1921-04-07 — Page 5

Page

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,⠀

Government control for

moath im-

COAL STRIKE CRISIS: practicable and repudiated the suggestion

il.

TRANSPORT WORKERS DECIDE ON SUPPORTING MINERS ::

PREMIER ASKS FOR RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS.

BRITAIN'S MESOPOTAMIA OILFIELD CLAIMS:

LORD CURZON'S REPLY TO UNITED STATES” OBJECTIONS

RE-OPENING OF SIBERIAN MAIL. ROUTE.

LATEST VABLES.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] MINERS' STRIKE CRISIS. ME. LLOYD GEORGE DESIRES RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS.

Loxos, April 6th.

It is officially announced that Mr. Lloyd George has written to the President of the Mining Association and the Secretary of the Miners' Federation asking them to resume negotiations.

-MINERS FEDERATION TO MEET

OWNERS.

London, April 6th. The Miners' Federation has decided to meet the representatives of the Govern

ment and the mine-owners.

THE DIE IS CAST BY TRANSPORT

WORKERS.

LONDON, April 6th. The transport workers conference, to- day, decided to support the minera, and Immediately to negotiate with the rail waymen and miners with a view to Tríple Alliance action.

that this wax, a first attack on wages, again quoting the caso of Bouth York- shire. He concluded by dwelling on the country's difficult industrial position, saying every trade was suffering alike. He urged the miners to bour the difcul- ties like others and await more prosper- ous times. He hoped the miners, profit ing by the opportunities of reflection since the stoppage, were now readier to negotiate than they were last week.

„DATE OF DE-CONTROL,

Alr. Clynes inquired why the date of control of coal was suddenly brought forward to March 31st, when it was on the statute book that control would con-. tinue to August 31st. Negotiations wore progressing, when suddenly something occurred, breaking them down. The minore did not reject the possibility of a dîtainution of wages, but it would have to be on a uniform percentage. New plans for the rescue of-mining must be dovised. The owners proposals, ap parently supported by the Government, would throw back the industry to pre war conditions (Labour cries

of [** Worse"), -He urged that control be ed the Premier that it was he who first began to tell the workmen that they would be audacious if they united so as to be able to held what they won by the

Stanley Holmes urged the forma It was learned to-night that the opposition of a committee of three business tion to drastic action is becoming stronger. Kensington Gardens have been cloped to the public. During the railway strike, part of Hyde Park and adjacent Kensington Gardens were used as a great milk-distributing depot, and apparently preparations are being made to establish a similar depot.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH, 1981.

LATEST CABLES. MESOPOTAMIAN OIL. LORD CURZON'S REPLY TO UNITED STATES.

| BARDIER JABLES. AMERICA AND VERSÄILLES TREATY. PRESIDENT HARDING'S ATTITUDE.

FAR EASTERN CABLE NEWS.

MAILS THROUGH RUSSIA FOR FAR EAST.

itazováн BEʊter's agengt.] »

LONDON, April 6th. States Note regarding the Mesopotamian that he was convinced that there was no

Lord Curzon's reply to the United

WASHINGTON, April 5th. President Harding, interviewed, stated| LONDON G.P.O. ANNOUNCEMENT. oilfields is published as a White Paper. practical way in which the Government It maintains the validity of the rights could consider ratification of the Treaty acquired by the British Government, be of Versailles, but there was no need for cause before the war the Turkish, Gov- ernment granted the lease of the oilfields tion. There was no reason for reversing precipitate action on the Knox resolu. in the Bosal and Baghdad Vilayots to the position he adopted when he voted the Turkish Petroleum Company the for the resolution. Capital of which was British and Ger-

man.

The German interests were liquidated in war time, and have been now allotted to the French Government in return for facilities by which ail will be enabled to reach the Mediterranean.

AMERICA'S GRIEVANCE

PARIS, April 5th. According to the Echo de Paris, the United States has forwarded a Note to Great Britain, France, and Italy declin- The reply states that there is no in- ing to be bound by, the Treaty of Ver- tention, through the Anglo-French agree sailles or the decisions of the League of cat, of discriminating against Ameri-Nations, and complaining that the Allies can, and other nationals, and contends have shared out the ex-German Colonics, that the British group should not be including the island of Yap, without con- deprived of the fruits of its enterprise sulting America. owing to the war, without which they oilfields.

