1939-04-17 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

CABLES

THREATS TO GREAT BRITAIN'S INTERESTS

IN

MEDITERRANEAN:

\CONCENTRATION

Gibraltar Practically On War Footing

ALARMING MOVEMENT OF SPANISH FORCES

LONDON, APRIL 15 (REUTER)~~~DEVELOPMENT OF THREATS TO BRITISH INTERESTS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AT, apparently, Italian instigation, are viewed with grave concern in British military circles.

More Italian troops are reported to have been concentrated on the Egyptian-Libyan frontier, and Gibraltar is practically on a war footing in consequence of alarming movements of Spanish troops.

A message from Gibraltar states that defence booms have been erected at both entrances to the bè Admiralty Harbour, and barricades continue to constructed on the road to La Linea.

The 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, is proceeding to. Gibraltar on tour of duty,

A Reuter report from Franco Into Madrid has been Athens declares that great postponed.

The decision

Is connected in with-

activity is reported from the Italian Dodecanese Islands, political circles with the

drawal of Italian volunteers, and

ITALIAN TROOP

Group of spectators at the Second Extra Race meeting held at Happy Valley during Easter, (Photo by Leica).

SOVIET TO CO-OPERATE IN ANTI-AGGRESSION

GUARANTEES

ANGLO-ITALIAN PACT

Ciano Agrees With. Mr. Chamberlain

ROME, APRIL 16 (REUTER) -COUNT CIANO,,THE ITA- LIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, speaking in the Chamber Fasci. agreed with Mr. Neville Cham- berlain's remarks about the maintenance of the Anglo- Italian Agreement and said that nothing that happened could justify any alteration to the Fact

"For our part, we attribute great value to agreements con- cluded last April between us and England,” concluded Count Clano,

!!

RUMANIAN COUNCIL MEETS

Diplomatic Action Approved

BUCHAREST, April 16 (Reuter)—

King Carol held an important Crown Counell at the Royal Palace. the meeting being attended by the Prime Minister, M. Calinescu, and the Foreign Minister, M. Gafencu. It is understood that the subjects discussed included:

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1939. -PAGE

THE

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CHINESE OFFENSIVE ON 1,500-MILE FRONT

Increased Resistance Must Cause Anxiety To Japanese

LONDON, April 16 (Reuter)-Despite the absorbing european? preoccupation, the newspapers generally give prominence to the Chinese offensive, which some correspondents describe as involv- ing 1,500,000 Chinëse troops on a 1,500-mile front in the aggre- Tate..

While cautious in-pronouncing judgment, observers are of the opinion that such vast operations must at least be causing the Japanese considerable anxiety.

LONDON, APRIL 15 (REUTER)-IT IS BELIEVED THẤT A FORMULA WILL SHORTLY BE DEVISED ENABLING THE CO- OPERATION OF THE SOVIET in the anti-aggressor guarantees to Poland, Rumania and Greece. where the Italians are con- postponement is, for that reason, A project

Britain whereby centrating troops and large regarded as a pretext for retain France an Russia will pledge joint quantities of war materials in Italian troops in Spain during action by their air forces in the GREECE & RUMANIA 2 The Hungarian. Note on her chinese successes in Central Hope!,

I

event of an attack on any State

and stores, particularly on a period of impending crists. Leros, Rhodes and Calymons. The diplomatic correspondent guaranteed by them is at present

In view of

consideration, and sub- the International of the "Dally Telegraph" declares under situation, the Greek Government that the British Government is stantial progress is believed to is taking all necessary precautions, giving urgent attention to the have been made. A regiment has been sent to Corfu threats which appear to be grow

Gibraltar.

and troops have been transferred ing against British interests from South Grecce, Calamata and Corinth, to the Albanian frontiers, RESERVISTS. MOBILIZED

It is understood that, a de- cree mobilising twelve classes of reservists is ready for l mediate issue should the neces- sity arise. Six torpedo-boats have been sent to Crete for patrol duties and nearly forty merchant ships have been commandeered by the Govern- ment.

BRITISH TROOPS

in

The diplomatic correspondent of the

"Dolly Telegraph”. gives summary of current negotia- tions between Britain and the There has been a steady move- Soviet" and forecasts an agree ment of British troops from ment on the lines indicated, Palestine to Egypt in the last week.

the

ost

A DIFFICULTY No date has been announced for The correspondent points

departure of the German that the diffculty in bringing volunteers of the "Condor Legion." Russia into the guarantee scheme It is, however, suggested that up to the present has been the "owing to the bad condition of the reluctance of Poland and Rumanis roads in Spain. it will require a to. subscribe to any arrangement considerable period of time for which, in time of war, might en- them to assemble their equipment tall Soviet armies entering their and prepare for departure.

territories:

SPANISH ACTIVITY

NO DECISION YET "Abnormal Spanish troop move-

ST. JEAN DE, LUZ, April 16 (Reu- ments in the vicinity of Gibraltar Have been followed by measures ter)-No decision has yet been for defence, and anxiety, has not taken regarding the date of the

All dect been, relieved by the oficial an-Madrid Victory Parade. "nouncement from Burgos that the sionis concerning the march will

triumphal march

General be taken by Gen. Franco..

