1940-03-19 — Page 7

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

EDITORIAL

GERMANY AND RUSSIA

RUSSIA START INTENSE

TO EXTEND

DIPLOMATIC DRIVE TO

The Daily Press

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ON SCANDINAVIA

STOCKHOLM, Mar. 18 (Reuter)-A period of diplomatic

and political activity unprecedented in the northern coun-

tries has now begun.

The following points emerge clearly:

FIRSTLY, Germany and Russia are seeking to exploit the anxieties of the northern countries to extend their hold upon them;

SECONDLY, the rights and wrongs of the Soviet-Fin- Night Editor (Wanchal Office)nish settlement is proving so controversial that the in-

Tel. 24511.

ternal political situations in some of the northern coun- tries are likely to be affected.

London Office: 53. Fleet Street

ECA.

HONGKONG, Manch 19, 1940

AN AMERICAN VIEW ON JAPAN BEFORE THE OUTBREAK

HOLD

Encounter In "No Man's Land"

L

GERMANS SUFFER HEAVY LOSSES. PARIS, Mar. 18 (Reuter)--The sector of... the Western Front west of the Vosges has been very animated in the past 24 hours.

It is widely believed here The Scandinavian attitude to the that Germany hopes to parti-German approaches may be ex-

in cipate

the

Preserve Defensive pressed in the phrase:

Us From Our Friends," while Alliance which Finland pro- posed to Norway and Sweden Russia's efforts to extend her in-

fence are less amiably regarded

and the arrival of two. Nazi

officials in Stockholm during

the week-end is certainly con-

One of the events was an 'en- counter in "No Man's Land" be- tween a French "free group" (a small unit of men who volunteer for dangerous work) and a Ger- detachment composed al abou; 200 men..

msn

There was a short, but lively,

sufferel heavy losses and the French had two missing.

nected with the present poll-TRUE NEUTRALITY engagement in which the Germans

of the current hostilities (tical situation.

Moreover. Germany is redoubling

THREAT

A message from Amsterdam

Britain from the Scandinavian

markets. Using the trade agree-

in Europe, the United States her propaganda efforts to persuade states that the Nazis appear to supplied Japan with well over the northern countries that Britain one-half of her imports of and France will make a battlefield have launched a campaign to oust strategic war materials. To-ot. Scandinavia. day, with Great Britain and Germany hopes to persuade France not only unable to them that their salvation lies in spare any war materials but entrusting themselves to German needing more for their own protection. military operations, the per- centage has been markedly

ments which Britain has just con- cluded with Norway and Denmark as a pretext, the German Govern- ment. says the Berlin Corres- pondent of the Nuwe Rotter-

damsche Courant, has been mak- Scandinavian countries of the re- Quirements of "true neutrality."

INFILTRATION TACTICS Late yesterday the Germans attempted infiltration tactics im- mediately east of Moselle but were repulsed without difficulty by combind Infantry and artillery Are.

►

It is surmised that there is some connexion between the present diplomatic events and the sudden Rhine front where the Germans recrudescence propaganda on the

have been busy putting up stream, ers with slogans addressed to the French troops.

The French repiled with bursts

men trying to erect

The correspondent says that Germany. In any case, is able toners and these countries were told that! machine-gur fire a the ban-

take more TOW materials and them. foodstuffs from them than Bri- tain

INTIMIDATION

increased, Japan is there same time draining her of hering urgent representations to fore more than ever depen- gold reserves. As a result. dent upon the United States while the United States has for materials essential to the enabled Japan to carry on her carrying on of her war indus- Invasion of China, it have tries. Thus an American em-also weakened her so that, bargo on the export of war even if victorious; she would materials to Japan would have to come to New York for seriously embarrass and financial aid. During the weaken Japan, in spite of the same period the United States | "undoubtedly large quantities has given China only the of materials which she has most meagre aid by extend- stored up.

