1939-04-29 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

PRIME MINISTER

JUSTIFIES

TO ADOPT CONSCRIPTION PLAN

Needs Of The Country Written Cannot Be Met By Reply Voluntary System Alone Expected

OPPOSITION AMENDMENT DEFEATED IN COMMONS

६

LONDON, April 28 (Reuter) Nothing is more likely to lead the country to disaster than that the country should refuse to change its mind when con- ditions require it. The fact is that to-day we no longer believe that the needs of the country can be met by a voluntary system, if that system stands alone." de- clared Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister, in the House of Commons yesterday, during the debate on the Conscription Bill.

The Government motion was adopted by 376 votes. to 145 and the amendment moved by the Labour Op- position was defeated by 380 votes to 143.

Moving the motion welcom- were to bring home to the people ing Compulsory Service, Mr, the need for recruitment. Neville Chamberlain dealt with the question of consulta- tion with other parties, and explained that it was not the Government's Intention to keep them in the dark.

Under the pressure which the Government had been working there had beeh no time for con- sultations.

"If the decision had been delayed.

until next week it would have been taken as related to Herr Hitler's speech to-morrow.

"Replying to Mr. Attlee, Mr. Chamberlain sald he considered-it of national importance that the House arrive at a decision by to- night. There could be a debate. next week on the second reading of the Bill, the text of which would be issued early next week.

BROKEN PLEDGES Dealing with the charge that he bad broken pledges, the Premier quoted his previous statements on conscription, and added: On two of those oc- .casions conditions were very different from what they are to-day. On neither occasion was war traminent.... and there was no question in the minds of anybody at that time that was likely to lead to war. "Re-armament häd not reached the dimensions or the pace which characterises It to-day.

CHANGE OF MIND "Since then I have changed my mind. Nothing is more likely to lead the country to disaster than that the country should refuse to change its mind when conditions require it..

The fact is to-day we no longer belleve the needs of the country can be met by a voluntary system

If that system stands alone.

"It is for the House of Com- mons to say 'whether they feel they ought to hold me to my pledge on conscription, or to release me from it. I trust they will confirm the view. I "expressed. If they do. I am confident the country will be with me." (Ministerial cheers).

TO PREVENT WAR

ROOSEVELT'S DECISION

CABLES

DECISION

Mr. Winston Churchill On Herr Hitler's Utterances

LONDON, April 23 (Reuter)— "I Herr Bitler utters menaces, it does not make the situation worse than it appears on, the actual facts. If he utters reassurances. I, for one, will not believe them until they are confirmed by deeds,”. said Mr. Wlaston Churchill in his speech in the conscription debate in the House of Commons yester-

Mr. Churchill's, speech was Illus-

Hlustrations.

Dealing with the assumption that

HITLER'S SPEECH (day."

NOT SUFFICIENT |trated with his customary graphic WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuter)-President Roose the issue should be submitted to velt will refuse to consider an election, he said that he had Herr Hitler's speech as a reply no doubt the Government would to his appeal, according to win, but we should have a new high quarters.

Parliament, deeply bitter, with a The official attitude is that large minority of the nation work- the President expects a writ-ed up into burning anti-Govern-

ment opposition. ten reply to his written appeal in accordance with diplomatic procedure and there will, therefore, be no official American comment on Herr Hitler's speech.

If the Opposition won, and established the principle af nó compulsory military service, the whole 'resistance in Europe to Nazi Domination would col- Lapse.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S

REICHSTAG SPEECH

(Continued from Page 1)

the railway at her own disposal leaders were not capable of con- possessing the same extraterri-trolling newspapers agitating for torial rights for Germany as the war. corridor itself for Poland,

Seventhly, he did not know

nations Mr. In return Germany was prepar-which of the three ed to recognize all Polish economic Roosevelt meant when the Presi- rights in Danzig: to ensure for dent declared that two free na- Poland a free harbour in Danzig tions in Europe and one in Africa. of any desired size with complete had seen their Independent exis- free access to the sea; to recognize tence terminated.

for it was not the present German-Polish toun- now that these nations, sacrificed dartes as final; to conclude a 25- their Iridependent existence year non-aggression treaty with rather in 1918 when, contrary, to Poland; to guarantee the inde- the solemn promise they had taken "The jibe that Britain was ready

from other communities, pendence of

by Ger- to fight to the last French soldier many. Poland and Hungary joint-they never wished to be and never made into other nations which has been bandled about from capl-1y. tal to capital.

