1936-02-21 — Page 9

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ITALIAN CLAIMS IN

ABYSSINIA

Document Published In Sensational Form

Rome," February 20.

A document, purporting to be a private report on Britain's attitude to Italy's claims in Abyssinia presented by Sir John MaRey to the British Foreign Office, is given prominence by the "Giornale D'Italia." Sir John Maffey is credited by the paper with the opinion that Italy will do everything possible to gain control of Abyssinia and will be even content at prevent with partial acquisition of the country.

Sir John Maffey is further represented as pointing out that there are no vital British interests involved, saying that Britain's chlef concern is connected with the head waters of the Nile which, In the event of Italy being irmly, established in Abyssinia, would call for “a corridor to the Sudan." or 'failing this Britain would en- deavour to obtain less onerous conditions as regards the Like Tsana dat

project than stipulated by Ethiopia.

It is recalled that in London a British Inter-departmental enquiry, was held last spring in onse- quence of the Italian enquiries re- garding British Interests in Abys-

sinia.

I

It is also pointed out that the report presented in June, 1935 and 1 which considerably preceded the action of the League in naming Italy as the aggressor had no re- lacion Britain's duties as a

to

·League member,~ icruter

ALLEGED RECOGNITION

Fame, February 19,

In a sensational form the semi- official "Giornale d'Italia" publi- ches what it claims to be extracts from an original report written by the, inter-ministerial committee ap- pointed by England in June 1935, for the Abyssinian question.

According to the "Giornale d'Italia" the Committee took

Th

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LEAKAGE OF INFORMATION London, Feb. 20. Departmental enquiries are being made into the circumstances as to

the leakage of the Maffey docu- ment.

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Meanwhile it is officially pointed out that the report supports the British claim that Britain's back- ing of the League over the Abys: sinian issue has been disinterested as it is shown that British interests are limited to Lake Tsana and the question of grazing rights.

It is understood that the report contains findings of a departmental enquiry to examine the British and

Interests Italian

in Abyssinia. However, precipitation of events when the League declared Italy as the aggressor superseded the report which was therefore not published.

the view that in the Agree- No diplomatic representations ment of 1906 England. "recognis- | have been made to Rome and 'it is ed almost all Abyssinia as an Italian sphere of Influence" and moreover "that in Abyssinia and the neighbouring territories there are no British interests so vital that the British Government would become compelled to oppose a Be published despite the Italian conquest of Abyssinia by Italy" i ponočiau News Service.

ITEMS FROM THE WAR FRONT

Addis Ababa Feb 20. A desperate battle is unofficially reported to be raging in the Tem- bien region between the forces of Ras Kissa, Ras Seyoum and Italian Black Shirts. The Italians attacked first, but the Ethiopians are said to be holding their own.

The Italians are extensively us

ing mountain artillery, firing ten thousand shells daily. but the number of Ethiopian casualties is not reported.

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It is stated that the Ethiopians 'Lake shelter in caves and dugouts in the day time, and only venture out at night when the Balans are Junable to direct artillery are by planes. The Ethiopians are spec- ialising in lightning thrusts, by pa- trols of thirty or forty men who creep up on the Italian lines and charge with bayonets, usually in- filicting many casualties.-- Router's Bulletin Service..

JAPANESE DIVISIONS

FOR MANCHUKUO

More Troops For China

Tokyo, Feb. 20.

A

The War Office announces that İmperial sanction has been obtain-

ed for the despatch of two divi- slons

to replace the Japanese divisions in Harbin and Tsitsihar. also a unit to replace a portion of the forces in North China garrison. The date of the return of those relleyed has not been announced.

The Japanese press states that the North China garrison will be doubled.

Heuter..

U.S. DECORATIONS FOR BRITISH OFFICERS

Washington, Feb. 19.

Senator Trammell has introduc-

revelations.- Reuter,

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1936.

DRAFT NAVAL

TREATY

17

Difficulties Still In The Way

London Feb. 19.

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After a two-hour meeting the draking committee of the Naval Conference to-day completed draft nava: treaty, but the poltti. cal difficulties and the dagree ment over the tonnage

of future battleships threaten to hold the conference for some time.