ing her a paltry 25 million) NOW, HOWEVER, two fac-dollar loan on none too gener- tors stand in the way of such ous terms, and by buying

jk It has not a simple solution of the pro- Chinese silver. blem. One is the fact that, only failed to help China should an embargo be im-to secure the costly mil- posed, Japan might in des-itary equipment essential for

effective peration make a non-aggres-an

counter-attack!

in

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41

Although the agreements are scuifed at in Berlin- as "com. pensation for the fallure of British diplomacy over Fin- land," it is argued that Britain endeavouring, by these means, to gain control of Scandinavian coastal waters

and, it is declared, should the northern countries"permit Bri- tish warships to exercise such control, they will be guilty of. a breach of their neutrality as serious if they had stopped exchanging goods with Ger- many at the instigation of Britain.

MOST COMPLICATED

STOCKHOLM, Mar. 18 (Reuter) -A reference to the proposed de- fensive alliance between Norway,

WAR COMMUNIQUE

PARIS, Mar 18 (Reuter)-A War communique states that an enemy attempt to creep through to the east of Moselle failed before our infantry and "artillery Are.

New Zealand's Air Training

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TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1940 -PAGE

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straight drink Booth's House

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BOOTH'S

HOUSE OF LORDS DRY GIN

SOLE AGENTS:

CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LTD.

2. CHATER BOAD.

Speculation On Cabinet Reshuffle In

France

PARIS, Mar. 18 (Reuter)--By Monday night, at the latest, the country should know whether M. Daladier," the French Premier.) has decided to reshuffle his

Cabinet or not.

LIKELY CHANGES

The big debate in the Chamber WELLINGTON, Mar, 18 (Reuter) on Tuesday on the Finnish situa- The New Zealand Minister for ton may thus assume added im- Defence, Mr. F. Jonës, said in an portance, with the deputies taking Interview that soon it would be the opportunity to question the possible to provide full air train- Government on the composition Ing for 900 men annually, leaving"] of the Cabinet. about 2,200 annually to complete their training in Canada.

When the

system is in full operation just over 3.000 trainers

land at any given time.

One-thousand-one-hundred men

The formation of a "War Cabi- are waiting to be posted to air net," of which M. Daladler would ing to be interviewed by the Selec-e most lettere training units and 2,000 are waft remain the head, was

There was much discussion in

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political circles at the week-end STRAIN ON RELATIONS?

sion pact with the Soviet against Japan, but has also Union and perhaps even with drained her of her monetary: Germany. As part of such a reserves so that, as in the pact, Japan might receive at case of Japan, the terms on least a portion of her required which China can at some raw materials, might have future date secure the means new markets opened for her for national reconstruction exports, and above all, might will be those which the United be free to attack British, States may dictate. French, Dutch and American THEREFORE AN EMBAR- interests Asia. Even though it can be itself effect the kind of peace

Gunther, Swedish Foreign argued successfully that in In the Far East which will be Minister, in a speech on Saturday the long run Japan could not of the greatest benefit to the night." win by such a move, it woulä | American people. Such, an nevertheless broaden the Far embargo against Japan must matter, he said, and required in

It was an extremely complicated Eastern war and perhaps go hand in hand with sub-tensive study. That study had place the chief burden of stantial aid to China. Al-been begun so far as Sweden was defence upon the United ready an important bloc in concerned. States. Japan, counting on the Senate under the leader- the overwhelming sentiment ship of Senators Pepper and of the American people Connally favour additional against such an involvement, loans to China.

Southeastern GO against Japan will not in sweden and Finland was made by could be dealt with in New Zea. in regard to the form the changes

is using the threat of a pact CHINA IS WILLING and with the Soviet Union to dis-anxious to fight the battles courage an American em for peace in the Far East but bargo.

she has only manpower. that the What she must have is war

THE FACT is

M.

He declared that the Swed sh Government was fully, con- " vinced that if Allied troops had gone through." Sweden, Sweden would have been drag-' ged into the war.

SOVIET PRINCIPLE Germany could not be unaffect fed by the establishment of British

tion board.

