1936-03-25 — Page 9

FRANCE ADOPTS FIRM

ATTITUDE.

Will Not Discuss Any Counter - Proposals

("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)

Paris, March 24.

Mr. Eden's stalement that the Four Power Memorandum contains proposals and not an irrevocable resolution which must either be accepted in its entirely or rejected by Germany caused much unpleasant surprise in Paris.

The French Government, so the press declarea, stil holds the view expressed by M. Flandin' before the Chamber on March 20-namely that the Memorandum may not be altered and that all its parts must be definitely accepted by Germany-and therefore determined not to discuss any counter-proposals Germany.

13

by

The announcement made by M. Flandin on Monday morning that he would leave Paris on Tuesday in order to visit his con- stituency for several days is general'y interpreted to mean that the Foreign Minister does not intend to return to London for the present.

The French Government will remain firm despite the fact that the British Government-inder pressure of British public opinion is now trying to persuade France to make certain ad- ditional concessions," says "Le Jour

of the

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1936.

FIRM STAND BY LONDON MONEY

MARKET

FRANCE

German Acceptance Affected By Politics

Or Rejection

London, Mar. 24. Considerable surprise has been created among the de egations to the London peace conferences by the report from Paris

that the French Government does not in- tend in any circumstances to re- cede from the agreement reached by the Locarno Powers and com- municated to Germany last week.

The proposals called for a new formula of security in Western Europe and the policing of the Rhineland demi itarised

zone by British and Italian troops, among other things.

Germany, say the French, must either accept or reject the terms of the Locarno Powers,

M. Pierre Flandi, the Foreign Minister. is credited with the statement that he will not return to London to discuss any German counter-proposals.

London, March 24. Political uncertainties are weigh-

COMMITTEE OF

THIRTEEN

Efforts To Halt The War

il

ing heavily on foreign exchanges ("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special) where the dollar is the sole pillar

London, March 23. of strength. On the other, hard The Committee of Thirteen, the franc comparativey, the which met here on Thursday, de- most vunerable as the exodus of cided to authorise its Chairman, French capital cont.nues. The De Madariaga, and the Secretary Interventionist activities of British General of the League Council. control, which readily absorbs all Avenol, to approach the "Italian frencs offered, is acting 13 a and Abyssinian Governments in cipal cause of the relative weak for arranging an armistice and shock absorber. This is the prin- order to ascertain the possibilities

ness of sterang in terms of dollars. concluding a peace in the spirit of

It is pointed out that the the League of Nations. amounts of French refugee money is not considerable and most of the Hiquid resources have already left for safer American shores. It is considered possible that at least a part of the additional money created by the recent expansion of French Treasury borrowing may find its way cross the frontier.

Discount

on forward francs sight.y narrowed to-day to 2.19. but remains absurdly wide, repre- It is felt among the interna-senting 11 per cent. per annum tional delegates here that this profit on transactions involving Italian Government's approval fattitude has complicated the whol sale of spot franes and

situation and made agrement with the draft plan it was considered desirable to adjourn and a further Germany practically impossible. meeting wil be held ate this

The "Petit Journal after cri-1 the German reply and

ilcising Mr. Eden's "retreat." points

out that the British official #ap- parently is willing to discuss even-

tual German counter-proposals, which is due to his wish that al afternoon. general European conference be held."

According to the present ar- rangements Herr von Ribbentrop "Ouvre commects on the fast will leave Berlin to dy to London that the third week. in London is! at about 2 pm. local time, bring-

marked by a "Franco-British mis- understanding."

"The view appears to gaini ground that action on the part of the League of Nations is not con- sidered necessary for the time be

ing, after the violation of the Lo "carno Pact has been stated tr the Locarno Powers," the paper says, and expresses the belief that The League of Nations quarters are determined not to interfere iri the conflict between Germany and the Locarno powers— Pennaocean Nenes Servies.

NOT A FLAT REJECTION?

London, Mar. 24.

forward

The committee discussed the Abyssinian protests concerning the alleged Italian bombing of ammi- lance stations and open towns, as well as concerning the allegeď use of poison gas. It was decided that the complaints be referred to the Italian Government with the re- quest for a reply.

