1939-08-30 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

CABLE

GRAVITY OF EUROPEAN SITUATION INCREASED: FRENCH FRONTIERS CLOSED-NO DIRECT TRAIN SERVICE WITH GERMANY NO INKLING OF NATURE OF BRITISH

|

REPLY TO HERR HITLER REVEALED

Tension & Expectancy In Berlin: Matters Now

Decision

Approaching

PARIS, Aug. 29 (Reuter) France has closed her frontiers with Germany and there is no longer any direct train service with, Germany.

The closing of the Franco-German frontlers, per- haps more than any other measure, has brought home to the man-in-the-street, the gravity of the situation. Another measure, speaking eloquently of the pos- ition, was yesterday's order prohibiting private tele- phone calls abroad and to the provinces.

British newspaper correspondents having to tele- graph their stories last night used the telephone in- stead, and all telegrams, whether private or press," were censored, whether to or from the provinces or abroad.

EMERGENCY DECREES

IN FRANCE

BERLIN, Aug. 29 (Reuter) Berlin last night was a city of tension and expectancy.

With the return of Sir Nevile Henderson bringing the fateful British reply to Herr Hitler there is a feeling that matters are now rapidly

PARIS, Aug. 29 (Reuter)-A de-approaching a decision. cree issued to-day prohibits all telephone calls to foreign coun- tries.

The French language must be used for internal calls which are subject to military censorship.

Code telegrams are prohibited and a police visa la necessary for telegrams sent abroad.

Strict Dutch Neutrality In Event Of War

THE HAGUE, Aug. 29 (Reu- ter) "If, despite our efforts, a conflict breaks out, Holland will maintain strict neutrality with all her forces and all her means," declared Queen Wil- helmina in a broadcast.

а

Her Majesty' said, "I am con- fident that none of the belligerents will think of involving Holland in

war. Holland

not feel does threatened from any side. Mobil- ization is only an initial precau- tion justified by the exceptional circumstances."

N.E.L MEASURES

BATAVIA, Aug. 29 (Reuter)—A | number of naval and army reser- vists have been called up and other

One German commentator remarked last night: "Ger- many's demands in the East- the return of Danzig, and the Corridor-must be fulfilled. "Without a solution of "the eas- teen, problem the world will never obtain repose."

A RED THREAD These sentences run like a red thread through all the comment in the German newspapers, which declare that after M-Daladier's letter to Herr Hitler and the Chan- cellor's reply the task of "bring ing Poland to her senses" lies in the hands of the British Prime

Miriister.

says:

An inspired article in the "Boersen Zeitung

"Str Nevile Henderson's mission has. been proceeding, since Satur- day. Germany is completing her preparations for the ex-

from event

hour treme hour."

to

Reports of the persecutions of Germans in Poland continue to all the papers.

"

Sir Nevile Henderson, British Am- bassador to Germany, who convey- ed to Herr Hitler the British Government's reply to the German

Fuehrer's "peace" plan

Britain's Statesmen Confer

LONDON, Aug, 29 (Beuter)-—-—-- Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, had long con- sultations with the Opposition leaders at No.. 10,, Downing Street. yesterday afternoon. Mr. Arthur Greenwood had three separate talks with the Prime Minister, the third conversation lästing three-quarters of an hour, after which the Deputy Leader of the Labour Opposition went to the Whip's office for a consultation.

BRITAIN GOES ON. WITH MILITARY PREPARATIONS

LONDON, Aug. 29 (Reater) -It is now Improbable that the texts of Herr Hitler's mes- sara and the British reply, which Sir Nevile Henderson haa - taken back to Berlin will be Issued in London before the Prime Minister and Lord Parliament

·Halifax address

this afternoon.

There appears to be a desire in London to give Herr Hitler the fullest opportunity to study the British reply before. It is published

CHAMBERLAIN

Continued from Page 1

The Prime Minister prefixed his account of the events of the past few days with the statement. "Of course there has been no change In the policy of the Government (cheers)."

Mr. Chamberlain said that the British Ambassador, Slr. Navile Henderson, arrived from Berlin on Saturday night and "we understood from him in. Berlin that it was not con- sidered necessary that he re- turn the same day but that. Herr Hitler was most anxious that we study his communica- tions.

Door Not Closed There is not the slightest inkling

Accordingly, the whole of Satur- yet available about the nature of day and Sunday morning was de- the British reply to Herr Hitler, voted to a very careful, exhaustive but Reuter learns that although and thorough consideration of the the situation is very grave, the German document and the reply door is not yet entirely closed we proposed to send, upon the possibility of a'peacefu settlement

It is felt in "Loudon that it- lies with Herr Hitler, whether to yield to the counsels of peace or to plunge Europe into catastrophe..

