1940-12-16 — Page 4

PAGE 4-HONGKONG » DAILY PRESS.

BRITISH FORCES “MOPPING “UP” IN WESTERN DESERT

Italians Attempt To

Attempt To Stem Rout In Libya: Prisoners, War Material Pouring In

CAIRO, Dec. 15 (Reuter)—It was rellably learned yesterday · that casualties among the British and Imperial troops in the Western Desert advance are very slight; it is reported that the offensive is still proceeding very satisfactorily according to plan and that the number of Italiam prisoners is mounting hourly,

Our advance is continuing so fast that it is impossible to obtain detalls of the operations but it is known that our troops are collecting stores and ammunition left behind by the Italians and are consolidating the newly-won positions. Prisoners are being taken at For these reasons, there should such a rate that there is no tally be neither surprise nor disape at present but

It is certain that pointment, if our forward advance the last official figure, 20,000, has slows down somewhat, now, been "much exceeded

The Royal Navy is helping to deal with prisoners which it is taking on board at coastal ports; the Italians are described as miserably equipped, depressed, with broken boots and tattered uni- forms.

བ པ

They knew nothing of the situa- tion in Albania and thought the Greeks had been driven back,

Many of the Italian officers took their pet dogs with them into captivity.

DIED AT POSTS

RAF. SUPPORT

For 24 hours R.A.F. fighters and bombers, without respite, have been supporting the" Army's operations in the West- ern Desert, declared a com- munique issued from R.A.F. headquarters yesterday""

GENERAL

RAF RAIN DEVASTATION IN REICH, OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

LONDON, Dec. 15 (Reuter)—Widespread heavy attacks on Ger-" many and occupied territories were carried out by the RAF, during the week ending Dec. 13, despite extremely unfavourable weather, it was declared in London yesterday.

Dictators To / Meet Again? HERR HITLER ON

MYSTERY TRIP

NEW YORK. Dec. 15 (Reuter)- Hitler, accompanied by his Foreign Minister. Joachim von Ribbentrop, has left Berlin for an unknown destination, according to a Colum bla Broadcasting System report from Berlin yesterday.

Unconfirmed but persistent ru- mours from Berlin claim that Hitler is meeting Mussolini,

Last time the two Dictators met was at the famous Brenner meet have divided "the spoils of a vic ing when they were reported to torious war when won" them.

between

Outstanding objectives included Dusseldorf, where targets_bomb- ed were blast furnaces, steel works, the Dusseldorf-Derendorf goods- yards, the Mannestmann Röhrenwerks armaments works and also the Inland port and gasworks, 20

Dusseldorf was raided on twi|home, adds the Ministry, the sub successive nights, both attacks bemarine base was lit up by two dres was overhang by clouds of ing very concentrated and heavy and

amoke,

Pilots saw roofs cave in and explosions tore the walls of the great steel works wide opens. Fires could be seen 40 miles

away.

A supply train near Dusseldorf "was machine-gunned from a neight

of 50 feet.

AERODROMES BOMBED Enemy aerodromes in occupied

territory were attacked on most nights but specially widespread raids were made on the night of The reported hurried depar- ture of Hitler and Ribbentrop,

December 8/7 and spectacular fires and explosions were report- If confirmed, is believed in

ed. Washington to be connected

Aerodromes bombed included 40 with the Italian situation. Private reports reaching Wash-Touquet, Chateau Dar, Melus, vil- Vendeville, ington from Europe indicate Italy lacoublay, Chartres,

Our machines attacked aero- is rapidly moving towards a serious Vitry-en-Artois, Le Culot, Brus-, dromes, landing grounds, "dumps,† Internal crisis.

sels, Halekamp, Ypenburg, Rotter-

stores, mechanised transport and

dam, Troud and Eindhoven, troops with bombs and machine-

The Lorient and Brest' submar- ine bases were gun fire.

botn raided CT three nightR

A heavy bombing raid was car- ried out

barracks and on

the wireless station at Sollum. Fires were caused which spread rapid-

Most of the Italians surrendered when our tanks appeared but some of the enemy anti-tank gunners | ly:" died at their posts.

BARDIA RAID

In one place our troops found: Bardia was also raided and a Chianti and tinned food in a dump | GR42 and three $79's on. the which looked "just like a depart- ground at the "airfield were des- ment store."

troyed and other planes rendered unserviceable.

At the same point we also took lorries, guns, tanks and two loads i of documents.

•

GaLQ COMMUNIQUE An Italian attempt to stem the rout on the Egypt-Libyan border was revealed in yesterday's com- munique from Army G.E.Q. in Cairo.

RAF. fghters took a heavy toll of enemy troops retreating along the road to Sollum, and also shot down five CR42's. making a total of 15 enemy aircraft for the day,

Four Gloster Gladiators were lost but the pilots of three are safe.

One bomber reported missing the previous day is now safe at

The communique states the Ita- lians are making a desperate at- tempt to make a stand on the base. Libyan border 50 miles west of Sidi Barrani.

!