A League Council meeting was scheduled for Monday afternoon, but was postponed until Tuesday afternoon, because it was consider ed useless to enter into a discus- contra- sion of the Four Power Memoran- purchases: To-day's dum before Germany had replied sight recovery of three months to it. No official, pronouncement ha francs, is attributed" to covering. yet been made, but it is pointed out. It does not reflect an improve out that both M. Fandin and M.ment on the chances that France Paul van Zeeland, the Belgian will adhere to the gold standard Prime Minister, have decided not-Reuter. to return to London and that any regotiations on German counter-

ing Herr Hitler's reply with him proposals could not be carried on

British Wireless,

COUNTER-PROPOSALS

Berlin, Mar. 24

Herr von Ribbentrop is flying to London at 2 p.m. It is reliably learned that he is bringing coun- ter-proposals to the "London morandum which will first be pre-

sented to Mr. Eden.- Reuter.

ATE FOR MEETING

me-

London, Mar. 24. Herr von Ribbentrop is fying from Beritn to London, but it not expected that he will arrive

through the usual' diplomatic channels.

Reuter.

SURPRISE IN BERLIN

||

Berlin, Mar. 24. German official quarters are Pierze Flandin, the French shocked by the reports that M. For- "elgn Minister, has refused to con- sider counter-proposals to the Locarno Powers suggestions for the protection of Western Euro- pean frontiers.

It is now confidently said in Croydon til 5 p.m. and he will be Berlin that the reply of the Gertoo late for the Council meeting the Foreign

man Government to the proposals

of Britain, France, Italy and Bei- glum in regard to the Rhine and problem wil be received in London this afternoon and that it will not constitute a fat rejection of those proposals,

F

po-

This attitude is regarded as contradiction of the British licy, stated by Mr. Anthony Eden.

Secretory. in this afternoon. However. the Secretary, In the House of Counch will not postpone the mons. meeting. Reuter

FRENCH ATTITUDE

London, Mar. 24.

It is understood that France in The Council of the League of formed Britain that she refuses to Nations to which the proposa's of retreat from the Four-Power the four Locarno powers had been "greement

discuss Gerrian submitted

called together counter-proposals in Longon_ yesterday. but in the absence '01

was

EDEN'S TALKS WITH VON RIBBENTROP

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)

J:

Beuter.

10

ITALIAN PRESS VIEWS

ON SITUATION

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Spečia )

Rome, Mar. 23.

London, Maren 23. Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony

The growing opposition in Eng Eden, in the House of Commons land to the proposals contained in declared that he had given the

the Four Power Memorandum are German delegate, General von strongly emphasised by the Italian Ribbentrop to understand that the papers, the sémi-official "Giornale British White Book was merely in d'Italia" putting forward the un- the nature of proposals and that favourable reception of many cir- the British Government hoped cles as reason for the postpone- that the

ment of the Parliamentary de- German Government would accept them, or at least, aldbate on the Memorandum.

į

the Locarno Powers by making In the opinion of the Tribuna," some constructive

suggestions Signor Mussolint will not give his towards improving the situation. approval to the Four Power Plan Mr. Eden added that the British until he has the certainty that the Ambassador in Berlin had express- sanctions will be lifted. The pa- ed himself in a similar vein to the

per says that since it is difficult German Foreign Minister.

for the League to drop the sanc- tions without losing 'prestige un- less the hostilities are also brought to a close, great significance is at tached to the further meetings of the Committee of Thirteen, in the course of which it is to be hoped that a basis for negotiations will

The postponed debate in the House of Commons on the Four Power Memorandum will presum- ably take place on Thursday, it being assumed that the German reply will be received by then,

The motion introduced by the Labour member, Tom · Johnston, that a plebiselte be held before the British Government commits itself to further alliances, will probably also come up for discussion on Thursday.

+

Transasean News Servics.

VIEWS OF LORD HALIFAX

London, March 23, The proposals sent to Germany

by the Locarno Powers, designed

to surmount the crisis which has arisen by the unilateral denuneja tion of the Locarno and Versailles Pacts by Chancellor Adolf Hitler, were not intended as an ultima tum, declared Lord Halifax, Lord Privy Seal speaking at Bristol to

be found.