So far as Britain is concerned, business is proceeding as usual, with military and ARP, prepara- tions being perfected with a calm determination and every indica- tion of the striking unanimity of pubite opinion in favour of a firm stand by the Government on the

Danzig issue.

"Sir Nevile. Henderson flew back and yesterday with the reply handed it to Herr Hitler last night."

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1939. -PAGE

THE

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ANGLO - PORTUGUESE RELATIONS

LISBON, Aug. 28 (Reuter)— All indications point to the fact that the whole pubile opin- How in Portugal strongly favours Britain and her allies. Herr Hitler's pact with the U. B. B. R. has destroyed all possible re- the sentiment arising out of Spanish Civil War and has "undone

China War:

See page 3

CHINESE

OFFENSIVE

the work of German propaganda IN POOTUNG

which for a long time has been active here.

The newspapers violently criticise Herr Hitler's action.

14

"Door Still Open" Says Berlin

NANWEI TOWN RECAPTURED CHUNGKING, Aug. 38 (Central) —Ã general counter-offensive in being launched against the Japan- ese in Pooting by the Chinese gib-. elllas operating in the districis af Fengaien, Nanwel and Ch.menaka, according to a Shanghai report.

"DELICATE" CONCEALMENT Mr. Chamberlain said he would have been glad to disclose the fullest Information in regard to the contents of the two communi- cations but members would under- stand that in a situation of such extreme delicacy and when issues so grave hang precariously in the balance, it was not in the public interest to publish these confiden- tlal documents or comment on ADMIRALTY ORDERS"

them in detall at this stage,

Mr. Chamberlain referred to ac- LONDON, Aug. 29 (Reater) Orders were issued by the Ad-counts purporting to give a verba- BERLIN, Aug, 29 (Reuter)~"The | miralty yesterday evening provid-tim description of the British door is still open for negotiations, LIBERAL LEADER Immediately afterwards,

Siring for the darkening of British communications to Herr Hitler and but we must insist on the famil-

JAPANESE WITHDRAWN Archibald Sinclair, Leader of the ships and also Dominion or foreign said that such an account could ment of the Fuehrer's demand for Liberal Opposition, called at No. Vessels when the latter are within only be an invention from begin- the return of Danzig and the Cor-

YUNGYUN, KWANGTUNG, Aug 10, and remained for half-an-hour territorial waters of the United ning to end (cheers). It was un-ridor," a political spokesman told 29 (Central)-More than 500 Jap

Kingdom, with the Prime Minister.

fortunate that journalists should Renter to-day.

anese troops at Kweichung, ́ ́ on The orders contain regulations take such responsibilities on them- Meanwhile, Herr Hitler's reply Blas Bay some 14 miles northeast. regarding the showing of lights of selves affecting not only them to the British

communication of Shataukok, withdrew to their all kinds, including navigation. selves but perhaps the Inhabitants brought by Sir Nevile Henderson warships and sailed away yester steaming and anchor lights. of all countries."

is still under consideration.

day, according to reports received It is not expected that it will be here..

I

After this, Mr. Chamberlain left by car for Buckingham Palace to report to the King.

Ma. Just previousty,

Hore Belsha. the War Minister, had" been received by His Majesty. Callers at the Foreign Office yesterday included four members of the Turkish Embassy

ITALIAN SARCASM ON BRITISH NOTE

Another order prohibits the use of wireless transmitters on board any sea-going ship or any vessel in the tidal waters of Britain and Northern Ireland

CANADA FOLLOWS OTTAWA, Aug. 29 (Reuter)-It was officially announced that the

Government has assumed control

WIDE POWERS

FINAL ANSWER

"Our final answer to Herr "Hit-issued until after Mr. Chamber- ler's Note was handed to him last lain's statement this afternoon. alght. There will be no

frame-

diate publication," declared Mr. Chamberlain,

Chuchiakino, in the district of | Nanwel, has returned to" Calvese control after the Japanese ` there were driven away,

Chinese units launched an attack on the Japanese near Po On ón · Sunday. The Japanese were de- feated after a battle and withdrew

The law drafted by the Nether-to Wangkong, Shawan and Tow-

SIEGE OF TOWN

"We have made it plain that our lands Government in June for kok obligations to Poland will be car-hoarding of foodstuffs was put in Apart from occasional lorries

ried out (loud cheers). We are forte on Monday. The law also with soldiers and a few air force ROME, Aug. 29 (Reuter) of shipping. Naval control of the awaiting Herr, Hitler's reply and provides for heavy fines and pri-

SIAN Aug 29 (Central)-The machines thundering over Berlin, "Popolo Di Roma," says that ac-service has also been instituted.

terms for all transgressors beleaguered Japanese in Chang- on the nature thereof depends son there was little sign of military cording to a statement by Foreign

whether further time should be (Transocean).

