1936-02-27 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1936.

PACT WITH SOVIET RUSSIA

M, Flandin, Foreign Minister defends the French attitude in the pact controversy,

NEW DEFENCE

PROGRAMME

Labour Considering Attitude

London, Feb. 28.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce to-morrow an early date for publication of the defence White Paper and Service Estimates, The general defence debate ac- cording to present arrangements will begin in the Commons on March 9.

French Motives Under Suspicion

Press Comment Concludes With Warning

("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)

Berlin, February 26.

The "Voelkischer Beobachter" chief organ of the National Socialist Party says that "no more unfortunate phrase in do- fence of the Franco-Sov et pact could have been found by M. Fiandin, than that the pact ensures the continuity of French poley," when commenting on his speech in the Chamber.

Surveying the history of Franco-German raat ons, the paper goes on to say that German territory has often been victim of fanatical attack by its neighbour during the past centuries, and adds that this historical fact is regretted by no one more than by National Socialist Germany, „

1

the

MM. Clemenceau. Poincare and. Barthou are outstanding names proving the truth of this historical experience for most recent past, continues the paper, pointing out that the nightmare of the French Ruhr occupation is still fresh in the German people's memory.

:

By affirming that the Franco-Soviet pact is a continuance of this polley, M. Flandin therefore removes the fast doubts as to the pact's actual alms, the paper says, which concludes its comments with the words: "Germany has uttered her warning -the decision is now up to Paris."-Transocean News Service.

-DEBATE IN CHAMBER

Paris, Feb. 25.

In the presence of no more than 50 Depucies, the debate on the ratiacation of the Franco-Russian Pact was resumed on Tuesday afternoon. The apathy however

A special meeting of the Nation-which had fallen over the House

rose to the Speaker's place, to hold his long awaited speech in defence of the pacE

conforms with French policy and does not imperil the independence of the French Government,”

After the ministerial speech the Chamber decided to adjourn.→→ "ransooran News Service

FLANDEN'S DEFENCE

Paris, Feb. 23. al Council of Labour representing immediately ceased when Flandin

France has never ceased to de- the Trades Union Congress Labour

sire to associate Germany in any Party and Parliamentary Labour

understanding, especially one for Party yesterday considered the

the safeguarding of the peace of Attitude to be adopted by Labour

The Foreign Minister began by Europe, declared M. Pierre Flandin, towards the Government's new de-stressing that France had always

the Foreign Minister, when defena- fence programme.

advocated the system of collective ing the Franco-Soviet pact in the security, adding that since a gen-Chamber of Deputies to-day. cral understanding had found All successive French govern- great opposition, one had been ments had been faithful to this obliged to take recourse in region conception and had taken care te al solutions. In surveying the his- keep Germany's place open in asy tory of the Pack, Fiandin stressed collective peace effort. that it was originally conceived by Litvino

After the white paper has be- come available it is understood that the majority In the Labour movement, will share in the view expressed recently by Sir Walter Citrlie, Chairman of the National Council, that I may be that in pursuance of Labour's policy we may find we cannot resist a cer- cain measure of rearmament."

D

MEAGRE NEWS IN LONDON

Japanese Embassy Activity

London, Feb. 26.

The military coup in Tokyo Has caused stupour in Britain. Late editions of the morning papers publish banner headlines over meagre despatches.

The first reaction is that the outrages show the ascendency section of the military is likely to aggravate the Japanese-Russian situation.

Although the Japanese Embassy had not received direct telegrams until 10 am.. it was a hive of ac- tivity in the early morning and was bombarded with enquir les trom al quarters, notably trom Japanese Embassies through- out the world requesting inform- tion.

@

It is expected that when ful details are received discussions will take place between the var lous Japanes officials in London. Japanese circles tend to minimise the outrages as perpetrated b young' officers not connected with more important circles

de- plore especialy - the deaths gal Premier Okada and Mr. Takuha- shi.-

Reuter

and

LONDON ADVICES"

London, Feb. 28. According to very reliable ad- vices from various sources In Tokyo, "groups of young officers, armed with machine guns attacked

JAPANESE STATESMEN KILLED

Revolt Of Young

Army Men

Admiral Okada Among

The Slain

Grave happenings are reported of a military coup in Tokyo by the men of the Third Infantry Regiment of the First Division led by Captain Nonaka. A though news from Tokyo has been scanty, due to martial law and press message' restrictions, mes- sages from London and Singapore indicate a serious situation..

