HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
THE WAR AT SEA:
POSITION OF BATTLE OF ATLANTIC TAKES A TURN
לן
FOR THE BETTER
"We now have a much clearer picture of the position in the Atlantic than we had a week ago, and it seems pos- sible that we may soon have an official British review of the whole position in that area,” said MR, H. C. FEATHER- BY, B.B.C. naval commentator, when he broadcast from London yesterday, comparing the position of the Battle of the Atlantic with the last war.
Mr. Featherby, referring to the sinking of British mer- chant ships by German U-boats and surface raiders, emphasised the necessity of withholding such details as the might prove useful to enemy. The British successes hitherto, in protecting the passage of convoys, were due to the fact that the enemy was kept in ignorance of the details of sinkings.'
IMPORTANT STEPS "But he can still continue his campaign,"
arolling done by a policeman on beat in the street. It is a far big ger thing and Admiral Stark has told the world that these patrols will operate from high latitudes down to the Antarctic-that means about 10.000 miles.
"It will take a ship steaming at 30 knots 30 days to go from end of the patrol to another and the. west to east limit is 2,000 miles from the shores of America,
"The whole area of the patrol. is something like 20,000,000 square miles and anywhere in that area Nazi raiders may be at work,
SOUTH ATLANTIC INCLUDED
It is worth mentioning that sald Mr. Featherby, | Admiral Stark included the whole "and our anxiety to know what is of the South Atlantic in these happening must not allow us to patrols. Most people thought that assist him in renewing his efforts. they would be concentrated only We have, therefore, taken impor-in the North Atlantic. But you tant steps which will add to the must remember difficulty of the enemy.
the decision of
the President that American ships may now travel to the Red Sea. To get there, American ships will, presumably, travel round the Cape of Good Hope.
"The Government has decided that informant of losses of ships shall be made public only once a month instead of once a week This will make it hard for the "That means that they will have Germans to know where and how to travel within the South Atlan- successfully these ships were at-tle, taking in their circuit, the tacked. We should realise that Port of Dakkar. when the next figures of losses are "The strategic importance of announced. the change of system Dakker has not been lost sight of. means that we shall get figures for It was a most valuable assembly thirty days instead of seven-that, port In the last war, but then the is to say that the total would be much bigger than what we have been accustomed to in a week.
"The gures of sinkings during March were 98,000 tons for the first week, 145.000 tons for the second week, 72,000 tons for the
third week, and 77,000 tons for the fourth week, The losses, there fore, ranged from 72,000 tons to 145,000 tons for each week's total If you add them together you will get a total of 392,000 tons.
CABLE
MONDAY, MAY 5, 1941-PAGE. 7
INFORMED HOUR SITUATION IN BAGHDAD BURNING OF SQUATTERS
BY ·HOUR
LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)- President Inonu of Turkey is being kept informed hour by hour of the situation in Iraq according to the Lyons Radio:
&
control of Dakkar was in the ROYAL FAMILY AT hands of our Ally, France, and
| VARIETY SHOW there was no likelihood of a Cer- man selaure of that place: Today LONDON, May 4 (Reuter) there is such a likelihood even King George and the Queen, with though it is small.
the two Princesses, enjoyed "One question being asked by hearty laugh yesterday at a variety people today is: how many U-boats show for the troops "somewhere are there in the Atlantic?
The in Britain." same question was asked in 1917- 18 and then the total
Stage and film comedian George smaller than anyone outside realls-Formby was the principal artiste. ed. It seemed then that hundreds The Royal party joined with the of U-boats were at work. but ac-faudience in singing a number tually the highest number to work choruses. at sea in one month was 51. The average was not more than 21 U-boats at work one month.
was far
TURN FOR BETTER Now, 382,000 tons will seem to you a lot more than you have been accustomed to receive, but you must remember that when the April figures are announced, they "I don't know what the will represent four weeks' sink- figure in this war is, but the ings and, you will divide the "Germans have not been able to tobal by four, you will get the build as many U-boats as they figures to #hich you are accus- did in the last war. tomed. We should understand "All this must not suggest to this point clearly as otherwise the you that the Battle of the Atlantic monthly total may give the im-1s not serfous. It is, and until we pression that our losses have in- get our losses down to the early creased enormously and that things figures of this war, we have no have taken a turn for the worse, in reason to suggest that we have al the Atlantic.
ready won the Battic of the Atlantic.
