HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
CABLES
"WHITE BOOK”
RIBBENTROP PRODUCES ANOTHER "WHITE
Allies To
Says No Reason - For
Declare War On Germany
NORWAY SAID TO HAVE APPROVED PLAN TO SPREAD THE WAR!
"
LONDON, April 28 (Reuter)-Joachim von Ribbentrop, the Nazi Foreign Minister, again played the conjuror in Berlin on Saturday afternoon when, at a specially called meeting of foreign diplomatic missions and press representatives, he pulled another White Book out of the diplomatie hat.
tries."
counter-action Was
Allied landing" in Norway."
BRITAIN'S REPLY TO
RIBBENTROP'S LIES
LONDON, Apr. 28 (Reuter)-It was officially stated in Lon- don this afternoon that the Ridbentrop "revelations" in Berlin are a deliberate perversion of the truth.
Regarding Ribbentrop's allega- 4. If the Allies were ready to tions in connection with Allied land troops in Norway Kas Rib- plans for an invasion of Norway, bentrop alleged), there would the facts are these:
have been no delay. Such a de- I. It is true that the Allles. aslay there was, owing to the neces- they had already openly announc- sity of assembling troops and ed, were determined to stop the transports, abuse
territorial Norwegian waters. Hence the laying
of
the
of
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1940. -PAGE
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5 If the Allied laying of mine- fields was only preparatory to an Allied landing in Norway, the, Al- In a speech to the assembled foreign, representatives, which was "When, on the morning of April minefelds.
les would not have openly an- broadcast over all Nazi radio stations. Ribbentrop said the German 9. German
2. Though
Allies sought
nounced the minefields. Government was issuing documents of great importance to the carried out."i came just in time permission for troops to pass
6. The German world public, and particularly for the governments of neutral coun- to prevent and foll an attempted through Norway and Sweden for force, as was admitted over the Finland they dropped the pro- official Nazi wireless, sailed many as well as the Foreign Minister.
posal when it was refused
days before the minefield was laid. 3.
Far from
the Norwegian
7. It is notorious that the Ger- when the Bri.ish Admiralty learn-Government deciding to join with
man landing was made possible ed of the German Navy's action ly to allow the passage of troops
the Allies, they refused consistent by its Secret Service activities and in the North Sea, they decided to
It is impudent to suggest that cancel the intended landing and
British agents had prepares for a to order the capital ships back.
British landing.
various Ribbentrop quoted speeches by British and French statesmen which he alleged. elearly showed that the Wes- tern Powers intended forcing neutrals into the war,
made statements to that effect.
NO REASON FOR WAR
Not only these documents but many other actions taken by the Alles in neutral countries-such The Nazi' Foreign Minister de-
as acts of sabotage committed by livered a tirade on what he term- the Secret Service in the Balkans ed "the evil influence of the Alles give proof of their intentions to in Finland's struggle for freedom."spread the war wherever possible.
ALLEGED DETAILS
Meanwhile, the German
news
agency was simultaneously issuing a statement that alleged details of Britain's Intentions were to be published.
"Thus, since the beginning of the year, the Allies have been striving with every means to in- volve new countries in the war."
TRUTH AND RIGHT!.
Ribbentrop also stated that
"The Brliish, however. did not
succeed in bringing alt their transports back and a number of
them were attacked and surk by German" bombing 'aircraft."
to Finland.
8
AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT
15
8.
DELIBERATE ACTION
The British Government is NEW YORK, Apr. 28 (Reuter) anxious that neutral countries...be protected against aggression but Herald-Tribune. The New York
it is untrue that British desires commenting on Ribbentrop's speech: Ribbentrop quoted Mr. Cham-
extension of the war. No neutral yesterday, describes his statement berlain's announcement in
has mobilised for fear of Allied the Speaking of the declaration of commons of the German invasion
on Norway as "an insult to the
aggression! war on Germany by the Allies, and said:
world's intelligence." "Gentlemen. in the
9. There is no doubt the Nor- Ribbentrop' said there was no ren-name of the Reich Government,
The St. Louis Post Dispatch
wegian invasion was due to deli- son for this step! The German and notably in the name of truth says that Ribbentrop, has given a
berate Nazi action which they nation had always insisted and rials found after an engagement made clear its desire
and right. I shall now submit to performance that defes all sense
now seek to justly by documents to live in
of logic. between
of which they admit they had no British and
you 'documents which prove that peace and friendship with the the assertions of the British and
The New York Times says the knowledge when they invaded troops near Lillehammer, in Nor-British and French nations.
