HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8,
1934.
PLACE DE LA CONCORDE---A BATTLEFIELD
BRITAIN'S VIEWS ON
DISARMAMENT
Sir John Simon States
Britains Views
FRANCE AND GERMANY KEY
TO SITUATION
London, February 7 The House of Commons was crowded, and many diplomatic representatives were present when the Foreign Secretary. Sir He John Simon, initiated the Disarmament debate yesterday, declared that a situation had developed since December 21. Per- mitting useful discussion, as four important documents had been Issued by the British, French, Italian and German Governments.
Although serious differences still existed, there had been a suficiently greater approach to common ground, and sufficient encouragement, to justify a new effort for reconcilation by Great Britain, hence the memorandum of January 31.
The key to Disarmament, he said, was the accommodation between France and Germany. Germany's claim to equal rights in armaments could not, and ought not, to be resisted, because there was little likelihood of world peace if one attempted to No place a great country and race under superior jurisdiction. drastic solutions could be found on the basis of all nations im- mediately abandoning all weapons denied to Germany. -
NOT AN IDEAL PLAN
Sir John Simon said that if a to Chancellor Hitler since every "prompt agreement was not reach-German Government had made the
éd, Great Britain would have to i same claim. consider her armament position a world of if she was to live in unlimited armaments.
He emphasised that the British memorandum was not submitted "as some ideal plan, without regard to the needs, claims and anxieties of others. It was presented in the spirit of realism.
Time was running against the friends of Disarmament, and the i British pian attempted to provide basis for a prompt agreement.
German re-arma- Referring to ment, Sir John Simon said that any convention must face some re-armament by Germany, but the British Government would view
1 repugnance settlement, which "provided equality of rights without any Disarmament in any
with
quarter.
Britain was not entering new commitments in the ser.se of re- pressive action and in ignorance of circumstances.
"We should do our utmost to obligations faithfully fulfi any intc which we have entered, he declared.
A SERIOUS ADVANCE .
The British plan, it fully carried out, would result in a decrease of armaments in Europe, but even if Europe agreed there was no cer- thinty in "egard to the Far East.
Japan's attitude, he said, had been almost "entirely negative. She had given no indication that she would accept the conditions pro- posed.
24
Sir Herbert Samuel hoped that the British Government would not be deterred by the possiblilty of the part of one opposition on power.
Speaking in the spirit of friend- liness, he did not belleve that the Government of Japan would view with equanimity the situation in which they had, been isolated diplomatically by their attitude in Manchuria and economically by the present world trade conditions then morally, and possibly being a single strategically, by aissentient to zulfy a general Disarmament convention.
Rear-Admiral G. Campbell, The Independent member, for Burnley. urged the removal of the causes of war, including' l-adjusted terri-
and
Having emphasised the obligatories, and suggested the establish-
tion of the signatories to the con-
ment of a League of Nations tribunal to which appeals could be
vention to act in concert to pre-made with an international Air vent Violation of the convention Sir John Simon emphasised that Force to enforce its authority. the British proposals constituted a really serious advance.
In regard to naval armaments. he declared that only cruisers, not Were neces- exceeding 8.000 tons.
The next step, he said, was to ensure that the British memoran-sary.
understood dum was completely abroad, and Britain fully grasped the other nations' difficulties.
The British Government there- fere intended to arrange for the Lord of the Privy Seal. Captain Anthony Eden, to visit Parts, Rome -and-Berlin as soon as possible, to explain the British viewpoint and to learn the other Governments views on the British memorandum. Captain Eden would have left
but for Paris. Lunmediately
the French political situation neces- sitated the consideration of the French Government's convenience. Str John Simar concluded that it was Britain's duty to give a fur- ther lead, as she had already offer- ed the most striking proof of her good faith by voluntarily translat- ing the desire for Disarmament from words into deeds.
Britain, he said, was resolved to. do everything possible despite all the difficulties to bring about an International agreement, and to strengthen in every possible and practicable way the peace structure of the world, and so deliver our- selves and others from the dangers and burdens that will follow the final failure to agree."
The Labour Member for Stepney, Lime House, Mr. C. R. Attlee scting Opposition Leader, said that der man equality was conceded too late and was also not conceded to right but to force. The League's policy encouraged the nations to leave the League to talk of war and get concessions.
