1918-02-15 — Page 1

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February 15, 1918,

«Temperature

Humidity

&p.m. 63

59

7878: 五軔月二十

י

FRIDAY, · FEBRUARY

15,

1918.

February 15, 1917.

伍拜禮 五十月二英港香

Tamperature 6 sid.

Humidity

57-2 pm 66 168

39

*REUTER'S" TELEGRAMS.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

RE-OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

#

RUSSIA GIVĖS UP.

· “BREEZE” BETWEEN THE PREMIER AND MR. ASQUITH.

London, February 12.

The opening of Parliament to-day was thora of much of its asaal splendour. The Feere, by command, discarded their robes of carlet and ermine, while members bolding Army Commissions were "dressed in khaki. The Frince of Wales wat on the right of the Throne. Prior to the arrival of the Royal precession, the Marquis of Lincolnshire, Great Chamberisin, welcomed, on tobalt of this were Majesty the King, 400 wounded versess soldiers, who accommodated in the Royal Gallery.

The Marquis of Lincolnshire, on behalf of His Majesty, expressed bis warm and grateful appreciation of the gallantry and devotion they and their comrades in the Army had displayed in the field. "After the conclusion of a victorions pesca the King and Queen wish you all a safe and happy return to those great Dominions of which their Majesties are so proud and which you love so well,"

The King's Speech.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

RE-OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Demobilisation of Troops Ordered.

London, February 12

ENEMY HELD UP IN ITALY.

London, February 12,

CLAIM FOR SALARY.

An Action which Failed.

waived $298.20 in order to bring their claim within Summary Jurisdiotion. fra stigm

The plaintiff was represented by Mr. Mattingley, and Mr. Gardiner appeared for the defendant.

re

Mr. Jaetios Gomperts. Isä- delivered his jangasat in the j'asse in which A. Sauten olsimed the speeches to which be had referred that the Central Powers ware

from Mohideen and Company, prepared to consider our war aime, it would be our regrettable duty

A wireless Russian oficial messsze atatea:-The pence aegotia #967 82, bsing balance due for MR. LLOYD GEORGE ON THE ENEMY PRACE REPLIES to go on and make preparations which were necessary in order to

establish international right in the world.~(Cheera),

Regarding the Inter-Allied Council, Mr. Lloyd George, said be tions have ended. The German capitaliste, supported by the silent salary from October 1. 1915. to perasanm. There was a counter- could not give the information for which Mr. Arquish saked, and it co-operations of the Anglo French bourgeoise, submitted conditions September 30, 1917, at $1800 wea neelees to give partial information. He admitted that bestated which are not acceptable to the Russian Revolation." "The latter is in November thst the Courell was not intended to have executive acable to acquiesce in forcible apnexations or to eigu a pesos bringing claim by the defendants for the fanotions, bat eince thea Rasia had gone out of the war and a very sadness and oppression to millions of workmen and peasants. We nam of $1,298.20 on an sosount considerable number of German Divisions had been brought to the refuse to fight against Austro German workmen and peasants like etated between the plaintiff and Western Front Imm the East. The situation had become very much ourselves. Demobilisation has been ordered, except in the case of the defendant. The defendanta

Ukraine Peace Not Recognised. more menacing, and the Allies met at Versailles in order to consider some detachments for the defence of the frontier. the best methods of meeting that menace ia 1918 Till the present

London, February 12, year, the Allies had an over whelming superiority in troops on the Western Front, but gradusily, and even rapidly, that saperiority

Despite an Reater'e Agenov je informed that the British Government.do had diminished, especially during the last few weeka. undertaking not to remove troops from East to West, Germany had not consider themselves bound to recognise the peace concluded removed troope es rapidly as the railway strang-ments allowed. between the Austro Germans and those who have signed it on behalf That contravention of the armistice bad to be borne in mind when of Ukraine. we were discussing the terms of 1 sane~(C) esta)-because it had a real bearing apon guarantees (Ch ers). Till this year there was no attack that the Germans o: uld bring either against the British Their Majesties, who were cheered through the streats, were of the French armies which could act, in the main, be dealt with by

An Italian official message says:-Oar artillery decimated erented by British and Indian officere of the Indian Army and the reserves of each individual army. The situation had been com- moosted ficers of Osnadian, Australian, New Zealand, Southpletely changed by the enormoge German rainforcements from the

Eset, and thy bad to coseider "he change in the situation. They remarkable forces advanced by the enemy on the southern slopes of African, Newfoundland and West Indian Foroze.