French rulers were nothing but world will know how to choose way on Monday last
lies and forgeries."
The publication, the
agency stated, would be based on mate-
any
Germani
case, be history when the German troops invaded Norway.
Ribbentrop discussed the latest aspects of the International stua- tion as seen through the eyes of the German Government.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Norway.
between the word of Britain and
It is noted in London that Rib- Norway on the one hand, and
bentrop made no effect to justify Germany, who has repeatedly the invasion of Denmark, which broken promises.
he apparently bought not worthy
of mention.
Pretence Is Dropped
Text of this publication is not! yet available, and no explanation "In the circumstances, however.
SOME CLAIMS is advanced on why British skir- the German nation accepted the
Ribbentrop proceeded to speak mishing troops should be carrying challenge and is determined to
of the fighting in Norway, in about documents which would, in see it through. The Allied plan to
ROME DISAPPOINTED which, he sald, "the German dismember the German nation
Special to H.K. Daily Press
28 (Havas) - PARIS. Apr. and deprive it of political rights troops have smashed through all and economic possibilities will be the enemy positions and repelled Political quarters in Rome showed
the British and Norwegians and disappointment over the contents! resisted with all our power."
The smaller European countries driven them back in wild flight."
of Ribbentrop's speech speculating were regarded as useful objectives He repeated some of the claims whether the severe accusations by the Allies to extend the sphere made in Saturday's High Com-levelled at the Norwegian Govern. of war and hence a systematic mand communique, and said some ment do not foreshadow stricter campaign against the neutral sys- brigade orders seized "prove that German action in Norway. tem, has been, started...
the British landing had been pre- Amsterdam and Brussels classi-
ABANDONED "It was Winston Churchill who, pared long in advance and that fled the speech as an attempt to the order for the landing of the justify the Norwegian campaign in arst detachment was given for the eyes of the German people... April 6 and 7."
by Ribbentrop concluded
re- summary form his the accusations against
the White Book, containing the 'alleg-
FOREIGN PRESS INFORMED
He explained he had Invited the heads of diplomatie missions and the foreign press to "inform
them of documents which, in the view of the German Government. are of the greatest importance for the world public and particularly for the governments of neutral
states."
on Jan. 21. by his speech against neutrality and neutrals; launched this campaign." -
Since Mr. Churchill's speech" all statements made by Britsh or peating In
earlier French statesmen Included de- mands, to neutrals to participate Allies. and then coples of in the struggle against Germany. QUOTED SPEECHES
!!
Ribbentrop continued: "As the Allies knew from the very start an attack against the Western Wall could not succeed. they have been persistently trying to find a new theatre of war after the fal- lure of their. Polish allies.
"Documents seized by German lain,
"'
BEST WAYS OF LANDING
"Documents
In support of this argument Ribbentrop quoted speeches made in recent weeks by Mr. Chamber-
Churchill, Mr.
Mr. Oliver
then
вози
1F
PROTECTOR. ROLE
WITHDRAWALS WERE NECESSARY
Norwegian War Only In
The Initial Stages
Cause
LONDON, Apr. 28 (Reuter)-The news that limited with- drawals have been necessary in southern Norway does not
much concern in the British press this morning. It is pointed out that in a major war, temporary setbacks give no clue to the final outcome of the struggle, and in Nor- way the struggle is in a very early phase.
ני
It is conceded that Germany, through "treacherous” invasion, gained some strategic advantages and therefore one must be prepared for a difficult campaign.
But the determination of the Aliles to press the campaign to successful conclusion is unani- mously reatdrmed.
GERMAN TREACHERY
chery won for Germany the first The Daily Telegraph says trea- trick of the Aght for Norway, pos- session of the best ports and air fields.
means
The Allies had to improvise of landing anti-aircraft guns. artillery and munitions, and were without one base for aero- planes.