So far from taking a turn for the worse, things la the Atlantic have taken a decided and, may say,
decisive, turn for the better. The deci- sion of the United States to extend its naval patrol is a big factor in our favour.
It puts the Germans in the most ex- traordinary dilemma. Will the people of the United States allow the sinking of one of their warships to TO panisired?
SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT "We are getting convoys in far greater numbers than we realise, and the total carrying capacity of ships that have moved In convoys so far is 300 million tons.
"There is one more aspect of the Battle of the Atlantic," con- cluded Mr. Featherby. "We have almagamated the work of shipping and transport, and this means that the details of planning will now be made by the Government. In fact It was the same old problem This parolling work is much of the last war and there are ex- bigger work than most people act parallels with the criticisms realise," continued Mr. Featherby. that have been made in the past
'Most people visualise it as a few months.”
U.S. PATROLS
-
1,
WBA SIGNAL.
OF NAVY
LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)—- "Stop! Don't lower the boats. Don't scuttle. Don't use the radio. If you disobey I open fire"
That is the meaning of the signal "WBA” in International code which British warships henceforth will make to enemy ships.
of the
At the request
@ Admiralty, a warning to this effect was broadcast to the world by British stations yes- terday.
·NAZI REPORTS
ON FIGHTING
AT TOBRUK
ing is elicited from the" tribute in
the latest German reports of the action from the night of Apr. 30
WILLKIE SAYS
REPORTED TO BE QUIET
Swift R.A.F. Retaliation
For Habbaniyah Shelling
LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)-It was learned that äghting is stil continuing in Iraq. The RAF. retaliated against the Iraqi troops shelling Habbaniyah and silenced some of the guns.
1
Basra is quiet but there is no news of conditions in Baghdad. Habbaniyah is the only place where actual operations have ocetir→ red
With reference to reports that attempts have been made to In- terfere with the Mosul ollfields, it is pointed out in London that plans to meet such an emergenes were prepared long ago.
an important
HUTS: LETTER SENT TO GOVERNMENT.
BY A STAFF REPORTER
In a special interview with the Hongkong Daily Press on Saturday, HON. SIR ROBERT KOTEWALL, Chinese Member of the Executive Council, was asked whether, in view of the growing resentment against the high-handed methods adopted by the "bealth" or "sanitary" department officials when clearing out squatters' settlements, the Chinese representatives on both Councils intend to take this matter up with Government.
Sir Robert "replied, "Im-addition to the squatters' mediately after I read the huts, were destroyed by the All is quiet in Baghdad, accord-1 Baghdad, and 13
in account the Hongkong health or sanitary depart- ing to Information received from post on the air and land route Daily Press, on Friday, Iment," the British Ambassador there, Sir from Palestine to Iraq. Kenahan Cornwallis. It was off- .cially stated in London yesterdav
situation While the
there is tense no incident hitherto has ne- curred
;"
Appeals to the Iraqi people to take up arms against Britain have been broadcast by Baghdad radio according to
the a message to Vichy news agency.
'DROME BOMBED Iraqi planes on Friday night bombed the R.A.P. aerodrome at Habbaniyah, according to a com- munique issued in Baghdad quot ed by the Vichy news agency.
The communique continues: "Enemy planes flew over Rashid camp near Baghdad at 10.50 this morning and bomb- ed troop concentrations. Later another group of planes again bombed the camp.".
