1918-09-18 — Page 1

Closing TIT, London 31/81.

On Demand 3/8 3/163.

The Hongkong Telegraph

(ESTABLISHED Copyright 1915,

WEATHER FORECAST

CLOU

26.73

September 18, 1918,

8050

日四十月八

SINGLE COPY 10 GEF T8.

Temperature

Humidity

WEDNESDAY,

SEPTEMBER 18, 1918.-

September 18, 1917, -

三拜後骏入十月九英港香

Humidity

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

OFFENSIVE ÖN SALONICA FRONT.<

"A Brilliant Franco-Serbian Success,

London, September 16.

a

A French Eastern communiqus dated yesterday mya?—åfter violent artillery preparation, the Franco-Serbians attacked enemy works in the mountainons one of Dobropolje and entered the first line of the Bulgarien positions which they brilliantly carried on front of eleven kilometres, despite the dificulties of the ground. Many prisoners and guns were taken and important booty captured. The operations are developing favourably. Anglo Serbian airmen effectively support the infantry and bombed communications.

Prelude to Greater Successes."

-London, Seplembar 18,

Mr. Balfour, speaking at a Greek dinner at the Carlton, referring to the Salonies offensive, stated that the first and second line of enemy trenches and also variage important bills had been carried and 860 prisoners captured. He added: This is only the prelude to greater successes, and, triumphs in which the Anglo Greek troops will take an egant and glorious part.”

Very Important Positions Captured..

London, September 18. Reuter learns that, after artillery fire, the Franco-Serbians on the 15th inst. attacked most powerful Bulgarian positions which bad bean organised and fortified for over two years, and the whole positions on a front of fifteen kilometres, including Veternik, Dobropolje and Sokol, constitating the most important part of the Macedonian Front, have been carried. Several hundreds were taken prisoner and a great number of gaze and material captured.

Big Developments Predicted.

→

London, September 16, Interviewed by Beater's agency, M. Michals Copoulos, Greek Minister of Agriculture, said Greece bad 200,000, soldiers ander arms and could raise an additional 100,000 but was handicapped owing to lack of shipping. They were immediately commencing to build shipyards. He concluded by saying be was convicoed that the Salonica Front is far more important than generally realised, adding:-"Soon there will be big developments there."

GOOD NEWS FROM THE WESTERN FRONT: Latest Advances of American and French Troops,"

- Paris, September 18.

A Havas mensage ways:There is more American progress, namely a twc-mile advance on Moselle. The Naney Verdan line is pleared of the Fun sad the Fretch have resumed control of the two railway liner, extremely useful for the commencement of an Allied cffensive, being one of the principal sections of strategio railwaya in

THE AUSTRIAN PEACE, MOVE.

Mr. Balfour's Spirited Reply,

„THE AUSTRIAN PEACE MOVE,

American Comment,

New York, September 17, Prsationlly the ・ whole Proms of the United Bislet - On- compromisingly met the Austrian peace proposal, regarding it an part of a campaign of Teutonic trickery, Congressmen, alike Democrats and Republicans, are opposed thereto.

The Tamas recommends the acceptance of the invitation but no abatement of war prepirations

to

The Chicago Herald says:-Talk of peass is fatile until the ends in a decisive victory,

#3 PER ANNUM.

ROMAN CATHOLICS MURDERED.

Outrage la Hupeh..

The Lohang correspondent of the

Bishop and priests were killed

SOING YOUR ARO.

While the Anatio Patroleum.

Most of the newspapers emphasise that Germany most submit the specific terms outlined by Allied statesman before pesce ship. An Lae was passing Patung discussions can be undertaken.

THE FUTURE OF ESTHONIÄ)

London, September 18. *In his speech at the Savoy Hotel, Mr. Balfour mid the Austrians proposed irresponsible conversations, bat he did not think there a the slightest prospect that each conversations could be profitably

North China Daily Nets reporta initiated in the present conditions. With every desire to look

| that early in the month of August favourably upon the Austrian proposal, he was at the anable to ear The World maysWhen Germany wants pesos she will have an outbreak against the Roman that any profitable result could soarna from accept it. He pointed to ask for it in her own name.