The French approach to the United States' Depariment, seeking a compromise, will be referred to Mr. Norman Davis, the Head of the American delegation to the conference. Thus, America's amrmation of her 35,000-ton bat- tleship policy seems assured,

LIVELY DEBATE IN FRANCE

AZANA FORMS CABINET

Reports On Syrian Unrest

Crowds Cheer The Spanish Republic

Hong Kong Daily Press" Special) ("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Paris, Feb. 20.

The latest disorters in Syria were

"Madrid, Feb. 20. Premiér Asana announced short-

the subject of an antmured debately after 10 o'clock on Wednesday

In the Foreign Political Committee night that he had formed the fol- of the Chamber on Wednesday lowing Cabinet:" afternoon.

A report criticising the adminis- trative activities of High Commis- stoner de Mariel was rend, which proposed, a number of changes in the Important posts on the Manda- tory Admnistration. Telegrams from Syria, protesting against the highly unpopular High Comm's- sioner and his Administration were also read, but several members of the Committee rose in his defence. and read other Lelegrams, which indicated that de Martel enjoyed the sympathy of a large section of

after

As Great Britain has tacity agreed with the Americans to sup- port the big battleship in return for the United States agreement to a holiday in building big eruis-the Syrian population, ers, the next step is expected to The conclusion reached be Francu-British negotiations" in hearing charges and counter

charges by the Committee was that as the evidence was so con- tradictory a new investigation was

Ana necessary, and the

decision was therefore postponed unt!! A

over a

the nature of bargaining European air pact and Germany's invitation to sign the new naval treaty.

M. Charles Corbin, the French

Ambassador to Great Britain, who more accurate report could be ob- is heading the French naval contained. ference party. saw Mr. Davis of Trancean News Service. the United States to-day at 4,30 p.m. Their conversation lasted until 5.30 p.m.

M. Corbin secs Mr. Anthony Eden, the British Foreign Minister. to-morrow. Houter.

ROME DELIBERATTON

Rome, Feb. 19. Admiral Count Giuseppe Raineri- Biscia and other high naval off- cers, were received by Signor Beni- to Mussolini, the Prime Minister, to-day.

not

kely that the report was never communicated to Italy,

It is understood that questions The published version consists concerning the Italian Navy's of short and carefully selected needs and potentialities were dis- extracts from the report which is cussed, in relation to the problems" { of considerable length and will not confronting the London Naval

Conference. No solution reached, according to well-inform-

15 ed quarters, although it known precisely to what a solu- tion was sought.

Italy has never broached subject of reducing battleships be- low 35,000 tons and it not preper- ed to consider scrapping the two giants upon which construction is

nct sacrifice already well advanced. She would

these ships for

ships of 27.000 tons gross limit.----- fresh programme based on battle-

Reuter.

SCALING OF MOUNT EVEREST

London, Feb, 20. The 1936 Mount Everest expedi- Bombay to-day under the leader tion's advance party arrived in ship of Mr. Hugh Rutledge. The Party is expected to make the first attempt to scale the top on May 22 and until the monsoon breaks

wher; they will have to return as

the days will be too short and cold. The party expects to reach the base camp by April 12 and on this bccasion 134 porters will be em- ployed which is more than thé number used 00 the previous expeditions kcuter.

COMMITTEE REPORT ON OIL SITUATION

ITALY'S BOMBSHELL

the

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London, Feb. 20. Political issues threaten to pro-

həb‹à‚thchách häåëââbâdbók

SILVER MARKET

(From Our Own "Correspondent)

London, Feb. 20.. London

Silver prices to-day were down 1/15 as follow:-----

Feb. 19 Feb. 20 20-1/16 20 .19-7/8 19-13/16

Spot.. Forward

VESSEL LOSES PROPELLOR

Another Liner On The Scene

New York, Feb. 19. The 7,000 ton liner Nova Scotia, out of Liverpool, bound from the Virgin Islands to New York, has sent out a distress call, asking for immediate assistance.

Premier: Alzana,

Foreign Affairs: Barcia. Minister of War: Gen. Masquet Marine Minister: Jose Giral. Public Works: Casares Quiroga Education: Marcelin Domingo. Trame: Blanco Garson. Commerce & Industry: Builla. Justice: Antonio Lara."", Of these Ministers all belong to the left republican party, except. the War Minister, who is a non- party man, and two Ministers who belong to the Republican Union.

