1920-01-26 — Page 9

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EXTRA.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1920.

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

BOLSHEVIK RUSSIA,

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Paris, Jan. 10.

The Aed leaders, including Mr. Lloyd George. M. Clemenceau, Signor Nitti, Marshal Foch, Marshal Sir Henry Wilson, Mr. Churchill and Adrairal Lord Beatty to-day neard delegates from Georgia and Azerbaidjan who urged the Allies to send them immediate shipments of grain in return for certain commodities also a supply without delay of war material to enable them to resist Bolshevist attacks. No decision was taken but it appears probable that the Allies will endeavour to assist these states to the best of their power in order to form a barrier in Transcaucasia against further Bolshevist aggression towards the Middle Erst.

The Vice President of the Russian Co-operative Union the agreement with who negotiated the Russian trade Supreme Ceil es plajas, that the agreement has no political character. The Daion was organised in 1870 and comprises fier hundred anions, fifty thousand local sebeties and twenty- five million members. It operates throughout the whole of Belshevik and'hon-Elishevic Russia. He declared that Russia possessed record stocks of wheat, cereals, earth and fax whereas Russia wanted agricultural implements, old, Ussues, at mobiles and medical supplies. shors, Joceanotives, Furthermore the Allies must provi 1 touange owing to the disappearance of Busch's tonnage. All exchange of enam- bandites, would be arranged through), the Coopeert ve Union which would bay direct from the peasants.

Lender, Jan.

In connection with the decision of the Supreme Council to open trade relations with Russia it is pointed out chat before the war a consideraide part of British importy came from Russia. Britain annually imported from Russia 150,000 toms of wheat. fifty-three per cent, of the regs and huge quantities of butter and other essential commy dities. The Food Centroller recently, sont Mr. Lloyd George a letter advocating the re-opening of trade relations with Russia as he believed the supplies obtainable would materially affect the

ost of living in England.

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WITH THE BOLSHEVIKS.

London, Jan. 22. The authoritative weekly summary of muttary, operations E3ys Sile the opening of the stensive on Jani & the Letts have retaken their own entry to depth forty piles and taken prisoners 15,000 Habanks wi o still occupy sixty mes of Lettland. In South: Russia a respite has been afford- ed Deakin owing to the swollen condition gi the Dou and the railways beng destroyed in the ruerit retreat. The opposing and re-group-g

Nevertheless re fortuing. Denkin's losses of material gravely affect dis future opera- tions. In biberia the Bolshevik advance has showed up. They

Dub headquarters at have taken

Sergiopol Democrats at Irkutsk are maintaining order withit Alted assistance but red flags Lave appeared on some buildings. The Democrats are endeavouring to form a new government with a programme of cessation of civil war and opposition Kolteirak has informed the Athed atomans (1) Japanese. High Commissioners he is remaining at Nijudinsk with Ministers. A Bolshevik mission has arrived at Kabul and ven ceremoniously received. Two Constantinople emissaries have also arrived.

The British Military Mission with Denikin reviewing recent eperations in South Russia points at the present respite will be used by Denikip for raising farther reinforce-

to which simuld shortly be available to replace casualties sulfered during the retreat. It adds that the immitent danger to their country has caused both Don and Kuban Cossacks to rally wholelieartedly to Denikin. The mission describes the situation "To all appearances Onewhat better" and emphasises the further curse of operations will probably be in favour of that sid... making the best use of the respite in re organising and re-forming. This is naturally easier for Denikin who is nearer his base and resources than for the Bolsheviks who have gone deep into" enemy country and depend for supplies and equipment on partially destroyed railways. It is added that much depends on the support ́afforded Denikin by the population in his rear. Latest re-

ports seem to show he still commands their full confidence. and loyalty.

The War Office announces that on the extreme right of the Caucasus Army the Bolshevik column which entered Kislyar was driven out by counter-attack on Jan. 21. On the centre and left frouts of the Caucasus Army the Russians. have been forced back from the line of the Sal astride the Tsaritsin Ekaterinodar railway. Farther west Bolshevika mate repeated attempls in cross the Don cast of Restor and succeeded in forming stall bridgeheads on the left bank at two plaeds. Westwards of Rostov attempts to cross were completely repulsed with heavy losses. Bolshevik cavalry lost twelve guns, a hundred machine guns, nu a large number of prisoners. On the Crimea front the Bolsheviks are ap. proaching the isthimises of Chongar and Perekop

PROUD TO BE BRITISH.