AUSTRALIAN PLAN

FOR FINNS SYDNEY. Mar. 18 (Reuter)-A pian to settle Finnish immigrants in Australia on a large scale is be- ing considered by the Australian Government.

This was disclosed by Mr. R. O, Menzies..Australian Premier. ac- cording to a Sydney broadcast FOREIGN "PLANES

might take..

consider-

PEACE MOVE? OR WHAT?

In other quarters it is thought Outcome Of Hitler - Mussolini Meeting Anxiously Awaited

probable that a former Prime Minister will be asked to take) over the Foreign Ministry:

It also considered likely. that a

PARIS, Mar. 18 (Reuter)-Well-informed circles believe that the be appointed France's first Minis-which is being put on Italo-German relations, and which has been member of the Government will Hitler-Mussolini meeting may partly have been inspired by the strain ter of Information.

S'HA'DAIRIES FINED

t

apparent below the surface for some time. The strain is said "to have become particularly evident during Herr von Ribbentrop's visit and to have been supported by information from Rome. which was to the effect that Italy does not intend to change her attitude to wards Russia,

At the same time, it understood SHANGHAI, Mar. 18 (Reuter) that authoritative circles in Rome Acting under the stringent food connect the meeting of the Dicta- laws referring to adulteration, tors with Mr. Welles. though its

measures. the exact connection is not defined. Concession authorities!

It is understood that diplomatic

3

post and that Moscow must make a gesture first.

TOWN BEFLAGGED ROME, Mar. 18 (Reuter-Mus-

far from the frontier. The town special train at Bressanone, not solini passed the night in his

United States has been un- supplies. It is not enough to and French troops in the north willing to give China sufficient keep such supplies from ald during the past two and reaching Japan. Positive steps Gunther said, Moscow had said in OVER SWITZERLAND shortweights and

As far back as January 20, M. a half years to make her a must also be taken to make a note that the Russian principle. BERNE, Mar. 18(Reuter)-For- French nation strong enough to pre- certain that they reach China was not opposed to a settlement eign planes twice flew over Swisa ordered two dairies to pay fines of quarters in Rome were more in- serve peace in the Far East. in large quantities. By sup-with the Finnish Government, but territory this morning.

$500 and $300, respectively. for terested by Mr. Welles second visit China has been given just plying China with the means the latter must put forward pro- Anti-aircraft guns went into ac-adulteration of milk or otherwise than his first.

was beflagged and it was snowing. enough aid to keep her from for successful resistance posals to form a basis for negotiation and Swiss fighters took to the they will be prosecuted before

Though not much hope is enter- collapsing, but not enough to against Japan, America cantions.

The train was going on to alr.

competent courts,

tained in Rome for "a enable her to force the with-insure peace in the Far East

successful Brenner Pass where the meeting reace move, it believed that such with Hiler took place in Duce's drawal of Japanese troops and remove the necessity for

a move will be made.

train. Well-informed circles lay stress

Hitler was, wearing the feldgrau the statement yesterday in (active service) uniform which he Count Clano's newspaper Telegrafo said in the Reichstag, at the out- that the war may last a very long break of war, was the uniform" I time.

like best."

..from China. If today China her soldiers or sailors ever "SECRET

were strong economically and having to take part in a-war

SESSION" SPEECH MAY BE

ຝຶກ

2

militarily, then an American in Asia. In the event that MADE BY MR. HORE BELISHA IN HOUSE

embargo against Japan would | such afd is given to China, an

be effective and would enable embargo against Japan would

the Chinese nation to act as be effective. Under these cir-OF

the defender of a genuine cumstances, and only then,

COMMONS DEBATE ON

TODAY

open door in China and the can the question--will Japan FOREIGN AFFAIRS

preserver of peace in the Far yield to pressure?-be an-

East. Under such a set-up, swered in the affirmative, LONDON, MAR. 18. (REUTER) THE HOUSE OF COMMONS Japan would have neither the with the added genuine as- WILL DEBATE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON TUESDAY, WHEN MR. means nor the desire to com-surance that such pressure CHAMBERLAIN WILL REVIEW THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION mit national suicide by fur- would narrow the spheres of AND THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR. ther expansionist adventures. war, lessen the danger of IN VIEW of the meagre American Involvement, and assistance given to China and provide a real guarantee of the temporizing policy adopt-peace in the Far East.