The News Chronicle says we are only at the beginning of a great campaign. The country is ready and anxious to press this crucial campaign to a successful" issue.
It is not a sideshow and Nor- strategie, diplomatic and moral way will become a battleground of.
importance.
The Daily Mail declares that facts favour the Germans only at présent. We will restore the balance swiftly and vigorously.
We must strive for mastery in the air, which will be the keynote in the campaign. It is vital and. Much has been done. to
necessary to obtain air bases We counteract that last defect by have the men and machines, but continuous bombing of German aerodromes.
we must have aerodromes.
The Dally press says the Al- lied reverse must be seen in its proper perspective. Only a small
The fight for Norway has only LONDON. April 28 (Reuter)
begun and we shall see it through. The German Government has The help of fighter planes is finally abandoned the
pretence one of our most urgent needs in force was affected and it has no JUST A TRIFLE
tha It is "protecting" Norway Norway. The first batch of fight-great importance as a whole.
PREPARED FOR REVERSES and has openly declared the exis-ers has already arrived in Nor- NERVOUS
tence of a state of war between | way. This was a daring decision There may be setbacks but we AMSTERDAM, Apr. 28 (Renter)-the two conutries,
and they already suffered losses are prepared. The declaration is contained in but have taken toll of the enemy. ed documents referred to by him. Herr von Ribbentrop delivered his
PROLONGED BATTLE were distributed to the diplomats speech in an uninspired voice and a decree appoining a Nazi gov- his speech also lost somewhat in ernor of the occupied territory in and journalists present....
The battle for Norway will be plead that time was ar- effect owing to the absence of Norway, Herr Terhofen, who BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS
prolonged and fiercely contested. the usual Nazi legion of cheer rived in Oslo today to take up his
If the Germans reach The Diplomatic Correspondent leaders, When von Ribbentrop | duties.
not
Trond-
The Daily Herald strikes the only critical note.
Office may It says the War
short and they had to send whatever, force was available:
Te-
The paper, however, recalls" Mr. tablish coritrol of the south of
statement ON Chamberlain's Norway for a time, but conquest March 20 when he said an expedi- of the north would be as remote tionary force was ready to leave
the
as ever.
troops in Norway establish fur- Stanley. Lord Halifax. Earl de la of the. Observer writes it is no. Anished there was no applause The decree was actually issued heim from the south they will es- ther evidence of French and Bri- Warr. M. Reynaud, and Mr. Duff-onger regarded as necessary to from the diplomats and journalists on Wednesday but was
refute Ribbentrop by recalling present,
leased to the public till this morn- tish plans to extend the war to Cooper.
facts, says Reuter. The facts arej Ribbentrop
referred to
One foreign commentator der-ing. :. the north.
Finland He described the British known outside Germany.
cribed the speech as a "good de- It says a state of war exists ow-
The Times says we are evident for Finland, and when at the and French statements about The interesting question is why tective story and nothing more," ing to "the attitude of the Norly in the very early phase of the same time he warned Sweden and Narvik their readiness to give assistance did Ribbentrop invite the Diplo and listeners here were parti-wegian Governmen, and to found at
Norway that the war was coming "campaign. The Germans enjoy to their doors. prove that the British Secret Berto Finland. provided Norway and matic Corps to hear his tale? The cularly struck by the complete taking of military action under the advantage of superior pre-
answer is that, probable
with vice had studied the best ways of Sweden would consent to
The paper asks: Was the Fin- paration. It does not by itself winnish expeditionary force dispers landing along the whole Norwe-passage of troops over their terri-characteristically elaborate
Herr Terhofen will be directly the war but imposes on a more ed? If so, surely this was unwise. nique, Ribbentrop calculated that. gian western coastline.
tory, as "a downright untruth"
responsible to Hitler and k ziven "These activities of the Secret The German Government had the effect inside Germany, where
the widest powers. Service were carried out despite knowledge of a report sent by the his purpose exclusively lay, would the fact that the then Norwegian Finnish Minister in Paris to his be more likely achieved if he pre-!
tended not to be afraid by sub Government was secretly sympa Government on March 12.
mitting his lies "to a wider audi- thising with the plans of the Al- "les."
