1918-03-22 — Page 1

"EXCHANGE" Ciɔsing · Quotations:

TT. London 3afligd.

On Demand 3a./172

The Hongkong Telegraph

(ESTABLISHED. 1881).

WEATHER FORECAST OVERCAST

ometer: 22.91.

日十月二

SINGLE COPEJO CENT

136 PERINUM.

Copyright 1918,

Temperature

March 29, 1918,

Humidity

64 pm, 62 95

March 22, 1917,

Temperature

Humidity

7898

FRIDAY, MARCH 22,

1918.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

伍拜禮 號二廿月三英港香 4

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

THE SUBMARINE PERIL.

REUTER'S «TELEGRAMS.

THE SUBMARINE PERIL.

Bremy's Claims Refuted.

London, March 20.

In the House of Commons, Sir Erie Geddes stated that during the twelve months ending January 31, six million tons of shipping were unk. The enemy claimed to have eunk nine and a half million tons during that period.

A

Sir Bric Geddes Figures.

London, March 20.

The French Figures.

London, March 20. The French shipping arrivals for the week were 45 and the sailinge 920. The sinkings were two over and two under 1,600 tons.

Italian Returas.

London, March 20..

The Italian shipping arrivals for the week ending March 16 mere 467 and the sailings $22. The sinkings we une étésmér over 1,500 tors, and two exiling ships, one being over and the other ander 100 tons.

THE DUTCH SHIPPING QUESTION.

Not a Breach of Neutrality.

Bir Eric Geddes, in the course of an important statement in the House of Commons, said that the world's ocean-going tonnage at the beginning of the war, exolading, enemy tonnage, smonated to thirty-three million tons. Until December 31 of last year this was reduced by a net figure of two and a half millions, equal to eight per cent. of the world's ocean-going tonnage. The percentage of

London, Maroh 2.1 the-net-loss-of-British-tonnsge alone was twenty, Allied and Beater's correspondent at the Hagas says that in the Second nantral percentages were more favourable, owing to the inclusion (Chamber, Jonkheer Loudon, the Foreign Minister, stated that the of interned enemy shipa by the United States. The reason for the pacing of shipe at the disposal of the Allies was not a breach of greater loss of British tonnage was mainly due to submarinism, neatrality. The fovernment at first intended to refuse the use of specially directed against Britain, with the object of starving . Holland's shipping, bat it reconsidered the matter in view of the The output of new British tonnage during 1915 and 1918 was very interests of her industries, shipping sed Colonias involved. He said low, and before intense submarinism began we were over 1,300,000 the intention of the associated Powers appeared to be to requisition tons to the bad.

the whole of Holland's shipping outside Datoh porta, namely a million tons.

A long debate followed, in which a number of members protested against the proposed agreement and oritidino3 the attitude of the Government.

Jonkheer Troelatra, the leader of the Scial Damoorsta, said he hesitated to declare that the Government was departing from neatrality, and be reserved his decision antil after the Government's reply. He urged Holland to endeavour to obtain wheat from Ukraine,

Jonkheer Loudon replies to-morrow.

AMERICA AND RUSSIA..

Still Regarded as Allies. “

London, March 21.

After emphasising that car navigation risks were greater than the Allies, Sir Eric Gedden referred to shipbuilding and said that when the Shipping Controller was appointed work had ceased on over filly large merchantmen in various stages of construction, owing to the lack of material and labour. At present forty-seven large shipyards, containing 209 berths, were wholly engaged in the constraction of ocean-going merobantmes. We had also enormously increased the output of repaired tonnage. Be proceeded to deal with exaggerated enemy claims sa regards ainkings. For example, for the year ending January 31 the enemy claimed to have sunk nine and a half million tons of Entente and neutral shipping. The true figure was six million tons. Dar average loss during the last quarter of last year was 261,000 tons a month, against which 140,000 was built monthly. For the same quarter, the Allies and neutrela together were replacing seventy dve par cest, of their lost tonnage. Sir Brio declared that it was well within the capacity of the Allied According to Beuter'e correspondent at Moscow, the American yarde, and even British yards, before very long, with a proper Ambassador, seked whether, in view of the ratification of the Pesce aapply of material and man-power, to replace entirely the world's Treaty, the American Conenlate would leave Rassis, replied ---“ I losses on the present figures-(Cheers). The stocks of materials in shall not leave Russia antil foroed. The American Gorgenment the yardu at present were more satisfactory than they had been for and people are too deeply interested in the proeperity of the years. The need at present was skilled labour, but they were Bassian people to abandon Russia to the Germans. They will do gradually getting skilled men from the "Army. Eighteen hundred sheir utmost to safeguard the real interests of the country. If the akilled and unskilled men had returned to the yards to March 18, brave, patriotic Russian people will for the time abandon politics) and 785 others were demobilising. Regarding the low output in disagreements and sot resolutely and vigorously, they will be able January and February, the conditions, were" abnormally bad, but to expel the enemy and guarantee a lasting psace for itself and the those difficulties were being gradually overcome. He believed that whole world by the end of 1918, My Government still counte the problem was on a fair way to solution. Sir Erie confirmed the America se an Ally of the Russian people, and we are ready to appointment of Lord Pirrie se Controller General of Merchant help any Government which will sincerely organise a serious Shipping under the First Lord. Lord Pirrie would not be a resistance against German invasion.'" member of the Board of the Admiralty, but would have direct acces

