1926-03-25 — Page 7

CABLE AND WIRELESS

NEWS.

[BRITIKE WIRELESS SKAVICE.]. DEBATE ON GENEVA.

COMMONS APPROVE SIR AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN'S POLICY.

RUGBY, March 3rd.

The Debate on events at Genova wos opened in the House of Commons. this

afternoon by Mr. Lloyd George, the Liberal Leader, who declared that the ideas of March had ended in tragedy The Locarno Powers were responsible for the failure at Geneva, which had so damaged the machinery of peace. The obvious procedure at Geneva was to elect Germany to the League, and if the Lo carno Powers had stood by that and in- sisted on the postponement of all other claims no one would have doubted but that it would have gone through without any difficulty. Instead

the Locarno Powers, including Great Britain, had Inegotiated, conferred, manoeuvred, cajol- ed and indulged in international brow- beating with a view to carrying their

nominees, How could any one blame Brasil, under these conditions, Sweden took the right and courageous course and represented public opinion in Great

Britain.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, MARUH 25TH, 1926

It was wholly untrue that he had acted disloyally to Germany, and that had he, put his foot down no other nation would

Ha fully concurred with those in structions, and his first act when he got to Geneva was to convoke the Locarno Powers for a discussion. The converan tions

among the Locarno Powers were re- ported to the Council and it was out of the Council discussion that there arose

PREMIERʼ& CONFIDENCE. The Premier, Mr. Staalsy Baldwin, re- plying to the debate, ssid, that the new Commission would confront the new situation free of all engagements of any kind to consider the future composition of the Council, and Germany had been

ECHO OF STRATFORD FIRE FÅR EASTERN CABLE APPEAL FOR FUNDS TO REPLACE

MEMORIAL THEATRE,

LONDON, March 24th, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, Lord Asquith and Mr. Thomas Hardy have signed an appeal for

I have ventured to put forward her claim: pontaneously Sweden's offer to resign hvited to take a seat on equal terms with funds to replace the Shakespeare Me

The Germans with whom he had desit had never made any charge of disloyalty.

BRITAIN AS MEDIATOR.

At Geneva he did his best to persuade the other nations not to raise the question of new seats at this time. The League was an association of equal nations and to point to the representative of this country as some brief dictator who could order nations about and order them not to use their covenanted right was to mis- understand the whole position of the League. If ever any British represents tive attempted to play that role at Geneva he would have the reprobation of the whole League as his guardon. The position of Great Britain was detached from an extreme view and she seemed, once more, in a position to play her ac- customed part of mediator, and concilia- tor. What was the view of the conflict- ing parties! On the one hand the Ger mans said it had never entered their mind that any change was contemplated in the Council, except the addition of permanent seat for themselves. They could not alter what was the basis of

her sest in order to get over the diff culty. There was no pressure put by anyone on Sweden to take that course, There had been suggestions from the side of the Powers at Locarno that one of them might resign in order to make room for Poland but it was not from them that the suggestion that Sweden should retire did come nor would they ever have made such a proposition to Sweden. "T confess I did not anticipate that when all the others were agreed. Brasil, far removed from the dangers we were seek ing to avert from Europe, would stop in on behalf of a claim individual tot herself to prevent the consummation of the universal desire."

(A special message from Angby dealing with the rest of Sir Austen's speech and the conclusion of the debate was not received owing to bad atmospheric son- ditions.]

"

THREAT TO EXIGN... Reuter furnishes the following report of the rest of the speech-

During the course of his reply, Sir Austen Chamberlain said that if the rete of the House was adverse he would

A

NEWS.

{THAQUÁH 'AECYER'S AGENCY,]·

THE NORTHERN WAR.

ALLIED FORCES ARRIVE AT TIENTSIN.

TIENTSIN, March 93rd. morial. Theatre at Stratford-on-Avon er. equal rights of speech and voting on the Commission. Mr. Stanley Baldwin er-

Some five hundred of Li Ching Lin's, 8 worthy scale." pressed the Cabinet's confidence in SirA mage received on March 7th cavalry, of which ball are Russians, ar- Ansten Chauiberlain, who had come sid:-Fire has destroyed the Shake through dificult and trying times having speare Memorial Theatre and Tower at rived this morning and camped near the

Stratford-on-Avon, but the Museum and Central Station. done his best in the circumstances. Bir picture gallery have been eared. Austen Chamberlain in a few months passerby at three in the afternoon noticed smoke from the Theatre. Five Fire would bring to fruition the efforts in Brigades eventually arrived, and the which he had so long engaged.-(Loud sands of spectators watched a hopeless fight to save the Theatre, but combined Ministerial cheers.)

strenuous efforts, aided by a favourable Chihli troops in the city, including a num- wind, prevented the fire from spreading her of Chang Trung Chang's forces. to the Museum and Gallery. The flames The House rejected Mr. Lloyd George'e licked up a large quantity of the wood- motion by 325 votes to 136.

