1917-05-18 — Page 1

EXCHANGE?."

Closing Quotations ---- TT, London 2a. 43⁄4ýd.

On Demand 28.4.11-16d.

The Hongkong Telegraph

(ESTABLISHED

WEATHER FORECAST

OVERCAST.

Barometer 29 96

1881.)

Copyright 1917, by the Proprietor.

May 18, 1917,

Temperature a. m. 6) Humidity

2 p.

73

9.4

81

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1917.

7658 BAHAS

TELEGRAMS.

[Beater's Service to The "Telegraph."}

BIG GERMAN ATTACKS IN THE WEST,

Huge Casualties Inflicted by Bel:ish and French, **

@

London, May 17. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Hig reporta :-After a heavy bombardment on both banks of the Scarpe, the enemy Isunched &

powerful counter-attack in the early morning between Garrelle and the river. He pressed forward ander the destructive fire of our artillery and machine guns. The enemy for a short period, by weight of numbers, forced us back from our forward positions. Our immediate counter-attack regained all the ground, inflicting exceptionally heavy losses and taking a number of prisoners.

We progressed on the Hindenburg Line to the north-east of Bullecourt. We repulsed a raid to the south-east of Ypres.

Freach Capture Hundreds of Prisoners,

London, May 17... A French communique says that the Germans in the daytime continued their attacks to the north and north-west of Laffsux mill as far as the Saissons-Lion Bailway. They were sanguinarily defeated, despite the strength of their effectives and the violence of their attacks.

We brilliantly counter-attacked at some points where the line was momentarily beat, recovering the whole of the lost ground.

The Germans lost heavily in attempting to arrest our progress by fresh attacks, which were shattered by our curtain of machine gaa fre.

Hundreds of prisoners and namerous German wounded have been captured.

Three German aeroplanes were folled on May 15.

Progress at Bullecourt.

London, May 17. Field Marshal Sir Donglee Haig, in a communique, say There was fighting during the night at Ballecourt,

We farther progressed through the village and reached the western edge.

Further German Wastage.

London, May 17.

A French communique states:-Fresh enemy attempts to re-take ground we gained in the Laax mill region failed. The truggle, which was most lively at certain points, turned everywhere do our advantage, and the enemy suffered heavy losses. We took

more prisonera.

Our barrages inflicted heavy losses on thres German assaulting detachments which made several fisitless attempts to reach our lines at the Royere Farm, in the Epine de Chevrigay sector, north- west of Braye en Laonnois.

THE IRISH PROPOSALS,

What the Government Scheme Means.

London, May 17.

There is much interest in the new feature of the Government's Trish proposals, namely the Council of Ireland.

TELEGRAMS.

Reuter Service in The "Telegraph."]

BRITISH WAR AIMS.

Lord Robert Cecil on “No Annèxation,"

London, May 17. Lord Robert Cecil's speech last night, ja the use of Commons, is regarded, both here and ic Alist countries, as en important pronouncement regarding British war zima.`

The debate arose on Mr. Philip Snowden's motion welcoming the repudiation by the new Russian Government of "all proposals for Imperialistic conquest and aggrandisement," and calling for a similar British declaration. Mr. Suceden contended that the Allied Note of January was “Imperialism and conquest, naked and

unashamed."

Lord Robert Cecil, replying, said he had heard mach of the phrase "No annexations," which he proceeded to examine point by point. He took, firstly, the case of Arabia, No human being, he declared, would suggest that we should ase our influence to plase Arabis again under Turkish domination.{Cheere).

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Proceeding, Lord Robert Cecil said:---Again, even the most Imperialist annexation of Armanis would benefit the people who have suffered such crimes as the Tarks have perpetrated there. The same argument held good in regard to Syria and Palestine.

