1925-12-22 — Page 7

CABLES.

EARLIER CABLES.

{THROUGH SKUTER'S AGENCY.]

FRANCE AND SYRIA

M. BRIAND REPORTS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

PARIS, December 20th. A distinct change in the situation in Syria was annouced by M. Briand in a matement in the Chamber. He said the

„Druso revolt had largely subsided and the Nocal inhabitants were at present de. fending themselves against banda of marauders

M. Painlevé, reviewing the situation, argued that General Sarrail was forced

FAR EASTERN

NEWS.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22ND,

CABLE

THROUGH REUTER'E 10KVCF.)

WARFARE IN NORTH- MUKDEN ARMY REPORTED TO BE IN RETREAT.

SOLDIERS REFUSE TO FIGHT!

TOKYO, December 21st,

A Kokusai message from Mukden states that the cavalry, under Marshal Chang To Lin, who retreated to Hsingmuntu yesterday, later fell back as far as Chuliuho."

It is reported that the Mukden Army

by facts to fire a few shells at Damascus, though General Kue's troops have not yet entered the town. Kro's rear guard yesterday arrived at Paikipo.

to avoid very serions events.".

M. Briand again spoke and was con- tinually interrupted by the Communists. The Premier, pointed out that France was exhausted financially and militarily after

attacked and could not execution of her mandate.

the evade

The sperch was loudly, cheered except by the Communista

LATEST CABLES. CONFIDENCE VOTE PASSED.

PAR19, December 20th. The members of the Chamber, by 300 rotes to 29, passed the first part of the Government's resolation on the Syrian

ANTI-CHRISTIANS WARNED.

CHINA TARIFY CONFERENCE. FRANCE WILL ALLOW NO TAX UNDER TIENTSIN TREATY.

PEKING FORMALLY NOTIFIED.

LONDON, December 21. The Daily Telegraph learns from its correspondent at Peking that France has formally notified the Foreign Minis- try at Peking that she maintains her Tiantain Treaty rights and refuses to permit her nationals to be taxed in a Settlement or Treaty Part, as suggested

on November 4th."

Commenting on the news, the Daily Telegraph, referring to the now serious

་་

ANGLO AMERİCAN VIEWS. The following cables, published in the The authorities here have issued Daily Press at the time, throw light on proclamation prohibiting anti-Christian the foregoing message: demonstrations in Peking on Christmas Day.

.. MAIL AFTER TEN DAYS

PIXINO, December 19th.

For the first time for ten days, the debate, evincing their confidence in the mail reached Peking from Tientsin this Government, By 420 to 35 votes, they morsing. It was brought by couriers, passed the second part of the resolution, whe bicycled most of the way, taking expressing coredence that Government three days on the journey. It is hoped would follow a policy of pacification and the International train will leave for organise the Syrian mandate in accord. Tientsin to-morrow or Monday, but will take no passengers except there on ance with the League of Nations.

The Chamber farther approved the inftructions, given to M. De Jouvenel (High Commissioner) and subsequently carried the whole resolution by a show at "hands. ***

official business.

JAPAN AND MANCHURIA.

CHINESE STUDENTS PROTEST AGAINST INTERVENTION;

SYMPATHY FROM LONDON,

UNDER CERTAIN TERMS.

PERINO, November 4th.

The Powers represented at the Tariff Conference have ageered to concede China's claim to autonomy in regard to the Customs' tarif. The concession, however, is dependent upon certain con ditions being carried out by the Chinese

Government.

BASIS. FOR DISCUSSION. Yesterday's meeting of the Tariff Autonomy Committee is regarded a having cleared the atmosphere in a very satisfactory manner.

MUKDEN, DAY BY DAY.

PEOPLE FLEEING FROM THE CITY.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

1925

CHINA ASSOCIATION DINNER.. MR. LEEFE ON HONGKONG'S POSITION,

The full report of the speech delivered by Mr. L N. Lesie, who presided at the annual dinner at the China Association in London on November 19th is now to band and will be read with deep interest by local residents.