Some 3,000 men of the Third' Regiment were on the way to the station to entra'n ́for "the point of embarkation for Man- churia when they suddenly broke away on the orders of their chief and occupied, all the important. Goveranfent offices Police Headquarters and strategic points in the city. The residences of the leading statesmen were also surrounding in the attack which began at dawn.

The Premier, Admiral Okads the aged Finance Minister „Takahashi, and Mr. Gota, Minister of the Interior were made prisoners in their residences, s: me, reports which have not been definitely confirmed stating that they have been assassinated. " General Watanabe, Inspector General of Military Education, is reported to have been seriously wounded, a Shangha!

message stating that he is among the dead.

Latest messages indicate the deaths of Admiral Okada, Count Salto and Mr. Takahashi, but the death of the last named is denied. Reuter cables from many sources folow,

OUTRAGE SHOCKS THE WORLD

Shanghal Feb. 25.

Admiral Okada, Premier In Japan, reported to be one of the victims of the military coup.

MR. EDEN'S REGRET,

London, Feb. 26. Replying to a request for in- formation by Major C. R. Attlee in the House of Commons to-day, Mr. Anthony Eden ̈expressed deep, re- gret that he had to report the deaths of Admiral. Okada, Count Kallo- and Mr. Talabashi” (neko: 'named since denied) and other

casualties.

The Labourite, Mr. Will Thorne, asked what school of thought was involved herelu, and another

Mr. Labour Member,

Aneurin

ance of the Cabinet, the Home Office. residences of the Premier A military coup has occurred in the statesmen in their private Tokyo, according to a message re- and Minister of the Interior, and Bevan, asked if this did not show houses. Besides the death of Countceived in Shanghai.

the Metropolitan Police Headquarwhat happens to a nation when Salto, Admiral -Okada and Mr. Details of the coup d'etat areters, overcoming the resistance of the army is in charge. Takahashi, it is stated that Gen- unknown.on account of the strict sentries.

Units of the Imperial Guard eral Watanabe, Inspector General censorship in force.

It is understood however, that Division

been ordered to of Military Education; and the bead of the Metropolitan Police in

several of the most important or evict the rebels- addition to other important per- Japan's political leaders have been | Reuter. sonages were killed.

The streets are lined with troops. The Palace and public buildings are strongly guarded. The Bank of Japan has suspended business.

Tokyo is quiet and apparently the safety of British subjects is not endangered.

The proposed Franco-Russian pact contained no obligation such | Reuter as might be found in the ordinary treaty or alliance. It was not con- trary to the spirit of the Treats of Locarno, and it affirmed «tņat

he #ggression would

made against Germany. The pact only envisaged resistance to aggression.

по

and Foreign Minister Barthou in 1934, and had been characterised as dangerous Newspapers state that the trades Germany while Poland had given union side of the movement, at an evasive reply. least as definitely as the political French dipomacy had then dous ride, accepts the argument that fall it could to render the appre the nations supporting the collec-hensions of Poland and Germany Live peace system must be in post- unnecessary, had even thought of tion to resist aggression from what-modifying the pact, but Germany terial declaration when he spoke M. Flandin recalled his minis-

ever quarter it came.-

had persistently rejected any form of collaboration British Wireless.

with Germany. of mutual assistance, although it He had said, and he repeated that had been stressed that this mutual is desirable that a great ma- assistance should caly be rendered rion to which civilisation owes so within the framework

of the much should resume his place Locarno Treaty and the League

the world on Covenant.

equality Router,

LEAGUE SECRETARIAT IN NEW HOME

}

15

NO ISOLATION • It was also pointed out from the commencement that the Pact was not to be isolated, but only the beginning of Under these conditions the pact had been signed by M. Laval in

"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

Geneva, Feb. 26. The League of Nations Secre- tariat, which since 1920 has oc- cupled provisional quarters in the former Hotel National, has just moved to its permanent quarters 1935

the ground floor of the League of Nations Palace, which is now rapidly nearing completion and will be ready for the League 1 1937.

universal Pact

Я

footing

RATIFICATION CERTAIN

Paris, Feb 25."

of

MARKET REACTIONS

London, Feb. 26. "Undoubtedly the situation 15 very serious, but, we have not yet had time to digest the Tokyo news," is the consensus of city opinion.

Japanese bonds were marked down rather as a precaution than

due to actual selling. It is be- lieved to be a bad outlook for the North China situation and is re-

sagged

coup.- Kruter.

