1940-12-20 — Page 7

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

A CLEAR-CUT VICTORY:

Military Expert's Tribute To British Staff Work- At Sidi Barrani

**Whatever may be the later developments, the Battle of Sidi Barrant has been fought and won, and it has been a clear cut and a particularly decisive victory" said CAPT. CYRIL FALLS, military correspondent of THE TIMES, in a comment on the British victories in the Western-Desert In a talk in London yesterday.

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"I hardly need to remind; ses bases, which were close to the pre- Italian islands and also to the earlier you of the liminaries, to this victory," Italian ports in Africa The Bri- tish navy and the RAF soon went on Capt. Falls: "When made good use of these. Italy came into the war in

.: GREAT PATIENCE the hope of picking up-easy

"Even If the Italian rank and spoils and the collapse of France put out of action the Ble did not hear of the Greek vic-

tories, our own command and our whole of the Frerich colonial troops did and when these troops forces, we simply had no re-learned of what they had to do, sources to stop the Italians they must have felt the greatest from invading British Soma-confidence in being asked to do > Great patience must have Hiland, or from crossing the been needed at this point and the Kenya frontier at certain whole plan for attacking the points.

Italians was as well kept a secret as you can find in the history of warfare.

ITALIAN HALT "On the Libyan frontier we managed to harass them, it is

CABLE

MANNHEIM. MATSUOKA BESEECHES

AGAIN ATTACKED

GERMANY SHORT OF NITRIC ACID

For the third night in sue- cession the Royal Air Force raided Mannheim, states London message. -

*

The fires left burning op Tuesday night were stul amonidering when they attack- ed on Wednesday.

|

AMERICAN FRIENDS

TO THINK TWICE

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TOKYO, Dec, 19 (Reuter) An impassioned appeal for, the

patience of Japan which is not waging an imperialistic war of

greed and aggression against China" was made by the Foreign Minister, MR. MATSUOKA, speaking at a farewell luncheon given by the Japanese American Society in honour of Admiral Nomura, the newly appointed Ambassador to America.

Mr. Matsuoka declared: "We stand for peace and order. We shut the door. nowhere and to no one. -- Mind you, there shall be no conquest, no oppression, and no

The speaker at the conclusion or his speech was thanked by Mr. Wong Kwok-fong.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1940. —PAGE

CHIMARA STILL BOMBARDED

FRESH "ASSAULTS BY GREEKS

か

LONDON, Dec. 19 (Renter)----

DEVELOPING FAVOURABLY

Continued from Page 1

He said that the British forces were closing in on the town of Bardia with stronger and Increas- ing force. and he had reason to believe that the situation was de- veloping favourably.

So far, it was reported that over"

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of the extent to which the battle has developed.

The Prime Minister summed up the situation by stating that it was highly satisfactory. "This will enable us to take bolder views than before. It is

Greek artillery are still bombard- 30,000 prisoners had been taken ing Chimara

port), but he thought that this figura (Albania

cap was a considerable understatement. Tepelini (keytown for the exploliation under the New Order." ture of Valona, Albania's ollport) In addition, he said, the British He appealed to the common and Kissoura on the east side of troops had captured 100 guns. 50 RECENT TRIP sense of the Japanese and Ameri-Tepelini, according to latest re-tanks and great quantities of

can peoples "to maintain calm porta from. the front reaching stores. judgment and quiet self-restraint London.N

In Tuesday's fighưng an adg:- TO MALAYA Among the targets hit was a

in face of the appalling and un- Greek troops carrying out fresh tional 800 prisoners were takeri synthetic ammonia plant and 1 A survey of the Chinese com- precedented world situation,"

assaults have occupied important and Mr. Churchill referred part!- factory at Ludwig analine dye munity in Malaya was given by

He added that the Americað| fortined positions:

cularly to a cavalry charge, which works.

Mr. William Yinson Lee, Director participation in the European war News of the Italian abandon- had been made during the fight- There is already a shortage of Emeritus for Chinese of Y's Men's or clash in the Pacific would pre-ment of Klissoura has spreading at the Siwa oasis. nitric acid in Germany and Movement, at the weekly lunch cipitate En armageddon that among the Greek troops and has Mr. Churchill's reference to the chemical products which are a meeting of the Y's Men's Club at would end in the final destruction heartened them amid the trials of fighting at Siwa gives some idea valuable Bource of foreign

ex- the St. Francis Hotel Festerday. of our culture and civilisation."