Catholics took place in the din out that the Germans hitherto had not made anything which could The Herald says:-Our answer in: Not until the Centralites trist of Hofeng, in the south east be construed into a definite pesce proposal. The German pesos offer lay down their arms, withdraw from occupied territories and of this province. One hondrod of 1916, to which the Austrian proposal referred, was a brief

renounce the shameful Breat Treaty."

people are said to have been kille docoment largely occupied in saying how brave, powerful and

ed by the militia (ing Tass). invincible the German armies were. It did not contain a single

This is the district where the B O. concrete proposal regarding the terms Germany would sooept of the pesce she desired. Mr. Balfour read an extract from the 1916 war proposal which said that respect for the rights of other nations not incompatible with Germany's own rights. Mr. Balfour added that we now know that that suggestion contained what everyone

she had 24 shota Ered at her by knows to be untrue and whish history will stigmatise de untrue:

Northern soldiers in the city. She how then could "Austria say that peace negotiations were started in

has been fired on each trip she has 1918 and the present propossis were a continuation of that unfruitfal

| mede bat previously only by the effort? Mr. Balicur declared that this cynical Austrian proposal was

Southern soldiers. They have not

· Britala Opposed to German Claim.. not a genuine attempt to obtain peace, but an attempt to divide the

yet fired on the American shina. No coalition had ever been so strong as the Alliance, and Allies.

London, September 16. The campaign against the West the enemy would not succeed in breaking up the Alliance. No

Replying to protest by the diplomatic representative of the seems to be held up. No more neefal purpose could be served by conversations when there and Esthonian Frovisional Government in England, against German troops are arriving here, but the misunderstanding. There was not the slightest misunderstanding oppression in Eathonis, Mr. Balfour has given an seurance that large number already in lobang between the Allies and the Central Powers, therefore the proposed Britain repudiates emphatically the claim of Germany to exercise are being diligently drilled. Gen. Mr. Balfear, referring to Germany's demand for the return of any kind of sovereignty in, or right to dispose of, Eathonis. Noleral Wa Kaso-hnia left, hurriedly her Colonies, said:-Here again is a point whereon there pan be no peace not embodying that principle will be satisfactory to Britain. misunderstanding (Hear, bear). Germany standa on one side, we stand on the other(Applatee). I say it is impossible to conosive that any conversation can bridge over a differenos so deep or reators to the power of Germany those unhappy populations whom she has misused, or give back to Germany control over those naval based which can give her control of the means of communication not only A Pretoria message says that General Boths, in the course of,against Szechuan. Most people between parts of the British Empire bat between the civilised messge expressing the Government's abhorrence at the torpedoing / believe, however, that there will natione of the world (Applause). Nobody in Britain could accept of the Galway Castle, declares: The enemy a inhemen conduct be co move until after the Presi this German demand as it stood, unqualified. Until the German will strengthen the South African resolution to give every sesistanos destial election. Recently General authorities were prepared to show an open mind in conformity with to bring the war to a successful end.” what the Allies believe to be the cause of justice, civilisation and right, mera conversations will be fruitless, I cannot, bring myself ta. believe that this is an honest desire among our enemies to arrive at an understanding upon terms which it would be possible for na to accept. Therefore we have little to hope from this now effort (Hear, haar). I am sure it osanot produce pesce plaase)

conversations would be of no practical use:

"GALWAY Castle" OUTRAGE

Strengtheas South Africa's Determination.

London, September 17,

DEVELOPMENT OF SIBERIA.

A Russo-Japanese, Corporation.`

London; S-pembe- 17:

[for Peking two weeks ago. Bamé allege that he has gone to seek a new job for himself in these days at change at the Capital; others says he has gone to consult with regard to the proposed expedition

|

Wang Yonahan, of the 18th Division, arrived here.

There have been various reports of fighting towards the. Shihnan region. The Southerners occupy |Shibasnfa,⠀⠀ They are under General Po Wen wei who made himself ganan end in lit 1953

Illustrating the difficulty of desling with suy proposal for a peace

A Tokyo meage says the organisaionals Rusht-Japaness talk at present, Mt. Balfour drew attention to the epeech of the Economic Corporation for commsical and, industrial developmente President Poincare and M, Clemenceän paid a visit to St. Mihie/German Vice Chancellor last week, which was perfectly explicit on in Siberis is practically completed. It will have a capital of from crnars, however, hold Tebaban.

