1941-05-23 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

Importance Of Air Power In Mediterranean: Axis

Pincer Movement

NEW YORK, May 10.The new Blitzkrieg in the Balkan area- naturally monopolised the attention and the emotions of the world. thus obscuring the importance of developments elsewhere. It is essential, however, that observers watch closely the renewal of uctivity in north Africa, Considered from the tactical standpoint, the sudden emergence of Nazi strength in western Libya may prove as significant for the future of the Mediterranean as the campaign in Greece and Yugoslavia, writes Major Alexander P de Seversky.

Commentators have noted

J

TRADES UNION "LEADER

George Gibson, chairman of the General Council of the British Trades Union Congress, the broadcasts, regularly in B.B.C.'s overseas' service, · He is a Glasgow man naturalised in Lancashire and was born on Good Friday, 1885.

the the fact that the Axis" was using obvious "pincers" movement a lane across this body of water against Greece, through Bulgaria at the very moment when the Bri- and Yugoslavia. By broadening the tish fleet was showing its old met- focus we can discern a less obvious tle by polishing off the Italians in but much larger "pincers," with the, lontan sea and elsewhere. Egypt and the Suez region as its Should the last Axis warship „objective. One armi of this pincers afiout in the Mediterranean be sent is represented by Hitler's Balkan to the bottom of the sea, the flow drive, the other arm by his drive of German forces to Africa will in Africa

not necessarily be halted. The THREE TO FOUR

Axis bridge or canopy of air power, German troops now in Libya which makes such a flow possible, have been variously estimated by would have to be wrecked by Br

tish air power to ueluleve this. British sources at three to four,

FUTURE BATTLES divisions and perhaps even more which is to say. from 30,000 to As a matter of fact, it can 60.000 men. There is general predicted confidently that in the agreement in the despatches that coming struggle for domination this force is backed by trucks, of. the air over the Mediterranean. tanks, armoured cars and other the surface of the sea will become heavy equipment"..

a no-man's-land. When that final- Whatever the precise picture of 'contest gets going in earnest, with Axis strength in the region may the air might of both opponents be, the plain fact is that a sizeable tocuased on the middle sea, noth- IChina Providents mechanised force has been trans-jing afloat below will he able

to Cements ported safely across a 300-mile survive. The Italian navy will be China Lights (0) stretch of the Mediterranean, be- demolished beyond resurrection.

tween

coast.

De

HONGKONG

SHAREBROKERS

ASSOCIATION

Volume of Business Transacted on Thursday, May 22, 1941. SALES

FINANCE & GENERAL

Huge Joint Construction Project

WASHINGTON-While Congress debated measures authoris ing expenditure of 'almost $400,000,000 for the defence of the United States in particular and the Western Hemisphere in gen- eral through expansion of naval and air bases, particularly on Guam and Samoa. Islands,' in the Pacific, and on sites acquired by the United States from Great Britain in the Atlantic. the Armles, Navles and Air Forces of both the United States and Canada engaged in a huge joint construction programme to strengthen the strategle positions of the two nations from Washington State to the tip of Alaska.

Acting on recommendations of Moreover, the small Navy base at the joint Canadian-American de- Sitka is being greatly expanded. fence Board, Canada began moving There have been few reports on 800 tons of equipment and mate- the extent of Navy construction rials to be used in the construc-work in that sector but many Navy tion of a series of airbases which officers have been known to state will stretch from Vancouver to that the United States Navy in- Alaska.The United States, mean- tends to make a second Pearl while, prepared to spend $50,000,000 | Harbour, out of the Aleutians to strengthen her shore and out- Canada's participation in the lving defences along. Alaska's defence of the Northern Pacific strategic coastline guard coast of the Western Hemisphere larger sector of the Pacifc and is at present directed at fortifying protect her West Coast cities:.. the high Rocky Mountain range At Annetee Island, near Kitchi-by detting both sides with fully kun, more than a thousand men equipped modern airports.

to

have begun construction of an air North of Edmonton, on the East- base which is to accommodate the ern side of the Rockies, airports

be largest army bombers now under will

白本 constructed

Grand the National Defence programme. Pratrie, Fort St. John. Fort Nelson, The new base will serve as a ink and on the Western side at Wilson between the United States and the Lake, Prince George, Smithers,

main army base at Anchorage, the Watson Lake and White Horse. gateway to the interior of Alaska. The distance from Edmonton to Anchorage itself in the past six, White Horse is approximately 1,000 months, has become one of the miles, or seven hours flying time, major air bases of the Pacific and the distance from Vancouver Coast, The garrison it Fort to White Horse only slightly more. 500 $ 5.05 Richardson, composed of air corpe Canada will thus have a chain of 13.50 units Infantry and artillery, num-air fields, anyone of which is with-

5.70 bers several thousand men,

in a distance of approximately 200 miles from another.

