HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
WORLD FAITH IN BRITISH POLITICAL TRADITION: HERITAGE OF LIBERTY
It is because the world feels that British "political tradition makes for the common good of humanity that unnumbered, millions outside the borders of the King's dominions are heart and soul with us in our struggle. People in all parts of the globe in times to come will bless us for our endurance. In that certainty, let us go into the new year of the Empire's life."
affairs.
external
South
CABLE
MONDAY, MAY 26, 1941. --PACE
BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT EXPECTED BITTER BATTLE
GIFT TO TO MOOT EXTENSION
F.-M. SMUTS OF MONROE DOCTRINE
JOHANNESBURG, May 25 (Reu- ter) FIELD-MARSHAL SMUTS has been informed that the nation 13 presenting him B birthday gift of over £140,-
000 which will be given by F-M. Smuts to the National War fund for the benefit of the forces of which he is the commander-in- chief and their dependants,
The above formed the con-perior to one another in any aspect cluding words of a broadcast of their domestic or
The total is believed to represent from London yesterday by
the biggest gift by any nation to SIR ALFRED ZIMMERN,
THE REAL PURPOSE
its leader and cheques are still What is it that holds the Em- streaming in so that the final total Professor of International
pire together?" went on Sir Alfred, is expected to be well over £150.000. Relations at Oxford Univer- "The Statute of Westminster is sity and well-known writer all very well for its purpose, but "ASK AMERICA" and broadcaster on Inter-it does not explain why men from
PIETERMARITZBURG. May 25 national affairs,
Zealand he Australia. New when
Africa and Canada are standing (Reuter)"The answer to the spoke on the unity which lies together in the breach Just now in question are we in danger today," behind the unity of the Crete, in Africa and in this island. is to ask America," declared the nations of the British Com-
"The Statute of Westminster South monwealth."
takes it for granted that the people of Britain and the dominions have a common purpose. What is that purpose? Is it to go on running free institutions? Freedom is the common purpose which unites us and enables us to work as a team. But our real common purpose is something deeper.
CONFIDENCE REVIVED Sir Alfred said that it seemed more like ten years instead of one since last Empire Day and yet st was only eleven months since the collapse of France had left the British Empire almost alone to withstand the shock of German aggression.
"It is the desire to use our free Institutions and our whole heritage of liberty in order to make the world a better place and to bring mankind a little nearer to the city of God."
EMPIRE LAW
Sir Alfred stated that in trying to formulate this idea cne could
African Prime
Minister,
Field Marshal Smuts, in a birthday speech yesterday.
"The United States are busy. arming Great Britain and South Africa as well as them- selves for the struggle ahead. They are doing it because they see danger.
71
"As long as there is an enemy on the African continent so long shall we feel unsafe.
"Our boys are going to Egypt, I hope they will there help wipe out this danger what is unreaten- ing the world. I want this danger swept from Africa."
COMPLETE CONFIDENCE The Premier
expresscd com.
Busy minds had in the meanwhile begun to contem- plate a new order from which the British Empire had disap- peared and in which its terri- torles had been dispersed," said Sir Alfred. "Then came the Battle of Britain. Suddenly it
not help crossing the boundary plete confidence about the outcome was realised that we had sur
ine between politics and religion. of the war and warned people to vived and confidence revived
The Empire was not a church. The expect things to go up and down. in the certainty of our victory.
Empire was no more perfect `than "And so we reached the present the individuals who formed Its anniversary of the Empire at war component parts, but were they with an enemy who has changed not justified in claiming for the his tone and Herr Hitler himself British Empire that it had lifted has forgotten now, how he used those who lived within its borders to talk of what he called Britain's to a new peak. pseudo power.
"I feel that whatever vicissi- tade this summer may bring the end will be the Germans will again be defeated. I am not nervous about the "out- come."
4
Americans To Be Told The Perils Confronting Country
WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuter). When about 50,000,000 Ame- ricans tune in to President Roosevelt on Tuesday it is expected that they will be told of the "mortal danger" in which they will stand if the Battle of the Atlantic goes against England.