13

CROWN COLONIES' WAR EFFORTS."

London, March 19. The War Cabinet's report for 1917 says that the smaller colonies and protectorates have contributed their full spare to the military effort of the Empire. The labour corps from the eastern colonies has been sent to Mesopotamia, and Fast Africa, and, despite the unfavourable conditions, to the western theatre. A large number of individuala from over- sen possessions such as the Malay State and "Hongkong ba'vo also joined the Imperial forces

TROUBLE IN INDIA.

London, March 90. The Press Barcad states that the attitude of the Maris in Baluchistan is unzätiifactory. They have committed. nomerous outrages against telegraphs, trains and Govern- ment property, and have attacked out posts at Gümbar and Fort Munro. They were repulsed with heavy casualties but are still defiant. Punitive measures are now ordered.

A SEAPLANE FIGHT.

London, March 20.

The Admiralty announces: A British seaplane patrol in Heligoland Bight engaged two seaplanes ten miles north- eastward of Borkum on Tuesday. They drove down one in flames. All returned,"

ENEMY ATTACKS IN THE WEST,

London, March 30, A French communique states: There is fairly great onemy artillerying in Champagne, on the right of the Mouse and in Woerre. After lively bombardments the enemy at several points on the front engaged in infantry actions, which, however, were abortive. An enemy coup-de-main north-east of Bheims was arrested without difficulty. The enemy thrice attempted to reach our lines in the Sousin sector, but violent fire compelled him to withdraw with : marions lossen. A strong enemy attack south of Arricourt is Lorraine resulted in violent hand-to-hand fighting. We partly gained the advantage and repelled the enemy, taking some prisoners.

E.XING THE PRICE OF SILVER.

London, March 10.

Silver is firm, with limited supplies. The Times-Washington correspondent states' fast a Bill is being introduced in Congress authorising the Govern ment to melt down and sali 200,000,000 silver dollam out of the 400,000,000 now in the Treasury vaults. It is understood this will be virtually equivalent to the Government's fixing the prices of silver at about a dollar an ounce. Silver pro- ducers and dealers have agreed informally to sell the country's entire output for the next year or two at a fixed price,probably ninety-eight cents or a dollar an ounce, to replace the silver dollars melted down for export to India China and Japan.

CONTROL OF PRICES Doom of the Profiteer at Bombay. Bombay, 18th February.

The Bombay Govarnment bare iamed a Press Note, indicating the arrangements made for the regulation of prices. The Cons troller of Priose will be seriesad by committees and sævistant Gol- lestore. The duties of one asaistant. collector will be to ascertain the stocks prevailing at Farel and the probable arrival and departure of goods. One will maintain statistics and another will look after foodstuff eupplies. Ward committees have been constituted, who will be in immediate tanah with the people and receive their complaints. They will establish grain shopɑ and sell household necessaries and common varisties of clotbe. They will also report to the Coatroller any infring. ments of the notifications fixing the standard rate of rant |for tenements with a rental- of less than Rs 10. As re- garda rentals exceeding that figure ward commiller will, peading legislation, all the sub- j 106, receive and report instansON: of excessive inèreasse of renta. Kill-owners have undertaken to open shope for the sale of food grain to their employees. "Ales they will sell cloth at wholesale price. They have also promised to consider the possibility of re deeming employees' debtaon area- sonable gusrantee of repayment: The Development Committee will be concerned with making recom mendations for the housing of employees of Government and public bodies, and with pro- poals for the erection of semi-per manent buts for the accommoda. tion of the poorer classes. They will also make proposals for bringing to the attention of the Corporation the necessity : for pushing on the construction of roads in areas ** which it is thought desirable to open to the Premier and the War Cabinet on questions affecting shipping.