When the crowd heard of the new Cabinet, they proceeded to the Ministry of Interior and cheered the Spanish Republic.

the During

demonstration all police patrols had been withdrawn from the streets-

Pansocean' News Service.

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EARLIER CABLE

Madrid, Feb. 19. Premier Portela's Government has resigned. despite President Zamora's deaire that it remain in office until the Cortes opens ne month.

It is almost certain triat Senor Agana will head the new Leftist Government, with Senor Barrios the Minister of the Interior. Both are former Prime Ministers.

It

is strongly rumoured that Fresident Zamora now wishes to resign immediately, since the Gov- ement has dissolved itself, bu Senor Agana has asked nim to await the opening of the Cortes. The President's attitude apparent- ly is a result of the general elec- Mon's trend to the ler, but his desire to leave office was increas- ed by the Government's resicila- Hon.

Senor Azana has been asked to for a Cabinet.

No reactionary outbreak is ex- pected from the Fascists, their leader, Senor G Robles, having declared that he bows to the peor ple's judgment.

Apart from about thirty seats in the Cortes, which are still unde cided, the latest election returns give the Leftists 237, the Rights 150 and the Centre 50-

The ship's message states she Reuter, has lost a propellor.

She is believed to be coast of Florida.,

of the

A later message stated that the

CASANOVA BACK

SUBSTANTIAL CREDIT BALANCE

Britain's Trade Position Quite Sound

London, February 20.

Although there was a further Increase last year in the im- ports of merchandise, Britain's payments abroad show' a 'sub- standaj credit balance. The annual estimate issued by the Board of Trade of the net balance or all transactions of a re- venue character between the United Kingdom and al other countries, Including those transactions originated by the Govern- ments as wel as those arising from dealings between individuals but excluding leading and repayment of capital, shows a credit balance for 1935 of 37,000,000.

This compares with a debit balance of *£2,000,000 In

1934 'the exact balance of credits of credits and debits in 1933. The last previous year which showed a favourable 'balance of pay- ments was 1928 when the credit balance was £122,000,000. Ro... · ceipts from overseas investments show an increase, of £11,000.- 000 to a total of £185,000,000, and the advance in income from shipping amounts to £5,000,000, the year's total being £75,000,- 000.

It is to be noted that the higher income from overseas investments was obtained in spite of conver- sion operations having reduced in- terests on a number of loans,

On the other hand there was a partial resumption of payments of loans that had been in default or in partial default.

.. The return shows that net pay-

ments abroad in reapert of film" royalties

are estimated to have amounted in 1934 to between £5,- C00,000 and £8,000,000.- British Wireless..

i

due to the effects of America's silver programme, leading to # large net export of silver which rose from £12,500,000 to 54.9 mil- lions, whereas imports only "in- creased by 18.2 millioris.

Despite the excess of visible im- parts over exports of £283,000,000, Great Britain in 1935 had a fav- ourable balance of trade including her invisible exporta. The favour- able balance was £37,000,000 com « pared to the adverse balance of £1,000,000 the year previous."

The chief Items contributing to the invisible exports are:-Ship- ping, £75,000,000: Income from overseas investments, £185,000,-

U. S. POLICY REACTIONS

London, Feb.-20 An important qualification in the British balance of payments is 000.- that the greater part of it was Reuter.

INCIDENTS AT BORDER

British Enquiry In Tokyo

Tokyo, Feb. 20: Sir Robert Olive, British Ambas sador. In the course of an Interview with the Vice-Minister for For eign Affairs. is understood to have enquired into Japanese polley in connection with recent border in cidents.

RECENT LOSSES OF SHIPS

Recommendations By Committee

The

Sttawa, Feb. 20. Canadian Government's shipping subsidy estimates include a decrease of £29,800 in the ser- vice to China and increase of £20,000 to New Zealand.