15

PEIPING REPORT

Peiping, Feb. 28. It is rellably reported here that the Japanese Minister of Finance,

Mr. K. Takahashi, has been. asaas-

sinated in the Tokyo military "coup".- Rauter.

TALK INTERRUPTED

have

SUDDEN RUSH

Shanghai, Feb. 28.

Mr. Eden added that so far as he was aware no British interests were endangered-Reuter.

SHANGHAI REPORT

Shanghai, Feb. 26. It is now revealed that Premier. Okada, Count Saite and General The Third Regiment was actual-Watanabe are dead. Mr. Takula," ly on the way to the station to ski and General Smulik aan 2303- entrain for the point of embarca ed. Count Makino is mL BE tion to Manchuria when, led by Iki, former Ecesome Advisem the officers, the troops made

the Imperial Household, is safe. sudden rush to strategic points of

Reuter. the city and occupied the War Office' in addition to the buildings previously mentioned Reuter.

NANKING FEARS Official circles are, stirred at the news from Tokyo and at the same time hold fears that it presages a

Shanghal, Feb, 20. "Reater's" Shanghai office at tempted to communicate with their Tokyo branch this morning, in view of the interruption of urdin-itary dictatorship devoted to a ay communication, by wireless stronger policy in Asia. It is tear- will have far reaching effects on the future of Sino-Japanese relations-- Reuter.

telephone. But after a few words

had been exchanged by this met-ed that the coup hod, the connection was suddenly interrupted. ···

flected in the reaction to Chinese bonds. Yen exchange

However, it is learned that the slightly owing to offerings which military "coup d'etat" was accom- panied by considerable distur- found no buyers,→

bances #euter.

A

NATIONALIST PROPAGANDA London, Feb. 26. The fact that the entire Lett wing and the greater part of the with the disturbances in Tokyu communque in connection

Centre group in the Chamber of says. "The situation will very soon Depratles applauded M, Pierre be under control. Exchanges in Flandi's defence of the Francu Tokyo were closed during the day this afternoon, left and operatioris were suspended

new The German Government had

then taken the view that the Fact Soviet pact was incompatible with the stipula-little doubt that the treaty will Debut business throughout the coun- tons of the Locarno Pact. while ratiñed by the vote which is ex-try remained open"

The documents and archives of

the Secretariat fed 8.500 cases. and the new headquarters comTM prise over 400 rooms.

the British Government had in... formed the German Government

that such incompatibility did not

exist.

pected to be taken Thursday.

M. Flandin failed to convert the

Right opposition, which shuns any

close alliance with Msocow KTIO minimises Russia's military em

Uneficial reports state that gen- Military Education, as well as eral Watanabe, Inspector General

the head of the Metropolitan Po-

The Japanese market reports are not being received in Shanghai to- day, indicating that there is stil

Reuter. considerable contuston (a Japan.

·FATE OF MINISTERS

Shanghal. Feb. 26.

Admiral Okada, and the Minister The fate of the Prime Minister,

of the Interior, Mr. Goto, is yet uncertain, but it is presumed they

has befallen them. are still prisoner, lf, nothing worse

The First Division, which is be-

One of the interesting technical connection that France had never ciency. The Right deprecates the ice were also killed and otherhind the coup d'etat, had recent-

devices is the one for the trans- port of books from one library to all parts of the building- Transocean "New Service

·AIRMAIL SERVICE. TO AUSTRALIA

Canberra, Feb. 26. Mr. Lyona, Premier of Austra-

The Speaker declared in this

ceased to desire the inclusion of Germany in the Pact.

Flandin then protested against the assertion, that the Pact, would deprive France of her freedom of decision, reiterating that the Pact le to prevent war and to form a part of the collective system of security. France had already as- sumed responsibilities in Kastern Europe" with the Franco-Pollsh Treaty and the Franco-Czechos-

proposed pact as an unnecessary provocation to Germany.

