1937-11-21 — Page 1

Page

MASON'S

DELICIOUS

O.K.

SAUCE.

日玖拾月拾年丑了

ÈXTRAORDINARY

Hongkong Daily Press. T

Registered as a Newspaper at the General

Post Office in the United Kingdom.

ESTABLISHED" 1857

HONG KONG, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1937.

日拜禮 壹拾弍月登拾柒佰玖仟堂英

J

OPTICIANS

Price, 10 Cts.

Disappointed With

With Nine-Power Talks

U. S. Congress Disappointed

Editorial and Business Office: 15-19, Queen's Road

Central, Tel. 30261.

Night Editor (Wanchai Office): Tel. 24511,

London Office: 53, Fleet Street E.C.4.

The Daily Press

友之國中

"

HONG KONG, NOVEMBER 21, 1937.

WORLD DEVELOPMENTS

The world verday is in a sad and sorry pliglit. Ecanomie ferment and political upheaval have in the past few years brought.... many countries such disaster and suffering that a" serious condict involving all nations has seemed to be inevitable. The conse- quences of suci a catastrophe defeat the imagination, and the prospect is, indeed, disturbing. The established leaders of peace- loving countries have sought to stave of this Armageddon, but their efforts at settlement of the world's problems have so far only drawie ns dangerously closer to it.

47

What, then, can save humanity and bring peace? Change of adership or change of attitude appear to thinking men to be the nly possible solutions The first course, it need scarcely be point- lut, is of its own fundamentals perilous and is even more so in the present explosive atmosphere, and hope rests, therefore. solely in the alternative.

The necessity for such a change has not been completely lost to singe statesmen, but they have hitherto wavered and lost much valuable time. It comes as a great relief to all, therefore, to observe that the first steps along this road have at last been taken by certain governmentst

Viewed from this standpoint, the most important contribution towards an improvement of the world situation is the lessening of tension over the Spanish question. This was war never in the true sense a lional affair it has given rise to an international controversy of far-re: -hing proportions.

Great Britain has been, the first country to realise that a pue- cessful settlenion, of this controversy is the first essential in the attempt to lead the world back to ways of law and order. Her greatest concern is not in Spain but in the maintenance of the Mediterranean sea-route, but she has had reason to be suspicious of Italy's motives. Now she is apparently satisfied with the Italian assurances that the latter's "actions, in Spain and Lybia were never meant to be a warlike challenge, but only intended. as a wedge to gain ear to proposal for settling the African ques- tion rensequent upon Italian penetration into Africa.

The British Plan, nimed at the withdrawal of netive parti vipation in Spanish affaire by intervening Powers, has done much to solve the problem. Even Russia, which has sought to arres the development of the Fascist idea in Spain, has seen fit to: agree in order to alleviate the position. No doubt Russia ron- sites the Japanese threat in the Far East of greater moment than the European problem, but is a matter of fact this seems to be the common view of all Western Powers, including Italy and Germany, in spite of the triangular agreement these coun- tries have concluded with Japan,

Germany, which has a colonial complaint of her own, is vastly encouraged by Britain's change of temper. "and no doubt Herr Hitler will have discussed with Lord Halifax during the latter's visit some of the things that are causing dissatisfaction, including. it may be presumed, the possibility of revision of League Mandates.

If a genuine Anglo-Italo-German understanding is arrived at. one of the greatest barriers to peace will have been removed: It will lead eventually to the return of Germany to the League: and also serve as a strong deterrent to Japan.

Another notable development, the significance of which may easily be overlooked, is the "unconditional moet-favoured-nation reciprocal trade agreement" policy of the United States Govern- ment Time was when America, in common with other countries. "scught protection in bigh tariffs; but she now realises that if other nations are to buy her goods she must also permit them to sell. her goods of their own. This is an eminently sensible way of trade bargaining. She has already, concluded agreements with, a dozen countries, including Canada, France, Belgium, the Nether-. lands, Brazil and others. The method is immensely successful not only in encouraging trade all round but also in forming new

ds of friendship and fair play.

The Ottawa Agreement was more or less based on this prin- ciple, but it was confined to the British Empire alone. Britain has now received an invitation from America to negotiate a trade agreement on the same broad lines, and doubtless other British Dominions will later be asked to do the same.

The point most evident in this connection is the recognition of the necessity for organisation and planning based on honest co-operation. International planning, with a greater extent of this co-operation and less cut-throat tactics, will serve to heal many of the world's economic ills.