London, Jan. 24.

The Prince of Wales banquetted by the Goldsmith'a - Company in referring to the Dominions said his modest public services in recent years had brought him in touch with the splendid character of the public devotion of his fellow subjects throughout the Empire. "We all may be most proud to British subjects. I am intensely proud of it particularly now I have started travelling round the Empire and seeing something of the Dominions for myself. Anyono who has been to Canada cannot help being proud of being & Britisher. I think shall I find the same thing, ie Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. I am confident there could be no better example of the public spirit and patriotism that I have to follow the rest of my life than the example of my own fellow countrymen."

DEATH OF ADMIRAL McCLURE

London, Jan. 20.

The death is announced of Admiral John McClure, Chinese mandarin of the highest class. He was Inspector- General of the Chinese fleet in the Chino-Japanese War when

. Asgahip. the Tingyuen, was torpedoed

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

LONDON UNIONISTS.

London, Jan. 3.

At the fist banquet of the London Untunisi Association Mis ma ve ameling, relurring to ure ast few years, said that wiste-er was abead, for me British Empire in the future. thest-ran would assuredly say that when the hour of supreme trial came every section of every party in the diverse and widely scattermi components of the Empire was raised with a unity of spirit unequalled in the past and without hope or desire for either personal of national goin threw themselves with decisive effect into the great struggle of humanity against alien domination. Were they successfult Looking around Europe and seeing economic disaster brooding over great countries, seeing the whole of the vast Empire of Russia dissolved in septic convulsion, one was apt to feel that the efforts and sacrifices of mankind had received as yet but very imperfect reward.

They had created new countries in accordance with the principle of nationality-the principle which as far as human foresight could see ought to diminish chances of future disasters. It was truc peace had not yet brought what they most thought they bad a right to expect. He did not think that was the fault of the Peace Conference. He was con- Edent it was not the fault of those who represented them at Paris. If in addition to a readjustment of frontiers they enuid use such instruments as the League of Nations to in- troduen a more reasonable frame of mind into the democracies of the world they would Have done a great deal but they should not fall into the mistake of supposing that because they gave universal sufrage and created democracy ther therefore eliminated the petty ambitions and greed which ended in disaster.

He combatted the idea that because political crimes had so often been committed in the past there was no use trying to diminish their number. Much had been done within countries to render crimes of violence more and more im- possible "Why cannot this be done between different coun- ties. It may be a long business but the business would be less long and the result more satisfactory if without displaying undue idealism you still retain faith in the future and believe the battle of right worth fighting for with the certainty it is ultimately ending in something approaching victory."

Mr. Balfour believed the conscientious efforts of the Paris Conference would be seen in the lifetime of his hearers to bear the germs of a new future for Europe.

COALITION INDICTMENT.

London, Jan. 2

Mr. Asquith, speaking at Capsbridge, recalled that forty years ago ti.ere were any two parties. Now Labour was a most furnidable rival. He said Lord Haldane's magnißcem and unparalleled services to the country in its greatest crisis would be vindicated by time before long. He opined that the heaviest indictment of the Coalition Government was that "while the Peace Conference was re-distributing territories, re-painting Laps, and imposing here, there, and everywhere among late enemies intolerable ami impossible burdens, it made no serious or sustained attempt to secure even the foundation of possibilities of peace with Russia. The Coalition's Russian policy was ill inspired and mistaken from the first. Such a large community as Russia must decide for itself, whether rightly or wrongly, whether for ill or for goed, its own form of government.

Now at last the Government had apparently settled on a policy, namely, a refusal to enquire. Could there be a better illustration of the drawbacks of the Coalition Govern- meat than this zig-zig. this series of compromises, im- provisations. accommodations, insincerities, and iD- consistencies.

Dealing with Heme Bale, he said it was impossible to govern Ireland with coercion in one hand and conciliation in the other. The only way Ireland could be made loyal to the Empire was to apply the principles of the League of Nations, giving to the Irish people in the completest and most uncompromising form control over their own affairs.

