1939-03-15 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

CABLES

GERMANY DEMANDS SLOVAK AUTONOMY

MOVEMENT OF TROOPS

CAUSE ANXIETY

Prague Disorders:

Called Out

4

Troops

BERLIN, Mar. 14 (Reuter)-Reports current here last night state that Herr Hilter is about to send de- mands or recommendations to Prague.

German circles do not expect the Czech "Govern- ment to prove unreasonable and a full dress European crisis is not anticipated.

It is thought that the Ger- Berlin by special plane yesterday man plan will involve the from Vienna and drove to the For- saw the establishment of genuine au- eign Office where they

German Foreign Minister, Herr tonomy in Slovakia and Car- Von Ribbentrop, who took them patho-Ukraine, with adequate guarantees against damage to German life and property. The Prague Government is. however, expected to resign.

OUT (Reuter)

straight to the Chancellery where Herr Hitler was waiting for them.

The decisions made at the inter- view, if any, are being kept secret, but an official communique Issued after the meeting merely states that "pending issues" were dis- cussed.

TROOPS CALLED PRAGUE. Mar. 14 According to Д report from

It is, however, reported that Herr Bratislava, a meeting of the Hiinka Guards last night ended in com-Hitler is sending demands or re- plete disorder. Troops were called commendations to Prague, to-night. -out and charged the crowds with

Axed bayonets.

The

GERMAN

TROOP

MOVEMENTS

MUNICH, Mar. 14 (Reuter)—

movements of German troops to Bavaria in recent weeks Have been large enough to attract attention and has been the subject of discassion among the public.

These movements have been observed with more than usual strength in the direction of Salzburg and some have taken. place from Nüremburg "to Munich.

The troops involved are mostly mechanised delach- ments. with light guns, anti- aircraft guns and armoured

cara.

PARLIAMENT · SUMMONED

PRAGUE, Mar. 14 (Reuler)—

It was semi-officially learned yesterday that Dr. Tiso has re- quested Dr. Hachs to summon the Slovak Parliament

ما

Bratislava at 10 a.m. to-day. The request is stated to have been made as a result of Dr. Tiso's talk with Herr Hitler: Dr... Hacha has complied with the request

In the above group, photographed at the Annual Race meeting, are seen Mrs. Cassidy, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Amps, Mr. Pent- reath and Wing-Commander A. H. S. Steele-Perkins, A. R. P. Officer.

(Photo by Lajos).

JAPANESE ATTITUDE

RESENTED

Trenchant Protests In House Of Commons"

FACT AND FICTION

LORD HALIFAX ON DISTORTED NEWS.

LONDON, Mar. 14 (Reuter)-- "Quite apart from what is hap-" pening, the air is constantly filled with sensational rumours. of what is going to happen and I am afraid, some of us take little trouble to distinguish be- tween fact and fiction," said Lord Halifax, Britata's Foreign Secretary, in the course of his " speech on the International situation in the House of Lords yesterday,

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1939-PAGE 9

THE

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HONGKONG HOTEL; REPULSE BAY HOTEL;

Si

SHANGHAI

ABTOR HOUSE; PALACE HOTEL; HOTELS

LIMITED,

In association, with the Grand Hotel des Wagons Fira, Peking.

"HOW HANKOW FALL

Continued from Fare &

❤

"May be it suits some people, for to" propagate whatever reasons. rumours or to spread distorted views.declared Lord Halifax This means that the responsi- bility laid on the press is a beavy one; It is, perhaps, heavier in this country, "because of our complete freedom and I would appeal to those who write, and to those who land is forced to curtail its plea- rend, the newspapers to weigh care-sures, then the situation is critical fully all the reports of foreign gov erments alleged intentiona

"The distorted or sensational presentation of foreign, news is not only dangerous in itself. but tends to defeat the par- poses which, almost without distinction of party, we all have to bear.

indeed,

4

The impending fall of the city. now thrust itself on every one's consciousness, and, with intuitive dread, terror-stricken refugees be- gan to flee in every directioni, A press account, dated Oct. 25, said, in part:

"The urge on the part of thousands of the local populace to move to other GOVERNMENT POLICY

quarters showed no sign of lessening ''So far as the Government is

yesterday. Furniture and personal be concerned, their action will be de-longings carried by hand, broken-down flected in neither one direction nor the other by these unsupported speculations, but we shall, while working steadfastly, for peace, con- tinue to take whatever steps are