Another Baghdad communique states the ol wells and refineries
Advices reaching London from Jerusalem state that Arabs in Palestine have heard with surprise broadcasts em- anating from 'a station pur- porting to be Baghdad.
ALLEGED DISTURBANCES This station is broadcasting "u highly coloured account of the military situation in Iraq and also vivid accounts of alleged some disturbances in Palestine.
Since people in Palestine are aware there have been no such. disturbances, they are receiving the news broadcast by this station with amusement and incredulity.
CANTONMENT SHELLED British Wireless adds that before the Iraq hostilities were started against the British aerodrome at Habbaniyah, the Iraqi forces had previously surrounded the can- tonment and dug themselves in
at Kirkuk, Hanikin and Gayra on high ground. The cantonment have been seized as well as star was heavily shelled and our alr tlons along the pipeline.
The position of the Iraq Lega- tion in London is not affected.
It is understood only part of the Iraqi army is fighting the British.
craft retaliated with action against the Iraqi artillery silencing some of the guns. Fighting con- tinues but is confined to this area. In Basrah, all is quiet, and no recent news has been received from Baghdad.
וי
Regarding reports of prepara- tloris by the Iraqis to cut off the oil supply through the pipe line to Haifa, no information has reached official quarters in London on this matter. It can, however, be said that
IRAQI COMMUNIQUE' An oficial communque issu- ed by the Rashid Ali Govern- ment in Baghdad, as reported by the official Italian news agency, claims that an *E- tempt by British motorised troops to seize a desert auro-
such action were taken, it drome and post at Rutbah, in would not materially affect the Iraq. was repulsed..
situation of the British Forces in Rutbah is opposite, the Syrian the Ne East, whose supplies are Desert. some 220 miles east of adequate and fully safeguarded.
Must Get Goods Delivered
To Britain
WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuter)--"We have got to get the goods delivered to Britain and the administration's sea patrol is inade- quate," said Mr. Wendell Willde at a Press conference. The rate of sinkings is so serious that we should protect our cargoes of food and arms to England."
If he were President, he would
SINO-AMERICAN CO-OPERATION CHUNGKING, May 4 (Ben- ter)---Closer Sino-Arïtrican vo- operation is expected here AG A result of the latest internation- al developments.
"
Following this disclosure, the list
the of supplies which United States is sending to China, under the air programme has already been received in Thingking.
Reuter learns authoritatively that two American aviation experts are arriving here an May 15. Their names have nut, yet been disclosed and it is not. known how long they are re- maining.
NEW RECORD
have the service of experts to ad- vise him on the best methods of protecting shipments.
I am absolutely in favour of dellyering goods, whether by con- voy, aeroplane accompaniment, or any other method deemed best."
Discussing the public reaction to
SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPS FOR EGYPT
wrote to the Government in- Shown coples of the letters re- quiring whether it was true celved by the Hongkong · Dally that the household goods, in Press-one of which was publish-
ON WAY TO AMERICA
LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)—Mr. R. G. Menzies, the Australian Prinse Minister, left England last night for the United States and Canada, after a long and useful visit.
MENZIES SAYS
ed in our issue of Saturday—in": which the burning of the huts, without previous notice to the oc- cupants, was strongly condemned, Sir Robert when asked for - nis opinion of the method adopted, said. "I am sorry but I have to refrain from making any · com- ments until I am in possession of all the facts."
Sir Robert was then asked whe- ther he had heard that whatever was saved by the squatters from their huts was snatched away and thrown back into the fire by the
raiders,"
Sir Robert, despite his usual equanimity. was mildly shocked on hearing this. He said, how- ever, that he had. not heard and. sincerely hoped that it was not true.
பாட்
Feelings of pity for the squal- ters," mingled with incredibility that what happened did actually [happen, were evident in Sir | Robert's voice when the discussed
the matter with the pressman.