What President Roosevelt will
It is reported, that President Roosevelt will declare the United States can only be defended if the whole hemisphere is defended, wherefore it would be necessary to extend the Monroe Doctrine to the eastern Atlantle, including the West African bulge. It is also possible the President on Tuesday, and his.own recent will say that Nazi submarines are cryptic utterances have been ex- pirates and must be dealt with amined for the same purpose. (accordingly
NEUTRALITY ACT The emphasis which Mr. Stim- say is naturally known only to him son and Col. Knox recently placed and his closest associates. and is a on the desirability of repealing the closely guarded secret.
Neutrality Act has led many to be- There is a wide assumption, how-Leve that President Roosevelt will lever, that he cannot but follow the stress this as a necessity.
path already blazed by the speeches Well-informed circles, however, of Col. Knox, Mr. Cordell Hull, Mr. feel is relatively
wuimportant Stimson and Mr. Wickard, all of and is likely to result in endless whom recently, and with his ap- congressional debate at & time
urgency demands
fast ar proval, addressed the country on when the perils confronting it and oftion.
rican tools hands.
It is more
NAZI AIRCRAFT LOSSES FOR
- THE WEEK
32 BROUGHT DOWN OVER CRETE
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter) During the week ending at dawn
German on May 24 11
aircraft were destroyed over and around Britain; six British alcraft were lost in day combats during period over the three plots were saved.
same aréa
this but
ROUND MALEMI
Continued from Page 1
52 on the aerodrome and on the beach.
"The enemy was also ma- chine-gunned and preliminary reports state that at least ten enemy planes were destroyed and many others damaged. Later reconnaissance confirm. ed that many of the Junkers were burnt out and a number completely unserviceable.
Long-range Aghters also 'at- tacked the enemy at Malemi and destroyed at least four large troop-carriers,TM
OFFICIAL NAZI REFERENCE LONDON, May 25 (Reuter) From all RAF. operations over The first official German reference Germany and occupied territory 11 to the aghting in Crete is made "in BHtish aircraft are missing and a special German high command six German fighters are known announcement which states:- to have been destroyed.
"Since the morning hours of May Operations in the Middle East 20 German. parachutist and air- resulted in a net British gain of borne troops have been on the is at least 50 planes.
land of Crete in a battle against Of enemy alreratt known to the British forces. have been destroyed during "the "In daring attacks from the sir week ending dawn May 22, 17 supported by fighter, bomber and were last in Greece, 32 in Crete. dive bomber formations, they cap- 11 in Libya, three over Suez and tured points of strategic impor- eight in Iraq and Syrla.
tance. After further reinforcements Twenty-two British planes failed
by Army formations. German troops to return but
two pilots were took the offensive. saved.
"The western part of the island is already firmly in German hands.
the necessity of seeing that Ame-
ukely the President Many other German planes have are put into British is seeking means of taking steps been damaged, particularly since
under his powers as Commander the invasion of Crete began. These speeches are being care- In-Chief, for which congressional fully read again for straws may approval could come tater. 'show how the President will blow
Compulsory Service In N.E.I.
FIELD-MARSHAL years law was regarded as
SMUTS
supported financially.
Several well-informed sources have been declaring 1or some time
that the President continues to be
as convoys.
ENEMY SHIPS BOMBED
-
T
"If it is a motive or retrospective argument for treating, or having
in accordance with international
AIR MASTERY CLAIM "The German Luftwaffe broke an attempt of the British fleet to in- tervene in the decision for Crete. chased them from the waters north of Crete, sank and damaged a against convoys because convoys LONDON, May 25(Reuter) large number of enemy worships mean shooting and shooting means RAF. bombers continue to attack and achieved air mastery over the war, believing his plans to defeat shipping off the coast of Holland entire battle area. the U-boats would be as effective and yesterday two enemy supply "On the whole operations con-
ships, of 2.500 tons each. were tinue according to plan. Treating the submarine menace bombed.
"The statement by Mr. Winston as piracy may be in expectation of One is believed to have been sunk Churchill that the German troops Batavia, May 25 (Reuter)-The these plans.
while the other was set on fire and were dropped over Crete in New Arst training perfoe for those
MONROE DOCTRINE
Usting.