But if Italy does not obtain satie faction and the sanctions continue on principle, Italy would be placed in a position of being able to de- lay the materialisation of the Me- morandum's proposals for an in- defnite time.—"

Transocean News Service.

||

the Com-

COMMONS ADOPT| CAUTION

Debate To Be Postponed

Although

MEDIA KAİKARBAKKEENAN PE

SILVER MARKET. - :

"Lonton

Spot Forward

4

LINER QUEEN MARY

LEAVES THE YARD

Cheers Accompany The Manoeuvre

London, March 24.

Sixty special trains and a thousand cars and omnibuses brought a vast throng to the C ydeside to-day to see the glant Cunard-White Star liner Queen Mary leave her fitting out berth for the lower river. Three rockets at 10.10 a.m. signalled that the vessel had started to move alingst, imperceptibly from John Brown's yard, shepherded by seven tugs like toy-bonts.

The liner entered the river at 18,25. Crowds were massed the thickest at Bowling where the sharpest bend was taken. War disabled men in blue attire on the grounds of Erskine Hospital made a pathetic splash of colour, and school children occupleti : special vantage points.

Amid tumultuous cheering the cut without incident, and all ship under her own steam threaded the preparations made for her dê- downstream safely and passed parture proceeded strictly accord- Bowling at 12.40 which was dredged ing to schedule. For a few sec- for the year in preparation for this ends the great ship remained mo- event. Having 'completed frur and tionles in midstream and then a half miles, the remainder of the began to move slowly down the Journey to Greenock, where life-river: The first of the many made more quickly. Greenock was the Beardmore bend which was boats and fuel were taken on," was awkward turnings in the course is successfully reached at 2.06 p.m. perfectly negotiated.

foremast. Brown's house flag at The Blue Peter' was flown at the

Four tugs-two fore and twò aft, -were in charge and at the dif the aftmast, and the Red Ensign | ficult places there were additional

at the stern.- Reuter,

The

NO INCIDENT

London, Mar. 24. glant Cunard-White- Star liner Queen Mary cast off from her frting out basin on the Clyde this morning and began her journey to the sea in the presence of an enormous crowd of sightseers who

ROME TALKS CONCLUDE

Three-Power Pact Signed

There is no doubt, that the un- favourable reaction in the British public especially concerning the intolerable suggestion of establish- ing a new demilitarised zone on German: territory. placed the League Council in a difficult posi- tion. There is good reason to assume, that nearly all member- states of the Council with the ex- From Our Own Correspondent), ception of France, have grave mis-lined both banks of the river.

givings concerning the responsibi-

The delicate task of manoeuvr London, March 24.

uty the League, is supposed to ing from the basin was carried Silver prices to-day assume under the provisions of the were unchanged for "Spot and Memorandum. The smaller mem- 1/16 up for "Forward," as follow: ber states.continued their con- Mar. 23, Mar. 24. sultations over the weekend and it 19-13/16 19-13/16 is understood that the tendency 19-3/4 19-13 16 to

withdraw entirely from the whole affair is becoming increas- ingly apparent, it being feared that the smaller states might be drawn into commitments which would automatically involve them into conflicts,-- Tranaatean News Service.

CONTACT ESTABLISHED

London Mar. 24 In accordance with the request of the Committee of Thirteen. namely the League Council without the parties to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, the Chairman of the Com- mittee, Benor de Madariaga, assist- ed by the Secretary General of the League M. Joseph Avenol, has al- ready been in touch with Signor Grandi, the Italian Ambassador in London, and informed him of the transactions of the Committee. in Its effort to bring the two parties j、

". Rome, Mar. 24. together and within the framework

The chief objects of the three of the League and in the spirit of

Protocols signed by Mussolini. Covenant to bring the

Guemboes and Schuschtigg as prompt cessation of hostilities and result to the Tripartite Conference

ALLEGED GAS ATTACKS Ethiopian Protest To Powers

2

the

1

Baal restoration

of

about

peace.

M

tugs in attendance "muzaled" up in the liner and pushed and coaxed her through the Channel which gave the vessel a clearance of only n few feet. This manoeuvre was accomplished very slowly but to the complete satisfaction of experts.

A great cheer was raised from the crowds when the manoeuvre was completed and the vessel ap- peared to move again at an appre- clable speed.-- British Wireless.

ELECTIONS IN SHANGHAI

Japanese Efforts Frustrated

Shangnai, Mar. 24.