Mr. Asquith said the Anti Dumping Bill not only violated all the landainental principles of Free Trade but the fundamental principles of Liberalism. But for the Liberal Government of which he had been the head we should have had no enfranchised democracy, we should have had a greatly restricted and monopolised trade, we should have had labour still at the mercy of capital. It was by following the principles of the Liberal Party and this alone that we cos'd secure for the country a destiny worthy its past. (Applause).

LEAGUE OF NATIONS RESIGNATION.

Washington, Jan. 20.

Mr. Raymond Fosdick, Under Secretary General of the League of Nations, has cabled his resignation to Sir Eric Drummond, Secretary General He says the lack of any decision by the United States Government with regard to the League has placed him in 2 peculiarly embarrassing

position.

NEW YORK SUBSCRIBES TO IRISH LOAN.

New York, Jan.-10. Presiding at a meeting at Lexington Opera House, De Valera, the Irish Sinn Fein lealer, read a letter from Mr. Smith, the Governor, wishing success to the Irish republic. It was announced that $2,500,000 had been subscribed in New York to the Irish loan.

TOO LATE FOR EXPORT.

New York, Jan. 12.

The Bevenue officials have seized liquors valued at over €8,000,000 which were lying on the piers and in barges and which were too late to be loaded on outgoing steamers before prohibition was enforced.

ANTI-SEDITION BILLS TO BE OPPOSED,

New York, Jan. 19. -

Mr. Samuel Gompers zanounces that the Federation of Labour will oppose the Anti-Bedition Bills now pending before the Congress,

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

FRANCE'S FUTURE.

M. Millerand, in a Ministerial declaration read this after- noon in the Chamber and Senate, emphasised that in order to obtain the legitimate benefits from victory it was necessary neither to make less effort nor display less self-denial than was required to obtain victory. The era of sacritices and restrictions had by no means come to an end. The duty of citizens could be summed up in four words-Produce more; consume less." The Government's principal concern would be to find sources et taxation without discouraging the spirit of enterprise. He contended it was morally just that war profis be particularly heavily hit. Finances did not permit the State the assumption of exclusive exploitation of national wealth. The Government propose a formula providing co- operation between private initative and the State.

The Government's labour policy was to guarantee to fabour a legitimate share of profits as well as organisation of conditions and would seek to prevent er settle disputes by means of arbitration. The Government would leave nothing undone to strengthen the League of Nations but it would be unpardonable frivolity to trust to promises of the future for safeguarding immediate security and securing reparation to which France was entitled. One of the first problems would be new organisation of military and mayal forces wherein economic exigencies required considerable reduction in the duration of service. The Treaty of Versailles which would be carried out with unshakeable Armners involved close and cordial maintenance of the alliances which saved the world.

France was determined to maintain the relations of con- fidence and friendship with smaller powers. She would not forget it was her duty to guarantee respect for the stipula, tions which should contribute to the maintenance ci peace.

THE FINANCIAL SITUATION,

London, Jan. 21.

Mr. Austin Chamberlain at Birmingham, referring to the world financial situation said the first thing for European. nations to do was to set their houses in order. We could. not continue borrowing from one another or from our own- people to meet current Government expenses. He regretted greatly that cables from America stated that the policy of the British Government was to borrow vast sums from America for the purpose of lending them to other European nations. That had never been su He believed the national debt had reached its maximum. Once we turned the corner which he thought would be during the next financial year it would be our business to consider the funding of the large existing Boating debt thus removing from commercial and Enancial centres the cloud of anxiety which the present size created.

There were some favourable signs,in the, situation. Trade was very prosperous and the adverse balance of trade was being rapidly reduced. It did not exceed £150,000,000 für the past year and he would be most disappointed if the new year closed without this deficit being converted into a balance in our favour of at least £150,000,000. He was not a pessimist and be opined that in a few years we would be able to look back on present trials and difficulties as historical cariosity.

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EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.

Lordon, Jan. 90.

A Times" leader points out that all foreign missionary societies have been seriously hampered by the high cost of living. They also have to contend with the abnormal rate of exchange. The additional cost to societies in India and China through loss in exchange alone is over £400,000. To this must be added the advances in every ilem of expenditure. The result is

societies instead · of.. a possibility that the embarking on a generous forward movement may have to curtail or abandon activities in regard to schools, hospitals, and dispensaries which will create a situation calling for most earnest consideration not only by the societies but by the public..