EXCAVATING LEGENDARY · TREASURE IN CHENGTU

FOR CHINA'S

CHINA'S WAR CHEST

יד

CHENGTU (SZECHWAN), MARCH 20.

CHINA'S WAR

CHEST WILL BE ENRICHED BY $100,000,000 WORTH OF SIL- VER if the excavation now going on in Chengtu for the un- earthing of a legendary, treasure proves to be successful

They are both believed to be prepared, however, to receive alr

the Soviet force support from

and both are desirous of being

assured that they will be able to draw on the Soviet resources in new materials and even finished equipment.

AIR CO-OPERATION Hence arises the suggestion that. In addition to any exist ing military arrangements, the three major Powers, Britain, France and the Soviet, might pledge air co-operation to <re ist aggression.

GREEK THANKS ATHENS, April 16 (Reuter)-Gen. Metaxas, the Greek Premier, has requested the British Minister in Greece to convey to the British

WARNED

BERLIN, April 15 (Reuter)—

The official German newspaper, Boersen Zeitung." * WHITIS Greece and Rumania against accepting the Anglo-French guarantees of assistance.

It declares that in wartime, the small countries would be the first to suffer and in peace- time, they could be economal- cally crippled.

PEACE FRONT MUST BE EXTENDED

China And Far East

Countries

CHUNGKING. April 16 (Cen- tral)-In view of the question to be asked by Arthur Hendır- " son, Labour, in the British House of Commons on April 19, whether the Government would bear in mind the desirability of including China and other Far Eastern countries in any .combination of governments, for the purpose of resisting aggression," the China Branch the International Peace CampaignTM sent, pn. April 11. the following telegram respec- tively to Lord Cecil, President of the British I.P.C., and to Lord Lytton. President of the Nations British League of Union.

of

1. M. Gafericu's visit to Berlin next

week;

to

Foreign Minister's speech which led Rumania to decide mobilize certain of her older classes of reservists, who were recently called up; and

3. King Carol's projected meeting with Prince Paul of Yugoslavia next week. Unanimous approval was given to a detailed statement M. Gafenceu made on the diplomatic action taken by Rumanta in the past few

weeks,

DOMINATION OF FOREIGNERS

Albanian Minister's Statement

The Peiping correspondent, ni "The Times" particularly instances

where "the Japanese are completely anable to achieve sufficient contro for their main purpose, namely the planting of cotton."

CHUNGKING VISIT. alike are watching the journey to Chinese and Japanese circles

Chungking of the British Ambas- Clark-Kerr, with extreme interest. sador to China, Sir Archibald

The Japanese speculate on the possibility that he is carrying pro-

posals as the result of his cover- sations in Shanghal with Sir Robert Craigle, British Ambassador ta Japán, which might lead to a com- promise for peace.

..

The visit to the Foreign Office

CHINESE OFFENSIVE UNRELAXED

JAPANESE ADMIT SEVERE FIGHTING

PEKING, "APRIL 18 (REUTER) -OFFICIAL

DES- JAPANESE PATCHES INDICATE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RELAXA- TION in the Chinese offensive in North Chins.

LI

Was

They report that there severe fighting in three battle areas in South Shans! and

for two days running this week of also that fighting was continuing Mr. Quo Tai-chi, Chinese Ambas-south of Kaifeng. sador in London, has aroused, the interest of Japanese circles:

NOTHING SPECIAL ·

Japanese planes reported that Chinese reinforcements from Chengchow are moving towards the Kaifeng area. Fighting is also however, in progress north-west of Shih- that the visits were nothing out chiachwang, near the eastern bor- of the way, and were merely of the der of Shanal. kind Mr. Quo frequently pays.

Reuter understands,

FIGHTING CONTINUES The Chinese Ceride the idea or

An earlier message stated that any compromise, and affirm that the Japanese admitted that fight- the tide is now beginning to turning was still proceeding about four in their favour. They certainly miles south. of Kaifeng, have no need to sug for peace.

The "Daily Express" says that Sir that there had been any revolt in The Japanese authorities dented Archibald Clark-Kerr's object saifeng or that any members of "to put proposals to General Chlang the Pacification Commission had Kai-shek which may result in immediate stiffening of Chinese resistance."