OPPOSITION TO DRASTIC. ACTION: continued for three months and remind would long since have been working the seeking to establish the serious principle

יי'

LATER. The prospects of seeking unanimity at to-morrow's resumed Conference of trans- port workers are believed to be remote.

MR HAVELOCK WILSON CAUSER

SENSATION.

LONDON, April 6th. The country, is eagerly awaiting to night's debate in the House of Commons, in the hope that suggestions with a view growing opinion in support of the pro to peace will emerge therefrom. There is posal that an extended period of State control of the mines will prove a way out. Lord Derby, addressing the Liyer pool Chamber of Commerce to-day, urged that State control be continued for an other month.

There is nu development of the report ed opening of informal peace negotiations between the Government and the miners leaders. The attitude of the latter and the Triple Alliance is criticised not PITCHED BATTLE BETWEEN

merely by Mr. Bromley but by Mr. Have lock Wilson, who caused a sensation nt POLICE AND· STRIKERS.

the Transport Workers Conference, which Lospos, April 8th. was private, by a speech denouncing the The under-manager refused to cease miners' demand for a subsidy and declar. working the pumps at Cowdenbeath, nearing that the scamen were not making any Danfermline. He was captured and fuss about the reductions with which they severely mauled by a mob of strikers. were threatened and had not asked the He was eventually rescued by a large Triple Alliance for help. The speech was force of police.. Conflicts between the received with expressions of disapproval police and the strikers developed, at mid from many delegates, but it made a con night, into a pitched battle. There were siderable impression. The representa many casualtios, among tho strikera, tives of the stevedores at the Conference

The street lighting, was dislocated, and notably opposed strike action. the town was in darkness, a me

It is announced that Army leave in DEBATE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. the United Kingdom has been stopped.

The minors' hops of getting unemploy ment dole has been dashed to earth by the courts of referees in Coalville, Pontypridd and Wigan dismissing their claims, which were regarded as test cases, in the appeal on behalf of miners.

It is noticed that all racing this week has been abandoned.

Lesbos, April 5th.„.

WAT

and threys non-mining Labour leaders with a view to finding means to reopen the negotiations.

NK. · ASQUITH'S SUGGESTION, Mr. Asquith said he was convinced that the miners had not embarked on this struggle from motives of mere passion, yet he almost completely agreed with Sir Robert Horne's remarks with regard to the cessation of control, and the fin- ancial and industrial impossibility of calling on the taxpayed to maintain solvent any particular industry by a subsidy. The root of the trouble lay wages on a national er district basis in distinguishing between regulating He urged that a further exploration of these principles might prove that the differences were not udbridgeable, with the evolution of a scheme involving a gradual reduction of wages. Meanwhile preliminary to such discussion, the life of the mines must be preserved.

ATTITUDE OF ORGANISED LABOUN

&

Lord Curzon's reply emphasises the fact that the Anglo-French agreement is as valid as the Standard Oil Company's con- cessions ia Palestine. It had adapted the pre-war arrangements to the existing conditions. The Htish Government has dot acted in any selfish, monopolistic spirit, but has consulted the best inter- ests of the future Arab State, who will not be precluded from enjoying the full benefit of ownership by prescribing condi- tious on which the oil-fields should be developed.

Lord Curzon concludes that in view of the fact that the American soil produces 70 per cent, of the world's-oil and an additional 12 per cent. is controlled by American interests in adjoining terrie tories, it is not easy to justify the United States Government's contention that American control should be extended to the subjects of another State, who obtain- mandated territories at the expense of ed valid concessions, while developing the oil industry in the Philippines is con fined to Americans, and the United States has cancelled all oil concessions to British subjects in Harti and Costa Rien.

P. & O. DIVIDEND.

'ON DEFERRED STOCK.

Mr. J. H. Tholnas said the miners were being offered a wage equivalent to pre-war 188, weekly, Every decent em

LONDON, April 6th. ployer should rebel against such a wage The Peninsular and Oriental Steam He deplored the talk of a fight to the Navigation Company has declared an in- finish, did that at the moment thetarim dividend at the rate of 12 per cent." odds over helmingly favoured the disper annum en Deferred Stock, tax free, putereating. The wagen offered the for the six months ended March 31st, last.

nors justified them in saying "We prefer to starve to death than to work to death," and that view would be back. TO ed by organised labour. Mr. Thomas added: We will support the workman in refusing a starvation wage."