ap. The osmmittee will also con- Mr. Lloyd George said that there were 138 extensions of ship-

eider the possibility" of recom→ yarda projected, of which 110 were in hand. He emphasised that

message "wae received from In-meading to Government the grant Land Pirrie would be absolutely independent, subject only to the

of loans for building purposes to spector Davitt, of Kowlo:n City First Lord. The latter would be in the position to control both A French communique anye:-There is artillery eativity be Allegations Against a Govero- that defendant was in a Chinese building sad co-operative socie naval and mercantile Controllers, with the War Cabinet as a final tween Mistte and the Aisce and sleo, in Champagne. Artillery

hooee there. Witness told the ties. A prize of Rs. 500 will be appes!. Complete cooperation between Lord Pirrie and Sir Joseph firing is somewhat violent on the right of the Kease and at Parroy Msoley wea esential in order to achieve the desired aims. There Wood. In the Woevre region of Bois Brede, the enemy heavily against Albert J. Edwarda se to Hongkong and he also asked sign of a semi-permanent building The charge of emb zz'ement Inspector to have the min brought offered for the most suitable de was no shortage of steel supplies, and there was more than was attacked but after a stiff fight we ejected parties which had gained constant and storekeeper of the Inspector Grant to send for Dr. suitable for habitation. Steps are required both for naval and mercantile vessela.

footing in some of cur advanced elements. The onemy attack at Government Civil Hospital, wae McKenny, to as the defendant being taken to examine stocks and Proceeding, Mr. Lloyd George described the difficulties of with- Sonsin, mentioned this morning, was carried out by two battalions proceeded with before Mr. Jon arrival, for he did not know to sscertain the minimum require drawing skilled shipbuilders from the Army, for they were men of staastruppen, who suffered heavy casualties and were completely B. Wood, at the Police Court this whether be had suddenly gone illments of the city for each article whoëe skill was often essential to their batteries, He was not risk defeated: Our seroplanes dropped thirteen tons of bambs hehind morning. Defendant is charged or insane. Witness sew the defen. In order that, if possible, the ing the efficiency of the Army in the field at a very critical moment the enemy lines. A number of explosions and two fires were observed. with embezzling $500.

dant the next day when he wa difficulties of railway supply may by so doing. The Government believed that by special exertion

Raiders Repulsed.

Mr. Li Longicouto, the Assist in bed. sod be said" "I am be met. It is not proposed to fix the deficiency of 120,000 tons of British chipping could be made

London, March 20. : ant Crown Solicitor, appeared to sorry to have given you all this the price of articles molean is good, if they put their strength into the task. The Navy's work had been gratifying. There had been a gradasi diminution of to the south of Passchendaele sad north of Poelospelle, taking pri

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reporte-We repulsed raiders prosecute.

trouble," He admitted that he proves absolutely necessary to do When the case came on defen. had been in money dificulties for so, but if possible a system, will losses by submarines, and, if it continued sad if shipyards increased sonere. Hostile artillery is active at La Basses Canal, Bois Grenier dant asked if he could make some time and that he had used be introduced whereby dealers their output at the rate of 120,000 tone's month as regarde British and Passchendaele.

request, but his Worship advised some Government money. He who are willing to sell at State shipping, or 100,000 tons a month as regards the world's shipping,

bim to hear the evidence first. said he must have gone out of prices will be assisted in obtain that deficiency could be wiped out, Bush sa achievement would

A REICHSTAO debate,

Dr. Johnson, the Superintend his mind for a little time. Hang waggone. This system has do more to shorten the war than say individual effort of which

ent of the Government Civil knew he had been doing wrong, troduced as regards coal supplies. Britain was capable, beovuss it would not merely infliot defeat on

Explaining Away a Memorandum.

Hospital, said that defendant had but got more and more involved. the enemy but bring home the fact that be would never defeat us.

London, March 21, According to Renter's correspondent at Amsterdam, a message

held the appointment since May He had been to see his priest, and The question of the prices of cloth Prince Lichnowsky while Ambseeador to London revealed Britain's received from the Government a bie wrong-doing, but be pacific intentione) was discussed by the Main Committes of the cheque for 3600 to make adsfraid to do so. He next found arrest on March 8, and removed: vances to the Chinese staff of the bimself at Kowloon, and did not from the Hospital. He was the Reichetag on the 16th instant:

hospital for the New Year. This know how he had got there. Ba accountant of the Medical Depart The Vice Chancellor, Herr von Payer, said Prince Lichnowsky: he endorsed and banded to dewas so tired that he went into a meat, and was an bordinate to the London, March 21. in the course of a statement to Count Hertling on the 15th instant, fondant. Later witness drew the Chiness house. Later the safe wae Superintendent of the Civil In the House of Commons, Sir Edward Carson, who followed stated that the Memorandum was intended only for family archives. Sir Eric Geddes, deprecated the constant changes in the methods of He showed it, on the assurance of absolute secrecy, to a few political asal obeque for wages and hand opened by Dr. HoKanny, when Hospital. Defendant had often shipbuilding, and said this multiplication of Controllers was dis friends. He deeply regretted the vexations indiscretion whereby, it ed it to defendant. It was defend it was found that $399 73 was to be told that he was Los quieting. He would like more information sa to the exact functions weg more widely circulated. Herr von Payer added that Princent's duty to cash the cur quer and there the sum had no connec getful and aaratistsotors. That of Lord Pirrie. The best plan would have been to make Lord Lichnowsky had resigned his Ambassadorial rank and as he was instructione as to how the $500 in a later interview the defendant When defendant left, his work pay the tell. There were no definite tion with the emb. zaled amount. was during the last month or so. Pitrie Controller responsible for both naval and mercantile abip-obviously only guilty of imprudence no farther stops would be taken building. Lord Pirrie was a masterful man sad would fight for against him. Herr von Pager proceeded to contradict some of advanced to the staff was to be rmitted having the money was not unusually behind. the mercantile marine; yet the longer the war lasted, the more Prince Lichnowsky's assertions, declaring that the key to Prince deducted from wages or recovered he said he hoped he would be when arrested the defendant way recovered, whether it was to be He was extremely penitent, and Inspector Grant stated that rapidly would the flat wear cat. Sir Edward hoped there would Lichnowsky's mistakes and false conclusions regarding the event later. It was defendant's duty to given an opportunity of retrieving very distressed. All he had had before the war was probably his over-estimats of his own services, recover it and pay the money his position,Witness replied that day was a cup of tea,~ The and his hatred of those who did not recognise his schievements sa back to the Treasury. On March that he was afraid there was no defendant had nothing to my he expected. Herr von Payer declared that the entire Memorandum was permeated by a striking veneration for foreign diplomate, 4, defendant was granted a day's alternative but for him to be Ng Lak, first clerk at the Hos- leave, and the next day bad a charged. He replied "As I have pital, said that early in February especially British, whom Prinos Lichnowsky described in day's medical leave. Oa March made my own bad I must lie on he received an advanos of #81 truly affectionste manner, and by an equally striking irritation 6, defondant was absent, and it. But I have spoiled 15 years of from the defendant At the end against almost all German statesmen. The result was that Prince Lichnowsky frequently regarded Germany's most realous enemies witness had enquiries made, good service. As regards ons of the month he received a hegne, Defendant did not retura, Pay Ladian money-leader I have paid for $186.60 and on the same day Landon, March 21. as ber best friends, because they were personally on good terms cheele were found in defendente bim 14 times over, but this refunded $80 in csak on sochust An Admiralty diagram shows the exaggerations in the German with him. The aim of the Merirandam was obriga-namely, to office purporting to be signed man hes nearly driven me out of the Government. He had no elsims of the sinking of mercantile tonnage. The exaggeration was show how much better and more enlightened Prince Lichnowsky by all the persons to whom of my senses by persccation." receipt. only 46 per cent, in February, 1917, but was 118 per cent, in Jan-policy was and how he could have assured the pesos of the Empire gdvances had been made, and Es reiterated that he was guilt asry, 1918. The average exaggeration for the year was 56 per cent. if his policy had been followed.

THE WESTERN FRONT.

Stiff Fightlog on French Front.

London, March 21,

EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGE.

-

ment Servant.

already been succesfully in-

Mr. Asquith ssid that in 1918 the mercantile construction from Berlin says that the Lichnowsky Memorandam (în which last. On February 7, witness and was advised to tell all about 13 recairing separate considera!

figares and the due requirements of the Navy were mentioned to Sir John Jellicce, who was removed at his own request from the Grand Fleet to the Admiralty specially to deal with the growing

sutmarine menace.

Some Complaints.

be no friction between Lord Pirris and the naval constructore,

Mr. Wilkie (Labourits) feared that Sir Eric Geddes' statement would cause greater friction in the yards.

Bir Owen Phillips suggested that it would facilitate shipbuilding if detaila of every ship launched were published.

Bir Eric Geddes, replying, promised fallest detaile regarding every yard and every shipot

The German Exaggerations.

7.

•

Latest British Returns,

London, March 20,-

THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN,

London, March 20,

also receipts for the full months of the defeit. salary Witnes reported the mentioned the $500, and defendant's absence” to the Kenny was, then pres Colonial Secretary, the O.LD, and saked how he arpe

The Admiralty senounces that the shipping arrivals for the paat wosk have been 2,093 and the mailings 2317. Eleven ships In the House of Commons, Mr. Macpherson stated that it was the Andit Department. A search tha Cover and six under 1,800 tona were sunk. Eleven wern unsucces--not intended to issua si present a spécial Imperial medal or ribbon was made, but defimé wat could fed that be/hi

fully attached and two fzbing vanilols were sunk.

for the operations at Gallipoli

not be found. Late that fight s

3786

tion.

A Ward boy

an advance of