France.

and met with an enthusiastic reception.

Excellent News from Woëvre Front.

Parie, September 17, The papers say that the news from the WosTre front is. excellent. The Americans have gone beyond Villers-sous Bemy and retched Vandiezs, two and a half kilometres from the frontier station. East and north-east of Janlay the Americans, following the valley of Rapt de Mad, have carried a series of strongly fortified positions in the direction of Gorze and Obambisy. Towards Fresnes, the French have advanced, three kilometres on a front of eighteen and reached a line east of Watronville and west of Hautecourt, Dieppe and Morgeville.

THE RAID ON PARIS.

A German Aeroplane Brought Down.

London, September 16.

A Paria official message says:- German raiding aeroplane was brought down in a suburb of taris, three German airmen being

killed.

Another Raider Felled,

-Londen, September 17.

A Paris official message 8878 a pecond. German raider was felled by anti-aircraft gans and dropped in the Forest of Compiegne,

AN ITALIAN SUCCESS,

Over Three Hundred Prisoners" Taken.

London, September 16.

An Italian wireless official message says:We successfully raided the lines north-west-and north of Grappa, improving our positions at some points and capturing 321 prisonera and numerous machine-guns

THREE HEROÍC SOLDIERS,

Deeds Which Won the Victoria Cross.

London, September 16. The Gaselis announces the award of Victoria Crosses to the

·following :-:.

several vital questions. Did the Viennese authorities, or did they ten to twenty million roubles not, know of this speech? The Vice Chancellor, who did not speak. for the extremiata but for the Liberal wing of the. German Govern. ment, did not say that Germany would do anything to restore Belgian prosperity or give indemnities to that country-which she had wasted, brutalised and ravaged.

The occasion of Mt. Balfour's speech this afternoon was a Colonial Institute lancheon to South African, Australian and New Zealand pressmen.

Polats of the Speech.

London, September. 18.

In the course of his speech, Mr. Balfour said: The public of the Eatents countries earnestly and passionately desire pesce, bat antil Germany is willing to look at the problems which confront us in a different spirit from her present epirit, conversation will be useless, and we are therefore forced to the conclusion that when they put forward each proposals as these it is not because they think the proposals will be accepted bat brosase they wish to do something to divide the Allies. I fear there is not an honest desire among the enemies to arrive at sa honest anderstanding with us upon terms which it would be possible for us to accept. I am driven perforce, with great reluctance, to the conclusion that this is an attempt to weaken the force which is proving too strong for them in the field by working upon those sentiments, sometimes honourable, sometimes mistaken-bonourable in origin, mistaken in their development-which they believe to exist in all countries and which they think can be turned to their purpose to work out their ends-Heer, heer). I am sure, or almost eare, that this new effort cannot produce peace and I am sure it will not divide the Allies.

Other Opinions,

London, September 16.

Well informed authorities in London are of opinion that the Allies will carefully consider the Austrian Nets, and consequently sa answer cannot be given for eome days. It is thought, however, that little good can be done by attending a conference unless certain specific points, such as the Central Powers recognising the necessity of indemnifying Belgium and Serbia, have been agreed upon beforehand...

The Manchester Guardian myn it would ha monstrous to float the Austrian proposal and suggests that the Allies should request en expression of enemy views regarding the possibilities of acettlementon linge such na President Wilson and Mr. Los & George have laid down.

A Paris message saya the Socialist papers do not comment on the Austrian Note, except the Francs Libri, which definitely Lieutenant Albert Borella (of the Australiane), who captured a opposes the idea of scceptance, on machine gun and also with ten men osptured a very strong position,

Germany Willing to Confer. himself shooting many of the enemy. He anherquently inspired his

Amsterdam, September 16, platoon to repoles with very heavy lose two strong counter attacks, The North-German Gazetta rays the German Government is in the second of which his pistoon was outnumbered by ten to ons. ready, gladly add without delay, to participate in the discussions

Sergeant John Meikle, of the Seaforth, who single-handed put suggested by Austro-Hungary. out of action the crews of two machine guns and was killed while attacking another machine gun which his bravery enabled two other men to put out of sotion, N

The Ailled Requirements,

Paris, September 16.

