1921-02-10 — Page 7

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY, 10TH, 1921.

PREMIER'S "TERRIBLE

TASK":

MR. LLOYD GEORGE AND HIS CRITICS:

THE

GERMAN REPARATIONS

QUESTION:

IMPORTANT DISCUSSION IN FRENCH CHAMBER

SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTIONS.

A TRIUMPÈ FOR GENERAL SMUTS.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] THE LONDON CONFERENCE. GERMAN GOVERNMENT AGREES TO PARTICIPATE.

LONDON, February 7th. The date of the Reparations Conference in London has been changed to March 1st.

BERLIN, February 8th.

The Government bus accepted the in- vitation to participate in the London Con- ference, and has added that it supposes thegotiations will include the discus sion of counter-proposals.

SHARP DIVISION OF OPINION IN GERMANY.

LONDON, February 8th."

A sharp division is manifesting itself in Germany over the reply to the Allied Note on reparations and disarmament. The Bavarian Premier, Dr. von Kahr, has re- turned to Munich from the conference of German State Premiers in Berlin, which was unable to agree with regard to the proposal of Bavaria, which is still unwill ing to disarm.

Meanwhile, Paris anticipates that the German acceptance of the invitation to the conference to be held on March 1st will be surrounded with so many condi- tions as to be tantamount to a refusal. IMPORTANT DEBATE IN FRENCH CHAMBER.

PARIS, February 9th. The Chamber resumed the debate on M. Briand's speech on the Paris Agreement There was an atmosphere of tension das to M. Briand's admission in reply to oritic before the adjournment that the agreement is tantamount to a rebatejof thirty-five per centum in France's claims under the treaty of Versailles, and France in the next decade must borrow internally from ten to twelve milliards of francs yearly.

ex

|

PREMIER ENGAGED IN +4 A TERRIBLE TASK.”

"DOING HIS BEST FOR THE

• COUNTRY."

GERMANY'S MERCANTILE

FLEET.

273 STEAMERS OFFERED FOR SALE

LONDON, February 8th."

IMPORTANT NAVAL EXPERIMENTS. EK-GERMAN BATTLESHIP SUNK.

LONDON, February HE. All the speamers allotted to the British The ex-German battleship Boden vae Empire by the Peace Treaty have now sunk on the ledge between the Isle of been advertised, except thirty-eight Wight and the mainland during gunnery, steamers and twelve sailing ships intern torpedo and aerial bombing experiments ed in South American ports. These are to test the stability of German construc now being repaired. The total advertion and the present value of capital tised has been 273 steamers, four ships.

The Baden will be satred for sailing ships and 94 trawlers, aggregating:

further experiments. approximately two million tons, of which

AMERICAN EXPERIMENTS *** 145 steamers, four sailings ships and two- trawlers, aggregating 924,029 tons have been sold.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AT OXFORD.

A KING OF GOOD FELLOWS."!

BRITISH TRADE.

BIG DECREASES.

2

LONDON, February 8th. The Board of Trade retures show the decrease of $13,000,000 compared, with exports in January at £99,750,000; January of 1920; and the imports st £117,000,000, a decrease of £66,950,000.

far,750,000.

Imports of raw cotton decreased by

LONDON, February 8th. Oxford is jubilant and flag-bedecked to-day the occasion being a visit by ER.. the Prince of Wales to his old college. Mugdalen, to lay a wreath on the Magdalen war memorial, to unveil a tablet to the memory of the fallen, and to receive the degree of DC.L. in the-machinery, 24,230,000; tron and steal The principal increases in exportS THERO: Sheldonian Theatre. Town and Gown manufactures, £2,500,000; and "vehicles, combined to welcome the Prince. Cheer including locomotives, £4,730,000," ing crowds lined the streets and hundreds The decreases inexports-included- CONTEMPLATED.

of, women stadents mingled with the then-£7,000,000 in cotton goods and £3,500,000 Great Britain is not alone in experimenting sands of men seeking admission to the in woollens. with German battleships. It appears that theatre, which was packed. THE POLISH PRESIDENT IN the Americans have also arranged a mimic

The Public Orator, Mr. A. D. Godley, 1,700,000 tons, valued at £5,585,000, com

The exports of contamounted battle in which the ex-German battleship read an address of welcome and delivered pared with 3,388,000 tons valued at Ostfriesland will be used as a target. It an oration in English, and not, as is £11,342,000 in January, 1920. The importa is reported that Mr. Daniels, Secretary of usual, in Latin, because none but our of sugar were 1,819,000 owts. compared the Navy, is so confident that a warship language would cope with the falness of with 2,930,000 cwts in 1920. ban safely dodge aerial bombs that he our hearts." He congratulated the

.