Zealand uniforms is untrue. There were ..many countries
native males between 18 to 45} The reported possibility of ex- Other vessels were also attacked." "Why has the Empire survived where the
who were called up in tending the Monroe Doctrine to the shocks which have proved fatal merely the command of a superlor
accordance to the compulsory include the entire Atlantic. ples BOMBER DOWNED treated. German parachutists not to so many others and why have which had to be obeyed. The Bri-
military service "act, will be one the West African bulge; arises the Germans so persistently denied tish tradition was that the law was
year for the Army and one-and-from the widely known oplaton
OVER CHANNEL law, the German Supreme Com- our unity and under-rated our not only made for the people, but
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter)-a-half years for the Navy,
of" naval advisers to the Govern- strength?
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter)mand will order due reprisals ori The Germans have un-by the people and that it was very "an historical review of the II necessary they may be ment that der-rated us because we are not much more than a mere command, office of Field-Marshal, the War appointed to service overseas.
successful defence of A German Aghter-bomber was shot ten times the number of British the United States involves defence down over the Channel this morn-prisoners of war.". organised as they understand or That was why they could operate Office says that in the long list of Relatives of recruits who, as a of the whole hemisphere and, that ing. Two Hurricanes on patrol met ganisation. They look for an es-it and that was why there, was in British Field-Marshals there
WILL PROVE DECISIVE 15 result of their military service, are unless the line from the waters of 11 Messerschmitts and attacked sential government in our Empire British lands a reservoir of volun. none else but Field-Marshal Smuts unable to be provided for will be Britain southwards through, Dakar them
"The next few hours may well prove and instead they find a number of tary energy to help the people to
whose first military experience
decisive in the Great Battle of Is held by the United States or Independent authorities.
maintain the law and to preserve was gained in war against Great-
One enemy aircraft had its lett Crete," declared the New Zealand SAME PAYMENTS
friendly forces. South America 'swing shot off and crashed into the Prime Minister, Mr. Peter Fraser, the structure of the state.
Britain, none who wore a decora :
The number of recruits required vulnerable from many points. RIGHTS OF DEMOCRACY
tion won in such a war, none, who
jsca. Another was seen staggering in an interview with Reuter In There were also many countries ter of Defence or who has been a
while preference will be given to is expected by many, will be the
Hurricane...
"I am very confident our New fore, that they have never under- system of rights. They in the Bri-
VERY SLIGHT SCALE
Zealand troops and their gallant astion is believed definitely neces stood the solid strength of the tish Empire regarded it as a sys- Marshal.
binet before he became Field-receiving the same payments
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter)-Ger- Australian. British, Greek and Cre- sary now that Vichy apparently has man raids over Britain last night tan comrades will succeed in hold- British Empire.
tem of responsibility.
General Botha commanded Compulsory military service for delivered the French Empire to
were on a very sligus suaje.
ing Crete against one of the We have our rights certainly" armies in the field both against the native population has repeated- the Nazis. said Sir Alfred. "and they have
The Air Ministry stated that a heaviest air attacks" yet launched, and
ly been advanced but financial for Great Britain.
There is little speculacion in the He was been considerably extended in
reasona 50 tar Prime Minister and his record Is
prevented the press regarding the contents of the few bombs. were dropped near a and in circumstances which will spite of the war, but the spirit of closest to give and take, of tair play is itself Smuts.
Government to comply with this speech but its importance is widely coast town in East Angila, and in never be repeated." Mr. Fraser sald. that of Field-Marshalj
request. but these objections have recognised and it will probably be the west of England, but damage taught us not to think of powered the Canadian Corps, and Gen. troduction of the new measure on can history and foreign policy.
General Currie, who command-now been removed so that the in- an important milestone ti Ameri- and casualties were slight. as an obsession but as something Monash, who commanded the Ausa limited scale is not only possible
PSYCHOLOGICAL SHOCK common tralians, were both eminent in but even deemed necessary.
The gravity of the hour is more civil as well as military Hfe, but The native papers enthusiasti- widely recognised daily and in the neither was a Cabinet Minister. cally welcomed the new act and education of the American people raids ότι the German battle come.