LONDON, Apr. 15 (Reuter)—“İ refuse to recognise the regime and Government formed there under the domination of for- eigners," was the reply sent -to-day by the Albanian Minis- ter in London to the Ministry 'of. Foreign Affairs in Tirana in

response to a message advising · the Minister of formation of a new "Government" 'In Albania.

COUNT GIANO'S SPEECH

reliable Chinese sources tend to been "killed, but despatches from ROME, April 15 (Reuter-The Foreign Minister, Count Clano, ad-

confirm both these reports. dressing the Chamber of Fasci and

INCREASED RESISTANCE

GUERILLAS ACTIVETM Corporations to-day, announced It adds: "Political and military Chinese guerillas are reported to that the Chamber had offered the circles in China point out that in-have been very active in many The treasure, amounting to 76, the burying of this treasure. Sup-Government the grateful thanks of

crown of Albania to King Victor creased Chinese resistance would parts of North China and the 000,000 ounces of sliver, was buried plementing his book knowledge the Greek Government for the

has pledge given by the British.

Emmanuel,

help to keep 'Japanese hands so through railway service to Nan- by the notorious bandit-leader, with field" Investigations, he

FAVOURABLE PROGRESS

He declared that the personal tied in Eastern affairs that she king was interrupted by Aghting Chang Hsien-chung, who

must ruled deduced that the treasure

MOSCOW. April 16 (Reuter)

union brought about in the two could not be a calculable factor in in Hsuchow, where the Chinese Szechwan Province In the years be buried somewhere near Wang-

thrones and their common inter-her Western totalitarian alles' launched an attack two days ago. Following a meeting between M. 1615-51 with Chungking

Pavilion his kianglou, or the

It is learned from known capital, He

the looking the River, which is about Bonnet, the French Foreign Min-The revival of the spirit of col-ests: had brought to the Albanian plats"

reliable was

On the other hand, well-informed sources that during the Chinese in greatest killer

Chinese his one kilometre

of Chengtuster, and the Soviet Ambassador lective security in Europe having nation a new era of peace and 11- tory. Northern Szechwan, through city. Old Yang was so

to France. M. Souritz, last night, been watched with deep interest bezty. "Long live Albania, long Japanese emphasise that the over-attack in Tatung some coal mines whelming majority of responsible there were flooded and the railway which he entered this vast and his deduction that, he was ready is understood that the negota- throughout China, we believe that live Italy" he added,

persons in Japan a.ne entirely cut. while similar rich province, still has one of the to stake his eyes" that he had on with a view to placing the the same logical development will

reports of offer Soviet in the mutual aid system, be forthcoming with the principle

against strengthening the Anti-damage done tablets he erected with seven located the right spot. He

to railways have Comintern Pact, ed to

of indivisibility of world yeace also, "Sar's (kill)" engraved on it.

be buried in the hollow is progressing favourably.

come in from a number of other should there be no treasure,

Some aspects of the problem which is the only effective means

places. seem to have already been settled to surb aggression. and definte results are hoped for by Monday.

15

a's

east

Over

sure of

4:

When the bandit-leader entered Szechwan, he issued an order that

COMPANY FORMED no person, save, of course, himself,

The result of his findings keen- was allowed to hold any silver.

ly interested a retired Divisional Disobedience meant death. So

Commander of the old Szechwan when his troops approached

army, named Ma Kwen-shan. Chengtu, people there threw their silver on the streets, lest they The Chingklang Excavation Com- should be killed by the bandit pany was formed under the lead- king. The silver, amounting to ership of the retired army officer for the purpose of unearthing this 76,000,000 taels, was gathered by

treasure. The company was duly Chang's agents and buried. The

registered with the workmen sent out for this job

Yuan, And it promised to give were all killed so that the secret 20 per cent, of its find to the Gov- "would be kept.

ernment war chest.

REMAINED INTACT After the collapse of Chang's force and the death of this killer, the treasure still re- mailed intact, as nobody could tell the place where it was buried. At Pengshan, 40 klo- metres to Chengtn's south, an urisuccessful attempt was once made to unearth the white metal in the Ching Dynasty. And the story of the legendary treasure again lapsed in" obil- vion,

However, there is a man in remembers this Chengtu who legend. An old grey-beard, named Yang, has spent the last 20 years of hla life studying the various manu- scripts and files concerning the story of Chang Helen-chung's reign In Szechwan and especially

Executive

More than 60 workmen are now working on this project. A large

Apparently the agreement contemplates going far beyond mere serial measures. It is ex- pected to involve the supply of all kinds of arms and raw materials to Poland and Rumania in the event of war.

