1934-02-19 — Page 9

KING

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1934.

OF THE BELGIANS KILLED

TRAGIC INCIDENT IN THE MEUSE

11

VALLEY

Monarch Misses Footing On Mountain Side

CROWN PRINCE AND PRINCE CHARLES

2

SUMMONED TO BRUSSELS

Death Deplored

Deplored Throughout Europe

Brussels, February 18.

THE KING OF THE BELGIANS IS DEAD.-Reuter.

The Belgian King was killed in a mountaineering accident. He was driving. his own car accompanied by a servant.

The King set out to climb Rocher de Marche des Dames, near Namur "and while making the ascent his car skidded and fell down a ravine.. His body was recovered at 2 a.m, with a deep wound in the head. He undoubtedly died in- stantly. Reuter

1243

The body of the King was found at the foot of a lonely ravine down which his car had fallen."

The body was brought to the Palace of Laeken, Brussels, at 3.30 a.m., where all Ministers were urgently summoned to be present to receive the remains.

Prince Leopold, the heir to the throne, who is in Switzerland was immediate- ly informed of the King's death and is returning to Brussels this evening. Prince- Charles is returning immediately from Ostend.-Reuter.

An urgent meeting of the Cabinet has been held but no statement in regard to its decision will he made until after the return of the Crown Prince.

The district in which the accident occurred is in wild mountainous borders in the Valley of the Meuse where the roads have sharp angles with steep descents 10 Meuse. The opinion is given that it is possible the car skidded and plunged over an embankment in the fog and darkness.-Reuter.

"Brussels, February 18.

The nation was stunned at the news of the King's death and refused to credit the report until special mourning editions of papers confirmed the worst fears.

The sad news was conveyed throughout the country to mayors and heads of departments. Church bells tolled a knell and flags were everywhere at half mast. At a Cabinet meeting this morning it was provisionally decided to hold the funeral on February 22. but there will be no final decision until the. Duke of Brabant

returns.

The Government in a proclamation to the Belgian people says that this ter rible accident has robbed Belgium of a chief of whom she was so proud. Belgium offers homage to the Queen in her grief and hails the Crown Prince, who with God's help will continue his father's noble work.--Reuter.

TRAGEDY CONFIRMED

||

The road at the scene" of the mountains the King came to the accident is most narrOW and is Old Shrine, about fifty yards from bordered with steep jagged cliffs Namur on the Marche des Dames which sometimes reach $ heigh road which is bounded on one of six hundred feet. The late King side by the River Meuse and on was particularly attached to this the other by a messive crown of

rocks. Here towards a 250-foot crag with a concave face with many

for the repose of the monarch's soul,"

The disaster has plunged the nation into the deepest grief and all amusements, concerts, and so farth, have been cancelled for to- day.

B

The late King Albert. as prince travelled widely, visiting America, England and the Belgian

Congo.

and be-

On December 1, 1909 Prince Ai- bert took the Oath of Fidelity to the Belgian Constitution came King under the name of Al- bert I. In his speech from the Throne, the King emphasised his care for his peoples' welfare in the following words, "Our pro- sperity depends upon the pro- sperity of the masses."--Trans- ocean Kuo Min.

GERMAN SYMPATHY

1

DISARMAMENT PROBLEM Germany's Level Too Low

London, February 17.

In a speech at Brighton, yester- day, the Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, asked what use there was in proposing that all nations should disarm to Germany's level when there was not the slightest chance of such a proposal being | accepted.

"Would either the United States or Japan agree?" he asked.

If an international agreement on armaments, even a Emited one, could be reached, a new chapter would be opened in the world's history, he said.

If all efforts failed, the world would relapse into unregulated competition for the supply and manufacture of weapons, with re- sults that none could foresee- Reuter.

INFORMATION. WANTED.

(Special to "Hong Kong Daily Press")

|

NEW SCHEME BY JAPAN

--

For Recognition, Of Manchukuo

W

Geneva, February 17, The differences between the postal administrations of Gread Britain and Manchukuo have been called to the attention of the League of Nations.

are

It is pointed out that the Man-

services chukuo

regularly carrying British mall and that the British services are carrying mall from Manghukub, following, the Marichukuo request to the British Post Office to comply with the necessary statistics under the postal convention.

IMPROVEMENT IN SILVER

Prices Rise In London

London, February 18. The recent firmness of silver in London is due to the belief that the United States Government, in- Auenced by silver interests in America, will shortly take action.