("Hong Kong Daily Press" Specia')

Rome, Mar. 23. The Japanese bid for the three The signing of the Tripartite sedis in the Shanghal Municipal falled after all their Signor Mussolini, Council Protocols. by

They were de Goemboes and Schuschnigg has strenuous efforts. brought the Three Power Confer-termined to alter the "status" by- ence to a conclusion at 7 o'clock wresting a seat from the Britons on Monday. Three separate.pro- or Americans. tocols were signed, one being of political, the other two of econo-

contents.

complete mic texts will be published on Tuesday. Transocean News Service.

Their

CHIEF OBJECT'S

3

in Rome, it is stated in authorita tive quarters is to strengthen the political and economic co-opera tion between Italy, Ausuria and Hungary and to ensure closer con-

Those elected with the votes can were as follows: Brig.-Gen. Mac- naughten 1,921; Keswick 1,899;" Mitchell 1,898; Porter 1,880: Cal- houn 1,819: Franklin 1,813; Ari- hold 1,811; G. O. Correct 844; Ya- mamoto 8-40, Drabe, 838 votes. was not elected.

From the above the last three are Japanese Messrs Franklin and Calhoun are Americans, and the

rest British. The record number of 2,482 were polled of which thirteen were irregular- Reuter,

("Hong Kong wally Fress" Special)

"Addly, Ababa, Mar. 24. A

note protesting against the continued use of poison

gas by to the the Italians was handed representatives of all foreign powers here, so far as they are signatories of the Hague Conven-

London, March 24.

tion of October 19, 1927 and the Geneva Protocol of July 17, 1925. the feeling in the House of Commons favours an

Italy's gas attacks, so the note points out. infringe articles early debate on the international situation. all part.es show a de: and 25 of the Convention and the

Protocol

are respectively, and aire to avoid premature discussion.

directed not only against It is anticipated that the debate

| Light" wili

which was originally fixed for last combatants but also, indeed parti- British Wireless.

PROTESTS CONSIDERED Thursday, but it is

now take place on cularly against "the civi popu a-

understood tion and unfortified towns.

London, Mar. 24. The Committee

RECORD VOTING of In view of these repeated in-

Thirteen render it impossible for the Foreign Secrc-fringements of international law which met yesterday in connection

Shanghai. Mar. 24. and disregard of the laws tary to attend, a further postpone-

or with the peace proposals also dis-

The most vital municipal éltem. tion in years, at which the Japan- ment unth next week might be humanity, the Abyssinian Govern- cussed the protests lodged by the

ment reserves itself all right in Abyssinians against use of polson agreed, it is stated, to

ese community is attempting to agreed to.

wrest a seat in the Council of the Newspapers'

with the provisions gas by the Italians and the Italian claims of Austria and Hungary to reflecting

lobby accordance

protest on improper use of Red

International Settlement either opinion state that the suggestion of the Hague Convention.

It further requests the Govern-Cross emblems by the Ethiopians agenda of the September session camp, brought approximately 1.900 complete military equality on the from the British or American of introducing ап international. force in German territory only is ments which are signatories Reuter's Bulletin Service, criticised among the supporters of the Convention and the Protocol the Government, while Opposition in question to take all necessary speakers in

debate will steps to ensure Italy ceasing these. probably fasten attention on the infringements. proposal for General Staff conver- Transocern News Servier. sations with France, Belgium and Italy.

that if circumstances

the

JIJIGA AGAIN BOMBED

Addis Ababa, Mar. 24.

NEW CONVOY SHIP IN FRANCE LAUNCHED

Hong Kong Daily Preis" Specia)

Paris, Mar. 24.

tact concerning all matters n

·common interest.