tarned Lord Robert Cecil next

the German African Colonies, saying we did not, of course, attack those Colonies in order to rescue the natives from misgovernment, but, haring rescued them, he asked were we to hand them back? The Houss warmly cheered Lord Robert when he declared that he would regard with borror the ides of returning the natives to the Govern ment which perpetrated such cruelties. Then what about Poland ? Were they not all agreed that it was desirable to establish an independent Poland? And what about AlsscLorraine? Surely it was not saggested that Germany, having taken the two provinces from France, should not

these Provinces resture (Obeers). Then there was the Italian Irradents. Were the that they would no restore to Italy provinces populated by Government going to commit themaзlves to a proposition Italiane? The speaker bere turned momentarily to other phraes: No pesce with the Hohens lleras." He agreed there was a great deal in it and it was very attractive to the ordinary British mind, bat he thought it too attractive to be quite prudent as a definition of national policy. The cry of "No indemnisy" had a'as been heard. Should there be no indemnity to Belgiam? Then what about Berbis and the Northern Provinces of rance? Were we, continged Lord Robert speaking with rising motion, to rule out indefinitely all reparation for the destruction of peaceful mer- chantmen by submarines? He declared emphatioially that be waA not prepared to do that,

IMPERIAL RECONSTRUCTION.

Press Comment on General Smuts' Speech.

London, May 17.

The Daily Telegraph, in an editorial, headed. "An Historic Speech" says:-General Smuts' speech is one of the finest and most Mr. Lloyd George's letter to Mr. John Redmond states that the jaistesmanlike utterances that the war has produced. If the British two delegations of which the Council will be composed will be nation has not realised fally before, it assuredly will understand numerically equal to the Council samonable on the initiative of now what a noble ornament and a strong pillar of the Empire it any six members of the Council, The Council would be empowered possesses in the soldier-statesman who represented the Union at the by majority of votes of each of the delegations to pass Private Imperial War Conference. Hitherto e bare thought of him Bills and legislation adecting both the included and excluded arese; principally sa a brilliant soldier, but the future may well reveal also to recommend to the Crown the extension to the excluded ares, that his political services are even more valuable ill. This is by an Order-in-Council, of say Act of the Irish Parliament; also to always a rare and sometimes a dangerous combination of genias, agree to the inclusion of the whole of Ireland ander the Home Rule bat we know from General Smate speeches where his dearest Aot, subject to the assent of the m-jrity of. the volere of the ex- hopes are centred, that be bates war; and that all his ambitions are cluded ares, whereapon power would be invested in the Crown to set upon serving his fellow countrymen, South Africa and the extend the Act to all Ireland by an Order-in-Council. The Council Empire to which he is proud to belong. If we interpret General may also make recommendations on its own initiative regarding Irish questions, including an amendment of the Home Rale Act. The President of the Cococil will be elected by agreement by the delegations, or, failing agreement, will be nominated by the Crown,

BRITISH NAVAL CASUALTIES.

London, May 18. Among the latest naval casualtire announced are the following: Killed.-L'cat." Artbur E L Badd, R.NR. Wounded Flight Sub Lieute. Hubert S. Bread, E.N., Edward D. Crandall, RN.

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Smuts areach aright, we detect therein a note of friendly and earnest caution to those who think the time is ripe for forming a new Constitution of the Empire with a new Imperial Parliament, a new Imperial Treasury, and new Imperial tox. The idea is noble, imposing and logical, but it is none the less full of perile and quickeandr, and, above all, open to the fatal objection that it does

not

sem to be desired by the responsible spokesmen of the Dominions. It may be taken therefore to indicate that the special War Conference which will be called, at the end of the war to consider the general problem of Imperial reconstruction will not favour the idea of's unified Parliament of the Empire. Reconstruc- tion will have to proceed on lines less sensational bat far more con- Bɔnant with the British traditione of gradual evolution. Indeed, it has already began during the last two weeks in the admission to the Imperial Cabinet of statesmen of the D misions and representa

Missing (believed killed).-Midshipman John Barber, R. N.R. Miesing-Flight Lieut. Charles J. Moir, R.N. Accidentally injured.-Flight Sub-Lieut. Arthur E. Hall, R.N.tives of India.

fiscal correction. Killed.-Fight Sub. Lient. Doogle. E. Penney, B.N., instead of Probationer Flight Officer Penney, Nival Division.

Died-Captain Valentine B. S. Jones, Marine Light Infantry

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

An Agreement Reached.