In coarse of the debute, the miners' leader undertook to have all the pit ponies still down immediately brought up.

PEENIEE'S REPLY.

EXPLOIT SPITZBERGEN

COAL MINES."

NEW DUTCH VENTURE.

LONDON, April 8th. A Botterdam message states that a Dutch Spitzbergen Company, capitalised at seven million guilders, has been form- minerais in Spitzbergen. ed to exploit the coalfields and other

JUTE MILLS STRIKE. TEN THOUSAND COME OUT.

CALCUTTA, April 9th. Ten thousand men have come out on strike in the jute mills in the Howrah

The coal debate in the House of Com mons was opened by Mr. Chamberlain had been a demand for the decontrol of Mr. Lloyd George declared that there moving a humble address to His Majesty all industries and that the subsidising thanking him for his gracious message of any great industry was completely that he declared the existence of a state indefensible. Such a subsidy was special- of emergency,

Commander Kenworthy and a few indefensible having regard to the Labourites wanted to challenge divisiony taxation and the condition of the exchequer, and the continuation of 'con- on this point, but the motion was passed trol to August 31st would have meant BARLIER CABLES.

without debato and without a division."

Sir Robert Horne, speaking. on

a national loss of a hundred millions, a the UGLY SITUATION IN SCOTLAND.

burden which no Government would be district.. motion as regards emergency powers, em- phasised the seriousness of the coal stop burdened taxpayer in order to pay wages justified in placing upon the over Loypos, April 6th.

CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP. While no further incidents in England flicker of reviving trade. Nobody could reason to suppose that month's arten. page, which had extinguished that first or pay mining profits. There was, NO

RESULT OF EIGHTH MATCH. or Wales have been reported, an ugly say when the flicker would be re-lighted.sion of control would have avoided situation is developing in Scotland.

There were shouts of disacct from the Pipers headed bands of miners at Laven Labourites, and counter-cheers from the stoppage. The Government was ready to

HAVANA, April 6th," The eighth chess match between Capa and Benhar, Lear Shotts, who demanded Ministerialists, when Sir Robert Horne enter into fresh discussions with a view that the furnaces be immediately extin- continued asserting that the last coa

two conditions blanca and Lasker resulted in a draw, guished. A police guard at Benhai was strike robbed us of many markets and firstly, it could not recommend to Par- after 30 moves. overpowered in a fight in which four dwelt on the American coal invasion of liament the maintenance of an industry ( police men and overal loyal employees Europe, which the present crisis threaten out of general taxation, secondly, it was were injured. The miners afterwards ed to aggravate.

impossible to resume control. Outside. these two limitations there was a very burned ve hayricks, smashed machinery and left twenty-five ponies to drawn.

wide field for discussion. The Govern kinderground.

'LAVOUR INTERRUPTIONS.

to settlement,

on

WAR IN ASIA MINOR.

GREEKS' SUFFER SEVERE SET-BACK.

French opinion regards the Note a that America is not bound by anything concluded in Europe since the Armistice.

UNITED STATES POLICY. PECLARATION OF EMERGENCY CO-OPERATION.

DAVIS-CUP.

DATES OF CONTESTS.

ن مستی

NEW YORK, "April 5th. The Lawn Tennis Association has ad. rised the challenging nations for the Davis Cup that the first round must be completed by July 30th, if played in the United States-by July 8th, if played elsewhere. The second round must be completed, wherever played, by August the fourth round by August 20th. 6th; the third round by August 13th; and

LONDON, April 8th.

The London General Post Office an nounces that it is now ready to accept mails for Russin in Europe Russia int Asia, and Vladivostock, vid Moscow.

THE "MULTIPLICATION OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, "HAPPY CO-OPERATION

SHATTERED."'