Muxnks, December 7th Like a bolt from the blue cate the intelligence on Saturday that the troops which had defected from Kuo's army and had been incorporated in the Mukdem army had again turned against Chang T Lin. On the previous day optimism

We welcome this 'erening guests drawn bad risen to its apex. Reports which were confirmed told of the recession of from a large number of branches of H.M. some five brigades from General Kua Services because to such an extent are the Sung. Ling, and it looked as if Chang interests of this country hound up in the would win by the wholesale surrenders prosperity of China that they touch our

ed But he did not reckon upon the

Proposing the toast of "Our Guests," the Chairman' said: `-

11

We also knew that an immensely large rection of the Chinesa population in Kwangtung and Hongkong are impotent

writhing under the Bolshevik inter ference with their trade and well-being,

We are not unmuiadiut of the difficulties facing the Administration in Peking, buz when we are confronted by the claims.

present time, surely we are entitled to which are being put forward there at the

ask what effort is being made to put an end to the intolerable conditions in the -South which ineptitude alone can vien with equanimity, (Lond applause.) It does not seem to me that there is any thing to be gained from refusing to sen facts as they are." International interests in Chinn have not reached immense pro-

AN APPEAL TO MR. AMERY." Now, gentlemen, I have devoted most of my remarks to Hongkong in the hope that Mr. Amery will be able to say some, word of encouragement in circumstances of peculiar difficulty to our friends there. This Association, and particularly ita branches abroad, though not falling to recognise, that other problems nearer home, legacies of the Great War, claim- ed priority of place, may perhaps be for given if they have betrayed a tendency to doubt whether the Government and the people of this country appreciate the vast issues in Ching-the one great open market for our goods that remains. (Hear, hear.) I have said that the times are charged with important issues. We are watching with as close interest as is possible the progress of the Conference now sitting in Fexing. Such information the Press, and as far as it may be taken passing. 43 we have comes to us chiefly through

would inerely tay that it seems to me as reliably indicating what it will be easier for the Chinese Govern- ment to undertake to abolish in than carry out their undertakings., (Hear, hear)

At a later Conference she claims the reconsideration of the state of extra- territoriality. The conditions to China to-day are not such as to justify the abandonment of any substantial measure

is abandoning Hsizmuafu without fight turn in the Chinese situation, voices the from the other aide which were anticipaofficial life on every side. Their presence portions and it cannot be for ever that opinion that the French Authorities mercurial temperament of those who had is of special value because we realise the the Power will remain silent and impas- apparently thought that the British and returned to be fold. They ratted immense importance of the problems in sive witnesses of the destruction of those China, and the necessity of the closest interests. There must be some limit to American delegates were weakening on again, and when the news reached Muk- this point of taxation and felt that a drac stas considered that the situation co-operation with them, of an latimate international patience, "and if the states- HEAVY DAYS' FIGHTING.

sharp reminder on the part of Franco was hopeles The exodus from the exchange of our knowledge, and of the men of China cannot discern the line PERINO, Deceriber 20th. Following an artillery duel last night, would restore the conference to a sense Chinese city into the Japanese concession, ingle aim which should guide Govern which cannot be crossed, can anything of the realities of the aitution. But it which started two days proviously way ment Departments. I count it exceede surer than that the failure to find the Great War and had no taste for fresh Marshal Feng Yu Hsiang's forces attack- warlike adventurra, but she bad beened General Li Ching Lin's troops early is to be regretted none the less that the intensified, and night and day it hangly fortunate that we are able to have within their borders the means of restor delegates to the Conference could not continued ever since. The people are this evening as our chief guest Mr. Amery, ing order myst inevitably lead to it being in the morning. Fighting continued all have been left to continua discussions paaie stricken, and are fecing with thair We hope that his visit here to-night will found from without (Hear, hear.)

goods and chattels piled in motor cars be the precursor of a close and appre- day with considerable casualties. Ap without intervention from outside.”

carriages, carts and richas. They fear ciative relationship between this Associa parently slight progress was made.".

that the soldiers may get out of handtion and the Department over which he ibis feat presides. He will forgive me for saying and start looting, "but

that we have felt hitherto, perhaps mis- ought to be minimised by the me takenly, that this relationship has been of Bures, which the Japanese authorities

rather one-sided nature. I can assure have taken. Not only have they rein him that, as responsible business men, forced their garrison in the Concession, but they have distrupted gendarmes and he may fully rely upon our confidence, and in the native bity and in the in- our discretion, nor will be find us incap rational settlemen with a view to able of appreciating any reasons he may are protection to Chinese and for-have for not sharing our views if we are

those reasons are. eigners. They have also troops stationed placed in a position to understand what

THE SITUATION IN HONGKONG. at the arsenal, which many feared might be blown up by the discomfited forces.

At the moment South China is in open CHANG TSO LIN AND HIS FAMILY.rebellion with the Central Administra

Despite reports to the contrary, Martion in Peking-and I wish to speak of ahal Chang Tso Linia still in his famen: the effect which this rebellion has had and His family, however, are in the Japanese having on the prosperity of the Colony Concession; where must of the officials of Hongkong. (Hear, hear.) It is this have also taken shelter. The native banks aspect which falls immediately under the have removed into the Concession where observation of the Secretary of State for they are functioning: Curiously enough, the Colonies, to whose care our interests fagpico remains fairly steady, the rate in Hongkong, which are now so severely menaced, naturally look for protection. today being 270 to the dollar. Neverthe If he is to achieve success it is essential the Foreign less, money is tight, and practically no that his Department and

Office, which is equally concerned, should business is being done.

