1939-12-15 — Page 1

"Hongkong Daily PressDec. 15, 1939.

Mason's

Temperature: Max. 68; Min.

54.

WEATHER FORECAST:-N.E. AND EAST WINDS, FRESH; FINE.

OK Hongkong Daily Press

the cold meat Sauce

No. 25364

Bagistered as a Newspaper at the General-

"Post Office in the United Kingdom.

西

ESTABLISHED 1857

刺孖

球拾陸佰仟伍藏式第

DESTROYER

LOST IN

COLLISION

Over Hundred

Dead Feared

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter)-The Admiralty announces destroyer H.M.S.

thai the DUCHESS was lost in a collision with another of His Majesty's ships which was not. damaged.

It is feared that the only sur- vivors were one officer and ratings.

The Duchess was commanded by Lleut. Comdr. R. C. H. White. "The Duchess is a destroyer of the Defender class, and was bulit, under the 1930 programme, with a displacement of 1.375 tons and a normal complement of 145..

ENEMY PLANES DAMAGED

LONDON, Dec 14 (BWS) The Air Ministry announced early this niorming that two al:craft of the Coastal Command yesterday en- countered and attacked two enemy Dornier flying beats over the North Sea, Both enemy, rear gunners were hit and both enemy aircraft damaged by machalue-gun fire 'be fore disappearing into the clouds.

U-BOATS SUNH "

SIR ROBERT HO

TUNG'S LOAN TO

U.K. GOVERNMENT

The following Press com- munique was issued yester- [day:

The Hongkong Govern- ment has received from Sir Robert Ho Tung an offer to lend to His Majesty's Gov- the United ernment in

of Kingdom' the £10,000 free of interest for two years.

sum

This generous offer, has been gratefully accepted by His Majesty's Government and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Hon- ourable Sir John Simon, has addressed a personal letter of thanks Robert.

to

Sir

COURAGE OF FINNS

PREMIER AND

LEAGUE

HONGKONG. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1939. ·

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NEWEST OF GERMAN POCKET BATTLESHIPS

BADLY DAMAGED: INTENSE

ACTION WITH

GALLANT FIGHT BY THREE BRITISH CRUISERS IN THE

COMPARATIVELY SMALL BRITISH SHIPS – PREMIER

"LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter} "Although full details are not yet available, I think it is! apparent that a very gallant action was fought by three comparatively small British ships against a much more heavily armed adversary, the result of which may well be to free the South Atlantic from the depradations of this ralder," remarked the Prime Min- Ister, Mr. Chamberlain, amid chears, when he gave an account of the naval battle in the House of Commens today in the course of his review on the progress of the

War.

The Premier said, "Shortly after six o'clock yesterday morning. Commodore Harwood, in B.M.S. Ajax, reported he was in contact with a German pocket battleship. Thereupon, with HMS. Exeter and HMS. Achilles, he attacked the enemy who made off in the direc-

tion of Montevideo.

LONDON. Dec. 14 (Reuter)-Mr. Chamberlain told the House of Commons that the Firins had been defending their country with cour-

"During the action, which was of age and determination and the Finnish Army proved itself by far a severe character, the Exeter re- the better fighting force in every-ceived damage which reduced her (Cheers). speed and forced her to drop qut

of the fight. thing than the enemy.

The Admiralty announced early this morning that in the North Sea the same British submarine that sighted the Bremen has ank a U-boat and torpedoed an enemy been far-reaching. cruiser,

It is too soon to attempt to fore- cast its unequal struggle but its political conséquences have already

Chamberlain On Aerial Operations

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter) - Speaking in the House of Com-

mons

today Mr. Chamberlain, Prime Minister, referred to the air operations which had been carried out over enemy bases in Hellgoland "on Dec. 12.

Continuing, Mr. Chamberlaina said that since his last statement

of the Finnish cause,

PURSUIT CONTINUED

"The two cruisers continued the pursuit and about midnight the German ship, which turned out to be the Admiral Graf Spee, carrying six 11-inch gunis, took refuge within territorial waters and is now anchored off Montevideo."