had to deal with the elastion where it was. It was absolutely Baasorosso and east of Val Frenzels, preventing development of any essential that the whole strength of the Allied armies of France, important action. London, February 12. The following is the text of the King's Speech: "The Britain, Americs and Italy should be made available for the point necessities of war render it imperative for me, after a brief interval, at which the attack came. We did not know where the blow would to sammen you again to your deliberations. The aims for which come; all we knew was that it was being prepared. There was a and my Allies are contending were recently set forth by my Govern gigantic railway system behind the German lines which might ment in a statement which was received with emphatic approval by swing the attack here or there, and it was essential that arrange my peoples throughout the Empire, and provided a fair basis for a ments should be made whereby the Allies should treat their settlement of the prezent straggle and the re-establishment of armies sa cas to meet the danger and menace wherever it came. national rights and international pesce in fatare. The German (Cheers). It they had not dealt with that problem at Versailles, Government, however, ignored our just demands that it should they would have been guilty of a grave dereliction of duty.

Mr. Lloyd George proceeded to nontrast the old conferences make restitution for wrongs committed and furnish guarantees

Manchesters' Successtui Raid. against their unprovoked repetition. Its spokesmen refuse any where the military met on the other side and the civilians bere,

London, February 12. obligations for themselves while denying their rightful liberties to and where documents were exchanged between the two, and the olbera. Until recognition is offered of the only principles on which method of the Versailles Council. The former as conferences, to

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, in a communique, states: an bonourable peace can be concluded, it is car daty to prosecute disones strategy were a pure farce, but at Versailles were five days' the war with all the vigoar we possess. I have full confidence that discussione at which the Commanders-in-Chief and Obits of Staff, my forces in the field, incloes co-operation with those of my faith with other military representatives, also Premiers and other Min- We drove of raiders north-east of Ephy. The Manchesters ful Allies, will continue to display the same heroic courage and my istere attended. Discussion was free and the result was the establish- successfully raided west of La Bases and iffeted wasy casualties people at Home the same unselfish devotion that has already ment of complete unity (Load obeare). There was no division of at slight cost. frustrated an many of the enemy's designs and will ensure su opinion apon apy resolution. Begarding the critical action in- altimate triumph of a righteous cause. I bave summoned the volved in the extension of the powers of the Versailles Council, he representatives of my Dominions and my Indian Empire to a farther must speak with csatipo, because it was a matter of military de Session of the Imperial War Cabinet in order to again receive their cision in a War Council. advice on questions of moment effecting the common interests of the Empire. The struggle in which we are engaged has reached a critical stage which demands more than ever our united energies and resources. I confidently commend to your patriotiam the meagree which will be submitted to you, and pray that the Almighty God may bestow His blessing upon your labours."

Mr. Lloyd George's Speech.

London, February 12.

"1

In the House of Commons, in moving the Address from the Torone, Brigadier General Lowther, M.P. for North Westmorland, expressed the Army's deep appreciation of the King's frequent visita to the Front and his concern for everything relating to the welfare of the troops-(Cheery).

Lieutenant the Hon. Alexander Shaw, M.P. for Kilmarnock, erconded.

:

THE WESTERN FRONT.

Raids by Both Sides.

London, Fabrgary 12.

A French communique, speaking of reconnoitsing raids on Bouconville, north of the Ailette, also in Wosvra, and failure of both sides, mentions succesefal French raids on the outskirts of German attempts between Banvas, Bois des Forsen, and also in Champagne, Woerre and the Voegee.

Another German Town Bombed.

London, February 12 Field Marahal Sir Douglas Haig report::-Oạr patrols took a few prisoners at different points of the front. Our seroplanee the lines. They raided Germany to-day, bombing the town of eaterday dropped over a ton of bomba on various targete behind Offenburg. No details have yet been received.

ANGLO-DUTCH RELATIONS.

Mr. Lloyd George maintained that it was impossible to define the enlarged functions of the Versailles Council without stating the war decisions arrived at. He enlarged upon the value to the enemy of the least information regarding these decisions, and said that if the information had to be given he would rather that the respone ibility reated on other shoulders-(Load obeers). Upon those decisions depended millions of gallsut liver, the honour sed safety

London, February 12, of our land Fad the war sime upon which the future of the world

According to Benter's correspondent at the Hague, in the Second Obamber the Foreign Minister stated that Britain, in raising depended. It would be treason beyond description to gira the in-.. formation, and he declined to do so (Loud cheers).

