1935-09-14 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1935.

FRANCE REMAINS FAITHFUL TO THE HONGKONG ON IMPERIAL

LEAGUE COVENANT

Will From

Nondraw

Her Obligations

CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN

The anxiously awaited statement from the French Premier deaning the attitude of France in the dispute now claiming the attention of the world was delivered at the League Assembly when M. Laval reiterated his country's faith in the Covenant and said that France will not withdraw from the obligations she had undertaken.

A high tribute to Sir Samuel Hoare's speech was paid by "the French Premier, who described it as representing a high level of thought and full of the Liberal traditions of England. M. Laval 'said that no disagreement exists between Britain and France and that everything will be done to satisfy the legitimate requirements of Italy.

1

Authoritative quarters in Rome state that M. Laval's speech will not affect Italy's plan which will go forward `as arranged.

ASSEMBLY APPLAUDS M. LAVAL

Geneva, Sept. 13, The Assembly was packed, and excited to bear M. Laval, the French Premier, who has pre- viously chatted animatedly with Bir Bamuel Hoare,

11

There was great appausy as M. Laval mounted the rostrum. He began by declaring that everybody has to take the responsibility in the present situation "I do so tan benait of France. I repeat bur faith in the covenant. We can- not fall in our obligations." he said.

||

"From the protocol ol 1924 to

the Disarmament Conference of 1932 France has steadfastly pur- sued the doctrine of collective security. How can we let it die? All reason and justice would be against it."

"All our international agree- ments are based on Geneva and any daniage to Genevs would damage our security."

SPEECH PEAISED

M. Laval alluded to Sir Samuel

Hoare's speech as representing a high level of thought and full of the Liberal traditions of England "Sir Samuel Hoare showed the British determination to stand by No Power treated the League. those words more warmly than

F France and nobody better knows their value."

M. Laval described Sir Samuel Hoare's speech as a historic date in the League annals and said "we rejoice in close co-operation with Britain in the defence of peace and safeguarding" of Europe."

of the ways; let wisdom guard

her choice.

SOUTH AFRICA'S WARNING Mr. C. T. te Water. High Com- missioner for the Union of South Africa in London, voiced the deep anxieties of South Africa,

He declared that the partition of, Africa outside the covering of a planked or the League is fraught with danger and menace.

They were facing the possible destruction of one of the last surviving sovereigntles in Africa and that crime was permitted.

to over-

and Africa was conscripted by Europe for its own purposes and designs, armed Africa will in due and patient time arise throw it as in the past and revert to black barbarism which it has been our difficult destiny in the South to penetrate and enlighten. -Reuter.

GENEVA FEELING

BL. Laval, spokesman for France, who pledged faith in the League Covenant and co-operation with Britain to safeguard the peace of

Europe

personal contact he has made with Il Duce over the telephone, during the past few days.

AIR ROUTE

Six Experimental Flights

In October

London, Sept. 13. Imperial Airways will commence a series of six experimental re- turn flights between Penang and Hong Kong on October 2 with a view to the eventual linking up of Hong Kong with the Imperia air route.

The first two fights wil De undertaken for the purposes of a survey only. The other four will operate on a day and half sche- dule each way.

The route involves "two long sea crossings of four hundred miles Penang to Saigon, and six hundred miles Tourane to Hong Kong..

The Arst service fight will leave Penang at midday on Oc- tober 24 and is due in Hong Kong

Meanwhile, it is reported from Geneva that a change in Italy's in- tractable attitude is believed in in some quarters to be possible. It .5 suggested that the Italian

"More than most people I hate

spokesman, Baron Aloist, bereto-

the idea fore dat to all offers of compre-and I am as anxious as anyone in of differences between Italy and England," he went on, mise, may now be prepared to dis- cuss the terms contained in a re- Europe to find a settlement that post now being drawn up by the will do justice alike to Ethiopians' Council of the League's sub-national rights and to Italy's claim committee which has been inves- for expansion.”

tigating the Italian memorandum.} respecting Ethiopia's unfitness for membership at Geneva, The re- port is believed to be based upon. suggestions already considered by the Committee of Five

FINAL OFFER

The report will be submitted to both parties to the Italo-Ethiopian dispute and will constitute the anal offer fur conciliation which the Committee of Five la prepared to envisage.

It is assumed the report will deal with questions of gendarmeric or police in Ethiopia and also the question of territorial concessions to Roane.

Fa stressed the heavy responsi- bility resting upon them all to help the cause of peace in Europe,

"We, as a great Empire.... must remember the responsibility of great possessions. We must never be tempted to use our advantages In a churlish or foolish manner. That is why I spoke of our read!- ness to consider the question of

making better use of the world's economic resources by a freer dis- tribution of colonial raw materials," he concluded. Reuter.