FRANCE.

THE FRANCO-POLISH ENTENTE.

PARIS, February 8th.

LATER.

M. Pilsudski, who is receiving every-

ANOTHER AMERICAN

ACCEPTS PEERAGE.

WILL RECALLED.

i

pro-

The export of gold was £8,504,000 com

ta.

OF LIVING IN GREAT

BRITAIN.

FURTHER REDUCTIONS

ANTICIPATED."

The Paris Municipality and University has volunteered to command the Ostfries Prince upon his return from his travela pared with £9,338,000 in 1990, including Marechal Pilsudski, head of the Polish leading critic, General Mitchell, Chief of).displayed a power of emotional sympathy to British India, and £172,000 to China. State The French and Polish Govern-Air Operations pilets the bombiry aero- among varied, types of peoples amounting

American naval experts appear to genius. By the part he played in the war COST ments have made public a joint declara plane. tion reasserting the community of interest to believe that bombing alone is in his name would ever be associated with uniting the two nations. They are equally effective.

epoch-making events in our history. The Public Orator evoked wild acclamations desirous of preserving the peace of Europe and safeguarding their own

when referring to the hero of Agincourt, security, and both Governments agree to

Prince Hal. in Shakespeare's words, as co-ordinate their efforts to that end and

the "King of good fellows, and applying remain in close touch for the protection SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE'S STRANGE phetic of yourself, his living descendant."

the phrase to the Prince. às

Losnos, February 8th. of their interests.

Fears that the recent encouraging fall His Royal Highness replied briefly, ex-in the cost of living will be only tem pressing his pride in being an Oxford man,porary are allayed by Mr. McCurdy, who NEW YORK, February 8th. He congratulated the University upon points out that the drop is world-wide Besides Lord Lyndhurst and Lord Fair- its progressiveness in including women

Food alone has fallen 9 per ceat, and fax, a third American has now been added amongst its students and said he was glad the cost of living generally which ha to the British Peerage by the decision of to see so many present. He referred to dropped ten points in January, is now the Hon. Edmund Roche to accept the the wonderful welcome he was necorded 178 compared with 101 on November 1st. Barony of Fermoy, to which he succeeded on his recent tour, saying that he owed Further reductions are anticipated. on the death of his father last year. the greatest debt to the Empire and bad

SOAP PRICES. It is recalled that his mother's father, now the opportunity of repaving a trag self-made millionaire, angered at the ment of it by welcoming the under- divorce of Edmund's father, left £600,000 | graduates from the Dominions and Colo-

GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE URGES each to Edmund and his twin brother on nies. He was delighted to know that

REDUCTION condition that they became American their numbers were increasing, and he citizens and never visited England, but hoped that when they returned they would the Law Courta upset the conditions. tell prospective "freshmen" out there and

what a good place, Oxford was. They TRANSHIPMENT OF LIQUOR could be certain that Oxford would not

VIA AMERICA ILLEGAL.

LONDON, February 5th. The fact that Mr. Lloyd George at West minster to-day privately conferred with the executive of the Welsh National Liberal Council is seized upon by anti-Gov- ernment papers, which allege that he is perturbed about his waning popularity in Wales, especially the result of the election in Cardiganshire, Lord St. Davids pre- where the warmest welcome, had a lorg sided. The speech of Mr. Lloyd George at the conference has been published. In interview with M. Millerand. The papers this he said it was impossible for him to are emphasizing the historical bounds of travel the country defending himself. He France and Poland. M. Pilsudski and was engaged in a terrible task. He asked the Polish Foreign Minister, M. Sapieha whether Welsh Liberalism would stand have had several interviews. It is stated by national unity or revive party faction that Poland is aiming, above all, at a fights, disregarding the great world issues. lasting peace. He would sign his resignation to-morrow

A VISIT TO VERDUN. if they thought the peril was past. He alluded to certain Liberals" who were mocking and nagging those who were. doing their best.