"We have seen doubts cast upon our determination as to whether we really did mean business, and evidence has been accumulating Fapidly last week that these doubts

were increasing.

"It has been becoming clearer and clearer to us that the whole effort to build up a solid tront against this idea of domination by force was being jeopardised by these doubts." Then, Mr. Chamberlain concluded with we thought it possible to meet an appeal to the Labour Party, all our needs "by 2 voluntary whose fears and doubts respecting all realised conscription, the Premier sald, the system, though we that that

should have We pursue a vigorous campaign if we deavoured to meet.

Slovakia

were.

OTHER POINTS

but

were

The Fuehrer declared that Poland had rejected the offer and was only willing to nege- tlate concerning' the question

Replying to the other points in of a substitute for a League

Mr. Roosevelt's appeal. Herr Hitler commissioner and to consider

described the President's sugges- tions that further acts of aggres- the facilities for transit traffic.

sion were contemplated against Referring to the British guaran-other independent nations, as an tee to Poland, Herr Hitler declar-

unfounded insinuation, and

ап

ed that this obligation was con-offence against tranquillity and

to Government had earnestly en-- trary to the agreement he had consequently, the peace of the made with M. Pilsudusk. He world. He asked the President to therefore, regarded the agreement name the states so threatened. as no longer in existence and he accordingly communicated this to Poland.

BITTER BATTLE RAGING IN KIANGSI: THREE DAYS

13

OF RELENTLESS ATTACKS powerful air feet, while her coasts the world was moving towards the

moment when the situation must end in catastrophe.

The Fuehrer declared that he had not conducted any war, and was unaware for what purpose h: Herr Hitler declared that Ger- should wage a war at all and many was guarded by the bestjagain "asked Mr. Roosevelt for an army in the world and the most explanation of his statement that

were unassailable by an enemy. FENGCHENG, KIÄNGSI, APRIL 28 (CENTRAL)—BITTER BATTLES ARE RAGING, IN A WIDE AREA BETWEEN NÄN- REPLY TO ROOSEVELT

There was hardly possibility for CHANG AND FENGHSIN. Military advices described the fight- Ing at Nanchang aerodrome as particularly severe. The Chi-

Replying to President Roosevelt, doubt that America's entry into nese are sald to have fought in and out of the aerodrome several point by point, the Fuehrer sald: the. Great War was not a case of times.

Between 300 and 400 Japanise were killed there."

Firstly, the reason for a fear of unquestionable self-defence. war, as stated by President Roose-Herr Hitler, in countering another Fenghsin, 23 miles west of Nanchang. is besieged on three velt, simply and solely lay in un-of Mr. Roosevelt's points. sides by the Chinese. Yesterday bridled press agitation and the FUEHRER SCEPTICAL

circulation 0: wild pamphlets morning 1,000 Japanese troops preceded by about ten tanks made about the heads of foreign states.

DE VALERA CHANGES HIS PLANS

•

a counter-charge against the Chi-and the artificial spreading of nese. They were driven back into panic. the city after several hours' fight- ing. Five Japanese tanks were damaged. The strategic heights Fenghuangshan and Yachlushan In the southern suburbs are under Chinese control.

Secondly, he did not agree with Mr. Roosevelt that every war must have disastrous con- sequences for the world, pro- vided, the world was not sys- tematically drawn into such confiets

by a network of nebulous pacts and obligations.

DUBLIN, April 28 (Reater) Mr. Eamon de Velera announ- ced, in the Dail.that he is not going to America to-morrow in "view

of yesterday's grave event." Mr. de Velera was to have been the guest of Tre- sident Roosevelt at the White House on May 7 and was to have opened the Eire Pavilion

A Japanese unit of 200 men sta- with Mr. Roosevelt's appeal for a In the New York World's Fair.

tioned at Shuchiatal outside the peaceful settlement without a re- When asked what grave events he had in mind, Mr. de Velera town was decimated in a surprise sort to arms, but this was made

said that it was not in the public interest to make a disclosure.

