with the forces at our disposal to discharge our dutics to the Empire, and, should a great emergency arise, we must trust to the Fleet, and the Air Force to give us

time!! Mr. Churchill said, to bring the might the irresistible might, sa has been proved of Britain into the field."!

CONDITIONS IN THE EAST.

Discussing the increase in the array in <view of the removal of the German menace, Mr. Churchill thought it was idle to pretend that the pre-war army WM proportionate to the risk Britain ran or to bez important role. On the other band new and serious responsibilities, both temporary and permanent, were placed on Britain as a result of the war, while the whole Eastern world was in a state of extreme disquiet,

The additional temporary responsibile tics were on the Rhine, and in plebiscitaty Germany, Constantinople, Egypt, and North-West Persia. There were two im

responsibilities, portant permanent

Palestine and Mesopotamia, namely, where there were garrisons of 10,000 White troops and 13,000 Ladians as against .17,000 White and 44,000 Indian, troops Both warisons must be re respectively duced it either was to pag the way: Con idering the borders in the East, no relief could be expected until a real peace was made with furkey. He trusted that hav. ing dispersed the armies we will not now take steps of driving the Turkish people to despair or undertake new obligations, because our resources were not equal to their discharge,

#

MIDDLE LAST UNCERTAINTY. Mr. Churchill enumerated the factors of uncertainty in the Middle East; for instance, the Turkish reception of the Penca Treaty, Bolshevik aggression, effect of the Milner Commission on Egypt, termination of responsibilities in Con- stantinople; but he had decided to take nu optimistic view and provide for the reduc tion of the garrisons in the Middle East in 1920-21 to half the present strength,

The Irish Garrison was 35,000 as against 25,000 before the war.

Discussing the finance of the Estimates which totalled £125,000,000, Mr. Churchill pointed out that the costs had multiplied 2 times as compared with before the war, and resulted in less war power. Three or four years of detailed study will be needed to get the same value, v

ROLE OF AIR VORCE.

Mr. Churchill favoured a steady in crease in the Air Force at the expense of the Army and the Navy, but only in pro portion as the Air Force was able to dis- charge, day to day, the duties now per formed by the Army and the Navy,

Instancing the posibilities of the Air Force, Mr. Churchill drew attention to the Somaliland campaign. It was proposed, he said, to apply the same principle to Mesopotamia where the Air Force will be the principal agency in control, the mili- tory and the navy acting as auxiliaries,

VEDEVILÄPMENT IN TANKS........

Referring to the development in Tanks, Mr. Churchill mentioned the development in" speed and durability, adding that, although the Tank weighed thirty tons, the roads were not damaged. Anti-Tank warfare had, also, profoundly advanced, A new grenade had been devised, which could be dicharged from an ordinary rife and was capable of inflicting mortal injury to a tank-

right

GERMAN MILITARY STRENGTH BERLIN GOVERNMENT CARRYING

OUT TREATY.

LONDON, February 24th,

"LATEST GABLES.

The well-known preacher, Dr. F. B. Meyer suggested that the only safe course will be to apply to the Sultan the same policy as applied to the Pope, namely, to THE WAR ON BOLSHEVISM deprive him of all temporal power in

ROSTOV RETAKEN BY Europe, but allow him to remain in Con-

- VOLUNTEERS. stantinople as the supreme head of the spiritual interests of the Moslem, world. This will rid Europe of the presence of ajerpetual menace to its peace and meet the Moslem contention to retain Constan tople as its spiritual metropolia.

NEWS

· [TRÉOUGH RECZER'S 'AGENCY, I

TRADE. COMPETITION IN THE FAR EAST.

of 3 years, in return for a yearly pay- ment of $2,600,000. Besides this he pro- mises to pay an additional sum of $500,000 for military expenses. The members of the Provincial Assembly on hearing of the application recently took steps to oppose it.

"STUDENTS” AGITATION,

The seven students arrested a few days. ago for conducting a noisy demonstration have been released In regard to the students movements in Peking, the Ad- ministrative Directors of the Mliitary Government have telegraphed to the Pre mier in Peking requesting him to use. moderation "in dealing with the students whose actions are dictated by patriotia

motives, or they fear that the resulta

might prove disastrous, THE SHANTUNG QUESTION.

The authorities have received a tele- gram from the Peking Government stat ing that with a view to secure the best advice on dealing with the Shantung question the Government proposca to hold a conference in Peking-at which those with experience in foreign affairs will disease the subject. The Cara Brezenta- ties are asked to depute their representa2- tives to the conference.