GRAVE INTERNATIONAL ÁSPECT,

Mr. Lloyd George warned them of the international aspect in connection with a change of Government Whether Mr. Asquith, Mr. Bottomley, Lord Northcliffe, or Lord Robert Cecil was chosen, the change would imply disagreement over present policy. What would his successor say as regards Japan, Belgium, Turkey and Greece The overthrow of the Gov- ernment policy on any of those issues- for example, renunciation of the indem- nity, or returning Christian populations to Turkish yoke-certainly would not be a Liberal policy.

LIBERALISM SAVED FROM

"ETERNAL DAMNATION."

LATER.

M. Pilsudski in the company of M. Barthou, the French War Minister, Mar shal Petain and a number of high officials

visited war scarred Verdon and the battle Gelds around the city, to which in the name of the Polish Government he award. ed the Polish Military Cross.

1) 19

M. Pilaudaki departed to-night for Warsaw.

SURPRISING SWISS DECISION PASSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL DETACHMENT REFUSED.

mit

PARIS, February 8th The higher authorities of the Lengus of Nations are surprised at the decision of the Swiss Federal Council not to per- the international detachment of Mr. Lloyd George declared that by troops to traverse Switzerland to Vilna throwing in its lot to work hard for the in order to superintend the proposed country now Liberalism would be saved Polish-Lithuanian plebiscite. It ap flotz, a former Minister of Finance, from eternal damnation. He asserted pears that the Council regarded the part denounced the financial results of the

that the Home Rule Act was more liberal at unties and Balgas on pa agreement and demanded precise than any over proposed. The Sinn Fainers cularly unnecessary. The decision, is planations of the amount receivable by said they must have an Irish army and meant to bind a similar future applica France; also on the subject of Anglo- navy. They would not get it. He de tion, The Secretary-General of the American assistance for France as reclared that he would be proud if Cardigan League will probably protest against the sarda her foreign debit. He declared it shire gave him confidence in the hour of impossible for the Chamber to consider difficulty, when he was doing his best for new taxation before it was assured that the country. He was very amused at the the German system of taxation had been references to a forthcoming general reformed, and thus the French taxpayer would not be subjected to the burden of election in the newspapers which gave paying interest on sums the vanquished him instructions daily at the breakfast table. They had arranged the matter owed to France.

well, for the weather would be finer a few

M. Briand insisted that the principal advantage of the Paris conference was the establishment of agreement among the Allies. He insisted on a vote of -confidence to enable him to continue the negotiationa.

FRANCE AND THE GERMAN ANNUITIES.

PARIS, February 6th, -

A Havas message states:- In a speech in the Chamber of Deputies M. Briand expressed the belief that the annuities to be received from Germany will materially help. France out of her present difficulties. In a few years the situation will again be satisfactory. Meap while, France will rely on her own re- sources as much as possible.

"NO FURTHER CONCESSIONS." PARIS, February 7th.

months hence.

Sir William Sutherland, interviewed as regards the attacks on the Coalition, said that the Government was entering a new session with as firm a saddle as when Parliament adjourned, since when there had been no material changes in the situation.

1

NAVIGATION OF THE RHINE. AGREEMENT BETWEEN HOLLAND AND THE ALLIES.

THE HAGUE, February 8th. It is officially announced that the Allies and Holland have reached complete agree- with reference to the Peace Treaty articles concerning navigation of the Rhine. A bill in this connection is being

draited.

BELGIAN CONCESSION TO GERMANS.

BRUSEELS, February 8th.