Mr. Asquith bere rose to protest; amidst loud cheers, against the embargo on commercial telegrams, took into consideration that what he termed an ineinastion that he was asking for such traffic would not be resuming before March 15 and there was a information.

39

desire to maintain and if possible strengthen the cordial relations.. He explained that Britain had not objected to Holland's legal prin- oiple but to its application, with whion the impending Anglo-Datoh discussions would desl

SWEDEN AND FINLAND.

Mr. Jaetice Gomperis deliver- ed his jadgement be followe In a game like the present, where mco who did business trgather as personal friends have fallen gope to law, there naturally great difficul on and ties in getting et the truth. No ordinary commercial record of their transactions is available and very little can be learned from the books. One has to take broad general prc» babilities, and it comes in the last report to the question of the credibility of one side or the other. against the probabilities are of the ring-it is sbeard for him On the whole I think that the plaintiff. Ioannot accept his story to say that he cannor say what he got with the money he got for it. Again, there is no corroboration whatever of bis account of the

available. It is a question of the truikfalnees of the plaintiff or purchase of gold notes though

of the defendant, I prefer to rarely some evidence should be

believe the defendant, sad this involves the zej ̃etion of rbe letter which parporte to be a contract my "conclusion without some dirally, but in the last result I feel I have no option but to find for service. I have not reached

for the defendant both on the claim and on the counter-claim, with costs.

CRICKET.

Civil Service v. University. The following will represent the Civil Service their own ground st 2 p.m, on Saturday next-E W. Hamilton (Captain), B. E. 0. Bird, W. H. Emonde, T. Mo- Omec, 0. 0. Woodman, D. MC. Gxdal, W. E. D'xon, CM. W. Reynolue, J. C.:0. Fletcher, B.

K. C. C. v. C. R. C. W. Bradbury and P. T. Lamble. be played to morrow at

Mr. Asquith emphasised that he wanted to know in what respect the functions of the Council had been permanently enlarged.

The Premier, who was greeted with cries of "Withdraw, Mr. Asquith, after paying a very high tribute to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Baig and General Sir William Robertson, and declaring aid that if he had made say insinuations against Mr. Asquith, that the confidence of the nation and the Empire in them was in no be not only regretted it but withdrew them. It was far from his for could not

London, February-12. wire shaken-Cheers)-aked the Government to define the recent intention to do so, but he wanted the House to realise enlargement of the functions of the Inter-Allied War Council, and that the information Mr. Asquith naked

Renter'e correspondent at Stookholu sage that M. Branting, also whether any change had been made or was contemplated in ita be given without giving information as regards the executive statue or personnel or in the functions of Sir Douglas Haig or Sir powers conferred upon the Versailles War Council. These powers William Robertson. He concluded by emphasising the necessity for could not be stated without saying what the Council had to do.-addrearing a great mesting of workmen, advocated Swedish media- complete confider os in the system by which we were carrying on the Loud cheers). The Council, decided on a certain sotion the carry-tion between the parties ade engaged in civil war in Finlend. TheKowloon starting at 2 p... the war and in perfect harmony between the Government and its ing out of which was entrusted to nominees of the Governments meeting passed a resolation in favour of Swedish mediation, calling

mitting at Versailles, and he could not state the executive functions on Finnish Socialists not to oppose it,

asivante.

***

Mr. Asquith (interrupting):-I have not asked for that (Cheers), The Premier:Believe me, this involves a military decision of first magnitude by all the greatent leaders of the Allies

"Mr. George Lambert (M. P, for the Cricklade Division of

རྭ་

The Premier emphasised that such military decisions should be discussed in the newspapers.

A Voice Why don't you stop Northoliffs from doing so? The Premier :-I would stop them sli.

Mr. Lloyd George said the Government stood by the considered of the Council unless Le stated exactly what that decision was. declaration which he made on behalf of his colleagues at the meeting All the Allied representatives at Versailles ware against pablishing with the Trade Union representatives early in the year. He was any information and be suggested that if the House were goi profoundly disappointed at Count Hertling's and Count Czernin's satisfied it could change the Government, but to try to disonsa replies to his and President Wilson's déclarations. It was true that military decisions- there was a difference in tope between Ocast Hertling and Count Czernia; be wished he could believe there was a difference in substance. When Count Casrain came to the real substance of the Allies' demands, be was adamant. Count Csernin put Mesopotamia and Palestine in exactly the same situation se Belgiom, and seWilts):-Did Field Merebel Sir Douglas Haig and General Sir regards Italy be simply stated that certain offers were made to Italy William Robertson approve ?