NEW EWO BUILDING AT SHANGHAI.

The current issue of the Far Eastern Review contains a reproduction of a sketch of the magnificent offices, which aro to be erected in Shanghai for Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co, Ltd. It will be a five-storey building fronting on the Bund with two fanking wings running down Peking Road on the one side, sad LONDON, February 23rd.

on the private roadway next the Yangtem The War Office announce that the Volun teer Army on February 2nd, recaptured

Building on the other. The building will WASHINGTON, February 20th, Rostov and took 1,500 prisoners, capturing

be of reinforced concrete, faced with Mr. Alexander, the Secretary of Com granite, and is designed to permit the 20 gens and a quantity of war material.

merce, has issued a statement deploring addition of an extra, storey at some The architecta, Mesara. EARLIER CABLES.

EARLIER CABLES. the action of the Congressional Appro- future date.

priation Committee in cutting down the Stewardsan and Spence, have chosen, a NUMEROUS IMPORTANT IN THE POLONIA DISTRICT. appropriation for the foreign trade free rendering of modern Renaissance for

DECISIONS REACHED..

service from $1,858,000 demanded to their design. Building operations are to $190,000. WARSAW, February 21st.

commence as soon as the old building has. In the House of Commons, replying to

LONDON, February 21st The Bolsheviks have launched a long- questions, Mr. Churchill said he was of

He declared that it was scrapping the been torn down, work of demolition being opinion that the Peace Treaty arrange Council has resumed the discussion of Polonis in the province of Volsynia that American manufacturers were en-

It is officially stated that the Supreme trepared attack in the district of American trade machine at the very time now well under way ment regard the reduction of the German

The old building, which was erected in Army was generally adhered to, but the peace with Turkey, and that substantial Fierce fighting all day long resulted in countering almost overwhelming handicap 1950, was a Shanghai landmark, and its whole subject had to be watched daily by progress has been made. A number of the repulse of the Bolsheviks, despite their in the exchange rates, and England, passing, says the Far Eastern Review Japan, and Germany were redoubling recalls the great progress which has been the inter-Allied Commission, headed by important provisional decisions provid numerical superiority.

PULAND'S REPLY BEADY.

their efforts in the Far East... made in China since its early days. The Marshal Foch. He was confident that the 13 the ground-work of the Treaty bave

He nesorted that the Eastern markets Rev. G. E. Darwent, in his handbook on WARSAW, February 21st. Commission would safeguard the fall been reached.

would return thousandfold for every Shanghai, estimates the original cost of execution of the Treaty. Eitherto, there

The reply of the Polish Government to

the land at the time the old boug waż Bad been no recalcitrancy on the part of

Russia's pence offer will be ready in a dollar the Government spent.

He pointed out that the reduction in built to be about £500, and, writing: 0 the German Government who were carry-

few days, when it will be submitted to the appropriation meant the abolition of years ago, estimates its value at a million ing out to the best of their ability a

the London. Peace Conference, great many clauses which must be most

Firhe reply will insist on the illegality American Commercial Attaches and the sterling; and in the intervening years obnoxious to them.

of all three partitions of Poland, and pro-reduction of members of the American similar progress is indicated in the activities, of the arm of Ewo" (the pose a scheme for carrying the Polish Trade Commission. LONDON, February 23rd.

Chinese name for Messrs. Jardine's) In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Eastern frontier to the Drian and the

which the old building has housed. For Dniester The Poles, however, admit the Law, replying to Bir Ellis Hume-Williams subsequent right of the populations thus

example, here the plans for the first 'rail- said that no alteration was made in the included to self-determination if they

way in China were formulated and carri- ed into effect; cotton industries were con provision of the Peace Treaty for the repudiate Polish nationality. trial of war prisoners, and confirmed this

ceived and organised; shipping lines ex- morning's announcement that the Allie CZECHOSLOVAKIA'S DETER

MINATION.

panded and extended their routes; and had decided to postpone, temporarily, the PRAGUE, February Sist Sirry Pasha has again resigned. He is immediate execution of the provision.

the Shanghai branch of the firm of retiring from public life.

assured the House that the Allies intend The Foreign Minister state that Ozecho

Jardine's grew from an office with half- ed to make certam that all evidence Slovakia will not make separate peace

a-dozen employees to the great organiza tion with its many rumiscations which brought for the prosecution was properly with Russia. She will only set in accord

we know to day. The firm which has play- put before the Conft, and added that with the Allies.

ed so great a part in the progress of Leipzig was suggested ag the venue of the

Shanghai and will contine to hold its Court.

place in the future of China will be fittingly housed in the monumental xtrue- GENEVA, February 21st, ture which is now under way, although Dr. Wong, dedical Director of the many China residents will view with rent. Chinese Red Cross Society, in the first gret the demolition of the stately old building which has meant so much to Shanghai of the past.

