1937-12-10 — Page 9

RUSSIA CANNOT TAKE DEFINITE ACTION IN THE FAR EAST

Italy Pro-Japanese

MORE CHANGES FORESHADOWED IN CHINESE GOVERNMENT

Hankow, Dec. 9: Leaders of the Chinese 'Government are fully alive to the extreme gravity of the present situation. Talk that Great Britain and France "may do something" is no longer heard and the from Russia Chinese are not even expecting any trimediato help though they still regard her as their "best bet." They realise, how- ever, that Russia cannot take any definite action in the Far East until she feels herself free from possible attack in Europe. Chinese, leaders regard Italy as being definitely pro-Japanese but belleve that Gremany wishes to be on friendly terms with both China and Japan.

As a result of the changes which have taken place during the past few weeks no attempt is made to disguise the fact that the Chinese Government centred in Chungking exiata in name only. The whole - Civil Administration of the Gov

Пла practically faded ernment away and is replaced by a milltary organisation developed from Gene- ralissimo Chiang Kai-shek's Head- quarters. For example, the For eign Office, which normally had a staff of more than 400 now boasts less than 50.

Among further

IDZUMO AGAIN

ESCAPES

Chinese Planes Stage Further Unsuccessful Night Raid

Shanghai, Dec. 9. The city was startled by a sud- den burst of anti-aircraft are at 5.45 p.m. to-day, when guns from the Japanese flagship., Idzume, blazed at two Chinese planes stag- ing the first Chinese night air- raid in Shanghai since October.

a

changes foreshadowed is more active part in governmental affairs for the Communist leaders, Chu Teh, Peng Tah-hui and Mo Tset- tung. who hitherto have been ac- tive as chiefs of the so-called 8th Route Army or ex-Communist Army. If the

Japanese

(orces more westward from Nanking to Central China the province of Hunan is expected to be the base for future Chinese operations and the training ground for a new Chi- nese aimy.-

Reuter.

JAPANESE ADVANCE

Shanghai, Dec. 9. Taking advantage of the moon- light, the vanguard of the Japan-

ese forces advancing on Nanking kept up a vigorous offensive las night and beat of a counter-attack and captured, two

Chinese

Chinese tanks, according to a re-

port from Japanese correspondents at the front.

Early this morning, the Japanese captured the Chinese infantry col-

lege and Taochao Aerodrome, less than a mile from the gates of Nanking. The Japanese troops are now pushing on to the gates of Chungshan. In the vicinity of the Ming tombs.- Reuter.

The visit was a brief one. It is believed that the raiders must have BOOM BROKEN intended to take the Idzumo by surprise, but the ever-vigilant anti-

Shanghai, Dec. 9. aircraft gunners: frustrated this Five months after its construc- plan. The planes, which were | tion the Klangyin boom, across the possibly of Soviet make, kept to the highest altitude.

The "British Charge D'Affaires. Mr. R. G. Howe, who arrived in Shanghal a couple of hours earlier,

Yangtze, was broken this morning and a fotilla of Japanese des- troyers steamed through and is now continuing up the Yangtse.

It has already passed the British was among the guests at a cock-ships, which, with several others. tail party in the Cathay Hotel who are no longer bottled-up in the saw the anti-aircraft shells burst river.-

in the dark sky,

The Chinese have been "gunning” for the Idzumo ever since the war began, and evidently are not to be satisfied until they "get her." It had long been reported that the aviator who succeeded in doing so would earn a rich reward.

Reuter.

JAPANESE REGRET WUHU BOMBING

Reuter.

CHINESE ADVANCING Tsinan, Dec. 9: Whilst no close fighting" is taking place between the Chinese and Japanese central columns on the opposite banks of the Yellow River with the excep- tion of intermittent shelling by their respective batteries, the Chinese right and left-wings on the Shantung front are reported to be advancing slowly in an at- tempt to recover more of the lost

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1937.

Censure Move Awaits Attlee

London. Dec. 8.

Mr. Clement Attlee, who with Miss Ellen Wilkinson and Mr. Noel Baker, leaves Barcelona to-day for England. will face a censure mo- tion in the House of Commons, tabled by a Conservative M.P. on the grounds that he announced he will convene a meeting in London to inform the people about facts of the situation in "Unbeaten, in- vincible Republican Spain."--- Reuter

DEFENDS ATTLEE ..

Barcelona, Dec. 8. Miss Ellen Wilkinson in an in- terview. repudiated the sugges- tlon that Mr. Clement Attlee" had said

done ΟΣ

anything which might be interpreted as a breach of faith She said that the meet- Ing mentioned in the proposed mo- tion of censure was arranged six weeks ago.-Reuter.

TURKISH.SYRIAN UNREST

Damascus, Dec. 8.