A Havas mesange states:- In an article in Le Temps, ex-President Poincare, examining the results of the recent conference in Paris, and the pros pects of the coming conference in London,

A semi-official report states that, fol writes: "We must in London make lowing similar action by Great Britain, Arrangements for completing the work Belgium has waived her rights to seize of the Paris Conference. We must make certain German property in the event of our Allies understand that, regarding redefault parations, we cannot possibly go further in the way of concessions." M. Poincare writes further that it has been to all French citizens a matter of great satis faction to see that the Faris Conference bas resulted in a further tightening of the bonds of the Entente Cordiale.

AN-TTALIAN VIEW.

ROME, February 7th. In the Senate, Signor Sforza, reviewing the reparations decision, was dubious of Germany's capacity to pay, as Germany had avoided furnishing the necessary data, but it was noteworthy that, whereas

NEAR EAST CONFERENCE

CONSTANTINOPLE, February 8th. The Angora Government announces that the Nationalist mission to the Near East conference to be held in London. has departed. It requests an adjourn- ment of the conference owing to possible delay in the arrival of the mission.

BELGIAN BUDGET.

DEFICIT OF 4 MILLIARDS.

BRUSSELS, February 8th.

the financial conditions. of Germany were In the Chamber the Minister of Fin continually worsening and threatening aance announced that, in spite of consid- serious crisis, economic conditions were erable reductions recently elected, the thowing a tendency to regain their former Budget deficit' ie 44 milliards. flourishing condition. THE GERMAN COUNTER-PROPOSALS SOVIET TRADE DELEGATES.

SUGGESTION.

PARIB, February 9th. Regarding the passage in the German Note with reference to the discussion of counter-proposals, it is understood that the Germans will be heard in conformity with their Treaty rights, and if they sub mit fresh suggestions carrying, out the. Paris agreement it is possible these will be examined, but if the Germans attempt to refer to the question of the principles of this agreement, the Allies will certainly

TO TRAVEL IN CLOSED CARRIAGES

AND NOT TO STOP.

decision.

UNITED STATES · ARMY.

PRESIDENT'S. VETO OVER-RULED

BY THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON, February 7th. The Senate also again passed, over the President's veto, the joint resolution of Congress stopping recruiting until the army is reduced to 175,000..

WASHINGTON, February 8th. The acting Attorney-General has de cided that the transhipment of liquor from one country to another vid the United States is illegal.

GOODYEAR RUBBER : CO."

FINANCES ARRANGED..

New Yong. February 8th. - The readjustment of the Goodyear Rubber Company's finances has been ar ranged, comprising the issue of $35,000,000 worth of preference stock and mortgages of $50,000,000 at 8 per cent.

SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTIONS. THE PRINCIPAL ISSUE.

,་

fail them.

CANADIAN POLITICS. GENERAL ELECTION SUGGESTED.

MONTREAL, February 5th... In consequence of the Liberal, Mr. Gordon, defeating the Government can- didate by a majority of a thousand in the Federal by-election for West Peter- boro, Ontario the Ministerialist Montreal Gazette urges a general election.

MRS. SPEAKER. VICTORIA, British Columbia, Feb. 8th. The Premier has nominated Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith for the speakership of the Assembly, assuring her election." NEW COMMONWEALTH LOAN.

FLOATED IN LONDON AT 65 PER CENT.

with interest at 6 per cent. The under writers take up se per cent., quoted at

per cent, discount.

TROTSKY'S ALLEGED

INTENTIONS.

·JAPANESE" NEUTRALITY NECES. SARY. FOR SOVIET WAR IN NEAR EAST,

+]

LONDON, February 7th. That the price of the best household soap should not exceed Sid. per lb., in- stead of 10d., and that the prices of other soaps should be proportionately lower than at present is the conclusion of the Sub Committee on the Soap Industry appoint- ed by the Standing Committee on Trusts.. The Sub-Committee declares that the Lever combine dominates "the United Kingdom Soap Manufacturers' Associa tion and is in a position substantially to determine the price at which soap shall be sold in Great Britain. The report re cognises that prices have not been raised to the highest possible, but urges a redne tion in price so that the profit will not exceed 10 per cent. It adds that Parlia ment should authorise the Board of Trade. to exercise surveillance over trade com binations in Britain.