The Chinese are also launching

an enveloping attack on Tingan.

20 miles northwest of Nanchang. Thirdly, Herr Hitler sympathized

attack.

the adoption of conscription in The Chinese are occupying the England and its relation to Irishrallway station there. ditizens there, but especially to the Nationalist minority in Northern Ireland who are regarded by the Elre Government as being held the under the jurisdiction of Government

NO THREAT

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1939. —PAGE 9.

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COUNSELLORS

OF STATE

"

During AbsenceTM Of The King In Canada

LONDON, April 28 (Reuter)-It is learned that five Counsellors of State will be appointed under the Great Seal Act for the King during his absence in Canada. The Queen, who must be included, because of the special provisions of the Re- gency Act of 1937, will be one and the others will be the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, the Princess Royal and the Princess

Arthur of Connaught..

Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister, announced yesterday that HMS. Repulse was not going to Canada.

Regarding disarmament, he sald that he had only ordered German rearmament when his last comprehensive proposals concerning 300,000 as a max- Imum size for an army, were turned down in 1934.

With regard to the proposal to hold world economic talks, the Fuehrer considered this as not so much a question for theoretical discussion as...in practice, that of removing parriers.

After a reference to the dis- memberment of Germany and her

THE

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"Unprecedented Precautions"

By The United States

PANAMA CANAL HEAVILY GUARDED: MOVE TO EMPOWER PRESIDENT TO IMPOSE EMBARGO ON ALL EXPORTS TO JAPAN

UNITED PANAMA, APRIL 28 (REUTER) THE

STATES FLEET, WHICH IS RETURNING TO THE PACIFIC, HAS BEGUN TO PASS THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL.

The international tension is reflected by the fact that ma- chine-gunners are guarding the canal banks and locks, which is an unprecedented precaution in peace time. CHERBOURG, Apr. 28 (Reuter) The United States Consul has been informed that, "in view of the present situation," the pro-

lost colonies, the Fuehrer declared posed visits to Cherbourg of the that it would be a noble act if Preat Benham and the submarine Saury

United States destroyers Ellet and

have been cancelled.

dent Roosevelt redeemed President Wilson's promises,

"Despite

the

MORE POWERS the fact that

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28 (Reuter) League of Nations has been active-Senator Pittman introduced in for 20 years it has proved impos- Congress a resolution empowerth sible to solve one single decisive

days' International problem," said the the President after ten said

place notice. to

an embargo on all exports, to Japan, except agricultural products.

The Fuehrer declared that he was sceptical about Mr. Roosevelt's suggestion that all international "problems could be solved round â council table. He referred to the League za the greatest conference of all time from which the United States is the first to with. draw.

Herr Hitler then dealt with his Mr. Roosevelt and gave the under- inquiries 'o the states: named by

taking mentioned earlier,"

Herr

Hitler also referred to

Fuehrer.

"' GREATER

DEGRADATION

The resolution is actually directed against any violator of the Nine Power Treaty, but Senator Pittman let it be known that it was designed „ primarily to affect Japan.

NEW CHIEF OF STAFF President Roosevelt has appoint-

Regarding disarmament, Ger many was the only country in history which trustingly laid aside arms and the result had been "they have been subjected to greater degradation than was ever inficted the chiefs of the Stous ed Brig. Gen. George Marshall to tribe. I assure you, Mr. Roosevelt, be Chief of Staffs, in succession I am steadfastly determined to-to Gen. Malin Craig, whose re- day that, not only now, but at all tirement becomes effective future. times, no German sball August 31. ever enter into a conference de- fenceless and, at all times and forever German negotiators shall have

on

FIGHTING IN SUNWUI AREA

Chinese Resistance

At All Points

(From Our Own Correspondent)

CHUNGSHAN, April 24- About 2,000 Japanese were kill- ed in the terrific struggles go- ing on in the Sunwul area, during the past three days while that town has changed hands several times during the past week.

Japanese fources are-at- tempting to advance westward in order to attack· south-west- districts, but have ́encounter- ed stiff Chinese resistance at all points. Gunfire WEA faintly audible in the western parts of Chungshan county.