The denouncement by the Turk- ish Government of the amity pact with Syria, in retallation against the Syrian Chamber's de- cision not to recognise the Sand- Jak Statute any longer, has caused considerable excitement here. Syrian political quarters fear that Turkish troops may Occupy the Sandjax in the near future. Re- ports of Turkish troops concen- frontier, trating on the Syrian received here to-day, are regarded as an indication that fears of an

imminent occupation may have good foundations.

Tension is particularly serious in the Sandiak itself where A number of

clashes have already occurred. It is feared the dis-

will spread orders

and assume really serious proportion if the Turks actually occupy the Sand- jak,

Trinanteur Seire Service.

SITUATION IN PALESTINE

ท

Terrorism Effectively Controlled

London, Dec. 8. In a statement on Palestine at. Common's question time, the Colonial Secretary said that in the last fortnight there had been a few further outrages involving loss of life. Several cases have already been heard by the Military

Court, and in one case the death sentence was imposed and Car- ried out.

Mr. Ormsby Gore declared," I àm satisfied that all appropriate steps are being taken to deal ef- fectively with terrorist activities." Replying to a supplementary question when it was proposed to send out the next Commission, he said "not at present." British Wireless

AMERICA IS

THREATENED

New York, Dec. 9. America is now "far more dan- towns. The main weight of the London. Dec. 0.

the new It is learned in London that the advancing Chinese forces is being gerously threatened by Japanese chief of staff in Shanghai thrown on Lintsing, Kuanhsien, madness of the nations in night called on Admiral Sir Charles Chingho and Huimin, the recap- shirts" declared Mr. Harold Ickes, Little. Commander-in-Chief, to ex-ture of which is belleved im-Secretary

press regret in connection with the bombing of two British vessela during the bombardment of Wuhu.-

Stelter

LATE PANCHAN LAMA

minent.

of the Interior, да speech at the dinner of the Ameri- can Civil Liberties Union, com- paring the present age to the Eu Klux Klan era in the United States. "The Leagles Klokards (Officers' Klan) now ride bombers, tanks,

Colonel Charles Lindbergh who arrived in New York on an unex- pected visit, the first be has paid to the United States since he and Mrs. Lindbergh took up residence in England two years ago.

ENCIRCLEMENT OF NANKING

Completed By Japanese

Shanghai, Dec. 9. The Japanese army spokesman announced this morning that the encirclement of Nanking had been completea OF Japanese ring which is gradually closing in.

An official statement issued by the Japanese authorities to-day urges foreign ships and vehicles, whether Government owned or otherwise, to keep moving as far as possible from Chinese troops elther stationary or moving, and also from Chinese establishments, or, if possible, to take them entire- ly from the zone of the fighting."

The statement emphasises that the Imperial Japanese forces are doing their utmost to respect_for="

Feverish Preparation en ships or vehicles found in

For Prolonged War

(Continued from Fare 1.)

Rumours of the Generalissimo's retirement is not taken seriously here where he still commands con- siderable confidence.. Even 11 Chiang Kai-sher retires South China does not intend to change Its attitude or compromise with Japan.

MOST PATRIOTIC PROVINCE Kwangsi, which for many years past has been a source of uncer-

tainty to the Central Government, to-day appears to be one of the most patriotic provinces and re- liable reports from foreign and

Chinese travellers indicate that many thousands of Kwangs! troops and large supplies of munitions are day on the way north.

Kwangsi, under present circum- stances, fully loyal to the Generalissimo but anyway con- 'tinues to place implicit trust on General Pal Chung-hsi and believe he will continue the resistance: despite any change in the attitude of other Chinese leaders.

There is no air of defeatism in South China which has admittedly. hitherto, fared luckily as regards actual hostilities but unconfirmed rumours Indicate that the military headquarters and possibly other official organisations are arranging for transfer to an undisclosed des- tination near the Kwangtùng bor- der in the event of the extension of warfare to South China

NO FOUNDATION Occasional rumours to the effect that the Japanese Intend landing in South China,caused "apprehen- sion in Canton but these scares have hitherto been found to have no foundation and although opinion is divided, the majority of the populace is inclined to the belief that the Japanese will not extend the line southward while so busily occupied in the north.

The recent bombings of the Can- ton-Hankow Canton-Kowloon Rail- wayn were naturally expected in order to unsure the effectiveness of the Japanese blockade but it is felt that after the fall of Nanking Hankow will be the next objective rather than Canton..

CLOSE SECRET

"The military position in South China remains a closely guarded secret but it is rellably stated that there are sufficient troops to deal effectively with any intended in- vasion of the delta on which a for-.

battleships and submarines over a eign military expert declares that

Five hundred' Japanese "labour troops constructing defence works near Chuehshan on the north bank of the Yellow River were shelled by Chinese batteries on the south bank yesterday morning. They hastily withdrew without field of operations that-is.-inter- completing the works. —-

national," said Mr. Ickes in en ap- Central Newn.

parently clear reference to the JAPANESE REACH LJUSHOUSHAN | Bino-Japanese conflict.