Mr C. P. Wong, President of the change for the Germans,

been Club, presided. * The Italian morale bas further shaken by heavy RAF. raids on Milan and Genoa

Particularly heavy bits were scored on aerodromes in Genoa,

FREE FROM... RAIDS The Germans are evidently find- them and once again Britain had a night which was free from paids

In the Philippine Islands, Borneo, on Wednesday.

Samoa Fill Malaya and other Yesterday morning planes were Pacine Islands, the Chinese were што no the pioneers of kiygation. reported near Liverpool but bombs were dropped.

their perseverance and skill as well In daylight the only activity was as their enterprise is due to the the shooting down of a German extensive development of those bamber over the English Channel. Places and European trade relied upon their Industry and Integrity It was reported yesterday that for its wide distribution to the a British motor torpedo-boat had inmost parts of the jungle and for sunk a German ship of 7,000 tons its ultimate barter with the na- off the Belgian coast on Wednes- tives day morning.

Mr. Vinson Lee said in part: My six months' trip to Malay

the winter weather.

SHEAVY SNOW THINK TWICE

Although heavy snow is hamper- **I do beseech my

American ing the fighting in Albania, suc-

re friends to think twice, thrice, nay cessful local operations are ten hundred or a thousand times, ported by the Greeks, according before they take a leap that may to a London message. prove fatal to all bumanity.” sald The Athena spokesman said that case of risks well run." jon a combined business and vaca-Mr. Matsuoka who warned Japan reticence in regard to details was After paying another tribute to would remain loyal to the Axis due to the nature of the opera-General Sir Archibald Wavell, Gen- foreign policy will revolve in future has usually been followed by im- Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, Mr., around the three Power Pact as portant news of the capture of Churchill said; amid cheers, "This its pivot, but said that this im-certain strategic points and eva- victory is gratifying in that the British Army has at last been giyen cuation by the Italians. plled no threat.

In the meantime, the Greeks an opportunity to show what it It was a simple statement of truism in order to prevent a possi-are said to have moved forward, can do."

towards Chimara and to be clos- ble misapprehension.

tion trip gave me an intimate in compatriats there.

true, but we had not serious plans rat and drawn in their advance ing the bad weather too much for sight into the ves of our Chinese allies. He reiterated that Japan's tiona. This attitude in the past erai Slr Nathan Wilson, Air Chief

for taking the offensive. After some time the Italians camie on and moved up without epposition to and there they

Sidi halted.

Barraul

That was of course, natural. They had to take about six weeks for road-making, etc., but when these six weeks had gone by, it became clear that they had either bitten off more than they could chew or that they were waiting for something to happen.

"What did happen was that Greece. Marshal Italy invaded Graziani probably thought that we would rush help across to the

wrecks, whereas actually the help we were able to give them was only in the air.

This brings me to the British side of the picture. While the Itallans were hanging in the wind In the desert, the Army of the Nile had been strengthened by men and machines and we still had the RAF with us. But the Itallans were in a bad situation, with long lines of communication behind them.

A PROBLEM **Still, the position of Greece was a problem to General Wavell Would it be better to send planes to Greece to help them and to wait for more from home? would it be better to keep the planes and to launch an attack on the Italians?

"No, that could not be done. We had given the Greeks 'a pledge and the pledge had to be fulfilled. So the planes were sent. This was a particu- decision, larly high-minded

because there were many peo-. ple who thought that the Italians carried too much weight for the Greeks.

or

BRITISH FORCES

"Suppose the Italians had smelt! forces, although this was unlikely because of the great stocks of munitions and stores which they had piled up in Sidi Barrani.

"For our part, some of the aircraft sent to Greece from Egypt had to be replaced and this decision was a particular- ly bold one in view of the German attacks on this coun- try and the need for plants here to fight, them.

"I am not going to deal with the Battle of Sidi Barrani in much detall. We shall have a full ac- count of it before long. But there i one. aspect of this battle in which it differs from any others I can think of," said Capt. Falls. "And that is that no such battle could have been fought before the days of the mechanised army.

on

HEAVIEST OF WAR

BLUNT DENIAL

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ing on Tepelini. They are also re- RAUB AUSTRALIAN ported to have taken a height do-

GOLD "MINING minating Kalseri, which, together

American interest in China 18 Tepelini have been set.

Mr. Matsuoka's allegation that largely a question of sentiment" fire.

оп

THE WEATHER Maximum temperature yesterday was 66 and the minimum 58.

..

tans.

No. of Ounces of Bullion pro- ducks 1,567 ounces.

No. of Ounces of Fine Gold re- covered 2.741 ounces.