We extract the following from the Japan Chronicle:-

Our Shanghai correspondent has re contly called attention to the multiplica- tion of Chambers of Commerce at that port. Prior to the war one foreign Chamber of Commerce was deemed ade- quate for the requirements of Shanghai's cosmopolitan community. Merchants of all nationality met together and consuli- ed

NEW YORK, April sek.

on the various questions affecting trade The Times, referring to the Govern

and commerce, information on markets was shared, and it seemed to be realised meat's policy, says that, whilst there can be no specific pledge of military or

that the interests of foreign merchants political alliance with Earope, a decla shattered this happy co-operation. The were in the main identical. The war ration will probably be made in the Enox Germans dropped out or were excluded, peace resolution that if the peace of as was natural in the circumstances, see- Europe is again threatened by aning that the majority of the members Power or combination of Powers the were British. United States will regard such a situation however, it was determined to set up a Not satisfied with that, as menacing her own peace and freedom, special British Chamber of Commerce, and will consult other Powers with regard and this was soon carried into effect. As to the means of removing the menace. a result an American Chamber of Com- merce was set up, and a French Obamber, sad so on. It seemed as if the repre sentatives of the Allies, having united in war, were determined to show that, such an alliance did not extend to trade, where cut-throat methods were to be enforced. This segregation of the British community in matters of trade had the approval of the British Foreign Office, of conducting a war in common with which presented the curious appearance. number of other nations while encourag ing disunity in commercial affairs An attempt was made to carry the same policy into effect in Japan, but British merchants in this country declined to break up the organisation that had work- ed well in the past, though of course the German membera necesssarily dropped out, British merchants in Japan be lieved they knew their own business better. than the British Foreign Office. Ia China, bowever, the policy of disuniting foreign merchants has been persisted in, In the Senate, in the course of a speech even to the extent that in the smaller on foreign policy, M. Briand attributed ports four of five British merchants have France's anxious financial situation to solemnly gaiberal together and formed a the bad faith of Germany,

British Chamber of Commerce. It seeme who had endeavoured to aggravate the temporary the hands of the Chinese, who naturally A very unwise policy, and must play inte differences which arose between the sot Allies but unexpectedly encountered à against another and reap advantage one group of foreign merchanta solid front. He was of opinion that Ger- thoroby. They would be acting against many would soon divulge sources of all the recognised canons of trade if they revenue at present concealed, when she did not. realised that the Allies were determined that it is surprising to find that it has

The whole thing is so foolish to enforce the Treaty. He declared that survived the insanities of the war. Bat France considered it prudent not to reason once thrust out finds it difficult to follow Great Britain's lead in signing a return. trade agreement with the Soviets.

GOVERNMENT'S IRISH POLICY

OHURCHES URGE ALTERATION.

The challenge round begins at Forest Hills, New York, on September 2nd.

FRENCH FOREIGN POLICY, BAD FAITH OF GERMANY.

PARIS, April 5th.

LONDON, April 5th.

JAPANESE ACTIVITIES IN SZECHUAN.

Chinese official reports from "Chung-. king and Chengtu indicate great activi-

A powerful appeal, signed by nine Eng-ties among Japanese residents and mer lish and Scottish Bishops and eleven chants in Szechuan province. The reports Prosidents and Moderators of the English say that on March 10th the majority of and Scottish Nonconformist denomina the Japanese residents and merchants in tions, has been addressed to the Premier Chungking, Wanshion, Chengta and other and Sir Hamar Greenwood, and circulat cities, gathered together in the hall of ed amongst the Christian Churches, urg- the Japanese Chamber of Commerce at ing the Government to alter its Irish Chungking for the discussion of measures pality, which is exposing s tomis for the promotion of Japanese interests Bir Bobert Horue fervently hoped that ment would be willing to do anything

understanding A mysterious axplosion occurred, at the discussion would be calm and thus possible to promote a good understand-

sad provoking hostile in Szechuan. The Chamber, in the name LONDON, April 6th. the manager and overman had The fact was that the same in coal but if there were such negotiations the tion received in London from Anatolia Government should arrange a trace and Japanese Legation in Peking urging the Ehettleston Colliery, near Glasgow, after create a spirit conducive to a settlementing between the owners and the miners,

criticism throughout the Empire and the of the Japanese in Szechuan, telegraphed Independent and authoritative informaworld. The appeal pleads that the to the Japanese Government and the descended to examine the machinery prices falsified the anticipations of six Miniers Federation and the minors indicates that while the Turkish figures rosolutely pursue a magnanimous course. necessity of co-operation between the The manager was killed and the overman months ago, and the situation must be should give every facility for assistance of Greek losses are exaggerated the gravely injured.