The Chinese have some picturesque re- work in the closest touch and harmony, ports about the relations between the without friction and without jealousy, Marshal and his son. When the trouble with a common policy and aim, and first broke the Marshal upbraided his son common accord. You will, I am sure in, scathing terms as having been ree share my confidence that he will leave no ponsible for the trouble, and the youn stone unturned to secure this end and man did not wait until the tirade was that he will have the greatest assistance or perhaps any at all of those safeguards upon which the liberty and the safety An from H.M. Secretary of State for Foreign and the interests of British subjects in finished but dashed from the room.

China bave rested for many years (Loud other story ia to the effect that the Affairs.

Now permit me to describe the stun applause.) She pleads for the restora Marshal threw a tea cup at his son and

tion in Hongkong to-day as I understand tion of Sovereign rights." It is asked injured his forehead.

it. It is a colony founded on the enter by soine why should she should have to prise, energy and initiative of a few claim-such things

Why

are they not To our here already? The answer is because generations preceding our own generation it has been a goodly heritage that section of the Chinese people who and those Englishmen who have been are jealous for their country's good name, there have tried worthily to carry on the for themselves, who want her name to well begun. It is not always stand high in the Councils of the world, 1926. Further, that provision be made

progress came a portion of the British Empire it force in their country. I do not believe. has risen to be the second or third largest it is because they do not exist, I believe for levying the full amount of these

realised that since Hongkong first behave as yet failed to make themselves a

surtaxes at land frontiers, and that a

PUZZLING REPORTS..

port in the world. The magnitude of there is growing up throughout China a MUXDES, December 13th. British trade it is responsible for, and spirit of nationalism, and when it new Treaty be made which shall provide that within three months after the

men, and his son is in command of grown up there since it was first acquired honest Government, of judicial decisions Treaty is concluded the Chinese shall Marshal Chang Tso Lin is still in his the enormous British interests which have the direction of the establishment kes aatil tariff autonomy has become effective 20,000 men who are said to be loyal at are not always realised to their full ex based on evidence, of fulfilment of .com. be at liberty to impose a new and uni simuntun where he hopes to hold Kuo' tent in this country. It contains large tracts, of payment of just debts, of real formly-enforced schedule of duties, animy, but beyond that it is hard say what population of Chinese loyal to the British abolition of illicit taxation, she will have rates from 5 per cent, to 125 per cent, on the staation really is. Much depends upor Crown. The war effort of the Colony qualified for rights which must then un- imports, and from 5 per cent. to 75 perhe issue of the fighting between Li Ching has provoked expressions of pride from questionably become hers. (Hear, hear.1 Lin and Feng Yu Hsiang. If Li can critics outside its own administration and Our hope must be that this national- cent, on exports.

The proposals lay down fast the ratte resist Feng then it is anticipated that it bas become, and I hope may long re-spirit niny "grow, predominate and rule at land frontiers shall be the same as on Chang Tso Lin has a chance of rétain-main, a bright jewel in the British Crown.

FACTS MUST BE FACED. maritime frontiers, that the revenues ing his position: While telegrams from (Hear, hear),

LOYAL CHINESE AND BOYCOTT. shall be ficcumulated by the Customs Japanese coure state that Li Ching Lin is

"China's prosperity, in spite of malig- The people in this Colony have since nant statements to the contrary, is what Administration, and that tikin and doing rather well, the Chinese press give Feng Yu Hsiang is in possession of Tientsin, so it is impossible to gauge the situation at the moment of writing.

M. Painlevé warmly defended General Sarrail, who had to cope with a difficult situation in Eyria from the beginning He possibly made a few errors which were greatly exaggerated.

LATEST CABLES.

CRICKET IN AUSTRALIA. MR. HENDRY CREATES RECORD,

"AGAINST NEW ZEALAND.

MELIOURSE, December 21st, Playing for the Australian side against. New Zealand, Mr. H. L. Hendry increased his Saturday's score of 213 not out to 395 not out." At this point the innings was declared closed, with the total 592 for beven wickets.

Mr. Hendry gave a magnificent 'display al driving on the off and pulling to leg. He was at the wickets 5 hours and 43 minutes and only gave one chance a very dielt one. He obtained 26 lours. His score creates an Australian record against New Zealand.

OBITUARY.