50

1,000

500

.5.75

50

100

2,200

The total value is $15,055.00.

Sicily 2014 the African and the British feet will have to H.K. Electrics (0)

retire until the decision an the air LARGE NAZI FORCE

Ls made. The force was large enough, It is Tals north Aftican Picture, clear, to oblige the British tnthough obscured in the news. thus witharaw Moreover, we must as-emerges as tactleally of maler im- sume that the Axis generals would portance. Apart from its meaning not have

dared undertake the for the immediate theatre of war. offensive unless they felt confident it holds a that their lines of supply from Just as the Germans succeeded in Europe would remain open.

acquiring a lane of safety across STOCK EXCHANGE,

་་

GREATLY EXPANDED

22.00 Two huge bases, one at Women's 21.80 Bay on Kodiak Island, the other at Dutch Harbour in Unalaska, the second largest Aleutian Island, are being constructed by the Navy

moral for America HONGKONG SHARE QUOTATIONS

All the indications. therefore, a hostile Mediterranean, we can are that the Axis ans succeeded in succeed as the writer outlined in Throwing a durable "bridge" across a previous despatch-in acquiring hostile this portion of the Mediterranean. a lane of safety across a Since British naval forces are m-Atlantic, for the delivery of Ameri- mensely superior bere, the bridge can goods to Britain. Our problem obviously is under a roul of avia-¡in the Atlantic is not so much the tion, under the protection of which establishment of a "bridge of ships" the Axis has transferred its ar-los of a "bridge of aviation." under moured divisions and is keeping which commerce can flow freely as them provisioned from the Eure of old. pean side.

There have been suggestions in some reports that the

Germans SEA INSURANCE

merely "sneaked" ur "slipped" through the British blockade. Such secret and uncertain trans- port-with the doors of reinforce-

CHANGE

SYDNEY.--The Federal Govern

ment closed behind them is un-ment will in future, carry all war thinkable, given the German capa- risks on shipping registered in city for careful planning in ad- Australia Instead of transferring vance. But even apart from this these risks to private insurance. consideration, the supposition of compantes. hit or miss blockade-running does

not stand up.

This decision was reached by the Federal Cabinet as a sequel to + recent decision that, from the

· NO STEALING OF BASES · While the distance between beginning of this month, all ves- Sicily and the nearest non-neutral sels. "on the Australian register point on the African shore is short, would have to effect war risk in- about 300 miles it is not short'surances with the Government. enough to enable ships to "steal

bases"

The Acting Prime Minister (Mr. under cover of darkness. A. W. Fadden) said that the pur- The journey takes a full day or pose of compelling shipping com- more and, in addition, must be

panies to insure with the Cdm- ¡monwealth Government was to

made in an area within easy reach

of the British base at Malta and minimise the loading effect of war hence under ready British surve clax

Insurance on shipping

lance. Even if the 150-mile gap! freights... between Sicily and neutral Tunis

had been used. It still would mean

Cabinet had now decided that,

a journey of ten or twelve hours since the resources of the Com- and therefore impossible in the few monwealth were greater than those night hours.

of any private company, and since

the business of war risk under-

It is far more reasonable to sup writing was one of great magni.

pose that Nazi air power managed tude, the Commonwealth would

to concentrate enough planes at

this deck of the Mediterranean to

build a canopy of air control, un-

carry the risks itself.

"The underwriting would be done

der which Axis ships can move through the Commonwealth Ship- back and forth in comparative ping Board. Rates of Premiums

be would

safety. Evidently there were more vital tactical consequences to the delay.

memorable engagement in this zone between Nazi Stuka bombers and the Illustrious, Southampton and other British forces than are as yet known to outsiders. That, perhaps, is what made the estab ishment of the German canopy possible.

NO "BRITISH LAKE" After the magnificent British naval victory over the Italians, many commentators talked about, the Mediterranean having been turned into h "British lake." Certainly such optimism is far- fetched at a time when that "lake" la being used by the Axis to ship armoured forces into Africa.

The significance of these things, now as in the Norway episode, is that air power has altered the whole strategic picture of the past. Anywhere within range of genuine atr power, it is no longer a ques- tign of who controls the surface of a sea but who controls the alr above that surface.