met. Dealing with Labour interruptions to to prevent the pits being destroyed dur. Greeks have suffered a severe set-back,

Government and the merchants for the: Reinforcments of police have been sent the effect that it was a lock-out and noting the discussions and also to save any compelling them to retire to the origina

GOLF LINK MYSTERY. establishment of a steamship service be to the pits in Lanarkshire and the a strike, Sir Robert Horne pointed out dumb animals remaining below. He

tween Ichang and Chungking, and be IDENTIFICATION OF VICTIM. Lothians in response to urgent requests that noticos posted in the South York. hoped the miners lentlers and the owners line, but the Turks apparently are not

yond, if possible. The petitioners anti. For help.

following them up. would meet immediately to consider a shire and other pits showed an increase,

cipate great advance in Japanese com The electric power station at Lochgelly, not a decrease, in wages-(Ministerial permanent settlement and to prevent s

LONDON, April 6th.` merce in western China if sufficient ship- Fife, has been cut off and the water cheers)

The victim in the Ashford (Middlesex) ping facilities are furnished by the Tokyo upply in a number of Fife villages har Labourites contended that the South such a menace to the industry of the

has been identified as Vincent Epvargue, ment not to allow any opportunity to pass. Bir Bobert Horns asked if the repetition of disputes se damaging and

golf links tragedy, a cabled yesterday, Government. They urged their Govern- failed owing to the stoppage of pumps Yorkshire miners ware locked out whole country.

The debate was adjourned until to

who disappeared four months ago from out of the hands of Japan while the Gov- Dublin, where he was wanted by the cramenta and peoples of Great Britain. Crown Forces as a Sinn Feiner. The the United States of America, and Fracce police investigation in London shows that are doing their utmost to co-operate with

.:

...

Sn the mines.

All volunteers have been compelled to withdraw from the East Fife collieries, bilst intimidation of pumpmen threatens

ollieries in Wales with disaster

TRANSPORT. WORKERS IN

marrow.

IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS,

It is believed that the Greeks have a

the Straits are not regarded as having sufficient force to hold the Turks, if the latter follow up, and the Allied forces in been imperilled.

to the links.

vast natural resources of Bzechuan, which is probably the richest and most thickly

The TENNIS PLAYER'S WIFE IN populated province in the Chinese re-

TROUBLE.

We

FROM PAVILION.

public. Japanese traders in Szechuan " believe that Japan's toxtile and other spite of the strong competition of Japan's trades will find excellent market there in commercial rivals from Europe and Ame rica, if only the grand Yangtze River is properly opened by Japanese steamers.

(Labour cries of " Yes” and Ministerial laughter.)-Sir Robert said he was con

GREEKS OLAIM SUCCESSES. tent to leave the matter thero. He did not propose to discuss the fairness of the

LONDON, April 5th. the Glamorgan, Cambrian and naval rates in particular districts, because the resolution in the House of Lorde, said states-The battle of Eskishehr ha Favargue's body was taken in a motor-car the Chinese for the development of the

Lord Curzon, introducing a similar A Greek communique received to-day Miniers Federation, refused to discus rates with the owners, S

he trembled to anticipate what would be ended. We have withdrawn to the point the verdict of the Triple Alliance from which we started the attack. CONFERENCE.

Bir Bobert Horne said he met the desperate spirit was already manifesting Turks have not attempted to obstract our miners representatives last week, and itself in some parts of the country. He withdrawal, owing to heavy lossen. LONDON, April 5th. Half a million members of thirty-five sideration of rates by the owners. Ho damage in out of the pite would be Ushak, routing three hundred Turks, and CHARGE OF THEFT OF CLOTHING

offered to help them as regards re-con- had just learned from Scotland that the captured Bourgaz, 46 kilometres south of Unions were represented at a Delegate was immediately told that it was useless appalling. Unless the damage was ar the railway station at Tehivril, routing Conference of the Transport Workers for him to ace the ownere, because the reated within twenty-four hours, they two thousand. Bontà of Afiunkarahissar Federation at Westminster to-day, pre-situation could only be solved by the might he confronted by the end of the wo forced the 41st Division, coming from, sided over by Mr. Gosling, to consider Government granting a subsidy. There wook with a crisis as grave as any dur. Cilicia, to retreat. motion in the coal crisis.