The Premier:They were present, and all the representatives before the war bat were now withdrawn. Bo far as the 'S'avonio population of Austria was, concerned, Count Czernia made a bald that were present approved. etatement that it was none of the Allien' business to enquire. Indeed, Count Caernin resolutely refused to discuss any terms which not might be regarded as possible, peace terms. As regards Count Hertling, the Premier said it was difficult to believe that eome of his demands were serious, especially regarding Britsin earrendering her coaling stations. It was no use crying for came from Downing Street, peace when there was no peace, and the Premier confessed that an examination of Count Csarnia's and Count Hertling's I have been fighting hard against theas statements in the newspapers. Mr. Lloyd George concluded by saying that if the House and were not satisfied with the conduct of the speeches were profoundly disappointing to those really desir

-Government could and if they thought B ing peace. Germany's action towarde Lassis proved that her declars the country tion of no annexstions and no'indemnities was meaningless. No War estisfactory answer had been given as regards Belgium and Poland, conduct it better, it was their business to change the Govern nor as to France's legitimate claims for the restoration of her lost ment, but so long as the House of Commons retained confidence Provinces. Not a word wse ssid about the men of Italian race and in the "Government, they ought to silow it a full and free tongue under the Austrian yoke. He most profoundly regretted that band in the Eatente, thereby preserving vital unity between the be found nothing in those speeches which could possibly be regarded nation of the Allies. He therefore appealed to the House to gap as proof that the Central Empires were prepared for a pesos on port the Government, espically in its determination; that when terms which could be regarded as just and reasonable. The Govern decisions of this kind were reached they would be carried out and ment had not receded in the least from ite statement of war aime, not revealed to the enemy (Loud cheers). which they still regarded an embodying the aims and ideals for which we were fighting, and there was every indication that the whole nation accepted that statement es fair, jast and moderate. Sir Until there was some better proof than had been provided by

A Member interrupted, saying that "newspaper information The Premier: That is an absolute, unmitigated falsehood.

490

A Report Disposed Of

During the course of the debase, Mr, Pringle asked if Genera William Robertson had been dismissed or had rengued.

Mr. Bonne Law replied "No” to both gues

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

COMMENTS ON THE RUSSIAN PEACE.

London, February 12. The following comments are made on the Russian peacciam

The "Daily Telegraph"; Germany's position is strange. She remains in occupation of Russian territory without in- ternational, sanction and is unable to effectively reply to the question posed by the Russians, "What are you going to do!" while Sir Douglas Haig has confirmed the opinion that the freeing of the enemy's hands in the East does not threaten the Western Allies with defeat by mere weight of numbers.

The Times" says: The importance of the failure of Bolshevik diplomacy is political not military. They have given a wholesome lesson to idealists hankering after peace by negotiation.

The "Daily Mail" says: The Germans apparently im- agine that the other "Allies may be driven to accept such a deplorable condition. There could not be a more fantastic. delusion, plagler la apa

The Daily Express" ays: The Bolsheviks have opened a wide door into a broken Empire rioting in anarchy. Ger many can only enter in fear and trembling President Wilson has brought the world back to realities by making it clear that the Allies, mast fight to the bitter end.

The Daily Chronicle" says: If the war does not end in Hohenzollern acquisition of a great tyrant Empire in the Bust it will not be the Petrograd revolutionaries but the organised democracies of Great Britain, France, Italy and the United States that will avert such a disaster.

(Continued on page 8.)

home team will be :-J. P. Robinson, J. 8 alker, P.H. Cobb, B. Pertorji, B Macaskill, L. E S. Hodge, F. E. Jossland, B. Oracy, W. T. Elson, 0. J. Stapleton and W. Kay.

DON'T FORGET,

TO-DAY Victoris Theatre; 9.15 p.m. Bijou Theatre-.15 p.z. New Hongkong Cinematog 9.15 p.EL

VATO-MORROW.

Victoria Regstta, jo Victoria Theatre-9.15 pm. Bijou Theatre- £0. New Hongkong. Õipemain, graph -9.15 pm

Monday, February 18, St. George's Society-Seolal general meeting at City Hall; 530p.m.

Constitutional Reform "A 3800- tion.Annual general, meeting

at City Hall; 5.45 p.m.

Thursday, February 21. Hongkong & Kowloon Wherl

& Godowa Co.-Shareholders meeting noon.

7 Biterday, February 23..

Hongkong & Shanghai Binking Corporation. ---Apnast meeting "' noo