MOTION REJECTED.

AI (THROUGH, REUTER'S AGENCY.] BRITISH PRESS COMMENT.

LONDON, March 24th. - Commenting on Sir Austen Chamber- lain's vindication, the Daily Telegraph declares that there is no longer any ex- cuse for grossly partisan attacks on Sir! Austen and the Government. The di culties which had arisen at Geneva were inherent not only because of the constitu- tion of the League but because of the stubborn facts of the international sitha

tion.

Bays

The Morning Post that the only danger to peace in Europe at present is the League. Without it she would have

work of the Theatre, and only bare walls remain, while the Tower resembled s gigantia chimney, visible over an exten- siva area. It is understood that many valuable costumes, stored under the stage of the Theatre were destroyed. I

BRITISH DYESTUFFS, WHAT CONTROL COST GREAT BRITAIN.

LONDON, March 23rd. In the Chancery Division, Mr. Justice Eve"granted a petition by the British Dyestuffs Corporation for a reduction of capital by £4,421,000, of which £2,841,000 was written of as lost, while £1,580,000 will be returned in cash to certain share holders. The Government will receive

Cavalry, artillery and infantry of the allies have been arriving all day, and there are now about 10,000 Shantung and

The city is now very quiet and there are no signs of disorder,

"No trains have run between Feking and Tientsin to-day as à Kaominchun armour- ed train blocks the line near Yangtsun.

ALLIED ARMOURED TRAINS ARRIVE

LATER

"Two armoured trains, manned by TA "White" Russians have arrived at the Central Station from the Tsinpa Kre. They will probably be sent up to Yang- term to attack the Kuopinchur armoured train there

Two trainloads of Fengtien troops ar- rived last night from Tongshan, and re- ported that the whole railway line between Tientsin and Tongshan is now repaired

to come to the House as an open minded their whole domestic campaign. As to resign. Mr. Lloyd George had professed been able to settle her differences This £600,000 in return for shares valued at and clear.

[Renter's message says: Mr. Lloyd the other countries, he believed that every George said they were entitled to

Power but one, said they would be happy ask whether Sir Austen Chamberlain

to support Germany's admission to a knew beforehand that France and Poland intended to insist on the simal. Permanent seat on the Council. taneous entry. of Poland to the Council

BRAZIL'S REPLY.

The Daily Graphic opines that the cardinal fault at Geneva was that the Locarno Powers tried to rule the League with methods of old diplomacy. The danger of war which remains arises out of that temper, which regards the League as a large scale Foreign Office.

wonderful invention, it adds, was foist and distressed enquirer but he did noted upon Europe by one American nation, even wait for his (Sir Austen's) arrival and it was now brought to a standstill from Geneva before he telegraphed to the by another. American press his condemnation of his (Sir Austen's) actions and suspicion of his honour-finisterialist cheers.)t was strange that a charge of disloyalty to Germany should have been made against him by a compatriot and not by the Germans themselves. As regards the feeling in America, Mr. Lloyd George had done his share by articles to the news papers insinuating what he dared not say in the House-Ministerial cheers)

The Government will also relinquish all £1,700,000 which they aro surrendering.

rights to control the Company.

His Lordship observed that this control had cost the country £1,100,000. (

LABOUR COMBINE.

ENGINEERS IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSED ALLIANCE.

LONDON, March 23rd

with Germany. In the course of refer Brazil sent an entirely different reply ences to the United States, Mr. Lloyd She indicated she was willing to sea George's mention of Senator Borah was Gerinany a member but gave no terms. received with some laughter by Minis She, expressly said that this was not a terialists," at which Mr. Lloyd George matter to be treated between Government naked what was the good of scoffing at and Government but a matter to be one of the ablest and most influential decided in the League itself at Geneva,

at in America? Mr. Lloyd George as the result of discussions there and with added that instead of using their indus regard to the International Law fluence to secure the admision of Ger- spirit of the League and other matters. many alone the Powers represented at Ought not that answer to have puz Ger- Locarno þad intrigued and even threaten-many on her guard? France replied, Why did Mr. Lloyd -George not quote his methods and intelligence he is unfitiously decided not to join

men

ed in order to get somebody else in.]