London, May 17. Accrding to Reuter's corre-pondent, at Petrograd after day-long megotiations, an agreement was faced between the Workmen's and Boldiers" Delegates and the Government, under which three De- mocratic and three Notionsllat cialists will enter the Cabinet,

Generals Alexi f, Dragomiroff, Gourko and Bram of aré coming to Petrograd to confer on the military situs ión.

America's Practical Help.

London, May 17.

4

The Daily Tekgraph conclu les by hoping ik t Goceral Smute" outspoken and resonant tribute to the Crown will sharply recall to their sepass all those who talk glibly or lightly of what they call Republican. sentiment

in this conotry. Image -

The British Empire is indeed fortunate when a soldier, who fifteen | yours ago, was its sturdy and dangerous opponent, delivers, withia the walla of the British Parliament, an address cordial in friendship and instinct, as are few utterances of ear tims, with politɛest wisdom. aad understanding".

U.S. TROOPS FOR FRANCE,

General Petain's Advice.

Landon, May 17.

The New York Times publishes a message from General Petsin. arging that Ainerican volunteers shoubt be sent to Frands within Aosording to Reater's correspondent at Washington, the United hree months for training, and to be used later as skeletna organis States hee made ite frat lusa to Bassie, of twenty millions sterling, tions for arriving American armies. The mesing) concludes that **20 additional evidence of the strong friendship which exists betweenjat is of paramount importance that an American: General Com-

he American and Barsisa peoples.

missoner should be immediately appointed to come to Franus.

80 % pim. $3

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Temperature 6 km.

May 18, 1916,

Humidity

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TELEGRAMS.

[Beater's Service to The "Telegraph."]

THE ITALIAN OFFENSIVE.

Immediate Objective Attained.

London, May 27.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Bardman Company in "High

Jinks.

Unspeakable weather, notwith-

standing, the public showed up. in good foros to welcome the Baodman Company last night, on

Renter's correspondent at Udine esys that the Italiane' im- its return from the North. The mediate obj ctive, the Tystir Moantic, on the left bank of the piece was "High Jinks", and we konzi, was attained by admirable daah, despite the extraordinarily have seen things which we liked destroyed, and also despite the fact that a large number of Austrian to the credit of the Bindma strong Aus rian defences, which the Italian artillery entirely better. Indeed it is enormously troops had been brought there from Galicia,

{In the event of telegrüms arriving too late for insertion on lala page tacy will be found on an Extra).

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

THE WESTERN BATTLES.

Fightlog Favours the British.

London, May 16. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig says: Fighting continu- ed yesterday to our advantage in the western portion of Ballecourt. We took a few prisoners during a small en- counter last night, on the right of our position on the Hindenburg line east of the village. Severe fighting is pro- gressing north of the Scarpe

A Violest Enemy Attack.

London, May 16.

A French communique says: The artillery struggle ton~ tinued at night time. After a violent bombardment, the enamy in the morning powerfully attacked on a four Lilo- metre front in the Moulin-de-Laffaux district,” We main- tained our positions despite his repeated efforia, Fighting continues at various points.

Hugs Enemy Losses,

London, May 16. Beuter's correspondent, at Headquartam saya: Preceded by howry camminading the enemy, fulfilling anticipatione, fer... cely counter-attacked in great strength against Boenz. Grey waves, of picked troops swept over from Plouvain and were met by a whirlwind from our artillery, our machine guns and rifles. Although the enemy was mown down like ripe com, some reached the chemical works and fought hand- -to-hand, but our counter-attack promptly restored the posi tion and inflicted terrible punishment. The struggle is continuing. The latest news from Bullecourt is most satis factory. We have completely regained the positions tem- porarily lost in yesterday's four counter-attacks. The Germans suffered thereby casualties amounting to Your figures.

GREAT ITALIAN OFFENCIVE."

Advance on a Sixty-Miles Front.

London, May 16.

Great interest centres on the Italian offensive. Eauter's correspondent at Udine says the Italians are advancing on a front extending for sixty miles from Tolmino to the sea. The sector from Tolmino to Sercano is undoubtedly the most difficult front in the war, Tolmino bridgehead, a most formidable forti- fication, barring the entrance to the valley leading to Lai- bach. Mount Kuk and Mount San Marco, the other Austrian, strongholds, are respectively sixteen thousand and four hundred and fifty feet above the points where the Italians are attacking..