SINO-JAPANESE DISPUTE Japan had been made a model for the treatment of the rest of the world. The whole idea of security went when the world fall- ed to assert itself in the Sino- Japanese dispute.
GERMANY'S ENGAGEMENTS The Conservative member for West Birmingham, Six Austen Chamberlain, expressed satisfac- with the German-Polish tion agreements provided it did not detract from Germany's previous the League engagements under Covenant, the Kellogg Pact and the Locarno Treaty.
At this stage of his speech. Sir Austen Chamberlain was londly cheered
"It is time" he continued, "to ask Germany to frankly declare her wishes so that we can tell her how far we are prepared to go."
Referring to the claim for the return of German colonies, he said that it was not in the power of the British Governmentito surren- der mandates, many of which were not within its control.
"If we were to accept Germany's claims or other points they must withdraw their claims on these peints and so reach a compromise," he declared.
armament was
Sir Austen Chamberlain was of the opinion that Sir John Simon's statement, that Germany's claim for equality in Irresistible was dangerous, and wished that Sir John Simon would disavow the implication that he would accept equality with Ger- many on the sea.
Loud cheers from the Ministers greeted this passage.
Sir John Simon intervening, sald be used the phrase that if "equality in armaments" he must have used it erroneously. What he meant was, equality of rights as clearly stated in the British memorandum.
NAVAL ARMAMENTS
He pointed out that the memo- armaments were to be the subject of entirely separate negotiations,
The Labour Party, he said, want
The Lord of the Privy Seal, Cap- ed the security of total Disarma- ment, the British plan provided no tain Anthony Eden replying to the debate said that in view of the "Auε- approach to that for 10 years.
The Liberal Party leader, Sir trian decision in regard to submit- ting the matter to the League, the Herbert-Samuel, declared that the British proposals had aroused no Austro-German dispute was, in a randum laid down that naval sense, sub judice and any action to enthusiasm.
Welcomed the be taken, would have to be a joint He agreement with Italy in regard to action, decided by the Council of the reform of the League of Nathe League.
Austria, he said, was entitled to tions.
A measure of re-armament for demand no interference in her Germany' he said, was inevitable internal affairs by any other Gov- as a result of the principle of ernment. equality. It was not a surrender
(Continued on Page 12)
"A GOVERNMENT OF BLOOD"
SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS BY ECHO DE PARIS
Daladier Tenders His Resignation
WILL THERE BE CIVIL WAR IN PARIS?
M. DALADIER HAS RESIGNED IN ORDER TO AVOID BLOODSHED. --REUTER.
4
("Daily Press Special)
Paris, February 7. Conditions closely resembling a State of seige now prevail in the French Capital. For instance, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced early on Wednesday morning that every kind of open air meeting and proclamation were to be rigorously forbid den until further notice. A warrant has been issued for the examination of Meurras, the director of L'Action Francaise for a leading article on Wednesday inciting citizens The whole of the Paris Press condemns this bloodshed and almost with- to murder. out exception throws the blanie on M. Daladier whose position is now more pre- . carious than ever.
Several papers speak of "Civil War in Paris," the Victoire says that Daladier has his hands smeared with the blood of the Right Party, while The Echo d'Paris says that the Stavisky Government which is a Government of thieves and crime has now become a Government of blood"; while the Economic Daily Journal Industrial organ says that heavy industries demand the immediate resignation of the Govern-
ment.
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Daladier paid a visit to President Lebrun" early this morning, the visit was for the purpose of obtaining far-reaching power for securing and maintaining public order.
For the first time since the end of the War, the Government is proceeding The police began on Wednesday to forbid the publication of certain newspapers. morning by confiscating the entire edition of the Action Francaise.
The latest edition of the Figaro estimates the number of killed on Tuesday at 12 and the injured at 350, while Police reports state 10 are dead, four demonstra. “ tors, four military men, one officer of the Republican Guard and one servant girl, Many members of the Chamber narrowly escaped from the violence of the infuriated mob M. Herriot himself was obliged to flee in a motor-car and change bis hotel, that in which he usually lives being threatened by a crowd so that he had to be guarded all night by police.
Early on Wednesday morning the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed special thanks to the Police for their heroic execution of their duties under excessively try- "You were not fighting ordinary agitators," said the ing and dangerous conditions.