fore the House would understand that ing the war. He pictured the develop The delegates on assembling were hand-the present controversy was not aboutment of national convulsion, disorder, "rank and file" manifesto from the rates, but whether the country should violence and acute glass warfare. No miners declaring, inter alia:-" You are assist the coal trade with a subsidy which Government could yield to such a menace. faced to-day with the greatest crisis in might run into tens of millions to The foodstocks of the country were ample the history of the British working classe mingis your Such a subsidy was only Stops were being taken to provide the A million minors have been locked it anyable by taxes, and the greatest tax necessary forces to maintain order, for the defence of public buildings and for the protection of the police and the brave men who were endeavouring to save the

iod

HOOTING A HAPSBURG.

KARL'S UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE.

by the mineowners, aided and abetted payers were the great industrice, which the Government. It will be your turn were already suffering the direct tribula moxt. Every sailor, fireman, steward and tion. Were they going to tax them in cook, in faced with a reduction of ninety dustries in order to subsidise an industry mines, but the Government would take cheered en route by Hungarian, and being thus suspended indefinitely shillings monthly. Not even Lord Show which had better chances? (Labour to every opportunity towards conciliation hooted by Austrian railwaymen dockors award is sacred. We miners intorruptions and Ministerial counter Took for definite and decisive action now,

Vænna, April 6th arrived at the Austrian frontier station Karl is returning to Switzerland and Februing, yesterday, at noon. He was The VIEWS OF MINERS LEADERS journey proceeded, till the train had to latters attitude became worse as the

to not in self-defence. Why not join your

LATER. be stopped at Frohnloitcu, Blyria, owing. comrades of the mines and meet the now was on the wages systems of each at the Premier's speech, Mr. Hartshorn next town, Bruck

The miners' leaders are disappointed to threats on the part of workers in the frontal attack of capitalists by mass district. This remark was met by some declaring Mr Lloyd George has shut

for sooner or later you will be compelled

cheers.)

Continuing, Sir Robert Horne declared. that the only possible basis of discussion

Nics, April 6th. Mrs. Gordon Lowe, wife of the tennis. player," was", sontenced to-day by the Correctional Tribunal to a year's im

The Shanghai mint will be under the prisonment and a fine. of Fr. 500 on a charge of stealing valuables from the control and direction, of the Ministry of clothing of players at Cannes tennis Finance and the Currency Bureau, and court. She, however, was granted the the staff including, a foreign assayer, will benefit of the First Offenders Act, sobo appointed by these Boards. The ap execution of this portion of the sentence of permanent positions, will be in ret far as imprisonment is concerned, the paintments, which will be in the nature cognition of special qualifications. The reports of the assayer are also to pe published from time to time, Bullion, ycee and the Tool standard will be alti mately abolished, and although the Mint will have a producing capacity of $1,000,000 a day, at first it will only coin $19,000,000 a month.-A-Currency Reform

tatives of the Ministry of Finance an

ing Group and foreign bankers the Currency Bureau, the Chinese Bank Maritime Customs and Chamber of Co marse will be members,

. THE BỊ IDWAT OPERA ĐÔ.

The Bandman Opera: Company was again favoured last night with a practi-

Up, and fully sustained the reputation revues Tails Up afforded a capita the Company have won in their previous two hours amusement. To day Irene is the piece.

action of the workers? The lock-out of Labourite cries of "Never" and "Over the door on everythings do not know whKARL'S DEPARTUREcally full house when they staged:"Tails Commission is being formed. Represe

the minors in the first battle. Your place our dead bodies. Sir-Robert said he what it going to happen, but there will hoped before any days to see a change be no moeting between the owners and in the Labourite attitude on this point. Miners Federation on the lines suggest He considered the suggestion to extended by Mr. Lloyd George, de

is in the firing line.

The Conference adjourned until to MOTTO, without coming to any decision.

The Premier announced in Parliament BUDAPEST, April 5th... that the ex-Emperor Karl left Stiena manger to day