THE FOREIGN SECRETARY'S

REPLY.

saying" she was ready to support Ger many's claim to a permanent seat on the

Council and to a proportionate repre- sention on the Secretariat, but she con- Sir Austen Chamberlain, in reply, retinued that as to the other considerations gretted that Mr. Lloyd George had developed in the memorandum of the formulated no direct charge against him. German Government, Germany's request But he understood that the first charge for admission cannot be receivable unless against him was that when he passed it carries with is neither conditions, nor through Paris in December be entered reservations nor additions. In the an into some secret and unavowed agreement. swer which the British Government sent there was a similar phrase. In the same with M. Briand about Polish claims.

way we would support Germany's claim to a seat on the Council and a place in the Secretariat. There was no provision

mission to the League on special con- ditions or with reservationi.

Dr. Stresemann, whom Sir Austen would

leave to judge between himself and Mr. Lloyd George as to whether he had ever acted with lack of candour or loyalty.to wards the Germans.

The Daily Mail, under the headings "Sir Austen Chamberlain's Vindication," says the Foreign Secretary did very well Geneva, despite the dificulties created enthusiastic busy bodies,

The Daily News Bays Sir Austen Chamberlain's speech confirms the dis fri generally felt in this country. On

for "his office.

satisfactory than Sir Austen Chamber- The Daily Herald says nothing less lain's defence can be imagined.

The Westminster, Gazette says the Foreign Secretary's admissions and omis sions make up as formidable an indict- Later in his speech, Sir Austen saidment as that any of his critics made. If any hopes are founded upon Sir Austen's that unless in the future the nations who conduct of foreign affairs they have now

completely vanished. were members of the League, especially

The Daily Express states that some members of the Council, were prepared thing far more substantial than Sir Austen to attain their ends without making a Chamberlain's explanations are needed to renew the confidence of the country in Mr. Lloyd George, interposing, said

positive public stand, the League could his conduct of foreign affairs. His de- that he suggested that Sir Austen Cham

not do its work and its whole, purpose fence of the Geneva catastrophe is in a measure the extent to which these hapless berlain, while in Paris in December, pro-

would be destroyed. Sir Austen Cham-egotiations have disordered his powers mised the Spanish Ambassador there to for Germany being allowed to claim ad- herlain explained that he informed of judgment Let us leave Europe and her quarrels and turn our eyes to the Dominiona.

support the case of Spain and that M Briand had already promised to support the case of Poland.

Continuing Sir Austen Chamberlain said that the second charge against him was that he had acted disloyally to Ger many, and the third charge was that if he had put his foot down sometime pre vious to Geneva no other country would have raised a claim and that the whole. matter would have passed over

without

NO CHARGE OF HAD FAITH AGAINST GERMANY.

He made no charge of bad faith against Germany and he said she had no ground for a charge of bad faith against any body else. The fact of the matter whs, that Germany was not thinking of this particular point. She put forward only

parties concerned before the discussione at Geneva of the exact attitude of the British Government. For example, he told the Spanish Ambassador that if the candidature of Spain would impede the entry of Germany he would vote against Spain. He concluded claiming that the Locarno accord had withstood the great

the conditions which seemed to her fin- strain at Geneva and that the spirit of

any diffienity. And, lastly, that when Potent and when the Powers had an- Locarno persisted and inspired the awered accepting the proposal for a per-policy of the seven nations who signed at Geneva, he engaged in secret discus-manent seat and had rejected all condi- the Treaty. The influence of Britain sions instead of carrying on all discations. they believed that no other con- stood higher than at any time since the sions in the public sitting of the Council ditions were in the German mind. Con- war. (Labour protests and Ministerial checra.) While he had been the spokes- of Assembly.

sequently, there was a misunderstanding man of his country in foreign relations, Taking these charges sericiim, Sir and there was very nearly a quarrel for nobody with whom he had dealt in that our policy or doubted our good faith or

DENIED CATEGORICALLY.

The Daily Chronicle condemns "the" whole of the Cabinet, and says Sir Ansten Chamberlain revealed right to the last the same errors of judgment and narrowness and damaged his own prestige,

i of vision by which he stultifed Locamo

The Manchester Guardian says the distrust which the country has shown for Sir Austen Chamberlain's political judgment, has not diminished.