M. FELIX MELINE.

PARIS, December 21st. The death is announced et M. Felix

1

Toxro. December 21st. Yesterday the Chinese students here meeting, protesting against held Japan's action in reinforcing the Man- churianzgarrison. They passed a retch- tion. demanding the withdrawal of the Japanese troops.

After this, they visited the Foreign Office, the War Office and the General Staff Dice and presented their resolu

It is understood that the British dele gation is in general agreement with the American proposals, subject to discussion, and at present does not intend to offer a separate scheme, believing that the proposals so far advanced are not concilable and together constitute an adequate basis for discussion."

that the

+

AMERICAN PROPOSALS.

PERING, November 4the

this The American delegation, at morning's meeting of the Tariff Com

Powers mittes, proposed

JAPAN DICTATES TERMS. authorise the levying of a surtax of 24 per cent on all goods as from February The Japanese authorities have let it be 1st, 1998, and that a schedule of luxuries known to the military leaders that fight. be prepared on which a tax of 6.perg will not be permitted in Mukden,

must be carried out peacefully. The Daily Telegraph," referring to the cent, be effective not later than July 1st and that the change of régime, if any, I drawn by circumstance to cast their lot who care for China more than they care. Today's reports are that Kuo has be placed upon them." suffered a reverse, but no eredence can

tion.

SYMPATHY FROM LONDON.

LONDON, December 21st.

Japanese action in Southern Maashuria, says its effect on public opinion in China proper is sure to be bad.

The Telegraph, while sympathising with Japan in a most difficult situation,

hopes that her interference will be limited to the very minimum possible.

THE POWERS AND CHINA.. MEMORANDUM WITH REGARD TO PROTOCOL,OF 1001..

PERING, December 18th. On behalf of the Foreign Powers, the Dutch Minister, Sir W. J. Oudendijk,

"י

"

بال

the country.

I.K.C.M.G., has handed a Memorandum to related internal taxes shall be abolished: Į out that he has been defeated and that last June been the victims of a boycott we all wish to see, but there is nothing.

I

Jules Meline. French Premier from 1808 Chinese troops on two motora flying abolition, the taxpayer shall be entitled material, and is well endowed with sil Loyal Chinese have gazed in amazement ) tend to become obscured. My sympathy,,:

1895.

BARLIER CABLES. [ARUTER'S AMERICAS BERVICE]

CONTROL OF RUBBER.

MR. TILSON'S RESOLUTION FINDS FAVOUR IN U.E.A.

The American proposals for the pur

side their control or responsibility, their under conditions such as no the Foreign Office to-day acknowledging

Memorandum from the poss of abolishiging likin provide that

adeg from tircumstances entirely outs to be gained by pretending it is in sight

receipt of a

funds from the Customs shall be ap

industries have been hampered, their (Hear, hear.) I often feel, when "A BAD COMMENTARY,” trade stopped, and their employees in-ngene interminable riddles, that the Waichiaopu, dated December 16th, con- portioned among the provinces in lieu taining a communication "From Marshal of likin. If likin is collected anywhere Feng Yu Hsiang relating to firing by ia violation of the agreements for its The Young General has plenty of war timidated and in some cases tortured. fundamental bases of difcontent in China foreign flag and going to Tientsin from to a refund from the Customs Administra ver dollars, with which he is paying his whilst the vaunted might of Great Britain I confess, goes forth to the workers in men double their usual, allowance. He has apparently proved ineffectual to take the cotton Selds, the tillers of the soil Peking,

tion of the Tull amount paid- as fiti.

the forces of disunion (Loud applause.) water, who know nothing of Tariff Auto- Sir W. Oadendijk says he has not

The Customs increase shall be devoted lacks guhners and has no fiers, it is sy steps any adequate steps--to dispel the hewers of wood, and the drawers of failed to lay this memorandum before other "Ministers and they desire that he to compensation to the provinces in list and commentary on Chinesa oficiency The depression in the Colony is profound, nomy 'or of the niceties of extraterri of kin, payment of rebate charges, that although the Marshal has spent and the inhabitants wonder whether it is toriality. What they know is that their case that they are so insignific fields are overrun by unpaid soldiery, should state that while they are preffunding of unsecured debts and adjainis six to seven million dollars to provide rea pared to warn their nationals of thetrative expenses of the Government.

an aerial auxiliary not a single machine really Subject to the fulfilment of these pro is available for bombing service at this ant that no one cares? Overshadowed their harvests trampled down, and their as they are in Hongkong by the daily possessions illegally taxed. The press danger of crossing the battle line during the present hostilities. they feel con