NO ARGUMENT

London, Sept. 12 Mr. David Lloyd George, speak- Moreover, it is understood that ing at Plymouth to-night, said it as from to-morrow the Italian is suite cear that Signor Mus- press will cease to attack Great solini is mu open to any argument Britain,

which may indicare a greater willingness on the part of to offers of reasonable economic or any appeal. He is not even open

the "high authorities" to listen to the suggestions of others in the

Geneva, Sept. 13, As a definite pledge that France intends living up to her full Lea- gue obligations and in its com- plete allgument with British po- icy. M. Laval's speech is welcom ed here especially in British. quar-matter of this present crisis ters.-- Reuter."

REACTION IN ITALY

Rome, Sept. 13. "M. Laval's speech is neither favourable nor unfavourable to Italy." Reuter was authoritative quarters.

"We quite understand .M. Laval's position and his, necessity

Informed in

Reuter.

U.S. SYMPATHY

Washington, Sept. 12 While members of the State De- partment refuse to comment off- clay, there are obvious indien tions that Sir Samuel Heare's speech before the Geneva Assembly has been received in Washington with considerable sympathy. the speech will aid in achieving a The United States is hopeful that

concessions which might meet the legitimate requirements of his country. He regretted to say, Mre Lloyd George added, that he had never doubted what Signor Mus- solini had meant to do..

must

The League, be warned, be determined in its attitude and action in the face of this con- templated act of shameless rapine. He was confident, declared the War-time Prime Minister, that the country as a whole, without any

the Government in any decision distinction of party would support

the League of Nations Covenant, provided that that action was ef- fective,

on the evening of the following day. The return fight will be on October 29, but the experimental fights will not carry mails and passengers.

The fights will be undertaken by a four-engined Diana liner which leaves Croydon for the East on September 16. The crew of four will consist of a captain. first officer, engineer and wire- less operator.

Reuter learns that the former dificulties of flying over French territory have been satisfactorily

ex- settled, but negotiations for

China tending the service into are still apparently blocked by: the political, objections of the Chinese.- Reuter.

WAR FEVER ÎN ABYSSINIA

Chieftains Loyal To Emperor

Addis Ababa, Sept. 13." War fever and military pre- parations are spreading through out the country.

In Ogaden tens of thousands of Somal's are rallying to the Ethio- plan colours. Armed with ancient rifles and swords, they are gather ing round Daghpur.

Decide arightmi

SAY

"BLACK

&

WHITE"

SOLE AGENTS:-

DODWELL & CO., LT:.

SERIOUS BLAZE IN JAPAN

Heavy Loss In Buildings

Seven

ANOTHER CUT ASKED

Laval's Message

Geneva, Sept. 12.

M. Pierre Laval, French Premiler. has sent a message to the League- Tokyo, September 13. of Nations asking for a ten per hundred houses and cent, cut in all national contribu- were destroyed at tions to the League in the 1936 buildings Shibata, Nigata Prefecture, by a Budget. fire which broke out in the centre

M. Avenol. Secretary-General "of the League, replying at a meeting the city and avat The fire raged unchecked for nearly eight hours owing to the slon this afternoon, said everything of the League Budgetary Commis- failure of water fac!lties and possible would be done to ensure threatened the destruction of the economy, but he pointed out that”, One of their fiercest leaders, entire town.

compared with 1932, the national Geradmas Alwark, impatiently re- The buildings destroyed include contributions in 1936 were cut by quested from the Emperor permis-soveral of the principal govern-over ten per cent., and, despite the sion to launch an immediate at- ment offices.-- tack on Itadan Somaliland, y

Other forces. In Ogaden, com- prise 10,000 troops trained by Belgian officers They are armed with modern rifles. There are also a cavalry detachment and camel corps.

Reuter,

SILVER MARKET

H

(From Our Own Correspondent)

London, Sept. 13.

The Emperor has personally ap pealed to the Imam of Yemen not to sell cattle, grain or other

London silver prices to-day were necessaries to the Italians. It is

that reported

the

has up 3/16 for Spot and 1/4 for Imam agreed and the Emperor has sent Forward as follow:-- the Imam afteen tons of gifts.

Sept. 12 Sept. 13

29-3/8

29-3/8

29-8/18 29-5/8

Following the Governor's pro- Spot.... clamation that an Italian war is Forward imminent, the natives have been London on New York cross-rate seized with

They panic,"

are at 2 p.m. to-day was £9368 com- abandoning their homes and live-pared with 49375 at closing yes- stock and taking refuge with their terday.