KING CAROL AND PRINCE PAUL TO MEET

BUCHAREST, April 15 (Reuter) number of bones, mostly those of According to Court circles, King

..

i

plgs, were discovered in the first Carol of Rumania will meet Prince. layer. In the second layer, a Paul, Regent of Yugoslavia, on a stone tablet, with the character Rumanian vessel in the Danube on

Monday, “Chang" · engraved on it, was un- earthed. And "the third layer The general international situa- proved to be a thick layer of limetion will be discussed, and tung all mixed together, a highly protective measure against water and fortune-hunters. While the picks bite into this ancient cement, old Yang sits in a trans- port of happiness.

The

Chinese Government will be enriched by 60,800,- 000 taels of allver, 80 per cent. of the total amount of 76,000-/ 000 taels and worth about $100,000,000, if the excavation is successful. And with $100,–

war

000,000 of silver serving as specie, about $200,000,000 legal tender notes may be issued, 'thus covering · China's

costs for a few months, not to mention the fact that the buried treasure would be worth more than double the recent £10,000,000 currency, stabilf- zation fund negotiated in Lon- don.

Albania was now. Roman, and the great work of uniting the two nations had begun..

Count Ciano claimed that the powers had recognized Italy's right "The recent occupation of Halto protect Albania, nan and Sprattley is no less por-

Despite King Zog's promise, he tentous than "events of Czechoslo- alleged, he did little to improve vakia and Albania, and therefore relations with Italy. The "rapa the imperative peace front should clous oligarchy" which surrounded be extended to the Orient, includ-him had to be eradicated. ing China and USA for the pur- pose of checking aggression, es- pecially in face of concerted, as- saults on peace and order both in Europe and the Far East."

The message was signed by Dr. T. V, Boong and Mr. Shao Li-tze, Presidents of LP.C. China Branch..

Mussolini had saved Albania despite opposition from King" Zog.

ALBANIA LEAVES THE LEAGUE GENEVA, April 16 (T/Ocean) The resignation of Albania from the League of Nations was 'an-

GRANTnounced by the Secretary-General,

NOTHING TO GAIN - They say that Japari has nothing "According to the Japanese to gain and much to lose by mix- authorities, Chinese artillery: in ing in European quarrels, and Tangkuang have been shelling the would not join in unless attacked Japanese positions across the Tel- by Russia

low River.

CENTRAL HUPEH LULL PERSISTS ICHENG, HUPEH,

April 15

The "Daily Telegraph" concludes a congratulatory leading article on the latest Chinese operations with the remark that the end of the confict is far beyond sight yet, but the present Spring campaign, in (Central)-The general lull on all the third year of the war, has al- sectorą along the central · Hupeh ready shown the infinite abilities front was continued throughout of an invader who attempts the yesterday, except for a concerted conquest of China,

movement of two Chinese units at Szekang and Yangkdayung · which resulted in the loss of more than 100 Japanese. at Changchikanz.

Ten Japanese were made cap. ve during the engagement and several machine-guns seized by the Chinese,

MALAYAN

M. Avenol, last night when he JAPANESE PLANES FOR DEFENCE

published the following telegram SINGAPORE, April 18 Reuter received from the Albanian Gov-OVER INDO-CHINA

The Malayan Government is ernment. contemplating a special grant of £1,000,000 for imperial Defence and a vote for this amount is to be considered at a meeting of the State Council on April 24, ̧.

This is in addition to the annual contribution of £750,000.

U.S. RELIEF MEASURE WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuter) |--President Roosevelt #gned

measure providing for an addi- tional $100,000,000 for relief.

SAITO'S ASHES REACH HOMETM BHANGHAI, April 16 (Interna-

KUNMING, April 16 (Central)- "The Albanian Government, by The Special Commissioner of the its Constitutional Assembly, has Ministry of the Foreign Affairs unanimously decided that Albania stationed in Yunnan will call the shall withdraw from the League attention of the French Consulate of Nations. I have the honour of in Kunming to the fact that the requesting you to accept this Japanese planes which raldedtional)—The ashes of Count Hiroshi decision and to confirm the recep- Menstez, on the Yunnan Railway, Salto, former Japanese Ambassador tion of this announcement."

on April 13, came by way of to the United States, who died in In confirming the reception of French Indo-China, it is learned Washington recently, arrived at the

telegram, the Secretary from diplomatic circles.

Yokohama yesterday on board the General replied that he was not The Yunnan Provincial Govern- U.8.8. Astoriaž. competent to judge the validity of ment has appropriated $10,000 to the announcement, but would for- relieve the victims of the raid, award the telegram, with his Three doctors have also been sent "Social Relations" i before.

RILEWET:

Mr. C.-W. J. Barker spoke on

to the members of the to Mengtaz to fake care of the Discussion Group of the Europe League for their information.

wounded.

YMCA last night.