The three powers have · further put the

A

of the League of Nations.

ratepayers to the pol's yesterday. An extension of the Rome

This is a record for one day's Agreement to other countries voting in Shanghal, and is about 200 more than the total vote last

touched

said to have been only very lightly- Pronaucson News Service,

upon

NO SANCTIONS

Lord Halifax speaking at Bristol

Home, Mar. 23. last night, after promising careful

1- An agreement but to apply sane- The La Lombardie, which is the and anxious consideration for any

tions serious German counter-proposal. ilga was

It is unofficially reported that first of a series of 12 convey ships event of the League of Nations de- against Germany in the

said that what the Government! morning, this being the third time type, has been launched at Nan- between Italy, Austria and Hun-

again bombed this which represent an entirely new

"creeing them, is believed to be one wanted was to build a partnership in three days. It is expected this tes in European society in which Ger- intense bombing preludes a many could freely join. . . .

push in the southern front.- Heuter's Bulletin Service,

PRIMATE'S SUPPORT Assurance of general support of the Government's policy with 're- gard to the European situation is conveyed by the

Archbishop of Canterbury to the Prime Minister

дех

GREEK GOVERNMENT · PRECAUTIONS

in a letter written on behalf of a Hong Kong Daily Press" Special> number of leaders of the Christian churches who recently met at

Athens. Mar. 24. Lambert Palace.

The Greek Government decreed This conference "We have asked Germany a hard laid especial emphosta on

that in order to avoid disorders the thing: but Germany had created necessity for statesmen to look the mortal remains of the late conditions by which the stability forward, hot backward, and

leader Venizelos shall not be of Europe was shaken and it was use to the full the present oppory brought to Athens but be taken not too much to ask that Germany tunity of beginning to reconstruct directly to Crete for burial-- make a contribution of admitted a peace system of Europe on dimculty," he said.

basis of international equality and justice.-- British Wireless.

to

a

"I have read the press reports that Germany will not be able to accept at least one of the propose Is

LABOUR QUERY addressed to her by the Locarno

London, March 24... Powers, but as far as the British The Commons will hold a debate Government s concerned any on the international attuation on "We want 'no encirclement a serious counter-proposals would be Thursday. The debate should

·Germany and no exclusive allian- received with the most careful and have been held earlier but for the res, but a European partnership in anxious "consideration.

reply from Germany to the Lo which Germany will freely foln,' Reuter.

carno proposals. Criticism from

day.

VIOLENT DISTURBANCES

year.

The electorate numbers 3,500 and the polling continues ---- Reuter,

MERCHANT SHIPS FOR TURKEY

British Firms Withdraw Their Tenders

gary, which was signed to-day by The 800-ton vesse. which has a the representatives of the three length of 80 meters and is capable Governments meeting in Rome, of attaining a speed of 34 knots, It is also understood that the carries two guns, anti-aircraft and Pact expresses the determination ("Bong Kong Daïy Press” Specia ́) machine gune and torpedas.

to maintain the independence of

Ankara, Mar. 24. Crantocean News Service,

Austria and invites the adhesion

British shipbuilding firms, which '; of other powers to the agreement, had handed in, tenders for ships apparently with the intention of for the Turkish Merchant Marine collaborate to the Turkish Government, de- enabling Austria to mpre closely with her neighbour, cided to withdraw their tenders IN CRACOW

Czecho-Elovakia,

after learning that payment would. The economic side of the protube spread over a period of ten. ("Hong-Kong Daily Press" Special) cols express the determination of years, according to press reports

Warsaw, Mar. 247!

three-countries concerned, to in-from Ankara Six persons were killed and

crease trade to the mutual advan- it'ransocaan Nass Berver. more than a score

Woundedtage of each. in the course of violent disturbe published to-moIKOW.

The full terms of the pact will bances in Cracow in the course

Renter of a protest strike of Marxist Trade Unions in support of the Mr. Johnston, Labourite, will demands made by the workers of

London, Mar. 23. ask the Premier whether a plebis- a Cracow factory for more wages were forced to make use of their Oscar Asche, actor and producer cite wil be held by the voters on A large crowd of workers in- firearms, aix demonstrators there- whose fame is associated with the the question of international cited by irresponsible persons at by being killed and 20 wounded. record braking run of "CHU CHIN police before the General Staffs of tacked the police with stones and according to the omelal statement, CHOW between August 1916 art the Locarno powers meet as pro-revolvern, and attempted to set which adds that a number of July 1931 died to-day, aged 84,... posed in the, Locarno agreement up barr'rades. When the riotersvollermen were also wounded. British Wireles Reuter's Bulletin Barvice,"

(Other Cables on Page 121

Traniocran News Service.

both sides is expected to be direct ed on several points...

proceeded to loot shops, the police Transocean News Service.

NOTED ACTOR DEAD