Hankow, Dec. 9: Breaking Mr. Ickes remarked: "It is a through the Chinese defences a

phenomenon that Japanese column which is ad- country which is weak and help vancing to Nanking from the less and at the same time rich in resources is a hotbed of "com- south reached Liushoushan or Ox Head Mountain nine miles south munism' and must therefore be of Nanking where Chinese forces saved as a brand from burning by

Chungking, Dec. 9. The Executive Yuan met yester- day under the chairmanship of Dr. HH. Kung in the absence of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and decided that measures relating to the conferment of posthumous honours on the late Panchan Lama are entrenched in the hills atub- be formulated by the Mongolian bornly resisting the Japanese ad- and Tibetan Affairs Commission | vance. Liuzhoushan is one of the for submission to the Eecutive famous scenic spots of Nanking: Yuan.

and a celegrated summer resort where residents have spent "week- ends amongst temples and wooded

strange

some altruistic fanatic.--

the

thousand at least a hundred Japanese troops will be needed for a beneficial invasion of South China which is believed to be more than the Japanese have prepared. China's naval strength here is practically all but the two main

river channels are blocked with the exception of narrow passages for merchant vessels while gun emplacements are understood to overlook strategle points between Canton and Bocca Tigris midway to Hong Kong.

FOREIGNKĖS DUBIOUS

`and around the fighting zone, but

the case of no co-operation forthcoming in the manner sug- gested the Japanese forces are not in a position to ensure security and cannot be held responsible for any consequences which involve them."

Keuter-

ALL QUIET "IN

NANKING"

But Gunfire Audible

Shanghai. Dec. 9: The American Embassy received a long distance telephone call from the United States Embassy members remain- Ing in Nanking, Messra. George Atcheson, J. Hall Paxton and Emile Gassie, this morning, saying that

"all was quiet in Nanking and gun- fire was audible in the direction ef Tungshan, well-known hot springs resort south-east of Nanking. Messrs. Atcheson. Hall Paxton and Gassle stayed aboard a gunboat last night."

Mr. Nelson Johnson

SP

DON

CANTON

RA

OMICA

THE UP FAST TRAIN WHICH LEAVE

KOWLOON FOR CANTON AT

12.45

P.M. AND THE DOWN FAST TRAIN

WHICH LEAVE CANTON FOR KOW-

LOON, AT 1.10 P.M. DAILY ARE

TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL

FURTHER NOTICE.

8. D. WALKER,

Manager & Chief Engineer.

THE

HONG KONG

PENINSULA HOTEL;

KONGKONG HOTEL; RBPULSE BAY HOTELĮ

&

SHANGHAI

ASTOE HOUSE; PALACE HOTEL;

HOTELS

LIMITED.

In aociation with the Grand Hotel, des Wagons Lita, Peking.

ATTACKS ON

BRITISH SUBJECTS |

London, Dec. 8.

Mr. Anthony Eden was asked in the House of Commons by the Labour member, Mr. G. Mander, whether he will take advantage of the presence in London, of the former Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Count Ishii, to get an explanation for the attacks on British subjects in China.

Mr. Eden replied that he had heard that Count Kahfi had de- clared that it was out of the ques- tion to make any representations to him. In any case representí- tions on that matter have already

Ambas-

Mr. Nelson T. Johnson. United been made to the Japanese Gov- States Arabassador to China, is

emment by the British remaining in Hankow at presentsador in. Tokio, this, of course, be

ing the proper procedure.-- Prontocent News Servsce

Heuter.

BANGKOK-HONG KONG AIR SERVICE

London. Dec. 8. Agreement with the Blamese Qav- ernment on the Imperial Airways Bangkok-Hong Kong service, and

MORE SPANISH AIR ATTACKS

OFFICIAL DATE OF KING'S ACCESSION

London, Dec. 7

The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a statement that in view, of a general desire to observe the day of His Majesty's accession and to use the forms of prayer and thanksgiving commonly called the Accession Service, it is important to note for the avoidance of mis- understanding that the ocial date of the accession is December 11 and not December 10- Reuters

RUMOUR BUST

Paris, Dec. 9. Diplomatic circles in Rome re- gard seriously the rumour that Italy is ready to withdraw officially from the League of Nations, ac- cording to a report from Rome which adds that it is impossible to obtain official or semi-official con- firmation of the rumour,

Diplomatic circles are reported to have stated that there had been an exchange of views on the sub- Jeet by Italy, Germany and Japan. It is even stated that the Italian decision on the subject will be

Barcelona, Dec. 8. The Red air force carried out a the inauguration of the service raid over Palma de Mallorca to- from Bangkok on Sunday week. day in retaliation for the bombard- was announced in the House of ment of Barcelona by the planes made public before the week- " Commons to-day.--- British Wireless.

from the Nationalist air force. The evening papers state that three Nationalist planes which attempted to repel the rald were

Arabs Sentenced For shot down while the invading

Carrying Arms

16

Jerusalem, Dec. 12. Major-General Wavell, com- manding the British forces to Palestine confirmed to-day the convictions of an aged Arab father and his son by Military Court at Nazareth for carrying arms.