HEAVY EXPLOSIONS Gura, in Italian East Africa, The British and Imperial Forces, į was bombed. An incendiary bomb the communique adds, are keeping started heavy explosions on the up pressure although they are now 125 miles from their base at Mersa Matrub

...

ITALIAN RESISTANCE Our advanced elements are now! pressing back the enemy who are trying to make a fight of it.

Italian prisoners are rolling in steadily and it is now estimated that at least 26,000 have been taken. In addition to guns, tanks and large quantities of equipment of all kinds.

Our

forces continue harassing operations in the Sudan, the. communique concludes.

"MOPPING UP"

aerodrome.

FILIPINO

Indo-China, Thailand Hostilities

Tokyo, Dec. 15 (Reuter).The conflict between Thatland and In-

intensified British forces in the Western do-China has been Desert are systematically mop-throughout the border region dur- ping up." à very big task indeed, the past few days, according and military - circles in London to a semi-oficial Japanese report

received from Hanoi yesterday. warn against expecting the rate

of advance of the first five days

to be maintained.

Expressing the Government's firm determination regarding the

KING THANKS ROOSEVELT

I

His Majesty the King has sent a message of thanks to President Roosevelt for his message of sympathy over the death of Lord Lothian, says a London message. His Majesty has also sent message of condolence to Lord Lothian's sisters who are now in Washington.

Arrangements for the funeral. have not yet been completed but the United States Government is considering the possibility of send- ing Lord Lothian's remains to. England in a US. cruiser.

At Diredawa a pumping station was bombed while Asmara was also attacked.

The Capron workshops received a direct bit.

No operations were possible in Albania owing to extremely bad weather.

12

During the raid on the Bordeaux submarine hase one explosion was

30 terrific that ft. ift the inside of aircraft flying at over 1,000 feet,

די

BRITISH LOSSES

A total of at least 27 attacks. Was made against ports. nine again factories and Industrial targets, six against railway's 'and a great num- ber against aerodromes.

Twelve aircraft failed to return while two enemy aircraft were des- troyed by British bombers.

GREAT EXPLOSION The attack on the U-boat base at Bordeaux was continued in a short destructive raid with heavy bombe, ștates the Air Ministry.

First pilot to attack scored ·». hit on a big quayside building. A great explosion near the gates

of one dock during the later stages of the rald was followed by a dozen others along the Basin.

When thelote turned for.

ECONOMIST BELIEVES JAPAN WILL FULFILL DUTY TO AXIS WITHOUT WAR AGAINST U.S.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20-Vicente Villamin, Filipino economist and lecturer, said recently that he believes that Japan will at- tempt to fulfill her commitments to the Berlin-Home Axis with out involvement in a war with United States

„Villamin speaks as a private individual, and is not connected with the Philippine rovernment,' At various times he had ap- peared before congressional, commercial and scamedic groups na an analyst and commentator on Far Eastern developments, of - special significance to the Philippine Islands.

In a Press Interview he com "Japan as Germany's enemy in

Our troops have been fighting situation, Admiral Decoux. Govermented on the significance of the the last world. war acquired the since last Monday. They have nor-General of Indo-China, told covered 'a lot of ground, have the Japanese press:

taken many prisoners and are operating in a waterless area far from their railhead,

The task cf dealing with the prisoners alone is a formidable

"Should Thrdland continue her invading military actions In future, WA are ready to counterattack every single

Thai attack. one, while tanks which have been "Although Indo-China still en- operating for five days in the de- tertains hope for a peaceful settle- sert, encountering among other ment, should the situation develop things 1 sand-storm, require into war Thailand must be held maintenance and overhaul.

responsible."

GREEK GUNS SHELLING

TEPELINI

FALL'IMMINENT

| Japan-German-Italian

follows:

Axis as German colonies in the Orient

and now as an ally of Germany

"It is my belief that as a result the stands to gata the vast ter- of this alliance a Japanest-Ameri- ritorial possessions of her formér can war has become less probable allies. Japan. therefore, with than before its creation

little or no axertion and just "to promote her nuisance value, will. be the greatest gainer in territories in the present war

"NUISANCE VALUF" "The function of Japan under the alliance is to assert It

"80 # Japanese-Ametiaan' war sance value on the U. s. by dis

will have couraging tins country from Join-

to be precipitated by ing or alding Britain' in the causes other than the totalitarian Atlantic and by worrying Britain's alliance.

PIVOTAL POINT

colonies in the Pacific.

complications with Japan.

"For this role Germaду may "The Far Eastern situation is and its road junction of strategic reward Japan with the Dutch the pivotal point in the interna importance.

East Indies and French · Indo- tional situation because many China or a part of them in the people believe that America' would The fall of Tepelini and Klel-same manner that she rewarded finally get into the European war ADVANCE RECORDED soura, same 10 miles to the west, Russia with a half of "Foland for by way of the Far East through

is regarded as only a matter of the game role a year ago. ON ALL SECTORS

timer

"Today Japan has no colour of ATHENS, Dec. 15 (Reuter) - News reports indicate that Tepe-authority to occupy the Dutch Italian counter-attacks in Albania lini is being shelled by the Greeks East Indies and French Indo- have been repulsed and the Greeks and that the evacuation of the China, but Germany can claim are still forcing them back, des- town has begun.

that having conquered · Holland pite the heavy snow and bliz- The Greeks are also pushing on the coastal town of Chimarra, As they clear the roads with 20 miles north of Santi Quaranta, tractors and snow ploughs, the and the Italians are said to be Greeks are coming across, more concentrating on the heights. in and more supplies abandoned by what may the Italians, and are taking more prisoners..

zards.