MONEY DISTRIBUTED About 8 pm. on Saturday. “á Chinese gentleman, dressed in for- eign-style trousers and a sporta shirt, was seen at the squatters”. settlement, Tai Hang Village, dis- tributing money to those whose Huts. and worldly possessions, were destroyed by the fire last Monday afternoon. He refused to- reveal his identity, in spite of re- peated requests for his name made by the squatters.
Women Conducting Vast War Organisation
LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)If someone asked me to say quick-
!.
CAPETOWN, May 4 (Reuter).
ly what my outstanding impression of Britain is today” said MR. R. General Smuts, the South African think of many things: Mr. Churchill the resolute and supremely G. MENZIES, the Australian Premier, in a broadcast, "I would Premier, revealed in the Union eloquent embodiment of the British fighting spirit; the splendid boys House of Assembly yesterday that in blue of the BAF, the factories surrounded in some cases by the Britain had asked South Africa to work people's shattered homes, roaring out their busy answer to the send to Libya the troops in Abys-enemy-but above all, of Britain's women. sinia as spon as they could be re-
"Is it possible that not long ago out of the German nation the foul The Unton, said General Smuts, we thought of them as the weaker spirit which has possessed them
sex in the passive role of men for generations. had agreed and in addition por- must work and women mist weep.* tions of the South African Air Force were already moving to Egypt.
leased
General Smuts declared:
ne
"Against Herr Hitler and his "But what do we find now?. German millions, trained, courage- Women conducting a vast war ous and well-equipped, stand, the organisation with conspicuous suc- British countries of the world and, cess and also achieving amazing in a vital sense, the United States...
It The battle for civilisation is on,"
his recent article in the suggestion are going to use our troops in marvels in war workshops. to give Britain ships till it hurts" Egypt and take part in that cam-marks the beginning of a new era Mr. Willkie said he found the peopaign to the fullest of our resour- which will usher in enormous
.. clal and ple confused, searching earnestlyces, ;*.
other changes about AUSTRALIAN ENVOY and hoping that the administra-
"The setback - which has been which we can only speculate.
tion will give them information suffered by the British forces in and leadership. The people were Libya presents us with walking in the dark and unable to with, which we shall have And the direction in which to go grapple." until they were given facts.
LINDBERGH INCIDENT Referring to the recent fneldent between President Roosevelt and
2
task
to
"From the Queen, whose cheer-
TO CHINA ful and brave smile has brought comfort to thousands of people in hope to be able to make an an-
SYDNEY, May 4 (Reuter)—"T wrecked homes, down to the hum-nouncement regarding the ap-. blest woman of the East End, the pointment of a Minister to China breed runs true...
at an early date," declared the Minister of External Affairs, Bir the Government has been giving Frederick Stewart, who added that
CAPT. ROOSEVELT CHUNGKING, May.4 (Renter) Captain James Roosevelt "left" on
GLOOMY, PEROGATIVE Col. Charles Lindbergh, he added Saturday morning by air for Kun-may have mothers who have for
The next generation of Britain that he was certain that they ming en route for Rangoon after gotten how to swoon in times of consideration to the matter. could convince all Americans théir
a short stay in Chungking. foreign policy right and wise" if
crisis, who no longer cling to the LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)-Capt. man as Ivy to a wall, who commit they kept the channels of public Roosevelt arrived at Rangoon to-immodesty of wearing those hid- discussion free and unclogged of day by air from Chungking. He cous garments which have long
U.S. ENVOY Continued from Page 1 the bitterness of their personal re-will continue to Cairo, where he been man's gloomy perogative. The retiring United States Ambas CHUNGKING, May 4 (Reuter)— ENEMY TRIBUTE TO The Air Ministry frankly states crimination.
who find no inconsistency between IMPERIAL FORCES that the raid on the Merseyside |
It is authoritatively reported will act as an observer.
lipstick on the face and axle grease sador, Mr. Nelson T. Johnson who was very heavy and sustained that Mr. Wilkie has sent a mes- LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)-The Reports indicate that the number sage to President Roosevelt, offer- WAR EQUIPMENT on their hands, but they will be has spent 33 years in China, is go- ing the rounds of dinners and re- magnificent way in which the Im of casualties is likely to be large to ensure the delivery of goods to cording to Colonel Frank Knox enemy had abandoned the old Government leaders and public or--
ing to support him in any move LONDON, May 4 (Reuter-Ac-mothers of real men.” perial forces at Tobruk are fight-Much damage was done.”