The Raub Australian Gold Min Mng Co., Ltd; statement for quar General Metaxas, in a statement ter ended September 14, (consist-- drew a blunt dental from the

yesterday, said: "The Greeks will lag of three four-weekly periods) American Ambassador, Mr. Joseph ght on until the Italians are is as follows:

·TIN AND RUBBER

Grew, who agreed with the For-driven from Albania.

A BATTERY The battle Since early days, Malaya has eign Minister's desire for calmn

Tonnage of Ore raised 21,038 will only end with the complete Throughout Tuesday night become the world's largest tin and judgment. Retorting Mr. Matsuo-

defeat of Italy." Royal Air Force bombers carried rubber producing centre. Prior to ka's assertion that Japan would out the heaviest raids of the war the advent of rubber, tin was, in remain loyal to the Axis, Mr. Grew Denini aerodrome, stated a an economic sense, the mainstay said that the American people are communique which was received of the Federatod Malay States Arnly determined to uphold their from the British Air Force Head- Chinese miners have been mainly obligations and rights.

responsible for the results achiev- quarters in Cairo.

led and the evolution of their pro- TRIUMPH OF STAFF WORK Many tons of bombs were drop- "The main bodies were 70 miles ped and damage was caused to the cesses of mining is an interesting

The attack story in itself. apart and it was therefore not aerodrome building.

A small fire, which broke out in Pineapple canning was an indus- easy, to achieve a surprise attack was made in waves and the Bar- without the enemy getting aware dia-Tobruk road was also bombed,y which made huge profits dur- the rear cubicle of the third ficor Valley, at 4.40 pm yesterday. Was of such a movement. Anyway, it The RAF, niso made anothering Great War of 1814-18, since of No. 30, Yik Yam Street, Happy

which time it has found a ready":" was reported that a large party of successful raid on Bologna where market in Great Britain, China put out by the inmates before the the attacking force covered this docks and warehouses were hit

and other parts of the world.

arrival of two engines which were. distance in two marches and that and one warehouse was seen to be

despatched. the troops lay down in the desert on fire. throughout the day and pushed on by night.

"The whole business must have been a triumph for staff work All went well and the surprise was achieved and the tanks and in- fantry got within striking distance without alarming the enemy.

"A heavy artillery barrage was dropped and the tanks swept forward followed by the Infantry. The attack was con- centrated on the front and the advance continued and Sidl Barrant fell.

“I said a moment ago that such a battle would have been impossible before the days of

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Italian fighters put up s still opposition and ane Italian plane One RAF ma- was shot down. chine was forced to land but the rest returned safely."

British machines also attacked Lorient on Wednesday night. No British planes were lost.

SIR ATHOLL MACGREGOR

Among our overseas Chinese com- munities, I believe Malaya "holds | the record for its number of mil- locaires. During my vialt, not a day passed without my meeting several of these lucky people, men who made their fortunes in rub- ber and tip principally.

During the visit of General Wu Te-chen, Minister of Overseas Affairs, last month, he was wel comed in Singapore by 400, Chinese commercial, industrial, financial, educational and social organisa- ¡tions."

Malaya is an example of what the combination of good govern- ment and persevering industry of the Chinese people can accomplish. Just before I left Malaya, find-

Continued from Page 1 Meanwhile, an army column had swept through on the plateau LLD., and Mr. Ho Kom-tong. The Italian Command certain- to the west of Sidi Barrani, near OBE, J.P., Knights-Commander mg many friends interested in our ly knew what had happened in Bug-Bug and soon the Italian of the Venerable Order, on either Fellowship-Culture-Service" Move- Greece and the advantages that forces were caught in a net, which side, then advanced to the foot of ment, I organised the Singapore we had gained by the Italian at- accounts for the great number of the dals. Sir Atholl mounted the Men's Club which will apply tack there in the way of air and prisoners taken

and the large dals where he received the Insignia for a charter from the Interna quantities of booty in the shape from his Excellency.

tional Y'a-Association with about of guns, tanks and military stores.

THOSE PRESENT

20 members, consisting of leading Present at the ceremony were business and professional men. Mr. members of the Executive and Lewis Mason, Regional Director in Legislative Coundis, Officers of Shanghai and Dr. F. L. seung, our the St. John Ambulance Associa-South China District Governor and tion and Brigade and many guests. several individual Clubs including Among those present were Hon. our own have sent the Singapore Commodore A. C. Collinson, R.N.Club their congratulations Hon. Mr. N. L. Smith, C.M.G,best wishes and Mrs. Smith, Ron. Mr. C. G. Alabaster, O.B.E., Hon. Sir. Shou-3 1son Chow, Hon. Sir Robert Kote- wall, C.M.G., Lady Ho Turg, Hon. Mr. R. A. C. North, Hon. Mr. H. R. Butters, Hon. Dr. L Shu-fan, Dr. P. S. Belwyn-Clarke, Hon. Mr.