NO DANGER IN WEST
the
absence of any mention of Den-its orders!"' tech-mark,
HOARE
REPLIES
Cantinned From Page 1 Force and. the Fleet Air Arm dur- The Sunday Times, under the ing the past fortnight, Sir Samuel | Ribbentrop then alleged that Mr. Churchill carelessly revealed, and Mr. Churchill had given him heading. "ying in fact all facts" Hoare said:
a definite assurance that follow-writes that the neutral world will
demonstrated "We have
די
presentatives during which the
reaching Germany.
He reported that M. Daladier
11 Mr.
Churchill
ence.
SPEAK MUCH LOUDER
these air
our
!J
RAID ALARM IN
scrupulous opponent a handicap that may take a long time to make up.
The Times potnica out that a
Commenting on the operations in Norway, the Daily Herald says
in a great war temporary reverses CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE
give no clue to the outcome of the The Nazis prepared their cri- struggle. The public is prepared minal enterprise with characteris- to take bad news with good. N. FRANCE tie German thoroughness,"
CENTRAL FEATURE STOCKHOLM, Apr. 28 (Reuter> PARIS, Apr. 28 (Reuter) The front has not been formed in Nor-Colonel Bratt, well-known Swe- the true aims of Britain" at a ing the Finnish appeal, British approach with neutral scepticism striking power by the bombing är raid alarm was sounded in way and the opposing forces may dish military critic, reviewing the conference with neutral press and French troops would imme- Ribbentrop's attempts to "de-attacks upon the enemy's bases in north France lasting 20 minutes. remain for days in the worst military situation in Norway for Germany Invaded Scandinavia. Stavanger, Kristian- Today's War communique states weather on the shores of the same Reuter's correspondent, says that First Lord announced that war diately leave the ports where they monstrate"
order to forestall a sand, Aalborg, Oslo, Trondheim, there was patrol and artillery ac- fjord without certain knowledge even should the Germans, contrary suppiles must be stopped from were being held ready, in order to Norway in
land in Norway.
previously prepared invasion by Westerland—all
bases vity at various points of the of one another's whereabouts, and
to expectations, break through Norway and Sweden 'would only Great Britain.
have been bombed and all have front.
therefore ack of precise in- Oester Valley, vai Stoeren to SWEDEN SENSIBLE
have been notified of this with-
suffered heavy damage,
formation is to be expected."
Trondheim, It is hardly likely that of elther
"That is what the Air Force has
The Times declares there is one the connexion could be maintain- The great thing. added Ribben-out" the Government
The real facts speak much lou- accomplished in the face of serious ATTACK FAILS
strategical certainty which over-led If the Allies had capable trans- trop, was to draw the Scandina-State being asked for its consent.
der than these actions. Follow-obstacles. It is a daily saga of the "On March vian countries into the war, and
PARIS. AT 28 (Reuter)-Last rides all other considerations. port facilities through Dombaas by the best way of achieving this went to Paris by air in order to ing one of the shabbiest of Ger war against a determined enemy night's communique stares that in
Where both sides operate in a the Dovre line to Stoeren.. a last-minute attempt to man traditions. Ribbentrop tries who often comes to attack in a the course of the day we have re- foreign country, with bite water would be to make them aght make
The troop landings at Aadalanes to impute guilt to his victim. Nur-superior force. shoulder to shoulder with Fin- prevent the Russo-Finnish peace.
between armies and home, sea and the railway to Dombaas, there- the strength of alleged "But not against the enemy pulsed several German patrols. land.
"The intentions of the Allies way. on
A local enemy attack falled to power in the long run controls fore, constitute the central feature" documents. This is exactly what alone, but against fogs, clouds and
the issue. "From all information available countries became even more clear
German the Reich Government is satisfied when the
Government Germany tried to do against Bel-ice, against cold and exhaustion, the west of the Vosges. that Sweden has always been very were informed of a private con- glum in the last war. Nobody but and against mechanical problemi sensible of her neutral duties and versation
M. Reynaud her own" credulous people and that arise has committed no act compromis- and a neutral diplomat on March partisans was convinced then, or efficient aircraft"
would be now, ing her neutrality,
GREATER TASKS STILL In both cases the innocent "On the other hand, the Reich "In this discussion M. Reynaud
has been scrupulously
-After stating that the Air Force Government is in possession of was uncautious enough to declear country.
