1937-12-23 — Page 1

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The

FIRST EDITION

Court

Hongkong Telegraph.

FAR EAST MOTORS - 59101

No. 13393

YOUNDED 11 四拜雞 號三廿月二十英港香 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23,

1937. 日一廿月一十

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See Page 5 WHITEAWAY'S

BRITAIN WON'T SEND FLEET TO FAR EAST

NO NECESSITY FOR FURTHER REINFORCEMENT

Ministers Not Anxious Over Hongkong Future

London. Dec. 22.

The Cabinet sat for four and a half hours to-day and reviewed the whole Far Eastern situation. It is under- stood it took the view that there was no necessity for substantial naval reinforcement there, and it is believed any question involving the despatch of battleships and large cruisers would only arise as part of a concerted operation to meet some special emergéncy..

The Ministers did not appear perturbed at immediate prospects in Hongkong."

While it has been necessary to send a Note to Japan with regard to the incident in Hongkong territorial waters, which Japanese allegedly entered to seize a Chinese Customs cruiser, there appears to be no evidence at the present that Japan intends any deliberate infringe. ment of that territory.

Purther questions were put to Mr. Anthony Eden. Die Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons to-day re- garding the position of the Chinese Maritime Customs. The Farcign Secretary replied that as the Japanese authorities in Shanghai had not re- ceived instructions, he had instructed Sir Robert Craigie. the Britishi Ambassador

Tokyo.

Les com- municate with the Japanese Govern- ment. and it had promised to expedite the despatch. He was nol aware there had been any change in tenancy of posts held by Britons.

271

Replying to Lleul-Comdr. R.T.. Fletcher (Lab.), Mr. Eden said he -understood-that-it-was-not-the-case- that pending the result of negotia- lons, the Shanghai' Customs was de facto controlled by the Japanese.

All Possible Protection

DRIVE ON HANGCHOW STARTING

Japanese Break

Through At Mokanshan

¦

China Being Forced To Turn To Russians

JAPANESE

BURN TAICHI

Hangchow Attack

Harassed By Mobile Chinese

Invaders Admit Annoyance

Hangehow, Dec. 23,

Taichi, a small town on the Hangchow-Nanking highway north-east of Mokunshan, was burned to the ground following

the occupation of the area by Japanese troops yesterday, ac- cording to a telephone message relayed to Hangehow through; Wukang. Shortly after ther

Japanese entered the town they

set fire systematically

to the buildings, razing

every strue-

ture within the town limits.

The Japanese have mounted number of heavy field pieces at the Bus station at Talehi as a precau-

#

tionary measure against a counter-i offensive by Chinese forces.

Several hundred Japanese plain- | clothes-ment have appeared in number of villages just behind Mo- kanshan, the famous Cheklang moun- tain resort. Chinese troops are be- ing rushed to that area.

The saine report adds that furi- ous fighting is in progress at Miao-

hai, but details are not available at present-Central Newa.

HARASSING JAPANESE IN

CHEKIANG

Hangehow, Dec. 23.

NINGSIA

SCATTERED CAPITALS

SUIYUAN

KWAISUKALGAN

MANCHUKUO

PEI

"TAİY

"SZECHWAN

KWEICHOW

NOKING

INAN SHANTUNG

KA PENGI

ANHWE

ANKING

ANKING

CHEKIANG

NANCHANG

ANGSHA✪

KIANGS) HUHAIN

←#YUNNAN ||

FUKIEN

KOREA

CHINESE SCATTER CAPITALS—With Japanese pressing toward Nanking, the Chinese government has moved offices to various new seals of administration. Excentive, legislative and judicial move to Chungking; finance, foreign, public health and communications go to Hankow and Changsha becomes a centre for war industries. Other departments may go to Loyang and

Yunnan.

CHIANG KAI-SHEK

WOULD

PREFER AID

FROM BRITAIN, U.S.

MILLION LABOURERS NOW

RUSHING ROADS WHICH WILL LINK TWO NATIONS

Shanghai, Dec. 22. Observers are convinced that China is marching to the Left, although it is not indicated whether the Chinese Soviets will obtain control of the Chinese Government

now or soon.

Chiang Kai-shek still wishes for, Britain's and America's active support, but Russia is the only foreign nation which has so far given concrete aid, while the Chinese Reds have given their complete co-operation to Chiang Kai-shek, compared to some members of the Kuomintang, who are urging him to cease resistance to Japan.

The complete re-organisation

of the

Chinese

Admit Government's Central Military Council, including arming

Japanese Now Boarding U.S.S. Panay

Tokyo, Dec. 23.