Mr. Chamberlain referred to the

NEWEST OF 3 NAZI POCKET BATTLESHIPS

The ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE Is the newest of the three Ger- man pocket battleships, the others being the DEUTSCH- LAND and the ADMIRAL SCHEER.

"

It was completed in Jati- mary, 1936, with a normal com- plement of 926, a speed of 26 knots and a displacement of 10.000 tons. It carries six 11- Inch guns eight 5.9 inch, 14 anti-aircraft guns and two air- craft.

The pocket battleships cast £3,750,000 each, according to Reuter,

BRITISH TACTICS PRAISED

Graf Spee Was Easy Target

at

SOUTH ATLANTIC

11-Inch Guns On Admiral Graf

Spee Disabled: Planes Wrecked: 36 Crew Dead, Sixty Wounded

FOLLOWING an intense battle in the South Atlantic with three British warships, H.M.S. Exeter, H.M.S. Achilles and H.M.S. Ajax, under the command of Commodore H. H. Harwood, the newest of the three German pocket battleships, Admiral Graf Spee, is lying in a badly damaged condition in Montevideo Harbour.

According to British Wireless, a German

official report states that 36 of her crew Mustard Gas

are dead and 60 wounded.

Allegation Groundless

REUTER STATES THAT THE ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE'S 11-INCH GUNS WERE PUT OUT OF ACTION WHILE THE TWO AIRCRAFT ON BOARD THE SHIP WERE DISABLED. H.M.S. EXETER, WHICH WAS FORCED TO REDUCE

DROP SPEED AND COMPELLED TO

OUT OF THE

LONDON, Dec. 14 (BW8)-Lata ENGAGEMENT, IS NOT-BELIEVED TO BE GREATLY in the forenoon" Admiralty issued -- DAMAGED.

a communique as follows, "Prest

have

KING'S PRESENCE STIMULATED TROOPS

Another British Wireless message reveals that the hull reports die the German Legation and superstructure of the German pocket battleship are in Montevideo as stating that the By their uct of aggression the

damaged. Ambulances awaited her arrival at the inner casualties on board the Grat Spee Sovlet Government had outraged

harbour at Montevideo and removed the casualties to hos- were mostly caused "because the British used mustard gas grenades. the conscience of the whole world

pital. (Cheers).

This allegation is entirely without Special to the HH, Daily Press. Nevertheless the Germans had

According to Reuter, the battleship and British warships foundation. No mustard gas gren- publicly ranged themselves on the 38 dead and 60 wounded as stated MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 14, (Havas)

steamed ing broadcaste by the German for, or used by, the Royal Navy." side of the aggressor whom they by the German Minister at Uru---Interviewed by Havas, the Bri-Cruisers Ajax and Achilles are was not mentioned in early mornades or shells have ever been made had even attempted to assist by a guay who said that these were tish Vice-Consul

Punta Del reported to

Montevideo Radia

as scurrilous and violent campaign alleged to be due to the use by the Esta

stated that the German away from

IN NEUTRAL BELT against the other Scandinavian British cruisers of mustard gas. battleship stared to fire while 12 they were not seen from the countries for their moral support "This is a characteristic state-miles off Maldonado. She was im-shore yesterday morning.

NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (Reuter)- How long the Admiral Graf Spee The press splashes the engagement! ment, of course, without founda-mediately attacked by the three: Mr. Chamberlain recalled that tion. No gas, shells or grenades British cruisers which were within will be able to remain in Monte-

decided last year it was

video depends on the definition of between British cruisers and the that have ever been made for or used ten miles from her.

pocket battleship and German authorities Local naval

her seaworthiness. If the Urugua- rations could each decide what by any ships in His Majesty's Navy. "Members will have also wel-

yan authorities decide that she is particular attention is drawn to greatly praise the British tac- they would do in regard to an

said that coined the news that the Bremen

tics in attacking the German seaworthy then she can only re- the fact that the encounter took main 24 hours, but if she is dam- place deep inside the neutral belt. aggressor State and before the question had been rais-submarine' had sunk a U-boat and

warship which was compelled

aged she will be allowed to remain ed in Geneva they had decided to torpedoed an enemy cruiser."