LONDON, March 14 (Reuter)-"Britain is making representations to Japan that the recent Japanese. currency regulations in China are likely to interfere with legitimate, British trade interests." In making this announcement in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr. R. A. Butler, Under Secretary of State for Foreign

Affairs, explained, that The Slovak Parliament will have the so called Provisional Government to decide the future of Slovakia of China had announced that From was fully aware of the position which strength and self-confidence that and it was learned semi-officially Mar. 11 the export of twelve specified was at present, under active considera-Its position that Germany is asking the Cen-commodities would not be permitted tion.

| determination; secondly, to replace

from Shangbai to Hankow and what arrangements he was able to make for their safe and speedy transport.

Mr. Butler, replying, declared that Lord Halifax, the Foreign Secretary,

necessary to give the country the

demand.

and

circumstances

rickahas and every other available vehicle were to be seen going in all directions. 'It is said that the normal population of about a million and quarter has now been reduced to half

a million or less. "Many of these un- fortunates appear to have no definite destination in view, as they can be seen squatting along the Bund and in almost every convenient corner

along the roadways."

EXODUS OF TERRIFIED MULTITUDES

the present Czech Defence Minis-/odities togother accounted for the Yangtze and that British subjects are pendence on terms of equality, with | multitudes from the native city

tral Government in Prague frstly, unless the foreign exchange proceeds Mr. Moreing: I be aware that "We shall do that, partly because to give Slovakia the right of self-were sold against Federal Reserve British ships are not allowed to carry we are just as resolved as any other notes at fourteen pence. These comout their lawful trading on the great power to maintain our inde- high proportion of export trade in

not allowed to travel in Japanese all others. and partly because we ter. Gen. Sirory, and the Minister Northern China.

ships? And will he consider consult of the Interior; and thirdly, to

ing the Admiral Commanding the believe that we can make at least guarantee protection for the Ger-1.

as great a contribution as

any man minorities in Bohemia and;

other power to bullding a better Moravia.

NOTES OF PROTEST

GOERING RETURNS

Replying to questions, Mr. Butler TO ITALY

stated that notes of protest, dealing ROME, Mar. 14 (Reuter)_Field

STATEMENT IN COMMONS

with some twenty-two cases of damage Marshal Hermann. Goering. whoj LONDON, Mar. 14 Renter) suffered by British subjects or pro- the has been holidaying in Italy, left Making a statement on the situa-perty had been addressed to "unexpectedly for Berlin by train tion in

Japanese Government since the com- Czechoslovakla in the mencement of the China war. yesterday afternoon. It is believed House of Commons yesterday, the

Apologies had been forthcoming in here that his return to Germany Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Cham respect of nine cases, compensation may be due to the events in berlain, declared that, according to had been paid in four cases and Czechoslovakia and the renewed his reports, only minor incidents' promises had been made in respect of tension between Berlin and Prague. had occurred in Bratislava in the three others

TALK WITH HITLER

last few days and the situation BERLIN, Mar. 14 Reuter)-Dr. there appeared to be outwardly Tiso and M. Durcansky arrived in calm.

POLICY UNCHANGED

Britain And Franco Blockade

LONDON, Mar, 14 (Reuter) -Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday. the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamber- lain, emphasised the British Government's policy regarding belligerent rights..

MUNICH GUARANTEE THREATENED

Czechoslovakia's Boundaries

LONDON, Mar. 14 (Reuter) The relationship of the Anglo-French guarantee. Te- garding the post-Munich boundaries of Czechoslovakia, to the threatened new dis- memberment of the republic does not escape the attention of the morning papers. It is generally agreed that the guarantee does not arise in the present Juncture.

HOSPITAL BOMBING

Regarding the mbing of the Jenkin Robertson Hospital in Sian, Mr. Butler stated that the hospital had suffered three dirces hits and that much damage has been enused to the adjoining buildings. These premises had been clearly maked with two Union Jacka.

| China Station to see what steps can be taken to open up this international highway 7

Mr. Butler: We have already been in touch with the officer in question in view of the importance of the matter.