The position is vague, but it is belleved that the Government may take over the huge New York. stocks of metal at a price con- siderably, higher than that in the open market,

The recent weakness" of the dol- lar is believed to be due to the purchases of sterling by American7" speculators with a view to acqulr-

The British Government haveing silver futureš, asked the League to define the extent to which relations are per- missible with the Manchukuo postal authorities, without involv- Ing the recognition of Manchukuo, It appears that Manchukuo ts trying to bring a test case in order to secure recognition, at least, in respect of postal facilities.---Reu- ter.

Hy Telegraph, Copyright, Telegra SINO-JAPANESE

phic Messages Ordinance, 1894. crived, February 18, 7.30 p.m.)

Paris, Feb. 18.

Ro

Berlin, February 18. Stalesec Weissner on behalf of the Reichs President and Count Basseweitz, on behalf of the Ger- mian Government called on the Belgian Minister here on Sunday at noon to express heartfelt sym- pathy. President Hindenburg and, Hitler also sent telegrams to the Beigtan Government and the Ro- yal family--Trans-ocean Kilo Min.

A RESPECTED SOVEREIGN- A semi-official commentary

Captain Eden's conversations with King Albert I was born in 1875 the French makes it plain that in Brussels and was carefully edu-Captain Eden's visit was for the cated. He devoted much time to purpose" of information only. The the special study of economics and chief point of the Franco-British social science, and travelled ex-discussion. will be tackled only after tensively on the Continent. In the Captain Eden's return from Berlin Belgian Congo and in the United and Rome. States. In the latter country he made a study of railways under the supervision of James H Hill,

He married Princess Elizabeth

Saturday's discussione, so it is stated, did not centre around the potential disarmament meeting to be attended by seven or eight of the

of Bavaria in 1900, and their elder big Powers, while the Austrian son, the Duke of Brabant,

was question was only cursorily referred

to.-Transocean Kuo Min.

SILVER MARKET

CRITICISM IS EASY

London, Feb. 17.- Lord Privy Seal Capt. Anthony Eden was meeting" the French Premier Downergue and Foreign (From Our Special Correspondent) Secretary Barthou in Paris to-day to discuss with them, and ascertain their views on the British disar London. Feb. 17.

mament memorandum for which Following are the Silver Quota-purpose he is later meeting minis- tions on the Loudon market to- Lers in Berlin "and Rome... day:-

+

zt;"i

Feb. 17 Feb. 16 Spot....

20.37820.5/18 Forward

20.7/16 20.3/6 The London on- New York cross- rate closed to-day, at 5.09)-com- pared with 5,08.5/8 at yesterday's closing.

born in 1901. Two other children a son and a daughter, were born in 1903 and 1906 respectively. The Duke of Brabant married. Princess Astrid of Sweden in 1925.

The

Meanwhile, & powerful appeal for support of the British Govern- ment's disarmament policy was made last night at a meeting at Brighton by the Foreign Secretary Sir John Simon. Agreement on the lines of the British memoran- dum, he said, would open a new chapter 13 World's history. Though restricted in scope, it would prove to the World that limitation of armaments was a practical conception and would Justify and promote more thorough-going reductions in fu- ttire. The alternative was world-wide relapse into, "Unre-" gulated competition in supply and manufacture of weapons of des-

can foresee."

a

Brussels, February 18, It is confirmed that King Albert was killed while mountameering and not a motoring accident,.

His Majesty accompanied by a district in the Ardennes which is valet left yesterday afternoon by extremely picturesque and afford motor for the hilly district of Mar-ed opportunities of long tramps small projecting foot and hand late King Albert was a second contruction with results that no man cher des Dames. Ave miles west of when he was unable to visit his holds. The King evidently was sin af King George V. of Great Namur, intending to-climb a diff- favourite haunts in Switzerland. “ climbing up this rock and grasped Britain and of ex-Kaiser Wilhelm Referring to expressions. of ré-

He was the son of Philip..Count gret from been cult part, the ascent of which is

body of British People living near the scene of a piece of rock which had dangerous in the present season the tragedy appear fairly well in- split by recent frost. His hold of Flanders, the younger brother

opinion that the British proposals owing to the presence of project~ formed as to what occurred. They gave way and the King crashed of King Leopold II Leopold II, were not more far-reaching Sir ing Ice.

declare the Iste king fell when back upon his head then rolled King Albert's predecessor, left no John Simon said, "If we mean to In accordance with custom be climbing rocks. All traffic in the down the steep corridor between sons, and as his daughters were use our best efforts in securing left his valet in his car with in-district is now stopped and nobody the two masses of rock towards excluded from the throne by the

international agreement it is use- structions to await His Majesty's is permitted to

less to proclaim the beauty of approach the the road to a rocky platform near Salle Law, Albert succeeded to the return in about an hour, but when scene.

the Shrine. The King's pincenes thronic on the death of King Leo some ideal solution "which cannot the King falled to return his valet A commission of inquiry visited were found near the spot where pold in 1900.