What we do is done for France."-Transocean Kuo "but revolutionaries. message Min.
Paris, February 7
Today's issue of the Action Francaise has been confiscated. The streets are full o prognostications of what is going to happen to-night. Reuter.
A MOST TURBULENT NIGHT
("Daily Press" Special}'
PARIS, FEBRUARY 7. THE CAPITAL SPENT THE MOST TURBULENT NIGHT EVER WITNESSED SINCE THE WAR THE REVOLUTION- ARY MOOD HAS NOW SPREAD TO THE PROVINCES AND SERIOUS CLASHES ARE REPORTED FROM NANTES, NANCY AND EVEN ALGIERS. THE CASUALTIES OFFICIALLY ARE GIVEN AS THREE DEAD AND 130 INJURED OF WHOM NINE ARE POLICEMEN. A FOREIGNER WAS KILLED BY A STRAY BULLET IN FRONT OF HIS HOTEL OPPOSITE THE PLACE WED- AT ABOUT ONE O'CLOCK ON DE LA CONCORDE. NESDAY MORNING THE POLICE WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE BARRICADES' AND DEBRIS OF KIOSKS WHICH HAD BEEN TURNED OVER, BUT THE DISORDERS CONTINUED AT THE RUE ROYALE.
11
FIRST AID AMBULANCES CONVEYED THE INJURED TO THEIR TEMPORARY STATION AT THE WELL-KNOWN CAFE WEBER, AND BONFIRES BROUGHT LIGHT ON THE SCENE.
PREMIER DALADIER SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT MADE A STATEMENT TO THE PRESS DECLARING HIS APPEAL TO BEING FOLLOWED MAINTAIN ORDER AND COMPOSURE
BY EX-SERVICE MEN, BJT CERTAIN ROYALIST HE SAID, INCITED THE CROWD. TO VIOLENCE AND ATTEMPTED A. COUP AGAINST THE REPUBLICAN REGIME CHARGING THE POLICE WITH REVOLVERS AND KNIVES.
IT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PROVED THAT AN ARMED ATTACK ON THE SECURITY OF THE STATE HAS BEEN DALADIER FURTHER SAID THAT MEASURES ATTEMPTED.
THE ATTEMPT IN THE HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO NIE BUD. BITTER COMMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE "PARIS SOIR" THAT AT MIDNIGHT "THE CHAMBER OFFERED A SPECTACLE OF THE GREATEST CONFUSION.
NUMEROUS POSTERS WERE STUCK UP EVERYWHERE AND FREE MASONS FOR THEIR DENOUNCING JEWS ALLEGED SHARE IN THE LATEST SCANDALS, LORRIES WITH INFANTRY. PULLED UP IN FRONT OF THE CHAMBER CORDONING ROUND THE AREA WHICH HAD BEEN PLUNG- ED INTO DARKNESS, THERE BEING 30,000 DEMONSTRA- CONCORDE BOTH THE TORS IN THE PLACE DE LA DIRECTORS OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE AND THE FAMOUS FLYING ACE MAJOR HEURTEAUX WERE SERIOUS- LY' INJUREDD), THE CROWD SHOUTED "SEND CHIAPPE TO JAIL" AND "SHOOT DALADIER TO DEATH.”
POLICE DETERMINED.
WHAT IN THE LAST TEN DAYS WERE MERELY DEMON- STRATIONS HAS NOW BECOME SERIOUS STREET FIGHT- ING, AND TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION AT THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. A LARGE NUMBER OF TROOPS IN CLOSE RANKS HAD TO BE BE- 'USED AFTER DUSK OWING TO THE SITUATION
SIGHTSEERS COMING BO SERIOUS. A FURTHER 10,000 POURED OUT FROM THE NEIGHBOURING BOULEVARDS. ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE DEMONSTRATORS. AND GAILY CHEERED SETTING FIRE TO A HAPLESS MOTOR TRUCK. MOUNTED POLICE LEADING DENSE CORDON OF MILTTTA POLICE AND REPUBLICAN GUARDS SURROUNDING THE THE BLAZING CHAMBER IN ORDER TO TINGUISH VEHICLE BUT WERE FORCED TO RETREAT UNDER A THE VICTORI- SHOWER OF BRICKBATS AND MISSILES.