The number of Field Marshals only expressing much regret that to their danger Admiral Darian cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisnan, troops and I know they cannot be provided for in the Army Esta it was not introduced many years must receive thanks for his agree- lying at Brest, is among 11 R. A Fsurpassed for co-operation, unity, blishment is eight-six officers, of before.
ment with Hitler-the biggest psy, officers and men who are decorated tenacity, discipline and "Individual chological shock Americans have for gallantry and devotion to duty initiative. received since the astonishing col- Nine officers get the D. F. C and "They showed their quality in
two sergeants the D. F. M.
Greece, fighting a heroic rearguard Surveys of public opinion tend The pilot, mentioned above. action, as did the Australians and to show the President will have a dropped bombs over the target al- the Greeks, and they are giving an |majority of the country behind him though his aircraft was severely equally good account of themselves
decides to make..
EMPIRE STRENGTH
"The only government the Ger- mans understand is a dictated
has been Prime Minister or Minis-every year will be fixed yearly President Roosevelt's speech, it back after a burst of fire from a Cairo on Saturday, unity. It is not surprising, there- where democracy was regarded as a member of the Imperial War Ca-Volunteers, Native recruits are view of the Government, and ac-
"It would be surprising If they had-firstly, because we never explain ourselves to the world, and secondly, because the British Empire needs a great deal of explaining.".
Explaining this. Sir Alfred de
a product of tradition which has
clared that Britain and the do minions were communities within to the British Empire, in no way su-purpose."
be used for the
Sandstorms Interfering With Operations In Tobruk Area: Soddu Taken
CAIRO, May 25 (Reuter) A Cairo communique states that sandstorms are interfering with operations in the TOBRUK area. In Southern Abyssinia, the town of SODDU has been taken, and two Italian divisions in this area are now surrounded.
An R. A. F. Middle East communique states that the MOSUL aerodrome has again been raided by R. "A. F. palnes. One unidenti- fied plane was destroyed and others damaged.
raid.
ལ』་
the British Army and two of the Indian Army.
H.M.S. HOOD
Continued from Page 1 NEW YORK, May 25 (Reuter)-
European militia.
STATEMENT ON lapse of France a year ago.
ULSTER
R.A.F. AWARDS
A pilot who took part in recent
"Never have conditions been.. so favourable for an air attack with the enemy's bases so close, and our men deprived of alr support and so handleapped. "I have great hope of the out- I know the New Zealand
· CONSCRIPTION in almost any forward move he damaged by A. A. Bre, says Reuter. In Crete," he concluded,
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter)—
There are many in Washington WHEN MUSSOLINI'S FORCES
The sinking of the Hood off the) coast of Greenland yesterday has Mr. J. M. Andrews, Prime Minister who think May 27 may be a date greatly shocked America and has of Northern Ireland, returned to to remember in all democratic
ple of the United States the near- Mr. Winston Churchill, British
ness of the war to unele country. Prime Minister yesterday, in which
helped to bring home to many per-Belfast today after a meeting with calendars for many years to come. TOOK BRITISH SOMALILAND RALLY TO FREE THEY USED AT LEAST TWO FRENCH CAUSE HEAVY EQUIPPED DIVISIONS
on the
and forced to retire across the United States navai poney. From be made by Mr. Andrews in the An early statement is expected to
There is little else of importance frontier. "to report. In Iraq, the communique
adds, "
EXPENSIVE FAILURE
HAIFA, May 25 (Reuter)-—~Brl-
The only reaction in Washington they discussed the question of con- A Messerschmitt 109 which tried, This column was heavily engaged, is that it has showed the necessity scription for Ulster. ..to intercept falled to prevent the and six tanks were knocked out for immediate decision
the details of the engagement North Ireland Parliament, while tish planes flew over Syria today,
SIMLA, May 25 (Reuter) When Signor Mussolini's available, it showed that German Mr. Winston Churchill is expected dropping pamphlets calling on all forces last August occupied BRITISH SOMALILAND, says This action brings the German naval forces are operating in waters, to make a similar statement in the loyal Frenchmen to rally to the a Press Note, they used at least two heavily equipped divi- A Middle East communique tank losses to 11 in 48 hours, three which United States ships are un-House of Commons. stated that in the Sollum area our being destroyed on Wednesday derstood to be patrolling.
cause of Free France.
sions against a small and lightly armed Imperial garrison; patrols and artillery continued near the frontier. Although this
Three, Ulster Ministers, who came their aggressive tactics.