be attained and the only valuable "grew änxious. He left the car and the scene during the night and the fall evidently started, his

proposal is the one which aims fruitlessly searched the hillsides. has returned to Brussels for fur- haversack was also found caught

after sifting every objection at re- Finally he telephoned to Brussels ther inquiries.Reuter.

concillation and compromise. If any one feels impelled to greet the British memorandum with critic- sm that it should be different we are entitled to ask that he should produce a set of proposals which in the light of present circumstances

that the King was missing. Un- easiness simultaneously began to

be felt in Brussels as the King- was expected to return in the evening to attend a sports fete at 8.30 and when he had not arrived officials communicated

with the Palace, but no news been received. -Reuter.

ኮ

IMMEDIATE SÉARCH

A search

is

DEATH DEPLORED

London, February 18, The tragic death of King Albert deplored throughout Europe. Heartfelt tributes are paid to his sincerity and devotion to his coun- try.

The news was conveyed to King Palace was immediately in- George at Buckingham

King stituted and a number of prin early in the morning, the cipal authorities drove to the spot. and Queen Mary sent a personal The police and 'the whole popula-message of condolence to Queen

Elizabeth. tlon from the surrounding coun-

When the Germans invaded Belgian in 1914, King Albert, de- in the rocks a few yards lower. spite the pleas of his loving sub- The King was accompanied by his jects placed himself at the bead Alde de Camp, Count de Crunne of his army. He suffered the a grand Marshal in the Queen's dangers and, hardships of active household. who gave the Arst leadership uncomplainly... alarm when the night began to

ed-Reuter. fall that the King had not return

NEWS SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE

was

The late King Albert was one of the most respected sovereigns of the world Until the German invasion, his country was peaceful and. prosperous, and yet he constantly working for the im- provement of his subjects whom he loved. He was scholarly and active; had striven for directness and honesty in his dealings with other European rulers; and in pri- (By. Telegraph, Copyright, Telegra vate life had set a standard that pitia Messages Ordinancë, 1894. Re-

anyone might well follow. It was ceived, February 18, 7.30 p.m.)

because of his vitality and his un- Brussels, February 18. bounded concern for them that King Albert I the Belgians the Belgian people Idolised thei

(Special to "Hong Kong Daily Press")

try assisted in the search, but it Two weeks' Court mouring has was not unt. 2 a.m. that the body been ordered from February 29 was found at the foot of a steep Many stories are recalled of cliff overhanging the road from King Albert's war time heroism by was killed as a result of a moter late King. Namur to Marcher des Dames Sir Roger Keyes who was an in-car accident which occurred while The Japanese, nation, who high- The King had apparently missedtimate friend. He said King Al- the King was motoring to Rocher ly admind the valour of the Bel- his footing and was killed instant-bert's courage had not been sur de Marche des Dames, near Nagian King presented him in 1915 ly: It was found his skull was

passed by Belgian monarcha. He Uved in the latter part of the wet fractured and a deep wound at the base of the neck. An hour and a

in a villa at Lapanne within the half later the body was brought range of the enemies' guns but was to Palace of Leaken, Brussels.-

covered from the sea by ships of Reuter.

the Dover Patrol

QUEEN" INFORMED

King Albert was greatly loved in England and was intensely inter- ested in Nelson's Victory. He nev Queen Elizabeth was first in- er tired of discussing stirring formed only that an accident had events of the war-Reuter. happened. It was not until 6 am.

ly.

are

more likely to command international acceptance than ours. It is going to be terribly difficult to get agreement in any case, but let it be granted that even if this effort or some further effort succeeds the result would fall far short of what many of us hoped for. Nevertheless, gain of international agreement would be so great that in comparison with this all other deficiencies melt completely away,”--British ̈ Wire- less,

IMPORTANT MEETING IN

PARIS

mur, when the King's car plunged with a Bixteenth Century Sword headling into a precipice. Death of exquisite workmanship.

Paris, Feb, 17. An important meeting took must have occurred instantaneous- King Albert stood out as one of lace at the Qual d'Orsay on the most heroic Egures in the Saturday morning and was at- The King had left early on 8a-Great War, because of his attitude tended by Doumergue, Barthou, turday and the Royal drivers's ab in preferring war to dishonour by Herriot, Tardieu, and the three sence gave cause for serious con- refusing to sanction the marching Ministers concerned with National cern in the Royal Household, al- of German armies through Belgian defence. The Ministers met just though well after midnight on to attack France, and his bravery prior to a lunch given at the Saturday the King, quite contrary for always being at the head of French Foreign Office to the Bri- to his usual practice, had not re-his troops in the Neld.