OUS HOWL OF THE DEMONSTRATORS WAS MET BY THE COMBINED FORCES OF THE STATE WITH A DETERMINED CHARGE. THE POLICE WERE CLUBBED AND TRAMPLED ON TO SUCH PROPORTIONS THAT BEING CRITICALLY.!
OPEN FIRE, OUTNUMBERED THEY WERE FORCED - TO SHOTE INTO THE AIR ONLY BROUGHT HUNDREDS MORE INTO THE EQUARE, AND FINALLY THE POLICE FIRED ON THE ON-RUSHING ·CROWD, KILLING AND WOUNDING (Continued on Page 12)
M. Daladler, Premier of France
who has resigned.'--
CHAMBER" ADJOURNS
[Spezial to the Hong Kong Dally 'Fress" (Copyright.)]
Paris, February 6. The Chamber adjourned shortly after 11p.m. till Thusday morning after passing, a motion for the postponement of all interpellations by 360 votes to 220 thus leaving hectic-day. Daladier the victor of
Transocean Kuo Min.
PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
King And Queen To Visit Lancashire
London, February 6. The King and Queen, will visit Lancashire early in July for the formal opening' of three great public enterprises, namely, the Mersey Tunnel, the new Liverpool- Manchester Arterial Road and the new Manchester Library.
The Mersey Tunnel has cost over £8,000,000; and unforeseen engineering difficulties have been overcome in ita construction. The Arterial Road is 25 miles long. which has been built at a cost of £3,000,000. It representa the first part of a road to run across the. Pennines from Liverpool to Hull, The Manchester Reference Library contains a four-tier steel book Etack to hold 1,250,000 volumes.— British Wireless Bervice.
“FARMING” SYSTEM IN CANTON
Causes Loss of Over One Million Dollars
บ
(From Our Special Correspondent)
Canton, February 7. Reformation of the present taxation system by abolishing "farming" is being 'seriously con- sidered by Mr. Ou Fang Pa. Pro- vincial Commissioner of Finance, and this means that in the im-
of mediate future collection taxes will be undertaken directly by the Provincial Department of Finance.
be abrogated by Mr. Fan Chi Wir,' the former Commissioner of Fin
The "farmer" often proves ance. to be unreliable and collects more. money that he is allowed
Commissioner Ou Fang Pu 16 em- embarrassed by the "recent bezzlement of public funds by the farming syndicates, for the esti mated losses in this connection amount to over a million dollars. It is proposed that at the expira- tion of the contract term the "farming" method will be abolish ed. At a start, the restaurant tax: will be collected directly by the government agents.
Nümerous complaints, were filed
tax" by merchants that certain farmers oppressed them by tak- ing a much heavier taxes than the schedule as announced by the Proposal government authorities. Such means of collection relie- for the abolition of the farming ves considerable burden on the part system will be shortly submitted of the government, although this to the Provincial Government for Indirect way of leaving revenue is action, due sanction being antief- antiquated and was scheduled topated.
The present "arming" system provides that all taxes are to be collected by a farming syndicate, who in turn pays a lump sum to "the government. There is a small sum margin between the lump rendered to the government and collected by the actual amount the farmer. and this is a kind of commission to the tax collecting
concern.
MARY HILSZ AGAIN FORCED DOWN
Aviatrix Unlucky In Flight To Japan
Beyrouts, February 6. Mlle. Mary Hilsz, the French aviatrix, who is on another flight from France to Japan, left Aleppo to-day.
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.. She experienced bad weather after taking on, and was compell- ed to land at. Deir ez-Zor.- Reuter.
』
- CHANG'S NEW POST.
SILVER MARKET
(From Our Special Correspondent)
London, February 7. Following are the Silver quota-" tions on the London market to- day:
Spat
Forward
31
Feb. Feb. §. 19.11/15 19.8/18 191 19#
The London on New York cross- rate at the closing to-day was
5.03.
SINO-BRITISH TRADE
Nanking. February 7.
Nanking, February 7.- Chinese sources state that ne government has The national issued a mandate appointing gotiations-relating to the revision
25 Hsueh-lang deputy of Sino-British and Sino-American Chang commander of the Bandit Sup- commercial agreements will take pression Forces in Honan, Hupeh place at Nanking and not in Lon-
don or Washington. and Anhlu provinces-Reuter.
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