A Havas menge anya: The enemy's petos cffensive has taken Corporal Joseph Kasble, of the Quebec Regiment, who, when official shape by Austria inviting the Allies to open a confidential the whole of his cation exept one were casualties, jumped over non-binding discussion. The Allied peoples, having been warned, the parapet and held up the enemy with a Lewis gun. Finally, fir are on their guard against trickery by the Central Powers. à posse To all the time, he fell backwards into the trench mortally wounded, ory was the inevitable zasult of the failure of the German offenity

duse at the retreating Germans while lying, The Allied attitude is clear. They rgzire réparation, trench, and, belors losing conscionanoon, shouted guarK and the punishment of the criminals for

boys, don't let them through. Wo

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

THE WESTERN FRONT.

French Capture Vailly.

London, Sept 18.

A French communique says: We have captured Vailly. Betweed the Oise and Aisne we continued our progress during the night. East of Yaixaillon we carried Mont-des- Siniges and prisonered nearly three hundred, Farther south we captured Vailly. We raided the region of Leiutrey in Lorraine and took prisonera

The British Advance.

London, Sept. 16. Reuter's correspondent at British Headquarters, wiring on the 16th, so73: Our advance in Ypres Canal sector has reached a depth of a thoussad yards and forty-seven were prisonered. There has been much minor activity in Cambrai region where, according to a captured order, the enemy. attaches much importance to the retention of territory. An indication of the state of German moral is shown by a cap- tured order referring to "ruinours spread behind the front by people who have lost their. nerve." Another threatens with courtmartial men returning from the front withouf

MR. BALFOUR and the auSTRIAN NOTE. London, Sept. 18.

·Speaking at the Savoy Hotel this afternoon 24. Balfour, referring to the Austrian peace proposal, said he had only seen it in the newspapers and had not consulted his col- leagues or the Government shout it. He would not treat disrespectfully any proposal that would end or shorten this calamitous war, but he could not see that the Austrisa-pro- posal offered a basis for anything more than a trace.

THE AIR RAID ON PARIS,

Paris, Sept. 16, This morning's air raid, the first since 15th August, was one of the most remarkable hitherto owing to the intens ity of the anti-aircraft fire and the determination of the raid- ers, the latter indicating the enemy's desire to intimidate the population perhaps as a part of the peace. offensive.

ALLIED NAVAL COUNCIL MEETS,

Paris, Sept. 18) The Inter-Allied Naval Council has met, the French Minister of Marine presiding There were also present Admiral Wemyss (British) and Admiral Bims (United States) besides Italian and Japanese representatives.

OBITUARY

James East, the famous racehorse trainer?

revolution in Kisage. The North kaan, sad the country between these two places is largely in the bande of robbers.

The rice and cotton, crops in this distriot have suffered very considerably by the great rainfall of the last month.

CANTON CUSTOMS.

Amicable Arrangement Probable.

A Peking message dated Sept. 9, states:The influence of the Military Governor, who from the first did not samociate himpslf- with the threat to use force in taking over the Canton Customs. is apparently prevailing and it is likely that the matter will be settled without the creation of a bitustion necessitating strong Allied action, which would be deplorable from every point of } view. M

The Canton Government several weeks ago took over the Canton Salt Administration, and Swit/W followed anit,The Canton Gor. erament at first voiced the inten- tion of taking two-thirds of the revenne, but, mesting with no op“ position beyond diplomatic prow tests, soon annexed the remainder.

The Southerners · probably thought that the Customs fands might be handed over to the North arn Government but this is notvo, sa, since 1947; the whole Custom revenuss have been hypothecated in the service of foreign lamps and. obligatione. Ushton, Yannsa and Frechoan, therefore, wool be in the happy, but untenable position of absorbing a consider.. able portion of one of the cons- try's greatest revenues without contributing to the repayment of losne contracted whilst China wa as near to being united as al e has been ainoo the inauguration of the Republic,

DON'T FORGET.