Joss of British prestige, which once stood protests and pillage their daily lot. What strained again to insist that safe com visions, the present Treaty restrictions time of his needs without further delay. Bawern Peking into force on January, 1st, 1929. An be still at Kuopangize, but whether he so bigh, it is not perhaps to be wondered decent fellows they really all-are (Loui munication by rail and rond be restored shall cease and the National Tariff come General Kua Sung Ling is believed to samosphere of retrogression and by the gang in the reply to their unavailing The House of Representatives Com-and the sea in accordance with Article effort will be made to devise a plan will cling to the railway or march neroes at that the larger question of British applause.) Could they only be allowed cle whereby the Treaty shall go into force country to get between the Young General policy in China is not the one they can to harvest their crops and peaceably pur IX. of the Protocol of 1901.

They, therefore, urge that all necessary at an early date after signature and Mukden is not yez apparent. It is readily discern ! We are aware that the sue their lives, a ruler of China would It proposed by the majority of the not thought likely that he will tackle the policy of H.M. Government is to work have a simple task and international on Mr. Tileon's resolution directing the measures be taken at once in Feking to

ne effect that the so-called Inter-contracting Powers before January 1st, Mukden army at the point which the in international co-operation with other trade pursue, an aven tenour Hear

The work Acompliabed Commerce Committee to investigate the national train resucas its service forth 1993, the Conference Powers, shall con Young General has chosen to fortify Powers, but in Hongkong we are in a hear control exercised by British Colonial Locarno hat not yet penetratat reaceful and neutral occupations may do deciding whether likin has been abolish an undefended part" and endeavour to there, and in the desire to do justice to of greater trust and confidence through China surely we must not be oblivious of the mists of misunderstanding, and dis the efforts which have made Hongkong cord in China, with its huge population. the production and

so without hindrance, and that the fored, and for negotiating any further agree take young Chang in the rear.

what is it to-day! (Hear, hear.) eign legations and foreign nationals ments that may be needed regarding the may again receive and send diplomatic subject matter of this Treaty. couriers and postal communications which have now already been interrupted for teri days.

WASHINGTON, December 20th.

mitter on Rules has favourably reported.

Governments over price of rubber.

MR. ALAN COBHAM. REACHES WADY HALFA ONY

FLIGHT TO CAPE.

WADY HALTA, December 20th. Mr. Alan Cobham, the British airman, arrived here to-day on his fight to Capetown from London, which he left: some days 439

KING ALI ABDICATES

Pour Sopas, December 20th. King Ali has abdicated the throne of the Hedjaz

JAPAN AND SILVER. FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO LIFT EMBARGO

TOKYO, December 21at. It is learned authoritatively that the Finance Department has decided to lift the embargo on silver.

The embargo on gold, silver and articles made of these precious metala was enforced in 1917.1-

EMPEROR OF JAPAN FAINTING FIT CAUSES ANXIET IN COURT CICLESADAM

Toxyo, December 21st, H.L.M. the Emperor had a fainting fit on Saturday. But, though the Court officials are worried, it is officially stated that His Majesty's indisposition is not stch as to cause much anxiety.

LATER

BETTER NEWS Today's bulletin indicates that the Emperor has practically recovered.

FORGED LABOUR

Daring the last few days fifteen han dred men have been impremed for work en the fortifications at sinuntur, but the military authorities went further than usual in this respect and impressed 78 females from the Jicensed quarter for the entertainment of these men,,

EXODUS FROM CITY CEASES.

The exodus from the native city to the Japanese Concession has practically ceased. In fact many are returning to their homer, not so much from a feeling of confidence that there will be no leating s from inability to afford the high rates for accommodation in the Concession (Continued at foot of next Oolumn;)

(Continued on next column.)

toiling under the bane of civil war and brigandage, but will it. The events of

the last few days are not encouraging It is difficult to see any other motive. behind the resumption of internal strife True, the proclamation of the Japanese than a deliberate attempt to foil the pur-. military authorities that nothing which poser for which the Conference bas met. disturbs the public peace of Mukden will But if there is a new spirit of nationalism be permitted has had a soothing effect, arisen in China, deep-rooted in the hearts to which the presence of Japaneer patrols of the Chinese people, & feeling that will in the city has contributed, but never crystallize into an attempt to establish the less a feeling of anxiety is shared by Chine, and defeat the self-seekers who the whole population, now batten on her resources, then I say Mr. T. Funatsu, former Consul General without doubt that in that fact the future at Mukden, has arrived here on a mission halda brighter prospects, and I do not of observation. He will proceed from envy the lot of the Bolshevik leader who here to Tientsin and Peking, and later is then left in the land of his exploita

tion) (Hear, hear }, " visit Hankow and Shanghai