Germany
would be ready for even heavier documents to prove that the Nor- that there was no longer danger neutral, in both cases wegian Government not only apn the west as during the next profited by its neutrality to over-tasks in the future, Sir Samuel! Powers to spread the war but had taken by the Western Powers in has had the incredible meanness the Government it must been active in supporting the the north. belligerent action of the Western: Powers.
30.
between
even with the most
of the strategic position even over- shadowing the events in Trond- | heim región itself. It may be ex- pected that the Germans will make every effort to cut these communi- cations and obtain, presession of
AMERICAN “BLITZKREIG” TO TEST ARMY STRENGTH Dombans
WASHINGTON, Apr. 28 (Reuter)-Some 70,000 United States troops are being assembled af East Texas Into an American “blitzkrieg"
proved the plan of the Western tew days decisive action would be run and snatch it and in both she! Hoare concluded by saying, “as" for force for the Regular Army's most extensive peacetime war games"
NAZI'S HAVE PROOF!
"Material which has been found
"Thereupon the Fuehrer" gave orders for the German navy to
sati.".
ALLIED MINE-LAYING
+
never
next month.
GERMAN SCIENTIST IS DEAD
NO CHANGE IN POSITION
waver in its resolve to win and in bringing a lying charge against hold mastery of the skies as well
LONDON, Apr. 28 (Reuter)- The These form the climax to the War Office communique states that her victim. Perhaps the silliest
intensive efforts made since the in the area north of Steinkjaer as the seas. thing of all is that accusation that
The Prime Minister holds Arm-
outbreak of the European war to the position remains substantially Allied statesmen were plotting to
ly to this resolution. He and we,
weld American regular troops into unchanged. Our patrols have selze Norway. Lord Halifax, for the Government and the country, BERLIN, Apr. 28 (Router)-The a cohesive and well-trained army. been active and have capture some instance, is quoted as warning to Air Force and industry, are re-death is announced here of Dr. in Norway recently revealed that Ribbentrop sald the Allled neutrals not to ask Britain for solved to achieve this purpose. Carl "Bosch, the noted German The Ninth Army Corps, includ-prisoners.
In Gudbrandsdalen a heavy the British espionage system in mine-laying on April 8 was "just ald when it was too late. So he
"Today our wings are spread scientist. that country had the full support a preparation for the landing of did, but not to threaten them over the Arctic. Today they are
artillery division, meets the larger German attack against the Allied of the Norwegian Government, a British expeditionary force with any British action. What sheathed. In ice." Tomorrow the Dr. Victor C. Boo Chinese but slower Fourth Corps in the force in the Kvam area has been But we have further proof that which was already prepared to Lord Halifax plainly anticipated sun of victory will touch them Minister to Switzerland and main phase of the operations driven off with considerable loss.
ing the streamlined infantry and
ts being maintained and air action
The enemy pressure in this area even at an earlier date the Nor-sall"
and referred to was the threat of with its golden light, and the Director of the Permanent Office from Mày 11 to 25. wegian Government had made up He added: "We have informa-German action. And have not the wings that flash over the grey of the Chinese Delegacion to the its mind to join the Allies." tion that on April 9 Allied expedi- events as plainly justified bis an-waters of the North will bear us League of Nations, was appointed tactics such as Germany used in munications and bases continues.
The Ninth Corps will practise against the Allied lines of com- Ribbentrop said that at a meet-tionary troops were embarked to ticipation? All other passages home once more, to peace with China's delegate to the 22nd Inter- be similarly explain-honour of a free people, and victors national Oplum Suppression Con-
Poland -- against an adversary ing of the Norwegian Government be landed at Bergen, Trondheim quoted can
There is nothing to report from of a noble cause,'
nearly twice its numerical strength. the Narvik area. on March 2, the Prime Minister, and Stavanger.
férence (Central);
ed..
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