chih, northeast of Changping in activity in the capital yesterday. Office officials the British Note to PORT of SPAIN, Aug, 20 (Reu- given to exploration of the situa

South-East Bhansi, are facing an- Germany contains a request for|ter)-Trinidad has been put under tion and for the operation of many

nihilation as the Chinese have POLISH PROTEST

partial demobilization by Germany the emergency powers by an forces working for peace. Mean him at a ninety-minute interview tightened their slege of the town WARSAW, Aug. 29 (Reuter)-It and Poland followed by a delay of Order-in-Connell, Kranting the while none of us has any doubt as at the Berlin Chancellery last The main bulk of the Japanese precautionary measures have been is learned in authoritative circles some months to cool the atmos- Governor wide powers for the de- to where our duty lies. There is night, may not arrive before Par- there has slipped out and fed in taken in order to ensure neutrality that the Polish Government has phere and then a final conference, fence of the colony and mainten-no difference of opinion among us liament meets. All that can be a northerly direction. In the event of war.

officially protested to the Reich The paper adds, "If the Note is ance of law and order:

and no weakening of our deter-disclosed of the exchanges of the Meanwhile, presaging fresh Jap- The planned visit of two Aus- regarding the German reports of based on these childish statements

mination" (cheers). We are ready past few days will be revealed by anese drives, some 10,000 Japanese tralian cruisers has been post-alleged -treatment of the Ger- there are few hopes for saving

for any eventuality." (Cheers), poned.

The Prime Minister then detail the Prime Minister, but, while the are massed at Tsinhsten, east of man minorities in Poland.

stage of negotiation continues, it Tsinyaan. Small units of them. ed the preparations made in Bri- may be deemed advisable to in-have made several sorties to test tain and said that the air defence dicate the tone rather than the the Chinese strength east of TS- was in a state of instant readiness terms of the British communica-haten. and the whole of the fighting fleet was ready at a moment's notice to take up its war dispositions. (Cheers).

4

JAPANESE CABINET

Europe."

เ

Anxious Wait In Rome

RESHUFFLE:

NO DEMONSTRATIVE OVERTURES TO BRITAIN · DESIRED

LONDON, AUG. 29 (REUTER)—OFFICIAL CIRCLES WILL MAKE NO COMMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF THE JAP- ANESE CABINET UNTIL THE NATURE OF ITS SUCCESSOR IS REVEALED.

Nevertheless it is acknowledged that the outlook in the Far East certainly appears to be improving.

Mr. Shigemitsu, the Japanese | bentrop's comtemptuous allusion Ambassador, left for London early in Moscow to the prospect of to-day from his country house at even closer German-Soviet re- Maidenhead and was immediately lations served to underline the Immersed in work and unable to

unpleasant truth that Japan see visitors. No confirmation can "has been treated "not" only yet be obtained In Japanese off

scarvily but as though she was cial circles that he is to be Foreign

a fifth-class Fower. Minister in the new Cabinet.

Japanese businessmen, although stoutly disbelieving that the Jap anese Government ever really in-

AFFRONT TO PRIDE This rankles, but apart from the affront to her pride, Japan has lost tended to form a military alliance little and has learned

a valuable with Germany, say that Japanese lesson.

political etiquette made inevitable She la free now to work out her

FOOLED

LONDON, Aug. 29 (Reuter)

"The Times" says that Japan feels, not without some justification, that she has been made a fool of.

amilationg from Euroşie.

Italian Interests Above All

"

"The issue of war and peace is

tion.

Meanwhile, the press finds much cause for reassurance in events abroad The "Daily Telegraph,"

says that world opinion is swing

JAPANESE BOARD FISHING JUNK

H

began there. This country ROME, AUG. 20 (REUTER) still undecided. We will, abate noing to our side. The good faith of wishes to enjoy the same good YESTERDAY WAS PASSED HERE Jot of our resolution to hold fast German policy has never suffered A second incident of Japanese a more damaging blow than by boarding a fishing junk in Chinese relations with Japan that she en- IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF ANXIOUS to the lines we have laid down for joys with other countries in the WAITING FOR THE BRITISH ourselves." concluded Mr. Cham the conclusion of the Russo-Cler-waters adjoining the territorial Pacific, including China

GOVERNMENT'S DECISION,

berlain.