to navigate near the coast permit the delivery to Finland, by

thereby to reduce speed as manufacturers concerned,

constal navigation is dangerous off the Argentine shores. The Admiral Graf Spee became British shells an easy target for and suffered heavy 'damage: her

of a

alscussions with the visiting number of fighting aircraft of

COAL SHORTAGE IN BERLIN

Ministers from the Dominions and which the Finnish Government the representative of India had were in argent need and they in- been completed.

tended similarly to release other. There was a full exchange of material which would be of assis-- BERLIN, Dec 14 (Reuter) The

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter) After referring to the visit of the King to the front line where all Ianks were stimulated by his pre- aence and gave His Majesty, the U.S. INTERESTS

warmest of welcomes, Mr. Cham- WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (Reuter) berlain, in the House of Commons, that British troops mentioned not replenish her armament or-Although yesterday's naval battle have now taken their place in a occurred within the neutrality

to carry out such repairs as to make her seaworthy, but she can-

munitions.

CONTACT ESTABLISHED

zone fixed by the recent Pan- sector of the Maginot Line side by American Conference, well-inform-side with our French allies.

Certain British units this issue will be raised.

ате пож

views, which proved to be of the fance to the Finnish Government poor conditions of German rail control turret was completely des- The New York Times states thated circles here do not believe that facing the enemy in the outpost

highest value, both on German strategical and diplomatic aspects on the war, also on particular problems affecting individual mem- bers of the Commonwealth.

GENERAL HELP

"General help has been forth Coming from several countries who Continued on Page 7

SOVIET SHIP WRECKED WHILE NAVIGATING IN BLIZZARD: 557 DEAD

TOKYO, Dec. 14 (Reuter) Press reports from Wak- sanai, North Hokkaido, reveal that the Soviet steamer In- digirka (2,336 tons) was wrecked on Tuesday, while travel- ling from the Kamchatka fishing grounds to Vladivostok, with 1,139 persons on board,

The vessel was navigating owing to the violent seas. "By this the Soya Straits in a blizzard time the Indigirka was two-thirds during the early morning submerged. when she grounded on Kal- mato Islet. A huge rent was torn in the port side and the ship filled rapidly.

Hundreds of Agures were visible on board through the blizzard, esticulating for help, but the storm held up rescuers throughout the day.

ways are reported in many parts of the country and the lack of transportation has resulted in a shortage of coal in Berlin,

troyed, heavy guns disabled and There were many holes in her

aircraft wrecked.

nuh.

Dealers are asked to sell coal

TRAWLER SUNK only to those who have not any.

RUSSIANS SEIZE EGGS

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter) The BUCHAREST, Dec. 14 (Reuter)- Admiralty announced at 1.30 pm. Reports receive here state that the, (GMT.) that His Majesty's traw- Itussians have seized truck loads ler William Hallett had been sunk of eggs destined for Germany from by a mine. There was only one Ruman'a which passed through survivor.

NINE. MEN LOST Soviet-occupied Poland.

Importers in Germany hafe ask-

ed exporters in Rumania not to send goods via Poland but through Hungary.

Civilians Slaughtered In Kiangsi

LINCHWAN, KLANGSI, Dec. 14 (Central)-According to investiga- The Chief Mate and nine mem-

The Karafuto Maru-(1,500 tons, tion, 4,370 Chinese civilians were bers of the crew launched a boat the Shusui Maru (25 tons) and allegedly slaughtered in the ath and were making towards shore when the craft capsized" in the Sanyo Maru (20 tons), arrived and 5th counties of Kacan Hsieh, from Waksanal and despite the Kiangai during the Japanese occu very rough sea. Another boat was blinding snowstorm heroically res-pation and some 300 captured. lewered, but four of the crew were cued 385 persons from the steamer, Houses burned numbered 44,200 Then four more were washed while seven members of the crew while 146,000 piculs of rice, and" away, but two men reached shore was picked up from a boat.

swept away by the huge waves.

and obtained assistance from the Japanese authorities.