TIENTSIN SITUATION

In a statement on the, situation in Tientsin, Mr. Butler said that the British Ambassador in Tokyo had ad- dressed a note to the Japanese Minis- ter for Foreign Affairs on Mar. 4, in which, after pointing out the scrupu lously correct atitude of the British Authorities at Tientsin, he drew atten- tion to the various actions directed against British concessions there and requested early instruction to ensure a moderate attitude on the part of the local Japanese authorities.

Mr. Noel Biker (Labour); Would it! be correct to say that the British Concession is gradually to become » Japanese Concentration Camp

Mr. Butler: No, it would not, but

One Chinese nurse had been killed, but the foreign members of the hospital were reported to be unharm-the seriousness of the situation is in no ed. A strong protest was being made way minimized by my answer. to the Japanese Government and the right to claim compensation Way reserved.

*

BRITISH MILLS

world.

"While thus discharging, as faithfully as we may, our first duty to our own people, we shall neglect no opportualty of friendly and sincere approach to, or by the government of other countries which may hold a real promise of removing mis- understandings or suspicion and so strengthening the forces that make for peace.”

EURASIA PLANE MISSING

CHUNGHING, Mar. 14 (Reuter)

INDEPENDENCE

AND FREEDOM.

China's Foreign Policy

CHUNGKING, Mar, 14" (Int'l), China's foreign policy, which aims at the ganzine safeguard- ing of order and peace" in the Orlent as well as in the world, consists of the upholding of China's freedom and indepen- dence, support of the League" Covenant "and' the“ Nine-Power Treaty, and promotion of pease machinery and treaties, de clared Gen. Chang Chmel Secretary-General of the Na-i tional Supreme Defence Coun»-- cil, in a radio broadcast réfut...”. jag the Japanese-sponsored "New Order in the Orient.”

4

In order that a new order and everlasting peace, might really te established in the Orient, said Gen. « Chang, the party responsible, for upsetting the existing order und peace must be brought-to-boolt The exodus of these terrified arst heralded the advent of the Chinese talk to the Chinese people and Gen. Chang pointed out in de army demolition squads Systema- friends abroad that before Japan tically the Chinese authorities in- ran amuck, perfect peace and stituted a "drive" on the morning order prevailed in the Orient. It of: Oct. 28; forcing those civilians was perfectly clear then that unită who still remained in their homes the guilty party was pushed to seek the shelter of the foreign peace and order

were well-nigh area. The former, German, Rus impossible in this part of the world, sian and British concessions, and the district lying between these and the Peking-Hankow Railway, were set aside as "Safety Zones" and into these the fleeing thou- sands streamned.

now

Their hurried ingress Was none too soon; for by the afternoon the dynamiters were at work. Grim evidence was at given that war was Hankow's door: explosions rent the air and great clouds of smoke billowed into the sky from scores of isolated con- flagrations all over the city.

נו

As the "Central China Post" Fourteen persons, including Mr. characterized it. in its leading

of

MUST RESIST

He said that China would let the Japanese people work out their .. own destiny. However, China znizat resist the Japanese aggression. “We do not entertain any hostile feeling towards the Japanese people." be stated.

ד

Throughout, bis broadcast, Gen {Chang" emphasized the fact that only through the triumph of Chi- nese polley could order in the Ortent and the peace of the world be upheld. He stressed the mm- portance of all peace-lovinig nations joining hands with Chima" in this common task.

"China,” he ecícluded, “a night,

Tang Kwan, Chief Secretary of article of Oct. 27, the systematic ing for her own independence "ni Mr. Butler, in a further statement, the Hongkong Branch the destruction of so many fine build-well as for world order. We hope said that the Chungtah Mill in Soo- Central Bank of China, have beenings was wanton, to say the least that our friendly Powers will ful- chow had been occupied on behalf of missing since the disappearance

All their treaty obligations, feus- the Japanese. Textile Company and the Eurasia

"Had the destruction so wrought adtrate Japan's continental policy that access had been denied to the which left Chungking for Kun- have been different, but in not one and take steps to maintain interna

vanced the cause of China, it would rightful British owners."

single instance could we see that the tional order and peace." pulverising valuable property did

by the British

made it clear throughout that in their had sent the Japanese local authorities

*** in Shanghai

hostilities.

were

fresh instructiona which would be *ufficient

to

passenger plane

STILL MISSING

not been

CORRESPONDENCE

INCREASED COST OF

LIVING

CANTON CUSTOMS Questioned regarding the Japanese demand for thirty-two places in the Canton Customs, Mr. Butler answered that the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) was aware of the suggestion,

Renewed representations has recentming on Mar. 12."