A ballot of the Amalgamated Engineer- ing Union has resulted in 70,695 votes for and 31,423 votes against joining the pro- posed new industrial alliance of miners, railwaymen and transport workers. The National Union of Railwaymen had pre-

..

THE EAST ASIATIC CO.

DIVIDEND OF 14 PER CENT. DECLARED.

COPENHAGEN, March 23rd. The East Asiatic Company's report for last year shows that, after providing for administration expenses, depreciations and taxes, it is proposed to pay a dividend of 14 per cent, pay a bonus to staff of $15,150 kronen, and carry forward 5,076,620 kronen.

BELGIAN FLIGHT.

AIRMEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING CONGO.

BRUSSELS, March 23rd. The Belgian airmen have complete their flight to Leopoldville. '.

[The Belgian airmen Medaets and Ver- egen, with the mechanic. Coppens, left Brussels on March 9th in an attempt to fly to the Belgian Congo viá Cairo and the Nile Valley.].

THE SCHNEIDER CUP.

BRITISH AIRMEN NOT TO ENTER.

LONDON, March 23rd. The Royal Acro Club. has decided not

1928.

The Times regrets the Foreign Secre tary did not permit himself similar to challenge for the Schneider Cup in freedom and directness of speech during the auspense preceding the unhappy negotiations at Genera

GERMANY AND GENEVA.

BERLIN, March 23rd." The Reichstag by 250 votes to 141 has

rejected the German National Party's

FOOTBALL AT HOME.

RESULTS OF TUESDAY'S LEAGUE

MATCHES,-~

today or to-morrow. The Fengtion forces General Chang Hsueh Liang is due here

"under his command have reached Tangku.

Mails are now being forwarded to Peking.

"TIMES" COMMENT ON UNITED ACTION. LONDON, March 24th The compliance of the army leaders of the Chinese Government with the recent ultimatum suggests the Pawers: hare everything to gain by combined action id defence of legitimate foreign interests in China, according to the Timer, willy. hopes the Powers, especially. Britain, will profit by this lesson.

DENG'S FAMILY.

Moscow March 24th. According to an official agency General Feng Yu Hsiang's family have arrived at Urga in Mongólia

4

5.8. SUMATRA MARU,"

"PORTIONS OF CARGO DAMAGED BY FIRE:

COLOMBO, March 24th. The 5.8. Sumatra Maru has arrived with her cargo of cotton. Portions of the cargo are slightly damaged by fire and stera. The cargo will be discharged at. Hull

JAPANESE BUDGET.

TOKYO, March 24th The Upper House has passed the Budget, amounting to 1,698,000,000 yen. NISHIHARA LOANS.

Tokyo, March 24th.. The Upper House. in full session this morning, passed the Nishihara Loan Bills, whereby the Government shoulders full responsibility from the Banks concerned.

PROPERTY SALES. BRISK BIDDING FOR BONHAM STRAND PROPERTY.

There was brisk bidding for some leasehold property in Bonham Strand, put up to auction (by order of the mortgages) at the China Auction Rooms yesterday afternoon.

The property is No. 103, Bonham Strand East, held for the unexpired- residue of the term of 981 years from rent in 817.00 and the area is about 650 square feet of to

Austen, Chamberlain said that when he want of understanding. The subject of capacity had questioned the honesty of; notion on non-confidence in the Govermatches in the League played today: December 28th, 1860. The annual Crown "met M. Briand in Paris. he took an op- the conditions under which Germany our word-(Loud Ministerial cheers.).

a

would enter the League was raised dur ing a debate at Locarno. Never once was it suggested or hinted that Germany attached any importance at that moment to her entry being accompanied by that of another Fower, They all regretted what had occurred. He blamed no one.