Anglo-American Trade Pact

"Pushed Forward To Cover Brussels Debacle"

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 20.

THE WEEK OF SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CONGRESS DID NOT YIELD ANY CONSTRUCTIVE MOVE. THIS UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE MANOEUVRING FOR AND AGAINST PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S FOREIGN POLICE,"

WIDESPREAD DISGUST IS SHOWN BY THE CONGRESS AT THE OUTCOME OF THE BRUS- SELS CONFERENCE AND THE FAILURE OF THE OTHERS IN DECLARING THAT ALL DEMOCRA- CIES WERE TO BLAME FOR NOT TAKING A STRONGER LINE.

LOBBY COMMENT SUGGESTS THAT THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TRADE PACT WAS PUSHED FOR- WARD TO COVER THE BRUSSELS DEBACLE IN ORDER TO GIVE THE PUBLIC SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT INSTEAD OF THE PUSILLANIMOUS RECORD OF BRUSSELS.-BEUTER.

Presentation of a banner, embroidered with Chinese characters signifying true loyalty and deration to the country," to General Suri Yuan-liang, Commander of the 88th Division, by the two

representatives of Chinese women organizations.

Hitler Voices Germany's.

Desire For Peace?

Berlin, Nov. 20.

During his five-day visit: Lord WITHDRAWAL OF

Halifax has met practically every- one of consequence in present day Germany and it is belleved he is satisfied with the political atmos- phere his visit engendered. Well-

VOLUNTEERS

11

SHIPPING TO SHANGHAI

To Be Resunied Shortly?

New York, Nov. 20.

insurance rates in London will be

CHINESE TROOPS MASSED FOR NANKING DEFENCE

JAPANESE STEADILY ADVANCING

Tokyo, Nov. 21.

The capture of Soochow by the Japanese troops is considered an Important step in their advance on Nanking.

According to reports received here yesterday the Japanese front. now extends from Changsha In the north through Soochow to Nan- king in the south, and despite bad weather the advance has been continued.

It is further stated that the Japanese objective in the north is " the port of Kiangying on the right bank of the Yangtze River, which they are already approaching.

It is also stated that the Japanese are advancing through Ka- shing to Nanking and further reports show that 700,000 Chinese troops assembled for the defence of Nanking.-Transocean.

MORE JAPANESE

"REQUESTS"

www....w

Council Urged To Take Steps

Shanghai, Nov. 21.,

EVER THE

OPTIMIST

JAPAN ANTICIPATES

CHAMPAGNE Dinner!

Shanghal, Nov. 21.

The virtual collapse of the Chin- Early resumption of the steam- Contending that the communist

ese "Hindenburg Line" has aroused ship service to Shanghai is forseen and anti-Japanese activities, en-

pessimism as regards the prospects following reports that the seventy-gaged by the Chinese within the

of an effective resistance in the five per cent. reduction in war risk Settlement "obstructed" the Japan- wush-Klangyn Front where the ese military operations in the bulk of the Chinese forces between lower Yangtse area, Major-General soochow and Yangtaze are reported Harada, Japanese Military Attache

to be withdrawing with the Japan- was asked for an official curb ofse Infantry In hot pursuit aided such movementä by the Municipal by aeroplanes bombing the Chin- authorities, according to a cum- ese positions. munique issued by the Headquar- ters of the Japanese Expeditionary force,

followed here probably next week. Acceptance of cargoes may at first -be-on-an-optional bill of landing, permitting discharge at any port should the call at Shanghal become inadvisable.— Reuter.

STUDENTS

Japanese circles are now openly anticipating a champagne dinner in Nanking to usher in the New It is added that in an interview Year. with the leading Council officials, Jenter. HELP Maj-Gen. Harada urgently pleaded

that appropriate action be taken against such "subversive activities."

Funds For Chinese He emphasised that the Japanese

Universities

London, Nov. 20. Up to now £1500 has been rais- ed by collections amongst students In the universities, Theological and technical training colleges throug- out Britain with the object of sup- porting the Chinese efforts to keep their universities running, remote from the war area.

£500 has already been sent from Britain through Geneva. The Eng- lish committee of the Internation- al Student Service has undertaken to rais £4,000 in the course of

informed circies consider it prob- Franco Accepts Plan this year.—

Reuter.