The pamphlets were signed by it cost the invaders nearly 2,000 casualties and a fort- News is still awaited concerning over with Mr. Andrews, are remain-Colonel Collet, who recently cross- reverse does not seriously affect the the German battleship Bismark, ing in London for a couple of days ed the frontier into Palestine in night's hard fighting before they attained the objective HEAVIEST TANK LOSSES total numbers which the Germans which a British Admiralty com- for departmental discussioris re-order to join the Free French against our own casualties around 150 of which less than Reuter's Special correspondent are able to dispose, it marks the munique issued last night said was garding North Ireland's war effort. forces. with the advanced British forces expensive failure of their recent damaged in the engagement, and of
in the Western Desert writes that policy of trying to whittle down the rest of the German squadron the Germans suffered the heaviest our tank numbers.
i tank losses since the appearance in Apart from the tank activity the Libya when they tried to advance in Germans have shown no signs of two columns on Hell Fire Pass, trying to recover the territory lost the principal strategie point this during the British push last week side of the Egyptian frontier;
and, in fact, seem at the present The first column, moving along more concerned with constructing the edge of the escarpment, was defences around Capuzzo along engaged by our forces near Sollum the frontier and aroung Tobruk.
at 11 am. in the morning and driven back with two tanks de- finitely knocked out and others probably damaged.
FALL FROM BUS Getting off from Bus No. 640 Early in the afternoon another near the Ko Shing Theatre, West column was discovered trying to Point, about 1.55 p.m. yesterday, a make its way round the left woman, Faan Wal-shung, residing flank of the British troops who at No. 126, Belchers Street, tell and had dealt with the first force. suffered slight injuries,
which, it is stated, is being pursued, BANKER AND SON KIDNAPPED IN SHANGHAI
FRENCH ATTITUDE INCREASES LONDON'S DIFFICULTIES
40 were fatal.
!!
*
Nearly a year later, our ownclusion of the brief Italian regime forces reoccupied "BERBERA over the British Colony. with а single, casualty—a The action against the Italian British officer was slightly occupied Berbera probably ranks Arst in a combined operation of injured.
land, and naval forces in which In defensive fighting last August the units of the Indian army were which made the invaders pay 50 ever taking part, says the note. disproportionate a price for no military advantage, two Indian
MADRID, May 25 (Reuter) Diplomatic observers in Paris are re- ported to be thinking that the attitude of France Increases London's Mr. Chwang Meng-wen, chief of attention, writes the Paris correspondent of the Spanish newspaper battalions, the 2nd and 15th Pun- CHUNGKING, May 25 (Central) difficulties and puts the defence of DAKAR in the forefront of world the Trust Department of the Shanghai Commercial and Savings
41
ABC.
jab Regiment did great work. The JAMIL MADFAI
FOR BASRAH
LONDON, May 25 (Reuter)The
Bank, and his son Chwang Shao- The paper adds that any action Army, Gen, von Brauchitsch, re- same battalions had the satisfac- halang, were kidnapped by three by the United States against Dakar.flects better than any commentary tion of recapturing Berbera. armed men at 8.30 o'clock yeater-would provoke & French reply and of the continuity and intimacy of day morning.
Units. of the Royal Indian Navy {a German reply."
Franco-German conversations."*
co-operated with the Royal Navy The abduction took place when The correspondent also says that Cen, Brauchitsch arrived in Paris in the evacuation of the Somali-former Iraqi Premier, Jamil Madfai, Mr. Chwang and his son were leav-& German spokesman in Parts on Wednesday to participate in the land garrison last year: the RIN has been sent by the Regent of ing their residence on Route states that the stay there of the 'conversations with the Vich Gov-again supported the combined Iraq as his representative in Bas- Maresca in the French Caricession Commander-in-Chief of the German ernment.
operation which led to the con- rah. in their private car.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.