SID AUSTEN'S INSTRUCTIONS,

word.

portunity of learning his views' on number of subjects, but he began the conversations by telling him that on no matter whatever could he make any engagement until he had returned to his own country and got in touch with the. Foreign Ofes and consulted with his

They spoke Sir Austen Chamberinin then told the colleagues, if necessary. about Poland, and he asked M. Briand House what his instructions why the French Government proposed to Bubject to my discretion of making the support the admission of Poland to the best arrangement I could in accordance League Council and, more particularly, with the development of the situation, the claim of Poland to a permanent sent, our policy should be based upon the fol so that he might report faithfully to lowing principles: No change in the his Government. Any suggestion that at Council can be admitted which would that interview he undertook any kind have the effect of preventing or delaying of obligation to support the Polish claim, the entry of Germany; It would be beat whether for a permanent seat or for a that Germany should, as a Member of temporary seat, was without the least the Council; have full responsibility for foundation. "I denied it before I any further change in the Council beyond went to Geneva and I desire my denial her own admission The rule that only to be as categorical as possible." He had Great Powers should be permanent mem already renewed to Spain the assurance bera of the Council should, in principle, that Britain would, in suitable circum- he maintained; Spain is in a special stances, renew the support of her claims position and may require exceptional which four years ago he and Mr. Lloyd treatment; Neither Poland nor Brazil George, ara Member of the Coalition should be made permanent members at Government, had championed and which present but Poland should be given the British Government had accepted. non-permanent sent as soon as possible."

1

ment including a demand, that Germany shall withdraw her application for admis sion to the League (

GERMANY'S ATTITUDE APPROVED.

LATER

OTHER SPEECHES. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald declared that Sir Austen Chamberlain's attitude had resulted in the most lamentable failure The Reichstag has adopted the Govern- of British diplomacy for many years.ment parties' motion approving of the Britain had got mixed up with diplomac attitude of the German Delegation at which was bostile to the League and had Geneva regretting that the outcome of left the League in confusion and sadness, the Geneva negotiations did not corre- while cynicism was abroad in Europe such as was not known since the war.

Lord Hugh Cecil saw nothing in the events at Geneva which were harmful to peace, and declared that Bir Austen Chamberlain had answered his critics with manly and convincing candour.

TER LAST CHANCE.

LONDON, March 23rd. The following are the results of football

DIVISION III. (NORTHERN). Rochdale, 2; Nelson, D.

SCOTTISH ZAZAQUE

St Mirren, 3; Bangers, 9.

[BBUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE} DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE.

REPRESENTATIVE.

New Youx, March 23rd President Coolidge has selected Mr. Hugh Gibson, the American Minister at Berne, to head the American delegation to the Preliminary Disarmament Confer ance at Geneva,

spond with the justifiable German ex- MR. HUGH GIBSON THE AMERICAN pectations and declaring that "the Bach- stag expects the Government to obtain speedily, guarantees that the prozilses made at Locarne, especially as regards the occupied regions, shall be fulfilled as soon as possible in accordance with Germany's just demands and thus make effective, before Germany's entry into the League, Mr. J. H. Thomas said the Opposition the agreement reached at Geneva with were suspicious that Britain had been regard to the maintenance and continu-

They joined committed in advance issue with the Government on the ground spce of the Locarno policy. of the serious blow struck to the League's prestige. He declared that if the League failed, the workers would forge another instrument to take its place an instru- ment that would bring about inter- national peace. He added that Sir Austen Chamberlain had had one chance and missed it. The House of Commons tried to give him another but he did not take it. They refused to give him a third-

OBITUARY.

SIR THEODORE OWEN:

- LONDON, March 24th The death is announced of Bir Theodora Owen, chairman of tea and

rubber companies;

THE WORLD COURT.

AMERICA, NOT TO BE REPRESENTED.

The price was $30,000, with 8500 bids acceptable From a first bid of 8500 the price was raised by. uimilar bids until $38,000 was reached, at which figure the property, was knocked down to Mr. Lung Kai Sang, of Macao Mr. E. V. M. R. de Bones was the auctioneer.

PROPERTY WITHDRAWN.

-At the Auctioneering and Brokering Company's sales room a leasehold pro perty registered in the Land Office as the remaining portion of Subsection 2 of Bection B. of Inland Lot No. 384 together with the premises thereon intended to be occupied by the Chung Awok Restaurant; was put up for aste

This property contains a total area of 14,652 square feet, or thereabouts, and is held under a Crown Lease for the term of 988 yeari. The Crown Rent payable in respect of the property is 837.16 per

annum.

Mr. L. E. 8. Hodge, the Auctioneer, WASHINGTON, March 23rd announced that the upset price would be: President Coolidge doubts the necessity $200,000, with 85,000 bids acceptable. of sending & representative to the World Considerable discussion issued as to the Court meeting at Geneva to explain the terms and when the property would be Senate's reservations regarding America's available for occupation, and the "pro- adherence to the World Court, as the perty was withdrawn, no advance as the reservations speak for themselves. ~k upset price having been made.