BREAK THROUGH mechanised warfare. I

Continued from Pagé 1

grumbled about the idleness of our trocps and put forward wild and wolly proposals for more action..

sure that this particular vic- tory would have been out of the question, but for the co- operation of the Royal Ar Force, which gave the army support in many ways; while the British Navy also did splendid work by bombarding the coast read and the targets which could be observed in the desert..

QUALITY OF PURSUIT

In

PENETRATION INTO ITALY Continued From Page 1

and

Those people who complained about the army in, Britain kick- ing its heels instead of having a go at the Germans are reminded by the Daily Herald that this great army is being trained for a

C. G. Ferdue, Hon. Mr. A. Zworthy leaders of the Nasi Party. task just as thoroughly as the

Shields, Hon. Mr. 8. H. Dodwell, & new aristocracy of the Germans army in Egypt was trained" and Another test of victory," con- Hon. Mr. W. N. Thomas Tam, L-will have slaves assigned to them when the time comes we shall tinued Capt. Falls, is the quality Comdr, W. A. Ellott, R.N., Wing- as their property. acknowledge that effort as being of pursuit Pursuit after victory Comdr. T. 8. Horry. D.P.C., A.F.C., "Do not interpret the word slave worthwhile.”

1a very rare, because tanks need RAF, Wing-Comdr. H. 8in rhetorical sense," said Herr maintenance and maintenance in "Next month, when the 38-age the desert, cannot be easy.

Steele-Perkins, O.BE, Mr. Alfred Darre. "We have a modern form group registers, we shall have a spite of this pursuit has been, and Morris, Bir Elly Kadoorie, K.BE, of mediaeval slavery."

That is what the Nazis intena Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kadoorie. is being, carried out and our forces

and many others. ANNAM for Africa if they ever get there: The army of Britain grows have now crossed the frontier into

In the meanwhile they appear Officers of St. John Ambulance bigger every day," said the Daily Libya,

Brigade and Association who were to be practising on Italy. T Herald.

"I am not going to say how far present were Dr, E. Dovey, Mr. * POURING THROUGH

MANILA, Dec., 19. (Renter)-Geri- "The army in Britain is ready they are going or what is going to Chak Tal-kwong, Mr. A. el Arculli, and eager to tackle the German happen next. The important as- Dr. Arthur Woo, Mr. Ip Kwal man troops are pouring through invader and to fling him to the pect is that the battle showed chung, Berving Brothers, and Miss the Brenner Pass into Italy and fishes, as Mr. Churchill said. Then high leadership and training and Hung Lai-kwan, Dr. (Miss) P. Rat-embarking in transports at Triest will come the invasion of enemy co-operation between all the tonjee, Miss Fok Kum-yung, and where concentrations are steady forces, who showed dash and Misa Lopes, Serving Sisters, and growing, according to the NEW daring.

war potential of 6,000,000 men

territory itself.”

A European lady had reported the loss of a diamond bracelet, valued at £400, between Diana House, Queen's Road Central, and the Hongkong Jockey Club stabled, Happy Valley, yesterday afternoon.

To know that the threat to Egypt and the Bues Canal has been removed is a great thing, bat to know that we possess such a military machiné "Is greater and this victory Will hearten the whole Empire and our many friends outalde:12".

Mrs. E. F. Hyde-Lay, Secretary," YORK TIMES correspondent en His Excellency was attended by the Yugoslav-Italian frontier quots". the following Honorary Aldes-de-ing a reliable soure italy,NA Camp Lieut. J. P. Gunner, RN. According to semi-official Ger- (Navy), Lieut. B. A Fergus man- BOUTES. the correspondent (Army), Flight-Lt. MN. Oxford," says some announcement regard-

an expeditionary RAFO (ARY, Mr. K. A. Bidmead, ing the ASP. (Police) and Mr. Fang Ping-force" to Italy may be made later fan (St John Ambulance Brigade); today.

Total rainfall since January 1 is 117.59 inches against an average of 84.73.

The Royal Observatory report states:-

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A strong anticyclone covers China, Korea and S. Japan, it is moving slowly eastward.

A depression is moving into the Pacific to the cast of Japan.

RETREATMENT PLANT "No. of tans treated 24.023 tons.

No. of Ounces of Bullion pro- duces 1,557 ounces.

No. of Ounces of Fine Gold re- covered 1,365 ounces.

Value of Gold from all sources £34.011; Working Costs £27,477; Capital Expenditure £865; Mine Profit for Quarter (subject to De preciation), £6,534.

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