He recalled that the Franco- to expressing wholehearted sup- Italian agreement in the earlier port of the League. Nevertheless peaceful settlement of the Italo- which it might reach to implement wires and children in the moun-

year definitely excluded all that might divide us. We are ready to persevere that co-operation for the realisation of peace.

NO WITHDRAWAL

the speech will not in

any way affect Italy's plan. We shall go forward as before, in the mean- while awaiting with interest any proposals

the emanating from sub-committee."

"In the present supreme effort The speech has caused disap of the Council to find a solution, pointment in regard to public France is determined to fulfil opinion generally as it was ex- her duty as a member of the pected that M. Laval would be League. and friend of Italy. more sympathetic to Italy's claim. Everything will be done to satisfy It is revealing no secret to say the legitimate requirements of that Italian pubite opinion is Italy, having regard to the League growing nervous about the situa members' rights. No disagreement tion during the last few days.- exists between Britain and France Reuter

in search of a peaceful settle- ment."

SURPRISING ASSERTION

M. Laval continued: "In the

Paris. Sept. 13. past year we have successfully The surprising assertion that surmounted difficult problems like Britain objects to the Italian ac- the Saor and Hungaro-Jugoslav

tivities in Abyssinia because she dispute. We shall try to achieve wants it herself was made by the same success and our obliga- Signor Mussolini at an interview tions are in the covenant, France with the French Journalist Ray- mand Recouly which is publish- At the conclusion of the speech ed in the Journal". Gringoire,"

The French Press anticipate there was prolonged applause, Bir Samuel Hoare jumped up and that Laval will participate in the

Ethiopian dispute.

WATCHING CLOSELY

Mr. Cordell Hall, Secretary of Stata, said the State Department. was watching the situation very closely with a view to taking ad vantage of every possibility to co- operate, in the light of American policies. for the preservation of peace.

The United States, however, had not communicated with any other Government upon the Ethiopian question. Reuter

He praised Sir Samuel Hoare's address at Geneva as an outspoken,

lucid and straight-forward declara- on. He added that the Foreign Minister had risen to the heights of a very great occasion.~~ Reuter.

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

London, Sept. 12. Speaking to-day at Plymouth Mr. Lloyd George referred to the Italo- Abyssinian dispute and the For- eign Secretary's speech in the LeagueTM Assembly.

He said: "In

tains.

GOOD. RESPONSE

Young men are responding well to the appeal to enrol but the

and the peasants no longer bring traders have closed their shops

their provisions to the market.

All

CHINESE STUDENTS IN LONDON

London, Sept. 13.

withdrawal of Germany, it would be possible to make a further slight reduction in 1936.-- Reuters

SENATOR LONG BURIED

Last Tributes At The Grave

Dressed

Baton Rouge, Sept. 12.

in 4 dinner-jacket, which he seldom wore during his life time, Benator Huey Long was buried under a simple marble slab in the grounds of the State" Capitol. Five of his closest po-

the litical friends

per bearers."

were

The cortege threaded its way through 100,000 spectators, ac- |companied by the band of hist

"Poor State University boys Danakil chieftains have

Twenty-three indemnity Chinese Huey's last words-playing "Évary, sworn ther allegiance to the Em students arrived in London to-day-Man a King," composed by Huey

· Diredawa is an armed and are staying at a hotel near and now transposed into a minor camp because it is the concentra- the Chinese Institute which is key. tion point for Western Ethiopia. looking after them till they go to At the graveside waited Huey Fifteen hundred women have the various Universities, including Long's family. The Rev. Gerald volunteered to fight,

Oxford, London, "Edinburgh, Man-Smith, the chief: "Share" the

peror,

Reuter

that

MADE EVERY EFFORT

The firing of güns will herald chester, Leeds and the Eastmall Wealth supportér, praised": "this Geneva, Sept. 12,'

the approach of Italian planes, ing Agricultural College. No-one mental wizard, political genius "Whatever may happen in the

The population have been in- Eves to Cambridge. Several ap- and loving husband." "There were end, nobody shall say that the a crisis of this kind the Govern~

structed to leave their houses Im-plications for that University were aeroplanes overhead and the po- British Government and its repre- ment that represents Britain and mediately and take 'cover under unfortunately sent in too late. Hice restrained a hysterical man. sentatives have not made every the cause of right is, for the mo-

trees. No lights are permitted Various receptions are being screaming "I want to throw my- possible effort to avoid what we be- ment at any rate, a National Gov-after sunset-

arranged for the newcomers by self in Huey's grave," Chinese students in England, Uni- After the funeral Governor Al- lieve would be a great calamity" ernment in the real sense of "the Sir Samuel Hoare. the term. It speaks for the nation as declared

versities Chinese Committee and len issued a statement saying British Foreign Minister, in aa whole.".

other agencies.