PACIFIC DEFENCE

Japanese units at Wongkok, nörth LONDON, April 28

of Shekk, made another attempt behind them the united in the House of Commons yester- to recapture Tamchow to the west

to 18st strength of the German nation day, the Prime Minister stated, and fighting went on up

As the Chinese are weli so help me God,"

in reply to a question by Lt.-Com, night. R. T., Fletcher (Labour) that he entrenched there, the enemy has Ridiculing Mr. Roosevelt's view understood that the Pacific De found it diment to make any head- that the heads of great. govern-fence Conference held its Anal way. ments are responsible for the fate meeting yesterday!

(Reuter)--

GUINEAS RÉSULT·

Enemy forces at Yungkal," south of humanity Herr Hitler sald, “I,

of Canton, are retiring to Bócen Sir, am. placed in a much more

Tigris. Why they withdrew south- modest and smaller sphere. I can-

ward is not fully known, although not feel myself responsible for the fate of all the world. I have re

it may be surmised that they are preparing to give garded myself as called by pro-.

Canton it necessary. vidence to serve my own people.

LONDON, April 28 (Reuter Over a thousand bodies of Jap- alone and deliver them from their The result of the One Thousand anese soldiers were sent back to frightful misery. '.

Guineas "run to-day was as fol- Canton from the northern front "As a precaution against the lows; -1. Galatea (6 to 1); 2

up

Drawing the attention of Mr. more difficult by the efforts of Roosevelt "to one or two historical politicians, statesmen, and the errors." Herr Hitler" said that he Japanese reinforcements are press neither directly concerned had just read a speech by Mr. Reuter understands that Mr. de counter-attacking the Chinëse atį nor even affected.

Famon de Valera, the Eire Premier, Velera changed his plans due to Lintang, south of

in which there were no charges of Nanchang.

Germany oppressing Eire, but re- proaches that England was sub- Fourthly, he knew nothing ofjecting Eire to continuous aggres→ After three days', 'relentless any kind of threat by Germany to aton.

Chinese have ittacks, the

the other nations mentioned by Mr. Roosevelt although he dally Palestine, "at present occupied by shattered the Japanese strong-

read les about such threats in the l-fortified lines at Paishihling.

England, robbed of dependence democratic newspapers. ibree milles northeast of

and suffering the cruelest mal- Kaoan city. Heavy Japanese. Firthly, for twenty years he had treatment for the benefit of Jewish casualties were inflicted. expounded Mr. Roosevelt's view interlopers, while the Arabs are Meanwhile,

that the victorious, the vanquished continuously appealing to the world threat of another war not only Aurora (7 to 1); 3. Olein (9 to 2) for cremation at the Japanese Chinese guerilla and the neutrals all suffer in case and. deploring these barbarous united the German people poll-There were eighteen starters. cerematory in Nam Shek Tau The unts are menacing the Japanese of war.

They have taken back

tically but also rearmed them. I Galatea won by three lengths and ashes were placed in urns and It is believed in Dublin that Mr. rear.

Sixthly, in regard to Mr. Roose- Herr Hiller solemnly declared have endeavoured to obtain all the distance between second, and will be shipped back to Japan Chamberlain, may have made a Changkungtu, an important cross- statement to Mr. Dulanty on widering on the Blu River, and are velt's bellef that the leaders of that the assertions about his in this without spilling blood, Me.third was half-a-length. The race by the next transport. matters than conscription, which pushing toward Tehan, on the great nations should preserve the tended attack on South American Roosevelt with his big, rich country was run at Newmarket in Ene has a much easier task than weather, and the time was 1 min, may have helped Mr. de Velera to Kleklang-Nanchang Rallway, 47 people from impending disaster, it territory as "rank frauds and gross.

mine" was a punishable neglect if those untruths,"

18 3/5 secs.. miles north of Nanchang, alter his plans,

Mr. Dulanty had a talk with Mr. Chamberlain this morning which is believed to have been very im- portant and referred to conscrip- tion.

F

British methods.".

are

The main Chinese forces located at Kwantin' and Sunkal, 50 miles north of Canton.