Over 3.000 Prisoners.

London, May 16. A wireless Italian official message says: The vigorous offensive on the Julian front has been resolutely continued. Our infantry established themselves on the steep, wooded heights of the eastern bank of the Isonzo, northward of Gorizia. These had been transformed into a formidably fortified defensive position One of our left wing columns forced a passage across the river and captured Bombres village. We captured in the centre, the heights north- cast, of Plaste, stormed the villages of Zameora and Zagomi- la and carried the crests of Mount Cucco and Mount Vodice. Our right wing progressed considerably up the steep slopes of Mount Santo and fierce counter-attacks were repulsed. We conquered, eastward, of Gorizia, strongly fortified. heights northward of Tivoli Insistent counter-attacks were beaten back. We took prisoner 3,375, of whom ninety- eight were officers. A mountain battery and much war material were captured

Austrian Report.

London, May 16.

An Austrian official report states that, after three days of intense artillery fire, the Italians attacked at numerous points on a front of twenty-five miles. The battle continues uninterruptedly..

FRENCHMAN'S-GALLANT ACT.

Paris, May, 18. · The Legion of Honour has been awarded to a machine gunner for holding the enemy in a sap single-handed, repell- ing a counter-attack and disposing of eight hundred Germana.

THE EAST AFRICAN COMMAND.

London, May 16.

It is officially announced that General Van de Venter has succeeded: General Hoaking in command of the British forces in German East Africa, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant Geners).

'out'wued on page 8)

artista that they made so much cat of so little. The pisca, however, at least had a swing to it (two- including the one on which Mise Addie Laigh. gymnasticiaed), Speaking of Miss Leigh reminde ļus that neither ebs nór Mies Marjorie Manners found very mach soope, though - Bo`h pat excellent work into such parts as they had, Miss Manners scoring special successes in one or two rather taking dasta,

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The leading role, that of so eccentric American doctor practising in France, fell to Mr. Fred Winn. He was rarely

be

off the stage and made his part deliciously fancy all the way through. Hong- kong's old friend, Mr. Compton Coutts, seems to be at home in any part signed to him, and he certainly contrived to keep the homes alive last night with his olever impersonation of a rather imposible old colonel, Mr. A. Louis Cowen is paying only his second visit to the Colony, but he bas already made big bids for popularity hars, and his bandling of the part of an American timber king was most beautifully done. In fact he was quits a show in himself. Me, Laylard Hodgson ; always a useful man, did quite a lot of good work sa the young explorer posseseed of a drug whose qualities bare a pacifying effectoù all who come under its in- Assoce. Miss Kathleen Doyle, es the-vagrant wife, with tastes sx- pensive and expansive, wasalways. ļamusing; so was Mr. Kellaway sa

the

jealous Squa`s:d. Other parts were very charmingly taken by Miss Georgias Fisher (A narsc), Miss Grace Rosslyn (Chi Chi the dancer), and Min Beatrice Rowe (the Spaniard's wife). The plecs is repeated to night and those who want a good laugh thould go..

CHUNG LING SOO.

Last. Performances To-aight. At the Victoria Theatre to- night, at 7 15 and 9 15, Obung" Ling So and varisly Company will appear for the last time. Oring to the departure of the boat for Shangbai, the manage- ment regret that they cannot gira the matine performance Saturday.

Fall bouse bave b ́en record- ed at the Victoria Theatre «inose the advent of Chang Ling Bo, and patrons are advised to book their Festa or come early for the final performances to-night

DONT FORGET.

TO-DAY. Bandman Opera Oo-"High Jinks," 9 15 pm.

Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m. Bijou Theatre-9.15 p.m. New Hongkong Cinematograph, -9.15 p.m

TO-MORROW. Assault-at-Arms on Volunteer Parade Ground,

Interport Ride Shooting King's Park, Kowloon,

Victoria Theatre--9.15 p.m. Bijoa Theatre-9.15 pm.. New Hongkong Cinemain graph.-9.15 o m

Bandman Opers

Manhattan," 9.15 p.m.

Monday, May 21.

Licensing Bard.---Elaction of

J.P

- Saturday, Mčy 28, Second Gymkhana, Hosting at Hippy Vall