The plane sent out an 6.0.8.

statement When asked for a

but there was no indication of the been made exact acceptance.

Ambassador in Tokyo, in consequence above a point near the Szechuen-se. The position brought down to its In any CLE. relating to the declaration of a.

His Majesty's

Government had of which the Japanese Government Yunnan border, blockade by the Spanish National- 1st Government, Mr. Chamberla

view the changes made in the Chinese said that Britain's policy on the

Maritime Customs personnel

CHUNGHING, Mar, 14 (Central) subject remained unchanged. «.

trace its among the temporary measures which an impetus towards a settle-Despite all efforts to must be the subject for confideration west of the question." Asked if he whereabouts, the missing passen Mr. R. A. uBtler, Under-Secre-

[was aware that this was only one of tary for Foreign Affairs, replying While some writers are content at the termination of the present the many instances of confiscation of ser plane of the Eurasia Aviation to further questions on Spain in the belief that it will only. In

British property by the Japanese, Mr. Corporation has, up to four. o'clock Mr. Butler also stated that the new Butler said he was

stli aware of the this afternoon, declared that the situation in part. apply, in the event of ex-bridge across Haikow had been com-difficulties, bat in this particular case found. Central Spain was very. confused. ternal aggression, "The Times" plated and opened to traffe on Mar. he had described the steps which he The British Government had not commenting editorially, finds that 10. It crossed the river between the hoped would lead to a settlement. been in contact with either the Re-the implication was not only that Italian and the Japanese concessions,

U.S. PROTEST hut up-stream, from the British and publicans or the Nationalists about it was not individual, but, that it

French concessions, the qusation of conditions for an armistice.

Was collectiye guarantee (to taking steps did not appear to arise.

WASHINGTON, March 14, (Renter) which Italy and Germany were

-Mr. Summer Welles, U. B. Assistant The Government regarded the also parties), and that it did. not TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES Secretary of State, si nounced yester the glant tri-motor planes of the street fighting, and withdrew in

day that the United States had repatriation of Spanish refugees in involve military commitments.

Mr. A. C. Morsing (Con) naked protested to Japan against the new Eurasia fleet which left Chung-splendid order to more tenable France matter between the This aspect of the situation whether the Prime Minister was aware currency massures introduced in North King for Kunming on March 12. positions. Scarcely had the last French and the Spanish Govern apart, the morning papers show that more than one hundred British Uhina, specifically objecting to the As soon as it was feared that an soldier departed, than the Japan- ments. His Majesty's Government unanimous sympathy with Prague subjects in Hankow required passage enforced circulation of Japanese accident had overtaken the plane, ese vanguard entered. Hankow had decided to render assistance in its new dilemma and distrust to Shanghai, in addition to those who currency to the exclusion of Chinese another plane was

sent by the had fallen: the Wuhan cities were towards the maintenance of re-the part that Germany is playing, for business reasons, desired to proceed currency..

Eurasia Corporation to trace the in the hands of a ruthless enemy: missing ship but so far of no avall,

cardinal basin is simply

this: T China were to win the war and so escape the burden of having to repay. she would have lost through this ac tion excellent bulidings that would have been a great asset to her. And taking the opposite angle. if she has eventually to

accept Japan's terms, she will have to pay for what need

To the Editor, The "Hongkong never have been added to the account,

Daily Fress" In either case the load of providing the wherewithal to meet replacement Bir.-Is there anybody who could will fall indirectly on the shoulders of

give some figures showing the in- Due to complete lack of details, the people of China,"

crease in the Cost of living. It cannot as yet be ascertained

The evacuation of the city by especially in housing and prices of whether the plane has made a the Chinese- troops took place usual commodities, since the out- safe landing on its way to Kun- without further incident. The break of Sino-Japanese hostilities? ming, or whether it has been lost. Chinese military at the last

*H. NOTHER. The missing machine is one of minute decided not to carry out other than the wholesale price index which is contained in the Colony's Annual Trade Returns,

SPANISH REFUGEES,

B

The "Daily Telegraph" points

fugees and a grant would be made immediately to the British Redout that Herr Hitler" still with- Cross.