PRESS RESTRAINT ·

The

Tan confiscating.

shot

two cannona," two.

waters of Hongkong occurred on man treaty. She would gladly see peace re- Il Duce appeared on the balcony

On the British side, preparations, the afternoon of August 27,

A fishing funk, No. 2460 HW, was: stored in China, but it must be a of the Palazzo Venezia before a

The Prime Minister urged the for whatever may happen are be

hoarded by seven Japanese sailors made methodically, just peace.

large crowd of enthusiastic de press again to exercise the utmost ing She demands, and is prepared monstrators in the morning, restraint (cheers) at a time when "Daily Herald" which, in weighing from a small commandeered vessel to secure respect for her own in-

It is quite possible that a few the factors for peace, notes appre-some three miles east of Pau Kong ALL PREPARATIONS terests in China,

All preparations for the darken-thoughtless words in a paper, clatively Signor Mussolini's assur- Any improvement in Anglo-Jap- anese relations is a contribution to ing of Rome are ready and were perhaps not of particular impor-ance to the Canadian Premier, Mr. lbs. of gunpower and a quantity of

tance, might wreck the whole Mackenzie-King that he is work-

The Japanese also robbed the put into partial operation last the cause of peace, and there is nothing in our Far Eastern policy night, while air raid shelters are corts being made by the Govern- ing for peace says that the choice

ment to obtain a satisfactory is in the hands of the German shermen of their catch, valued at provided its simple but firm prin- also in readiness

solution

Government "If the sane ways. They steamed away after let Il Duce has prohibited, all' civil, ciples are studied by the Japanese.

of peaceful men are rejected and ting the junk proceed on its for to prevent such improvement tak-fying over Italy and her posses

an appeal is made to force, the siona, except the regular services. Mr. Chamberlain paid tribute fault wil not be dura ing place.

There is a complete absence of any combative or warlike spirit and the desire for peace expressed on all sides is mort striking.

DEATH OF MR. J. D. SMARTTM

SIGNIFICANT ARTICLE

BRITISH CALM

to the calmn of the British people. All other newspapers comment (cheers). "It seems to me there in a similar strain. -445- are two reasons. for that attitude The first is that none of us has any doubt where our duty lies (cheers) There is no difference The

"LOYAL

Tagg Hits Up

PRETORIA, Aug 22 (Retter) 138 For Kent

Parliament of Southern,

29 (Router)**

Kente defeated Lancashire five wickets -

Lanes 22 (Harding for 54) ana (301) zob? 9.5 det. Kent 182 Wilkinson 5 for 54) 389 for 6 (Fag 188)

the resignation of the Cabinet, own destinies, which are tangled! LONDON, Aug. 29 Reuter-The whose foreign policy was so closely enough without any Ideological death has occurred of Mr. J. D. The newspapers stress the fact of opinion among us, no weaken- Rhodesia to-day passed a resolu bound up with the Axis,

Smart, formerly of the Hongling that Bignor Mussolint is labouring ng of our determination. Becond- tion of unfailing loyalty to the LONDON, ABE. Even if the situation in Europe and Shanghal Banking Corpora- hard for peace. In a significantly our confidence that we are Mother Country, County ricket matches resulted

added

Emergency Defence Bül before were clearer she would have per- tion. He was sub-manager in the article, the "Corriere Padanor for any eventuality." he The legislature also passed the as follows plexities enough, but on one point Shanghal office and then manager writes: "Italy will consider, above The Prime Master spoke al- adjourning

in Colombo. Mr. Smart retired all her own interests and the un- the issues before her is clear,

forgettable lesson of Versailles does together for 18 minutes

RUSH OF RECRUITS Her relations with Britain have shortly after the War.

LONDON, Ang. 29 (BW;)--Bri- not encourage her to undertake

LONDON, Aug. 29 (Reuter) Bome Japanese must have been a certain importance for Japan,

precipitate intervention. Peace be tain awaits with composure and alive to the possibility that Hitler and Japan's new Government will

Passengera alighting at Kowloon fore all but 11 every attempt to solution this afternoon's meet There is a tremendous rush would let them down. if it suited and on the British side Bo Sur- from the Star Ferry about pum maintain. It should fall, Italy, will 5 of Parliament called to hear recruits throughout the count

the Government's statement, and There were 350 reen him, but nobody in Japan expected prises, no ambiguity and no double yesterday witnessed an unusual not hesitate to Keep her pledges."

dealing. to be let down quite so suddenly.

as the Manchester Guardian" an hour in one once. says, to assure it of support of the in Liverpool one off

applications. only polley for which this country end

ply to the new anti-aiz from aboard the Blar Ferry boat can stand Hitlers Meridian Star yesterday morning British communication handed to as

BRITISH POLICY

sight when a car at the Star Ferry

car park caught fire. It is beller

To be dropped without wame s ing overnight in favour of your The aims of British policy in the ed that the fire was caused by a A lifebuoy was reported lost principal enemy is not a con Far East remain what they short circuit: Only minor damage ««genial' fate, and Herr von Rib-have been since the war was caused to the car. No. 158)

Dear Bomerse