GOVERNMENT FREIGHT RATES.

London, Jan. 24. The Shipping Controller has framed new freight rates from 1st January for cargoers directed to load homeward Government cargoes owing to the increased cost of bunker coal, port delays and increased cost of loading and discharg ing. The rates to Britain from Cuba will be 85, from Australia 150/-, from the Plate 107/6. The present Govern- ment rate for sugar from Cuba is 57-, for grain from the Plate 62/6 and for grain from Australia 105/-

WITHDRAWAL OF U.S.A. RED CROSS IN SIBERIA

Washington, Jan. 13.

The cumunder of the United States Bed Cross in Siberia has been ordered to withdraw simultaneously with the withdrawal of the American Expeditionary Force. All women workers and men not needed to take care of stores at Vladivostock will move out with the troops, and medicines and other stores will be distributed to civilians and hospitals as rapidly as possible.

AMERICAN STEAMER WRECKED,

Copenhagen, Jan. 90.

The American steamer Macons has been wrecked in the Cattegat. It is presumed she struck a mine. There only one survivor out of the crew of 50 and 38 Chinese:

SILK LOCKOUT,

Paterson, N.J., Jan. 20.

The silk manufacturers here having failed to reach a waga agreement with loomfixers and twisters have decided to close the mills. The lock out effects 3,000 employees.

YESTERDAY'S

TELEGRAMS.

- Rouler's Service to the "Telegraph."]

JEWS IN THE WAR..

London, Jan. 23. Presiding at a banquet of the Jewish Historical Society Iord Reading declared that the Jewish Community was proud of the part it had played in the aggregate of the public services rendered by patriotic citizens not only of the United Kingdom but of the Domin- ions. The Jewish Community had done their share nobly, took no credit therefor and asked none. They were glad they had done it because they recognised this was a country deserving such service. The Jewish community was ready to devote its best efforts for the defence of a country which bad show such regard for civil and religious liberties. Jews had be- longed to the forces and paid toli Es others. The Jews were forted by the thought that their duty of citizenship and patriotism had been loyally and gladly paid. They rejoiced that the fight was won which meant so much for the very liberty and justice they prized so highly.

BRITISH COTTON.

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London, Jan. 23. Col. Amery in the course of a statement or the report of the Empire Cotton Growing Committee pointed out that Lord Milner is keeping closely informed as to the development of cotton growing and had recently appointed a Colonial Development Committee for the purpose of studying the problem. Many of the Cotton Growing Committee's recommenda- tions were already being carried out. The Committee appointed by Lord Milner to enquire as to the position of the agricultural depart- ments of various colonies had also made

considerable progress. Amongst the members of this com- mittee was Sir Henry Birchenough who was Chairman of the Catton Growing Committee. Reports hitherto showed that every Gor ernor concerned in the cotton area was eager to extend the crop. In Uganda particularly the pre- sent year's crop showed a very marked advance. Dealing with the report's emphasis of the necessity cf trained men Col. Amery said the Colonial Office Committee had examined the question most care- fully and came to the conclusion that no permanent relief could be found until after, the war for students to complete their courses.. Consideration was further being given to the establishment of a College of Tropical Agriculture in the West Indies the results of which would be most useful to the whole Empire. Develpoment gen- erally was limited by lack of transport facilities and this was one of the questions whereon the Colonial Development Committec was concentrating its attention. Important experiments were pro- ceeding thereanent in Uganda with the loco-tractor system.

It is noteworthy that the Cotton Growing Committee's report, while dealing mainly with established cotton areas, alludes to the pos- sibility of development in Queens- land and Oceania but says the evidence is insufficient to show whether the recent revival of the industry will outlast the present period of high prices. *.

AIR SERVICES MEMORIAL.

London, January 21. Prince Albert in appealing for subscriptions to the Royal Air Force Memorial Fund says it is estimated that £400,000 is requir ed. The objects are to erect a monument to all the Air services including the dominions, the estab lishment of places for residential education of children of airmen, provision of bursaries at approved schools and assistance to disabled and infirm officers and men and to, dependents,