The London Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee inquiring into Mr. Shigemitsu is reported to recent losses of British ships an have declared that the situation behalf of the Board of Trade re- could probably be ameliorated commends an all-round increase the Soviet agreed to Japan's pro- of efficient deck hands which it posal for the organisation of. defines as a man over nineteen Commission to investigate with three years deck service over Chingchangkao incident and ac- the minima prescribed by the cept the Japanese proposal for Board of Trade in 1907. The Com- Manchukuo-Soviet Joint Demarca- vessels of over 2,750 tons. tion Commission.

the

long the naval conference and now London liner Eastern Prince was [Special to the "Hong Kong Dally the establishment of a Japanese-mittee urges three mares

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technical problems, verge on solution. In addition to the French attitude cabled yesterday, it is reported from Rame that Admiral Raineribiscia who has 'gone to Rome to consult Signor Mussolini, will return to London on Friday with instructions to decline to sign the naval treaty until the Concentration of the British Fleet in the Mediterranean 13 with- drawn.

British naval conference circles do not believe that Italy will in- troduce political questions, but

Luncon, Feb. 19. The report of the League Com-

others fear that Italy will not lose tittee of "Experts on Italian at the opportunity in the attempt to supplies has been published in a obtain a settlement of the thorny white paper here. It. says the aspect of the Abyssirilan dispute.-

Italian sources or supply are in- Reuter.

significant, except those in the

United States, and that o from

the Albanian fields which is own- ed by Italian Interests is of poor quality, and small quantity, since production has just begun.

Synthetic substitutes could

of economy, use substitutes

not

SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS

Nanking. Feb. 20. North China issues wil be the

expected alongside at daybreak

and that no further help was required.- Rester.

VESSEL IN TOW

New York, Feb. 20.1 The Eastern Prince is now tow- ing the Nova Scotia to Hamilton. Bermuda. The passengers are stated to be apparently unendan- gered... Heuler.

SHIPS AGAIN ICE-JAMMED

Passengers In Difficulty

Tientsin, Feb. 20. With ice packs blown in from the sea, the port is again ice- bound. Numerous British and

be produced in large quantities by Italy. but she might, for the sake most prominent sublects for dis-other ships are ke-jammed.

discussion at the forthcoming Sino- The steamer Kanchow is ashore Japanesc negotiations, according to with a disabled steering-gear. It's learned from Whitehall that well-informed Chinese circles.

Ice-breakers are helpless as the Mr. Anthony Eden, the Foreign

led from the oil of nuts.

It is widely believed that the ne-pathways immediately close up as

soon as they are made.

Minister, is representing Great Bri-gotiations are being undertaken in tain on the Committee of Eighteen order to restore amicable and nor- which meets shortly to discuss the mal relations. Such a restoration

Tugs embarked seventy passen- gera from the Chur Lee, but they

are unable to take of a hundred

from the Chosan Maru.

Press (Copyright.)]

Madrid, Feb. 19. Reports from Barcelona state, that the former President of the Catalan Parliament, Casanova, who was last year able to break wut of the Barcelona prison and escape to Paris, has returned to the Catalonian Capital

Meanwhile, the War Once has Issued a forty-six page pamphlet commemorating the Russo-Japan- ese-War, and pointing out the dif- terence in Russo-Japanese condi tions in 1905 and 1936.

on all

Attention is drawn to the steady reduction of losses due to intro- duction of wireless From 1900 to 1814 the number of vessels and lives lost were 1,186 and 5,384 respec-. tively and between 1921 to 1935

The pamphlet stressed the point the Agures were 891 and 2,205.-- Casanova, who was sentenced to

Reuter. that Russia is pursuing the same penal servitude for lite for parti-aggressive policy in the Far East elparken in the separatist revolt but the Soviet method" la more in 1934, was discovered by deput skilful and more thorough than jea sitting in the Presidential Chair, this being; the first indica- Mon of his return.-

rrenancean News Service.

ROBLES RESIGNS

H

under Tsardom.

|- Furthermore, it is pointed out that Britain · and America, who were Japan's friends in 1805, are now envious and inimical regard- Ing the carrying out

of Japan's mission.

("Hong Kong Daily Préss" Special) | Reuter

Press (Copyright.)]

Madrid, February 19.

The leader of the Catholic Peo- ples Party. Gil Robles, resigned, because be was charged by the right wing with the responsibility of the election defeat, which was described as "misguided. Transocean News Service

LONG-TERM INTEREST

RATES

London, Feb. 19.

KING VISITS FAIR

Displays Inspected At Olympia

King Edward

Longon, Feb. 18.