Major C. B. Attlee, Labour Leader, will follow and ask a number

of questions regarding the Government's diplomatic and general pro- spects and whether the financial and economic resources of the country are being properly mobilised.'·

in its diplomatic, financial, as well as military aspects.

ITALIAN SUPPORT FOR

Herr von Mackensen, German PEACE MOVE? The Prime Minister's statement

Ambassador in Rome, also travell PARIS, Mar. 18 on Tuesday will give convenient

(Havas)-Aed with Hitler and von Ribbentrop. opportunity for debate, in which

meeting of the two dictators was Other members of Hitler's suite the opposition will have several upon the initiative of Germany, Press Chief and personal and milli. generally expected this spring Included Dr. Dietrich, the Reich questions to raise.

Government's bold scheme of her peace offensive.

who has sought Italian support in tary sides-de-camp of the Fuehrer. Colonial development, announced)

Mussolini's suice included signor last month, will be discussed in tion to Aght until the realization private

Knowing the allies determina-Sebastian!. Duce's principal the House of Lords on Wednesday of their war aims, Signor Mussolini Geisser Celexa, Chief of the Pro- secretary and Baron ADDED INTEREST

Was reluctant to participate in tocol, LONDON, Mar. 18

(BWB) any peace Initiative without Events of the week-end lend add agreement with the United States.

BLACKSHIRT UNIFORM Buch agreement was apparently

Mussolini who was wearing a reached during the recent "Mus-Blackshirt uniform, had to wait for solini-Welles talk.

40 minutes for the.. arrival of Hier's train and he spent the time chatting to the local Italian military commander.

ed toward Japan, one may ONLY BY COMBINING Sir Archibal Sinclair, Liberal Leader, will speak for the opposled interest to the debates on the

on Liberals and it is expected that he will be followed by Mr. Hore Belisha, former War Secretary who will make his first speech since he gave his reasons for leaving the Government.

He will deal mainly with Finland.

It is understood that he will make the same kind of speech

well question the motives un- substantial aid to China with derlying present American economic measures against Far Eastern policy. As a Japan can the United States matter of fact, a good case hope to accomplish" what for can be made against the forty years has been the pro- United States as a nation fessed aim of American policy with selfish designs on both in the Far East-namely, as if the Commons were dis- Japan and China. For two China growing to Industrial and a half years America has maturity and free to carry on been selling Japan vast quan-economic and cultural rela- titles of war materials at very tions with all countries on a handsome profits and at the basis of equality--Amerasia.

war in both Houses of Parliament tomorrow.

Although the debates will be concerned primarily with a gen Minister will speak again at the six months of hostilities, and will eral review of events of the past

end of the Debate:

direct special attention to develop SEVERAL QUESTIONS: ments in Finland, reference will LONDON, Mar, 18 (BWB)-Be no doubt, be made to President fore "Parliament adjourns for Roosevelt's speech on Saturday Dr. Hugh Dalton (Lab) will wind Easter on Thursday, the House and to the meeting which began up the debate for the Opposition of Commons will wish to dis-early this morning between and 11s likely that the Prime cuss the general conduct of war Duce and Herr Hitler at Brenner.

cussing the question In Secret Session.

According to another view, Germany is planning strong peace, pressure to be sirnul» taneously exerted by Germany, Italy and Russia. Hence one main German, aim is to bring Russia and Italy closer to gether, but Fascist quarters have often stated that the

Italian Ambassador in Moscow will not be returning to his

Hitler's train was decorated with Italian and German colours."

Hitler; who was Arst to alight, stepped briskly up to Mussolini who was waiting on the platform, and cordially shook hands. Con- versations began immediately and greetings were exchanged,