This has been given special em- phasis in the Mediterranean by

announced without

H.K. Stock Exchange

BUYERS

H.K. Banks, $1305, Bank of East Asia, $71. Indo-Chinas (Pret.), $80. Hotela, $2.85.

Realties, $2.70. Lights (0), $5.70. Lights (N), $1,25,

Electrics (0) X. Rts., $21.80. Ropes, $6.60. Eatertainments, $6.25.

SELLERS

Ropes, $7.

Lane Crawfords, $7.25.

SALES

中

Union Ins., $405.

Providents, $5.10. Lights (0), $5.75.

Electrics (0) X, Rts., $21,80.. Hectrics (N), $21.05. Cements, $13.50.

SHAREBROKERS' ASSOCIATION

Buyers

Balleri Salen

Nomina

THURSDAY: 22 MAY. i... Banks

Buyer

Bollors

Serain

$1310 H.K. Backs 276

Do. (Col. Beg.)

Do. (Loa. Beg.) Chartered Banks

£75

183

Underwriters.

H.K Fires.

Shipping

Steamboats Indo-Chinas (Prof..

#128 Douglaser

; יי

FRIDAY, MAY 23, 1941. -PAGE

SAY

Gordon's

...and know what you're drinking/

GORDONS

DRY GIN

DISTILLERY, LONDON

NO COLOURING MATTER

NO INJURIOUS INGREDIENTS

Controller

Of Rent

BRITISH RIGHTS RETAINED

CANBERRA.-ghty-three Aus- A statement issued by Air Minis State Cabinet In Australia re- tralian-born women married to ter GC Power of Canada pointed cently appointed Mr. Beers, PM, Germans and 73 martied to Ita- out that should the Pacific become to act as Rent Controller for the Hans have been allowed to retain a theatre of war, Canadian and metropolitan area. Under the or regain British citizenship.

United States fighter squadrons Commonwealth regulations, all could thus be moved rapidly to rents in Victoria will be pegged as Alaska by air. The new airports at December 31 last."

are to be equipped with landing "Provision is made for either strips, 4,000 feet, long by 500 feet tenant or landlord to approach a wide. full lighting equipment for Fair Rents Board for an alteration night #ying, and a complete radio-

of the pegged 'rent' system to guide planes.

Existing boards in the country, consisting of police magistrates.

OPIUM SUPPRESSION will continue to operate.

་

This was revealed in an official review of returns and applications granted since the outbreak of war

with Germany and Italy.

"""The "Government is receiving applications every day," an official .said,

Another 65 women married to German and Italian altens had been granted naturalisation certi- Tenants in the metropolitan area

British ficates entitling them to paying an who think they are unfair rent may apply to the clerk citizenship, he added Army - Government's orders for the total of the Fair Rents Lourt, Mel-thorities examined every, applica. eradication of

smoking bourne City Court, for a review of tion on its merits. In all doubtful

oplum

overseas

Chinese 8

the rent

among the clinic for opium addicts has been The Rent Controller "will fix thé established by the overseas Chi- time for the hearing, of applica nese in Penang. An advisory tions

cases applications were refused.

plące will be taken by Mr. Mohr. committee has been created uns! Mr. Beers will relinquish, the P.M. The second position on the der the Chinese Consulate there to position of chairman at the Metro bench will be filed soon assist in opium-suppression,

politan Industrial Court." His Cabinet

$1310)

IN PENANG

£76

£75

CHUNGKING, May 22 (Central)

£81

In compliance with the

National

$71

¥400

273. Mercantile Bka. "A" 211 Morcantile Eks. "C"

Bank of East Asia........ N. C. & S. Bakı.....

Insurances $220 Canton Insurances Union InsurKNCOA,

£23

£11

871

16 ct.

#222

1408

8176

$178

$1174

874

160

180

40/71

16

295-1

HOUSES AND APARTMENTS WANTED.

$14.95

#201

12/8

$8

$20

*

85 15 5.10

***

EGO

Indo-Chinas (Def.)

40/Shells

$6.55 Waterboats

Docks, Wharves,

Godowns, etc.

#95 H.K. & K. Wharven..

Providenta

$14.95 H.K. Docks (Old)...

H.K. Docks (New)..

826+Shanghai Docks...

Mining

11/0 "j Kailans ....

88 Raabe .... ...... cts. Hong Kong Mines....

32.85

£31

$81

197

#13

82.70

$5.70

$8.50

:

A

Lands, Hotels and Buildings

H.K. & S. Hotels...... H.X. Lands..

Do. 4% Debentures Shanghai Lands. ...

H.K. Bealties....

$6.70 Humphreya ........ “ 909

Chinese Estates.