..

NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (Reuter)-

established the British cruisers contact with the German pocket battleship-six times during the morning.

Continued On Page 7

ilne in this sector whence patrola maintained touch with the enemy.

attacked CHINESE CONTINUE DRIVES

IN HUNAN AND KIANGSI:

The German ship HMS. Ajax while the latter was convoying the French liner For

Plate. mose near the mouth of the River

HMS. Exeter and HM.B. Achilles MORE GUERILLA ACTIVITY

responded to a call from the Ajax and came up at full speed. They opened fire on the German vessel

CHUNGKING, Dec. 14 (Central) —

North Kiangsi: “.

The Chinese are

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuter) The which was repeatedly hit, especial-continuing their drives in North Hunan, South Hupeh and

crew of a British tanker torpedoedly

by shells from the Exeter.

The four ships fought an in- in the Atlantic arrived yesterday

tense battle from 6 to 20 o'clock at a south coast port. They stat-

in the morning... ed that if the U-Boat had given

The German vessel directed her only three minutes warning, all on board could have been saved, main efforts on the Exeter as all Nine men went down with the four ships ran-southward. ship however.

-On Other-— Pages

RHKG.C, meeting Rife shooting Hockey counell Radio programmes. crossword puzzle Mortgage dispute Dardanus held up Leading article

1,700 pigs, cows and horses were The shore, for about four miles seized.

About 80 per cent, of the bouses Mr. H. G. Sheldon, K.C. In the vicinity of the wreck, pre- sented a ghostly spectacle, being in the western suburbs of Fens-Legislative Council. C strewn with 108 corpses of men, hain, 23 miles west of Nanchang. Racing prospects

The re were also set on fire and large Several Japanese boats were women and children. directed to the scene, but were un-haining 557 have been given up numbers of cattle and farming

Implements were seized. able to approach the Indigirkaas drowned.

"UNABLE TO APPROACH

Women's interests. Finarice, commerce

After losing Taolin, Hsitang and Yanglowsze, strate- gic points along the outer defence lines of Yoyang (YO- chow), the Japanese launched a counter-attack, but were repulsed. Continuing their attacks, the Chinese have re- captured Wulipai, north-east of Yoyang, and is tightening the cordon around Yoyang.

After passing Punta Deleste, the

In South Hupeh, the Chi-j strong Chinese force rapidly push- British ships turned westward in

nese column responsible for ing toward the town. order to get advantage of the sun

SOUTH SHANSI which placed the pocket battleship the recapture of Tsungyang

LOYANG, Dec. 14 (Central)- in silhouette. This caused the and Tashaping is pushing German ship to change her course southward to meet another Fighting in the Chungtiao moun- disastrously to the south-east when column driving northward in tain range, in South Shansi, has the British cruisers continued fra pincer movement against been slowed down.g ing until well after dusk.

Undercover of darkness,

Page

2

2

2

3

video.

8

Tungcheng.

the

The Chinese are continuing their

In

A Chinese detachment, in the clearing up operations south-east German vessel again changed meantime, has wiped out 100 Jap- and northeast of Helahsten. course and finally reached Monte-anege at Yentunling, and is now an encounter at Anchiayn, east of Haiahmen, on Sunday, some 100

attacking Chishan..

Another Chinese unit has cross Japanese were killed. More than LIST ON EXETER MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 14. (Reutered the Yum River and is subject-3.000 Japanese have retreated to

The Chinese have staged enveloping -It la reported here that EMS. 1n the Japanese at Yuanchlachal Esiahalen and Wensl

series of raids at Changtienchen, Exeter, which dropped out of the and Masnahan to an

attack. 8 battle, has a slight list.

Fighting is also proceeding at cast of Anyl, and points east of Chiankowtien, northwest of Ying-Klanghsien, Inflcting losses

the enemy. shan

Continued on Page

9

• NOT MENTIONED

10

11

LONDON, Dec 14 (Reuter) The encounter between the pocket

Sulhsien is threatened by a

3