Mr. Menzies remarked that the ceptions in his honour given by Britain. P
the United States Navy Becretary. MUCH DAMAGE
Mr. Willkie later left for South United States production of war chivalries which gave a certain Banisations.
I shall return to China and 1 Although considerable damage America.
equipment will be greater than decency and dignity to battle and to. May 1 as published by the was caused during the attacks on Meanwhile there are indications that of any other nation within had done his best to breed hate ball carry China with me wher
in the hearts of millions of British fever I go,” he declared. the South and North-East coast in the Capital that Congress, will 90 days.
people who entered the war with- The agency says: "A strong towns, casualties were not heavy hear the increasing demands for German attack on the outer de- Elsewhere in Britain, though American convoys.
LUFTWAFFE LOSSES fences of Tobruk on the night of bombs were dropped at many points, Thursday and Senator Pepper in- OVER BRITAIN
Senator Guffey voiced a plex on Apr 30 resulted in a penetration damage was not great and the of nearly two miles. Australian number of casualties not large, tends doing. Hikewise in the Senate LONDON, May 4 (Reater). For men old men and children.
"He has exceeded the worst on Monday troops offered strong resistance says the Air Ministry communique.
the week ending May 3, 17 Ger- even after the Germans had push-
man aeroplanes were destroyed barbarism of the past, and has African nighter and bombing British night fighters took a ed through and stubbornly at swift, toll of the raiders.
over or round the coast of Bri-with a sickening hypocrisy sought squadrons have now arrived. tempted to defend the isolated Garman bombers were shot down night.
Four English Channel before dusk last tain.
to glorify it as a new order for Faypt from Abyssinia. dugouta.”
No British, aircraft was lost in which the world has waited," before midnight. Altogether 12 The agency speaks of the re-were destroyed during the night were seen by people at a South-
The start and end of the raid the same area during the period.
OUR TASK: pulse of several British counter: This brings the total of German East coast town. attacks and claims the capture of bombers destroyed over Britain
been seen leaving for their objec two groups participated, the first many prisoners and several arm during the first three nigate this tope on their return almost skim- LONDON ALERT
Bombers roared over the citye. group comprising of 54, and the oured cars.
month to 18 second group of nine bombers,
ming the water They were ac London had a raid alert last The message concludes by 're». *After dropping more than 200 ferring to the British bringing un
ON OTHER SIDE
companied by an escort of fighters, night, the first for several days. bonibs the raiders disappeared to reinforcements and heavy British
B. A. F. bombers took part in Distant explosions were heard Later gunfire was heard in the the east.
artillery fre.
Braid on the other side of the some time after the bombers had London area.
CHUNGKING RAIDS
CHUNGKING, May 4 (Reuter) Five persons were killed, 11 înjur- ed and 50 houses demolished in yesterday's raids on Chungking. Fires were put quickly under con- trol, states an official "communi que,
Bixty-three Japanese aircraft in
official German-news agency...
out hate. He has made war not SQUADRONS FROM with a soldier against soldier, but
with bomb and mine against wo
"ABYSSINIA LONDON, May 4 (Reuter)-Gouth
VOLTAIRE LOST
Mr. Menzies begged Britons to cast from their minds any idea LONDON, May, 4 that the death of Herr Hitler Admiralty would change all and that the armed mere. German people themselves do not which is overdue stand for Herr 1 methods. Our task is not to overthrow one mat
The Voltaire is the former Lam port Holt Iner of 11245 tomis
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