VIII fulfilled his An urgent plea for * further irst public function when he

oil experts report and the posal is believed to be more certain in bility of an embargo on this bro view of the decisions reached at duet in respect to Italy--

recent "conferences between the Ships from Chefoo are turning reduction in long-term interest visited the newly-opened British Japanese ministries.

Reuter's Bulletin Service.

ITALO-AUSTRIAN

门

AGREEMENT

Rome, Feb. 19.

Following conversations between

Bignor. Suvich, the under-secretary

The opinion is also held In Chinese circles that Japan is un- likely to make any further moves In North China acainst the Nan- king Government. Heuter

ELECTIONS IN JAPAN

back.- Heuter.

FRANCO-ITALIAN TRADE

HERR. HITLER HONOURS DR. FURTWANGLER

Berlin, Jan. 29. Chancellor Hitler has presented the famous German conductor Dr. Wilhelm Furtwangler, whe celebrates his fiftieth birthday to- day, with a large picture of him- self framed in liver with a suit- able inscription.

Herr Hitler's official recognition signines that Dr. Furtwangler is rehabilitated in Nazi Germany. It will be recalled that in December, 1934, he resigned from 'his numer ous official positions owing to his condict with the Nazi cultural groups on the importance of Paul Hindemith, the exponent of modernism in German

music whom he defended

NAZE ACTIVITIES IN SWITZERLAND

rates,, by another increase in the Industries Fair to-day at Olympia. volumé of bank money, was made Mr. Walter Runciman, President by Mr. J. M. Keynes, the well-of the Board of Trade, and Lord known economist, when presiding Harewood attended His Majesty. at the annual meeting of the Na- The King received a most cordial [Special to the "Hong Kong Daily tional Mutual Life Assurance Com- welcome on the streets of London,

Press (Copyright.)) · ("Hong Kong Daily Fresa" Special)

pany

while on a tour of the stands in- Paris, Feb. 20. Mr. Keynes pointed out that thede the fair. his

Basel, Feb. 19. walk was The various consequences of the present relative levels of gilt-edged punctuated with cheers.

"In accordance with the decision sanctions begin to be noticeable securities and industrial ordinary He first visited the Dominion

of the Swiss Federal Council to l the statistics of trade between shares were calculated, unless re- and Colonial exhibits where be prohibit the regional and district ed a Bill in Congress authorising the Austrian

Tokyo, Feb. 20. Italy and France... The "Temps" vised, ultimately to disappoint the recalled many Incidents of his leaders of the National Socialist President Roosevelt to present the nere dealing chiefly. with the Japanese go to the pools to-day. draws attention to the fact that holders of the latter.

Party in Switzerland, deliberations Distinguished Service Meda in Danubian problem, a communique Throughout the empire 14,479,553 imports of Italian goods declined Share prices presumed not a New Zealand's stand he took place on Wednesday between Commander Todd and the Navy has been issued stating the Minis- men are entitled to vote in 14,000 from 35,328,000 francs in the pre-increly the maintainance of pre-tasted some of the prize cheese the Federal Councillor Baumanni. Cross to Lieut.Comdr. Kitcat. of ters reached complete agreement. polling stations, scattered over an vious year to only 4,191,000 in sent industrial activity, but a fur and as the South African stand Federal Attorney and the Chlef of

The meeting confirmed the in-Immense area, in the general January of this year, while the ther substantial improvement, he had some Kenya coffee.

the Federal Police, whereupon it tention cf the two Governments election.

exports into Italy in the corres- which only a further fall in long- By the King's request an in- was decided that the members In to follow the policy outlined in the There are 877 candidates to all pending months "which" were term interest rates can bring about formal bowler hat replaced the question of the National Socialist 466 seats in the House of Represen47,311,000 in 1935 dropped 18 636, by creating new types capital "topper" at the fair, which was Party should be called upon to su- tatives.-

000 francs in 1936-

development.

nd their activities.. Eeuter.

Transocean News Service,

Tankorean News Service

the British destroyer Wishart. for the rescue of the crew of the U 8.5. Fulton, which was destroyed

for Foreign Affairs in Rome, and Foreign Minister,

by are whilst en route to Hong Italo-Austro-Hungarian agreement Kong on March 14, 1934.

Heuter.

c 1934.

Reuter.

Rauter.

overseas tours.

the custom of previous years.

Reuter.

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