Huey Long's principles broadcast" speechTM to-night,

It was well all nations in Eu- which he described most vividly his rope should know that, he said. obligations, but Senator Pope, ac- they had a splendid voyage and an adequate tomb would be built The students told Reuter that would endure while courage and decency curvive. He added" that. He was confident the country, cording to his message, believes all were in good health and eager by bublic subscription. warmly shook hands with Mcensure of Italy, but try to limit the interüational sphere during the without distinction of party, would [ it would be a simple matter to usely looking forward to careers in

impressions of the developments in

be behind the Government in the pact as a basis in outlawing England. At the moment they

Reuter decison to support the League any Government resorting to a war confess themselves dazed by the Covenant.

of aggression in pursuit, or its am- hugeness of London.--- bitions

fer..

will not withdraw therefrom.”

-

to

INDIA'S COMPLAINT The Aga Khan declared before the "Assembly that Indian criticism. of the League' was growing owing

'to the League's lack of univer- sality. India had a small repre- sentation compared to her large

the French construction to econ-past few days.

EARLY CABLES

PREVENTING WAR

and Foreign Minister, M. Laval, is expected to speak.

Laval,

M. Litvinor was expected

omic and financial sanctions and 8 Samuel said he had been speak, but he removed his name try to induce other countries not deeply struck by the respect in from the list.

to go to extremes.---

which his 'country, and Indeed the He welcomed also Sir Samuel After M Laval's speech - Sir

whole of the Empire, was held by Hoare's reference to the problem Reuter.

the world. He felt over and over of control of primary materials. Samuel Hoare departed for Zon

LAVAL TO SPEAKT don,

again the immense weight of ras-Of the speech as a whole he said: ponsibility as a representative of "It was outspoken, it was lucid, it

London, Sept. 12. a Government to which so many was straight-forward.. It was countries seemed to be looking for adroit. He rose to the heights of morrow when the French Premier

The Assembly meets again to Paris, Sept. 13.

guidance and advice. The belier that M. Pierre Layai,

a very great occasion." "I tried to put to them a typical' | British" Bireles Prime Minister of France, intends British viewpoint," said Sir Samuel, to, spring a surprise when replying and in particular to express to to the declaration of British policy them, first, our universal desire to as rendered by Sir Samuel Hoare live and let live in peace India, he said, was troubled by before the League Assembly, when second, to keep our word, solemnly the League's dramatic failures by he speaks at Geneva to-morrow, is given in the Covenant of the unfruitful disarmament con-widely current here. The assertion League of Nations." ferences and by wars declared or that France, is as eager as Great undeclared, which had been waged Britain to uphold the League of ↑ ̈· between Its members. Now fresh Nations is certain to form a part The Foreign Minister expressed trouble greater than any of these of the Prime Minister's statement, the hope that in striving for those has arisen. The League's ideal or but it is believed that he will also two objectives and doing justice collective security was only an announce a new compromise offer to Ethiopia "we shall still be able "alternative to "international anar-to Bignor Mussolini, together with to remain the friends of our Italian

chy. The world is at the parting an explanation of the result of ally in the Great War-

contribution

TWO OBJECTIVES

azd.

Geneva, Sept. 12. With a view to preventing war Ethiopia, Senator Pope. an un- ancial

American representative who has been interviewing the foremost European statesmen, har cabled to Mr. Cordell Hall aug gesting the convening of an inter- national conference of signatories of the Brand-Kellogg Pact out- lawing wart

Heuter.

REICHSTAG MEETING

MYSTERY

DUMFRIES BY-ELECTION

London, Sept. 15.

The by-election at Dumfries to All the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Hunter resulted as follows:- Mr. Baldes (Nat. Lib.)

******** 14,272 Berin, Sept. 13. Mr. Downie (Lab.)

10.097 Mystery deepens in regard to M. Laval and M. Herriot gave a the Reichstag meeting on Sunday, Reuter.

There was no change of party, lunch to-day to Sir Samuel Hoare, An official statement yesterday Mr. Eden and others members of that Chancellor Hitler will deal the British delegation. Sir Samuel with foreign policy especially Hoare is leaving Geneva to- Memel, is now omelally contradict- morrow for London In his ed and a prominent deacial in close absence Mr. Eden will be acting touch with Her Hitler states that leader of the British delegation the latter will deal

This morning the British For home policies and did not menting eign Secretary conferred with both the Jewish question, but M Litvinoff and the Portuguese claration is merely in the form Foreign Secretary, Benor Mon ilustration of the solidarity exist

ins between the State and Party Reuter, a

The pact does not provide ma- tio chinery for the enforcement of ita- Britich Wireless:

DUTCH RUBBER DUTY

Batavia Sept 13. Connell passed the /duty mea