Cotton, Mills

9351 Ewo (8.)

8265 S'hai Cottons (8.)..

Zoong Sings (8.).....

Wing On Textiles (8.)

Public Utilities

$16.50 H.K. Tramw$71........

$71

83

Peak Tram

(old)...

Pesk Trams '[DEW}..

$51 Star Forrion..

$21.35 Y'mati Ferries. Lea

811

::

$2.25

831

:

Chins Light (0)..... $5.7.

China Lights (New)..

X.Rta 29. H. K. Electrics (Old)... X.R..

H..ectrics(New)...

11 HK Electric (Rts)

#21

***

18.60

$12

Mucko Electrica

| Macao' Electrics

Sandakan Laglibs........

$22.60 Telephones (öld)...................

Telephones (DOW)......

·Industrials

$91

8:30 Cald., Macg. (Ord.) B $26 Cald., Macg. (Pref.)S

Canton Ice

H.H. Rope

HA, Gort

3974% Loan

31

$13

Cements

#

$31

::

3

$18)

.....

Loras

(1994)..

(1940)

8943%

H

$94 91%

Miscellaneous

***

th

$17 Dairy Farms.....

Entertainmente

$1,80 Constructions (old).....

Constructions (raw)..

311

Lane Cranfords...

Nanyang Tobacco.....

$2.16 Sinceres

$0

Watsons

280

S'hat Wing Ou.......

Ch. G.5% 19250 $Ad $39. H.K. Wing On ......

17.2 Vibro Ping

8/3 Maramans Inv. (Lon

2/11 ́ Marsmans fav. (HK:)

Wm. Powells..

Lights Rta...

⚫tale to Shanghai

$1

3071

PRE-PAID ADVERTISEMENTS.

The following classes of advertisements' wre SITUATIONS VACANT...

charged at the price given below-

HOUSES AND APARTMENTS TO BE LET. MISCELLANELOUS WANTS...

Announcements not exceeding 25 Words are inserted under this heading at a Pre-paid

Rate of $1.50 for THREE INSERTIONS.

If Charges collected, $2.00.

floor. Tel.

TO LET Unfurnished from 1st June. 300 The Peak Six roomed house in Bluff Path, Fifteen minutes from Tram. Reasonable Marina Hastings & Co. 12.70 Rent.

WE OFFER HIGH PRICES for any amount

of gold articles, diamonds, silver, jewels, etc. No holidays. Apply China Building, · 7th 30727.

it

EURASIA GOLD REFINING CO.

$6.40 House.

$35

$200

$120

WANTED

Energetic canvassers

231

(Boys or

Girls) for outdoor work. Apply $15.95 Box 249 HKDP.

STA

$20.60

de. $1.25

#21+ $11.35

WANTED TO BUY

WE PAY HIGH PRICES $221 for all gold and silver articles. Jade diamonds, jewels, watches, fountain pens. Apply Far East Diamond and Gold Refining Co. $22.30 Room 621, China. Building, 6th $84

floor. (Store will open on Sun- days"and Holidays).

***

175 cts.

971.

D4]

$171

#01-

.41

General Agent: Chan Che Kee

FOR JADED APPETITES!

HOTELS

REAL RUSSIAN FOOD

*

Tifin $1.20

Dinner $1.50

METROPOLE HOTEL

BUTTERICK EXPERT TAILORS FOR LADIES”

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NEW STYLE READY MADE AMERICAN DRESSES

FOR SALE..

No: 4, Lyndhurst Terrace. Tel 16, Wyndham Street.

26402

WANTED KNOWN

Experienced Book-keeper Wants Students to form a class. Guaran-·|

tee students to keep a whole set of $1.35 books after completion of a course

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$42

$14

months. For Term and Par

Please Apply to:--Box

of

ticulars.

No

in HK.DP

Tel. 22615

AT

Jimmy's

נו יי

TEA DANCE-

DAILY

EXCEPT MONDAYS

5 to 7.30 PM

ENGILAVERS

FEI FEI & CO. Photo Engravers *18, Cochrane Street,

Telephone No. 22224.

Help Your Friend and his Hobby by giving

19

POSTAGE STAMPS

for

his COLLECTIONS dnd

SEEDS

WANT-ADS are Seen!

AUCTIONEERS

GREATEST COLLECHON OF BARGAINS IN TOWN;

13 LAMMLET'S AUTUION ROOM Hommert, da 1501.

för

his GARDEN

We can supply the good" of his and your want

GRACA & CO.

Dealers in postage stamps and garden seeds etc. No. 10 Wyndham Street.

Established 1866 HONG KONG