EARLIER CABLES.

EGYFT.

RESIGNATION OF SIRRY PASHA

LONDON, February 21st.

DISTURBED IRELAND. MARTIAL LAW IN DUBLIN.

LONDON, February 21st. The Irish military authorities have decreed that after February 23rd every body must remain indoors in the Dublin Metropolitan District between midnight and five in the morning,

A NEW PEACE CONFERENCE STARTLING SUGGESTION FROM

AMERIQAMA

LONDON, February 21st, A telegram from New York says that Senator Joseph 1. France has introduced resolution in the Senate to convoke a new International Conference.

It provides for the President sending out invitation to threa delegates of all nations to meet at Washington in November for the purpose of settling world-wide reconsruction problems,

The resolution apparently proposes a now Peace Conference and is seemingly connected with the United States oppos. tion to granting the British Dominions. separato, voting power in the League of Nations and being involved in the pro tection of other States against aggressora

LATEST CABLES. TEIAL OF GERMANCRIMINALS

ATTITUDE OF THE ALLIES.

BARLIER CABLES.

PREPARATIONS PROCEEDING",

"APACE..

BRITISH OFFICERS MURDERED WITH KOLTCHAK.

LONDON, February 21st, The Morning Past, in the course of a leader, says it learns on good authority that four British officers were murdered with Admiral Koltabak

CHINESE DELEGATE TO RED CROSS LEAGUE.

DEMOBILISATION OF THE RED ARMY, LONDON, February 21st. The Morning Post correspondent in Copenhagen save that, on the eve of his departure for England, Mr. O'Grady was informed that the Soviet Government was ready to consent to the complete demobi delegate to arrive at the forthcoming lisation of the Red Army on the condition inaugural meeting of the General Council that the integrity of the frontiers of of the League of Red Cross Societies. Soviet Russia were guaranteed by the Entento,

BELLE February 21st Preparations are proceeding for the trial of accused Germans The Leipzig Court will be composed of seven judges. Meanwhile, the so-called Justiciaries CONCESSIONS TO ENTENTE Commission in Paris, which is inves tigating questions in this connection, has selected a number of dossiers, containing overwhelming evidence, for dispatch to Germany.

THE CROWN PRINCES 8URBENDER

ALLIES WILL DISREGARD TELEGRAM,

LONDON, February 91st.

A telegram from Paris anys that the Allies have decided not to reply to the telegram which has been received from the Crown Prince offering to surrender.

CAPITALISTS. "

Conversations took place between Mr. Urady and M. Litvinoff concerning commomo conditions to be established in those industrial and agricultural enter prises which will form the concessions to be given to Entente expitalista de

Conversations also took place concern ing a possible modification of the Soviet system of Government

VANGERMAN STRATEGY AN February 21st

COPENHAGEN,

M. Litvinoff, asserts that Germany is entertaimag 6.plan to involve Poland in a war with Soviet Eustis with a view to taking the opportunity to reconquer the Jost Eastern Provinces.

FIERCE STRUGGLE ON THE AMUR.

LONDON, February 21st. A Moscow, wireless message says that, the insurgents, supported by Chintec, are fighting the Japanese on the Amur, The Whites have reinforced the Japaness and a force struggle is raging.

NEW TIMY STARTS.

Carzo, February 2nd.

MYSTERIOUS EPIDEMICS.

We extract the following paragraphs from the issue of the Peking Daily News of the 19th inst.

A mysterious epidemic is reported from Northern Shens in which the patient generally shows symptoms of lung trouble. Over 400 deaths have been reported in a single city, Yuling.

A virulent epidemis has been taking over the whole district of Ili, in Chinee Turkestan, whore about five thousand persons are reported to have already The new Vickers-Vimy aeroplane, to succumbed to it. Many of the soldiers which the engines and other equipment of sad officers of the troops stationed on the the Silver Queen have been transferred, Northern frintiers of Tarkenfup have also started for Kkartam early this morning. been infected by this viraleak direnze.