There are about 14 Italian Divi- slons lined up-against the Greeks, some of which have already been handled pretty severely,

HEAVY FIGHTING

stand,

be a desperate last

ITALIAN RESISTANCE- The Greek advance, continued yesterday on all sectors of the front in spite of bad weather and fairly strong resistance by the Italians.

A. Japanese-American war by itself would decide nothing between the two countries and would do nothing except start a waz series between two na Hons that never have been at war with each other. "A Japanese Monroe Doctrine "Japan's role in the tripartite in the Orient is compatible with

and France she automatically be

mes supreme in their colonial poeserdoos....

war with the United States,

1

alliance is best discharged without the sovereign position of America in the Philippines. When the "Japaɑ known that she has American Monroe Doctrine was much to gain by being at peacr promulgated in 1823 it respected with the United States and the sovereign, positions of Spain, murk to long by being at warga taglind, Holland,” and “ other "Japan knows that if ahe European nations in the western tackles the United States, she has hemisphere.

A brief and modest communique to face the combined strength of "Judging by its record of terri-

In the north, heavy fighting issued in Athens stated: "There the Chinese man power and the toria]; acquisitions a Japanese is in progress and the Greeks were violent actions by our troops American material and military Monroe Doctrine, unlike its Ameri- have successfully thrown back in various parts of the front with resources at a time when she has can origin, is one of conquest, desperate Italian counter-attacks favourable results used up much of her strength In "The political and territorial and held their ground. (^

Athens radio, ✨ enlarging on the her war with China: and when she Integrity of the Philppines

In the south, on the road from communique said a brilliant vie-can not expect any military artis- Argyrokastron to ... Valona; the tory: had been won near the tance from her German and Tr Greeks are very near to Tepelini | Adriatic constit

llan allies:

depends on the › maintenanes,

of the present political rela- Along with the United States.

FRIDAY'S RAIDS. .' RAF. bombers attacked shipbuilding, yards at Kiel and also factories and other targets at Bremen on Friday night, stated an Air Ministry com- munique on Saturday. Weather.... conditions were difficult.

Docks 'and · aerodromes to Holland were also bombed. Aircraft of the Coastal Com- mand attacked the submarine base at Bordeaux. No aircraft were lost.

GERMAN SUPPLY SHIP SUNK

SUCCESSFUL" ACTION OF “SUNFISH”

LONDON, Dec. 15 (Reuter) - announced late Admiralty The Friday night that H.M. Submarinë

Sunfish has sunk a large "Nazi supply ship and severely damaged an oll tanker near the Norwegian. coast.

Lieutenant G. R. Colvin, R.N. (who was formerly in the sub- marine Perseus on the China Station) reports that Sünüsh closed in at high speed and fred torpedoes at a 4.000-ton German supply ship."

Only the upper decks of the target were visible at the time.

Two heavy explosions were heard

the torpedoes struck bome

bath hitting the ship at almost the

same moment...

The ship was, heavily laden- probably with iron-ore-and "must

have broken up and sunk inime- diately.

when the submarine was brough to shallow depth and the "peri- scope.raised no trace of the ship

could be seen,

Lieutenant Colvin reports that

Sunfish also crippled a tanker, which seemed to be beached.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16,–1940.

GIETS

for

MEN

Never was the Man's Shop so inviting

just now, with the finest choice of it is

finest Values,

and

Everything a man likes to wear will be shown to you if you pay us a visit

Dressing Gowns, Pyjamas, Shirts, Socks, Scarves, Gloves-Ties are in their thousands in fanoy designs and self colours.

WILLIAM POWELL, LTD.

The Man's Shop

10, ICE HOUSE STREET

KAIPING

HOME, FACTORY

AND BUNKERS

COAL

FOR ALL PURPOSES

POWER

HOUSE, TUGS & LOCOS

THE KAILAN MINING ADMINISTRATION.

Read Onion TIENTSIN.

DODWELL & 00., LTD.. Agents, Hong Kong.

Write for descriptive leaflets of the

THORNYCROFT

3-TON

'NIPPY CHASSIS

Aptly named the Nippy,' for its quick get-away and high road performance, this new Thornycroft is available with 10′ 11 and 12 6 wheelbase in both normal and forward control types, has extremely economical 60 b.h.p. engine, frame, Lockheed-operated Girling brakes, and space for bedies up to 15 10 long, amongst its other fine features.

THORNYCROFT

Stands for Satisfaction

FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS

APPLY TO OUE

HONG KONG OFFICE. TEL, 22363.

St George's Bldg. 1st Plỗ