THE IMPORT OF NEWSPRINT IN AMERICA..

A SUGGESTED TAX..

WASHINGTOR, February 8th. The delegation of publishers opposed cabled yesterday, on the ground Ameri the newsprint manufacturers' request, can forests are so depleted that no trata can possibly expand the industry.

The delegation of newsprint manufac turers requested the House of Representa tives Legislation Committee to introduce a bill taxing foreign newsprint, except that from Canada, at the rate of $15 per ton. The delegation pointed out that newsprint from Scandinavia and Holland could be sold in the United States below, the cast of production, owing to the exchange situation.]

CAPETOWN, February 7th, On the eve of the South African elections, which take place on the 8th

LONDON, February 8th.- inst.. and in which the chief isade relates in London for £5,000,000 issued at £06 A Commonwealth loan has been floated to the maintenance of the Imperial com nection, the Rt. Hon. Lieut-General Smith has issued a stirring appeal for support for the South African party and in denunciation of the Nationalists' policy of secession. He says that in the form of the constitutional question secession. raises the most fundamental issues of life in South Africa and reopens the old Republican question which deluged the A message a few days ago stated that country with blood; also raises the the House of Representatives had requestion of national honour and good passed the joint resolution. President faith, the nationalist-propaganda Wilson, giving the reasons for his veto, stands," he says, we shall so a crop testation which M. Chicherin's notes have THE PETROLEUM QUESTION stated that he was unable to see in the of reial distrust and be committing furnished, a Helsingfors newspaper gives condition of the world generally, or in the supreme crime against young. South needs of the United States any change Africa, which is being born in the threes justifying restriction of the minimum of common sufferings and sacrifices." enlised strength fixed at 280,000 by the Army Re-organisation Bill]

THE COMPLETE CESSATION OF RECRUITING ORDERED."

CAPETOWE, February 8th.

The earliest election results show little change as regards parties, but a great increase in the South African Party's Toll.

WASHINGTON, February 8th. GENERAL SMUTS THOUGHT TO

cessation of recruiting for the Army in Mr. Baker has ordered the complete

accordance with the resolution of: Con-

one.

HAVE A WORKING MAJORITY.

CAPETOWN, February 8th.

STOCKHOLM, February 8th. In contrast to the Soviet's pacífic pro-

an account of a Moscow Soviet meeting at which Trotzky is alleged to have

IN MEXICO. PRESIDENT'S GRAVE WORDS TO CONGRESS.

declared in favour of a continuance of lions, the delaying of peace with Poland, war preparation, an army of two mil- and the concentration of troops on the west of the European frontiers.

MEXICO CITY, February 8th. "Japan

President O'Bregon appeared before must not be irritated as long as she ia Congress and urged the immediate solu

tien of the Petroleum Question which, e said, had assumed a grave international Aspect. He asserted that the conflict of

imperilling Mexico's-

or

WILS

hestar, when the Soviet begins wer

necessary in the Near East." EGYPTIAN POLITICAL UNREST interests. The first 40 election results give tho ss. It is estimated that it will require the 8.A. (South African Party) twelve

autonomy. nine month to reduce the Army to gains, Labour one, and the Nationalists

CAIRO, February 7th." 175,000.

The Government has closed down, the MEXICAN BOMB OUTRAGE. secondary schools throughout the country CAPETOWN, February 8th. MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S STATEMENT.

NEW YORK, February 7th The latest election results give the until a guarantee is given that they will

A message from Mexico City states that WASHINGTON, February 8th. South African Party 39 seats represent not be used for political purposes. Giving evidence before the Senata ing again of 14 as compared with the Egyptian beadmaster in expelling the Reds early in the morning, wrecked the This is a sequel to the action of an bombs, supposed to have been placed by Judiciary Committee and discussing Mr. Inst election. Labour fine won eight ringlender of the students at Abbasia house of Archbishop Mora and end the Chamberlain's statement, Mr. Houston seats, representing a gain of two, the admitted that one nation had requested Nationalists six seats, again of three School, in Alexandria, who absented cas jewellery factors. There were no America to cancel its luan but did not and one Independent has been cleate of the Nationalist delegation's retura preached against Bolshevism, whilst the themselves without leave on the occasion | casualties. The Archbishop recently specify which nation.