The son's sentence of life im FRENCH CRUISERS

prisonment was confirmed, but While appreciating South China's the father's was reduced from life FOR FAR EAST Meanwhile, a joint message of

desire to support the Central Gov-imprisonment to one year. It is foreign belleved that this leniency was due condolence on the death of the

Algiers, Dec. 9: After a series of ernment, well-informed

squrces are dubious of its ability to his old age. Panchan Lama has been despatch-hills

exercises of the Algerian Coast a GATES ENTERED? ed by the Central Executive and

naval division composed of three to adequately do so in the event-Reuter Supervizory Committee to Mr. Shanghai, Dec. 9: According to of the latest armoured cruisers, of pressure from Japan while it is an unconfirmed Japanese report | Gloire, Georges Leygues and Mont- admitted that General Yu Han- Chao Shou-ya, the Special Com- missioner

to who was have vanguards of one of the Japanese calrh, under the command of Rear-mou's troops are well able to de escorted the Panchan Lama to columns attacking Nanking haveAdmiral G. O. de Froy are leaving

broken through one of the gates to-day for the Far East.-- Lhassa.- Bruter.

Reuter

NEW AIR SERVICE

Changsha, Dec. 9. A new air service between Hunan and Hupeb has been inaugurated by the China National Aviation Corporation.

Reuter.

in the south-eastern section of the Outer Wall-

ZA JAPANËSE ENTER WUHU

Shanghai, -- Dec. 9: An uncon- firmed Japanese report says that Japanese troops have entered Wy hu which means that the retreat of Chinese troops in Nanking has been cut off except across the Yangtse-

Reuter.

DOCK DISPUTE SETTLED

Auckland, N.Z., Dec. 8. The waterside dispute which began last week, affecting 1,000 men, ended when the dockers agreed to begin negotiations with employers through their Union to- day. Reuter.

fend the delta which is almost im passable especially in view of the approaching rainy season. Never- theless, it is pointed out that any Japanese attack is bound to come from Formosa with troops Innding in Swatow and from thence over- land to Canton. Meanwhie, it is felt that Japanese Interrtions in South China will continue in un- certainty until the Yangtze post- tion is liquidated. Reuter

·BOXER FUND

party lost one machine.- Transocean News Service.

INSURGENT BOMBERS DRIVEN OFF

Barcelona, Dec. 12.

፡፡

The report that 200 were killed in the air raid yesterday was not confirmed officially, but it is stated that 50 to 100 were injured.

In the second "air raid this afternoon, three Insurgent bom- ders, flying at a high altitude, were driven off by anti-aircraft guns and were chased by Govern- ment planer.

BISHOP DIES IN AIR CRASH

Hankow, Dec. 9. For the sake of convenience, the Board of Trustees for the ad-

London, Dec. 9. ministration of the British Boxer

The Rt. Rev. Herbert Guy Bul- Indemnity, Fund have temporarily removed their office to Hankow len, M.C., Assistant Bishop from Nanking.

This step has been taken in or- der to facilitate contact with the Central Government numerous organs now functioning here.-- Beuter.

of

Egypt and the Sudan, lost his life when an RAF. bomber crashed. The pilot of the plane was also killed.

The accident occurred between Bor and Ruba.

end

Beuter:

WORKERS ARRESTED

New York, Dec. 9: Sixty mem- bers of the United Automobile Workers Union were arrested at Dearborn for attempting to dis tribute Trade Union literature at the gates of the Ford plant.→

Reuter's Bulletin Servis,

"giam has close friendship with China," said Dr. Ling Ping when he arrived at Singapore Bangkok recently on his way back to Chins after an omcial visit to Stam. "Chinese in Slam are very patriotic, added Dr. Ling Ping," and they have contributed libe- rally to relief funds. Chinese rice merchants in Slam have ordered 11,250 tons of rice for the Chinese Government.”. Commenting on the trend of the Sino-Japanese con- fict, Dr. Ling Ping said: “Japan will never be able to China."

congger

It has been ascertained that Mrs. Bullen was not accompanying her husband when the fatal accident happened,

Beuter,