However, M.. Flandin scored by announcing the 'Government's readiness to submit the matter to The Hague Court to determine the question of compaḍbility of the pact with the Lacarno agreement. Beuter

lla, stated that Britain had made lovakian Treaty, and the French QUIET PREVAILS modified proposals in connection Government could, therefore not with airmail service to Australia,accept the theory of "egoisticat the previous proposals being turn isolation" advocated in

ed down by Australia. 24.

quarters.

certain

The Premier said that the new

STATEMENTS CONTESTED proposals will be discussed by the Cabinet and conversations there- The Minister moreover contest anent are taking place in Londoned the accuracy of some of the between the Attorney General of previous speakers concerning the Australia and the British Govern- repercussion produced in Germany ment

by the Pact, und declared that the

"

The nature of the revised sche-French Government bag, always me has not been divilged while destred co-operation with Ger- negotiations are going on-

many. Heuter's Bulletin Service,

FLYING BOATS MAY ABANDON FLIGHT

IN TOKYO

War Office Issues Communique

Shanghai, Feb. 28. Peace and order is being main- tained throughout Japan, the Home Office in Tokyo announced

The French Government earnest ly wished that the great Ger- at 9.15 pm. man" people, to whom civilisation The report adds that the popu owed so much, would take thellation in Tokyo is calm and quiet legitimate place at the interna-prevails,

Lorial table, in order to participate "A War Office communique in collective discussions.

states that according to the pro- Shanghai, Feb. 28: After denying once more that ¡nouncement of the officers respon- The RAF aging boats which | France, " by signing the Franco-sible for the uprising, they were fed arrived to-day may abandon or Russian Pact, had been guilty of to take this step for the purpose of postpone the good-will fight to violating the Locarno Pact, Flan- Japan owing to the developments din stressed in conclusion :) in Tokyo-

***This pact, which forms another Heuter.

step towards the road of peace,

prominent people wounded.

The movement is thought to be traceable to intensive nationalist propaganda' .conducted during re- cent years among young officers. British Wireless.

PRESS MESSAGES BANNED

ly been ordered to Manchuria and had been issued with ball cartrid- ges instead of the blanks which are usually supplied for

home service.

According to a Chinese report the coup' was engineered by the younger army officers.— Reuter

MARTIAL LAW -

Shanghal., Feb. 28. It is reported that martial law San Francisco, Feb. 28. has been declared throughout The Cable Company learns from Japan. It is significant that Mr. Tokyo that nobody is allowed to Takahashi was a firm opponent of use the Trans-Pacific Telephone bigger, military budgets, for which owing to martial law, No prese reason be was very unpopular with messages are allowed to leave the radical elements in the army. Japan--

Heuter. Reuters Bulletin Service.

military cliques, bureaucrats and political parties which are leading the nation to decay.

CONSULAR BAN

Shanghai, Feb. 26. A cryptic message from Tokyo suggests that the Prime Minister. Admiral Okada, has been · HESAB=' sinated, but the report lacks con-

rmation at the moment."

· EMBASSY CONFIDENCÉ A spokesman of the Japanese","

The Japanese Consular authori- embassy declared that there is no ties have banned the publication spreading. It is emphasised that Japanese sepapers throughout danger of the Tokyo uprising any news of the revolt in

the revolt in no way could affect China Japan's national stability- Bouter.

ACTING PREMIER

Hruster.

ATTACK AT DAWN

Shanghai, Feb. 28. Tokyo, Felt, 20

It is learned that 3,000 men defending and emancipating the The Home Minister, Mr, Goto, commising the Third Infantry nation by removing the sources of has been appointed acting Pie-Regiment of the First Division evil such as the elder statesmen, mier.— important officials, financial and | Reuter.

stationed in Tokyo suddenly began the attack at dawn by seizing the

of

SINGAPORE REPORT

Singapore, Feb. 26.

A Japanese Foreign Office, dis- patch received here states: "At

5.20 am. some soldiers of the First Division, acting under the orderɛ of their chler, assassinated Count Salto and Pregster: Okada, and Fin- ance Minister Takahashi.

General Watanabe, Inspector General of Bilitary Education, was seriously wounded.

ziki, the Grand Chamberlain, were “Count Makino and Genera), Su-

also attacked, but they escaped.

"Prince Saionji, Mr. Uass, Minia- ter of the Imperial Household, angh General Kawashima, Armay Minis".

LITTLE RESISTANCE"

Shanghai, Feb, 26. I appears that the occupation the buildings in Tokyo, which is also

reported include the Ministry of Justice, met with Uttle resistorer but it was followed by outbreaks of rioting and incen- diarlam. Very scanty details of these incidents. however, are alter. are safe. tering into Shanghal,

Mest of the reports agree that the Foreign Minister, Mr. Hirota, and the Vice-Minister. Mr. Shige- mitsu, are safe.- Heuter.

"It is expected that the" situ. tion will be settled very soon, The- assassins were led by Captam Ne

naka."— Reuter.

(Other Cables on page 12)

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