The resulta are regarded as unexpectedly from Paris, whereupon a sympathetic jeweilers have had trouble with their good in favour of General Smuts.

dinister of Justice (De Wet) was de strike broke out in the schools through feated by a small margin of votes. The out the country, political wiseacres are convinced that General Smuts now has a good working majority.

UNITED STATES" NAVY.

TEMPORARY CESSATION OF

BUILDING:00

WASHINGTON, February 8th. The naval committee of the Senate has, reported negatively upon Senator Borah's ['resolution, cabled on January 28th, asking" the Committee for information whether it is advisable or feasible to suspend Ameri can naval building for six months.

U.S, VICE-PRESIDENT TO VISIT EUROPE.

WASHINGTON, February 7th

SOUTH WEST AFRICA.

THE MANDATE FOR ITS

ADMINISTRATION

The

The

SUGGESTED RETURN OF THE HAPSBURGS.

WARNING BY THE ALLIES.

employes.

MEXICO'S FINANCIAL

OBLIGATIONS.

NEW YORK BANKERS TO CO- OPERATE IN READJUSTMENT.

New Youx, February 8th The Mexican Charge d'Affaires visited the bankers Speyer, who afterwards. issued a statement promising to co- Perate with the present Mencan Gov- rnment in the task of readjusting Mexico's financial obligation upon which

LONDON, February 9th. The agitation of the Hapsburg-parti- BLOs in favour of the return of the ex- LONDON, February 9th. Emperor Karl to Budapest na king has The text of the South-West Africa evoked a reafirmation by the British mandate is published. It is provided. High Commissioner at Budapest that the that the territory shall become Allics are firmly opposed to the return integral portion of the Union. Forced of the Hapsburgs to the Hungarian labour will not be permitted except on Throne, since Hungary always has been an interest will be paid for six years. essential public works for adequate pay stronghold of the selfish ambitions of the The supply of intoxicants to natives is Hapsburgs Vice-President Marshall and bis wife prohibited. The military training of cians in Hungary declare that Hungary' Meanwhile serious politi leave for Europe, in May.

natives is not permitted except for local very existence demands the discontinu defence No military or naval base for ance of the agitation on the Throne AMERICAN RAILROAD WAGES.

This question, mandate applies to Samos, Nsuru and the PRESIDENT WILSON BEFUSES

-German islands of the Pacific south LABOUR UNIONS" INVITATION. of the equatur, including New Guines.

VIRULENT INFLUENZA ON A MOTOR-SHIP.

tifications are to be constructed. HELSINOTORS, February 8th.

On__condition that "they""proceed in a closed carriage and do not stop en route, the Soviet Trade delegation to Stockholm will be permitted to cross Finland.

BOMBAY MILL STRIKE

ENDED

BOMBAY, February Oth." The striking wesvern at the Century mill have resumed work unconditionally

WASHINGTON, February 7th President Wilson has refused. the re“. quests of representatives of the Railroad Labour Unions that he should investigate the claim of the Bailway Companies? executives that they must either adjust wages or face bankruptcy,

BRISHANE February 9th.

THE SOCIALISATION OF INDUSTRY.

"AN "AGITATION IN CHILE.

SANTIAGO DE CHILE, February 8th. The Government have sent troops 'and The motor-ship Ballerzem, from Gothen-warships to maintain order in the salt- burg ne Java, in quarantined vifà & petre region where the workers are Lamber of virulent influenza cases aboard. agitating for the socialisation of industry.

NEW GREEK CABINET, PREMIER TO HEAD DELEGATION

'TO LONDON,

ATHENS, February 7th. The new Cabinet has been constituted. with M. Kalogeropoulos as premier and foreign minister, M. Gounaris as minister of war, and M. Theotokis, minster of justice M. Kaloperopoulos is heading the Greek delegation to London.

ATHING, February 8th, The National Assemply has voted for Constituent Assembly by acclamation.

"(Continued on page 8.)