tish envoy Capt. A. 'Eden and at- turn home, At 2 o'clock on Sun- Throughout the war, he and his tended by Lord Tyrrell, British brave Consort kept to the small Ambassador in Paris and the with a fractured skull was dis part of Belgian that had not been British Charge d'Affaires Camp- covered.

captured by the Germans, and re-bell, Doumergue, Herriot, Tardieu, sisted all attempts of the latter to Barthou, the Naval Minister Pietri, separate Belgium from the Allies. the Air Minister, and general In September 1914, King Albert secretary to the Foreign Ministry, received the Croés of Knight of Bt. Significance in these discussions Flags were immediately hoisted George from the late Tsar; and lies in the fact that according to at half-mast and National mouring King George conferred upon the programme, Franco-British has been ordered for the army. him the Order of the Carter dur- exchange of opinions on alarma- Prayers were said in all churches ing his visit to Belgian in 1914.3ment for which purpose. Captain

that the news of the King's death HOW THE TRAGEDY OCCURRED day morning the King's body was broken to her.

An urgant meeting of the cabinet was held this morning. it remeets at 11 am, and executive power will be administered by Ministers in Council until the new King has taken the Oath. but Prince Leopold and Princess Astrid cannot arrive from Switzerland until this evening.

Brussels, February 18, An inspection of the spot where King Albert's body was found at the foot of a wall of rock near the little Shrine off the Namur road makes it clear how the tragedy occurred. After spending some time climbing other parts of the

News of the

terrible dizaster

that had befallen on the beloved King spread like wildfire.

PROBLEMS

The dollar, however, has, also weakened owing to the purchases. of gold in London, as owing to the narrowness of the margin between the sterling gold price and the price based on the parity of the franc it is no longer pro-. fitable to purchase francs to with- draw gold, from the. Bank" of France.

The franc "continues an the down grade in sympathy with the dollar-Reuter."

HUGE PURCHASES PROPOSED

Washington, February 18.. The House of Representative's member, Mr. J. Scrugham has in- troduced into the House a Bill re-

Ariyoshi Going To quiring the Treasury to purchase.

Nanking

Shanghai, Feb. 18. Ariyoshi is leaving for Nanking. to-morrow to confer with Wang Ching Wel in regard to outstand- ing. Stno-Japanese problems. He is expected to remain in Nanking a few days after which he will go to Japan to report the result to his government--Reuter.

COMMUNISTS. LAID TO REST

Sequel To Riots In

Paris...

:

Paris. Feb. 18. Surrounded by red flags, and covered with wreaths of roses, eight coffins containing the bodies

of Communist demonstrators kill ed in the rioting in Paris passed through the streets to strains of the Internationale for burial. The cortege was over. A mile long: Police stood by in readiness. bat there was no incident.-Reuter.

Eden visited Paris are scheduled to begin immediately after the official lunch welcoming Captain Eden-Transocean Kuo Min. ..

NO COMMUNIQUE ISSUED

Paris, Feb. 17. No communique was, issied at the close of Baturday's Franco German conversations at the Qual d'Orsay, but in political circles it is assumed that France made no concrete proposals.

at least 25,000,000, ounces of silver monthly for six months, and 10,000,000 (ounces monthly there... · after until 1,000,000,000 ounces have been purchased or a 18 to 1 ratio to gold reached.

The monthly purchases would be reduced to 4,000,000 ounces Ir that commodity price level ex- teeded that of January 1, 1926. issued against the purchases. re

Sliver certlačates would .be

deemable in silver, bulltori în vâlue' to the gold equivalent at the time "of, redemption, and any redeemed to be replaced by added purchases. The House of Representatives alyer advocates have decided to créate &"Committee of a Hun- dred" headed by Mr.. Flesinger.

They have circulated a resolu- tion pledging the signatories to support Bill requiring the, Treasury to purchase. 50,000,000 -- ounces monthly, provided such purchases do not exceed 1,000,000,- 000 ounces. · ·

The silver would be purchased at the market price with certi- fleates redeemable with gold- Reuter

FIGHTING IN SINKIANG Kashgar New City Attacked

New Delhi, Feb. 18, Severe fightlüg continues in Binklang accordirig to reports from Kashgar.

The new Moslem Government forces launched a further attack on Kashgar New City, but were repulsed with heavy losses. The Tungan tribesmen, who, are hold- ing the city, have now adopted

As regards disarmament itself the offensive. the French Government is said to The situation is complicated by. have drawn attention to the Note the action of the new Govern- just sent to Germany; which statesment, in imprisoning the Tungan the French point of view clearly, delegates who arrived from Asku

Transocean Kuo Min.

to open up negotiations-Reuter."

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