JAPAN ATTEMPTS UNIFICATION

able that Berr Hitler, during the conversations, stressed Germany's

San Sebastian, Nov. 20. desire for peace and preference

General Franco has accepted in for a bilateral agreement - rather

principle the proposal to send a than extensive international pacts.

commission of enquiry to both German circles opine that fur-

sides in Spain in "connection with ther developments can be expected from the conversations. A potable Note to this effect has been handed the withdrawal of volunteers. A

Tokyo, Nov. 20. feature of the press references to

to Britain's representative. It is It is officially stated that the Anglo-German problems is the al-

understood the Note makes cer- Imperial Headquarters will be es- most total eclipse of the colonia1 question. The "Berliner Tage-tain reservations and asks for fur-tablished in the Imperial Palace. blatt" states that "great practical ther elucidation on some points.-- results could not be expected of this talk which was only of an in- formative character but it is worth while emphasising. again the satisfaction felt in Germany over the fact that these talks should have been possible at all."— Reuter.

HALIFAX-HITLER

CONVERSATIONS

Berlin, Nov, 20.

It is understod that the informal conversations between Lord Hall- fax and Herr Hitler and 'the Ger- man Foreign Minister; Baron von Neurath, reached a point at which there is a reasonable hope that they may be translated to more omcial channels.

Reuter

IN SEARCH FOR FRESH LAURELS

Paris, Nov. 20. Christian Moench took on from Le Bourget at 8.03 pm. in an st _tempt to beat Andre Japy's record Paris-Saigon feight in 98 Hours 52 minutes. He is dying a British made, plane, fitted with extra fuel tanks with a cruising radius of 2,200 miles. The speed is nearly 150 miles an hour and he aims to halt only at Istres, Damascus, Karachi and Allahanad--

Reuter

*

Lord Halifax, accompanied by Baron von Neurath, arrived in Berlin this morning after his con- ference with the Fuchrer at Berchtesgaden yesterday,

German "circles appear to be very satisfied with the trend of the discussions, and it is officially stated that Lord Halifax has in- He is meeting General Hermann vited Baron von Neurath to visit Goering to-day, and wili preside at England to continue the talks. No a dinner given to German officials

A spokesman, in a statement, get up the view that it placed the Army and Navy General Staffs on a war footing for the full scale operation of all arms to meet the threatened protracted bostilities in China and unifying them under the supreme command of the E- peror. Eitherto it was under the

divided control of the Army and “Navy genera) atada.

The spokesman categorically denied that the Headquarters com- bines the General Staffs and Ca- binet, or that it is the precursor of a War Cabinet- Reuter

BETTER CO-ORDINATION

...Shanghai, Nov. 20, A Japanese naval spokesman" an- nounced the receipt of official news regarding the formation of Imperial general headquarters in Tokyo. This step signifles the. creation of a War Department de- signed for better co-ordination of the Japanese armed forces and all national activities to cope with the

date has yet been fixed for the by the British Embassy to-night present emergency— visit.

Beuter. Beuter.

military authorities "reserve the right to adopt any measures which they regarded necessary" should the steps be taken by the "Council fail to achieve the desired purpose.

Reuter.

BRAZIL SUSPENDS

PAYMENTS

t

1:

Rio de Janeiro, Nov. 21. A statement issued, following the Cabinet meeting, states that the Government has decided to sus pend, from to-day, the remittance of funds for foreign debt and adds that the Government has au- thorised the Minister of Finance to open negotiations with interested parties for the conclusion of new agreements in accordance with Brazil's resources. It is pointed out that the measure does not af- fect commercial arrears.-- Reuter.

NO CENSORSHIP OF CABLES

Shangbai, Nov: 21. The latest branch of Chinese au¬ thority to cease functioning in Shanghai is the censors who, quiet-- ly and unannounced, have been withdrawn from the East- ern. Northern, Commercial and Pacific offices. Consequently there is no censorship of tables here. for the first time since 1931. This does not unnecessarily implies Japanese censorship.-- Beuter.

MARTIAL LAW.

Shanghai, Nov. 20. ΣΕ 13 reported from. Tainan, capital of Ehantung province, that

bas martial law been imposed there between the hours of 9.30 p.m. and @aim. A number of looters have been executed.

There are no trains running to Taingtao from Tsinan at present.→→ Reuter.

Another scene of "comforting" Chinese soldiers by the wornen.

representatives.. ·