Replying to additional ques- tions on the Franco Blockade, Mr. Butler said that Lord Hall- fax. the Foreign Secretary. had made it perfectly clear that the. British Navy", 'would take action on the high seas if there was any · Interference with Bettish ships.

holds his guarantee and adds that

what he wants is not yet clear SHIPS AND ARMS FOR MORE YOUTHS. ENROL

IN ARMY

but whatever it is, it does not ap-AMERICAN REPUBLICS

pear, on the present showing, to

14 (Reuter) CHUNGKING, Mar, 14 (Central)

the Sec-army ..to

MODEL MAGISTRATE

IN KWEICHOW

· CHUNGKING, Mar, 14 (Central)

FIGHTING NEAR PEIPING

TIENTSIN, Mar 14 (Intl)

we believe it is impossible to obtain the figures Mr. Nother wants. Attempts have been made to obtain them, but with- out success. Editor.

AQUARIUM SOCIETY

At a meeting of the Hongkong Aquarium Society, held last night in the Bank of East Asta, the following were elected office-bearers for the ensuing near-

be domestic tranqility, in an inde- WASHINGTON, Mar

---A resolution providing that Fired by patriotism, more pendent Czechoslovakia state."

Independence for Czechoslovs- the President might, at his Chinese youths are joining the -A model magistrate has been dis- Fighting between the units of the kia's most castern province, Car-discretion, authorise

fight the Japanese, covered in the person of Mr. Kung ata Route Army and Japanese patho-Ukraine (Ruthenia), is con-retaries of War and Navy to According to a report from Ning-Fu-min, Magistrate of Tungtze, in sidered by some writers as being manufacture in America, armaments slang,

President, Mr. R. E latter: northwest of Changsha, Kweichow Province, by Gen Feng forces is in progress in Pacting as much on the cards as an in-and- ships for Latin-American two able-bodied men there, Hsieh Yu-hsiang, Vice-Chairman of the Yungting and Honan, towns

Secretary and Vice-President, Mr. south of Felping.

B. E Sugara; Treasurer. Mrs. dependent Slovakia and is countries, was introduced by Mr. Chang and Hatch Yung, asked to National Military Council during ROYAL VISIT TO

Key Pittman in the Senate yester-be enlisted in the fighting service, his recent louer of Kwelchow.

At 2 am, yesterday gunfire was Bugars given the prominence ex-

day.

They were refused by the village. Though it is barely, four months heard by residents in Peiping. It was suggested by the Com- B.B.C.

pected in the light of the Under the resolution, all contracta elder,

since he assumed the post, Mr. | according to arrivals here to-day. mittee, that, pending the return Hungarian and Polish desire LONDON, Mar. 14 (BWB)-The for a common frontier through the would contain a provision that However, they were not dis- Kung, according to Gen. Feng, has It is learned that the 8th Route of Dr. G. O. Herklots, that the King and Queen, who accompanied province, which Germany has al-will be disposed of by the govern- selves before the local militia trict under his control

neither arins nor ammunition appointed but presented them done admirable work to the dis- Army have elected a junction matter of subscriptions be waived, by Princess Elizabeth and Princess ready vetoed once...

with the peasants, who are mak- and that members be invited to Margaret, spent nearly two hours

ment receiving them in any, which ""accepted them. "Another Upon the recommendation of in a concerted action to harass co-operate and provide a pro- manner whereby they could be- young man, Wu Sung, in Tung- Gen. Feng, Generalissimo Chiang the enemy. Many farmers have gramme of talks, etc, this afternoon, in the course of ing broadcast and took tea with come part of the armaments of klang, Kwelchow, joined the army Kai-shek has med an order of joined the guerillas because of The next meeting will be on which they saw a member of pro- the Director-General, Mr. F. W. any country, except an American recently and has been sent to the commendation in recognition of their suderings in the hands of April 18, and the subject will be grammes both in rehearsal and be-Ogilvie, in his office.

republic.

front by the authorities there. Mr. Kung's meritorious seprice. the Japanese.

"Origin and history of Gold

in a tour a Broadcasting House

sh