The Japanese Foreign Oflice, in an interim statement re- garding the sinking of the U.S.S. Panny, admitted the boarding of the vessel, but said that so far there was no evidence of

Chinese mobile units operating Lover a scattered front in Cheking

are Brassing the Japanese forces-machine-gunning. The statement-said-that-the-Japanese-

Shanghai, Dec. 23. along the Nanking-Hangehow high Smashing through the Chinese way in the vicinity of Hsitaun and Chingshanahth. These forces have defence in the long-heralded seriously handicapped the Japanese drive against Hangehow, Japan-ush towards Hangehow during the Mr. Eden assured Mr. A. Graham; ese troops claim to have occupied last two weeks-Central News, (Cons.) who put a question to him Mokanahun, popular mountain PLANES ATTACK LANCHOW on the subject, that all possible pro- tection was being, and will be afford-resort 30 miles north-west of

ed Brillsh trade and interests in South Hangehow.

Lanchow, Konsu, Dec. 23. A Heet of 16 Japanese bombers

tanis

the Chinese Reds for guerrilla warfare, demoncratisation of the Government, and destruction of Japanese property have already been accomplished or are under way.

19 BURIED

AS CASTLE

The Communists are very anxious that Chiang Kai-shek should remain dominant, due to the fact that they recognise that he is the only leader able to

the cohesion in create "Chinese plate of sund". Moscow,

therefore, refuses to support the Chinese Soviets and other groups if

cipitate a civil war.

casualties in connection with the attempt to stop the Panny WALL FALLS Cung's removal or pre- borbing numbered two dead and three wounded, including a Commander.

It is pointed out that the Japanese, after boarding the Panny, slighted a third steamer

carry about 14 Chinese soldiers. Japanese troops on shore opened fire on this ship, named Lita, and launches pursued and captured it. The Ameri- can ships were never a target, hence the allegations that the Japanese were firing at the Panay were made by those who mis- understood the firing at the Chinese vessel.

The statement concluded by polnt-

China, but he had no information he Japanese occupation of the carried out two raids over Landhow, could properly give the House, resort followed several days of capital of Kunsu province, on De- Replying to Mr. A. C. Moreing sustained attack against Tsing-eeinber 21, killing seven non-comba- (Cons.) regarding the regulations shanshih, about 40 miles from city. During the second raid Ching out that there were no hostile

In the western section of the still remaining in forre concerning access to British-owned property, Hangchow. The withdrawal of nese planes took to the air and drove Intentions regarding American ships Mr. Eden said that while the position Chinese troops from that city the invaders away. No bombs were and it was impossible that the Japuts- shows some slight improvement it is enabled Japanese units to pro-dropped during the last

unsatisfactory. The British ceed westward along the short Central News.

still

authorities in Shanghai had spared

no efforts to secure relaxation of the road linking the Huchow and

conditions imposed, but hitherto these Hangehow highway,

had been unsuccessful. He had con-

sequently instructed Sir Hobert Craigle to make representations the Japanese Governinent matter-Reuter.

this 031

Foreshadowing Japanese attempis

to make a quick push against Hang- chow, Japanese forces operating along

STIFF FIGHTING NEAR HANGCHOW

attack.- ere should intentionally attnek or

trespass on any American ship.

Shanghai, Der. 23.

A Japanese Army spokesman ad- the highway are reported to be strik-mitted to-day that there were many ing against Wukiang, a strategle high- Chinese troops behind the Japanese way town north-west of Must Be Prepared At the same time other or tangchow, lines of action, between Shangant and Japanese unit Nanking. Many had surrendered. Washington, Dec. 22, are converging on, Hangchow. One but puny more continued to haras Regarding continued reports in the of these opened an attack against the Japanese. newspapers of a nuval display. Changan, a railway town 18 mirs.

city

The renewal of The Chinese "seem very hungry", Is reliably learned that the Navy at from Hangchow. present fi conning Rself to pulting concerted Japanese the feet into proper condition to meet sector has followee operations in this he added.

the completion of

There is heavy fighting in the whatever calls may be made upon it extensive repairs along the railway. In the future.

Japanese armoured ears are re-vicinity of Hangehow, which Naval authorities state that theported to have been used in a spear- the Japanese hoped to occupy before fleet ut present is about 85 per cent. heading thrust along the railway, the year's end. He said he hoped the Chinese would withdraw and permit emcient, but many hulls need scrap- Other Japanese units are also driving the city to become a safety zone, be- ing before the feet can make a towards Hangchow along the Shang- lengthy cruise. Also there is the hal-Hangchow railway and the Grand scarcity of fuel ships and supply Canal. ships which must be remedied before

STRONG DEFENCES nction such as is speculated upon by the newspapers could be undertaken. -----Heuter.

STEAMER DELAYED

Hangchow's beauty

cause the Japanese appreciated and historic value und did not wish its destruc-. Lion. Hangchow, it is recaited, is n These forces, it is believed, will great Buddhist centre, soon join in launching n general The spokesman sald offensive against Hangchow. Chinese Chinese, soldiers are still facing the defence positions around Hangchow Japanese across the creek

numerous

"As a matter of fact," continues the statement, "the Japanese soldiers at the front are well disposed towards foreigners in general, especially to- wards Americans, as may be seen from the way the American wounded were cared for in the pirerent ense.”

Litted Preate

GUARDS TO COME TO HONGKONG

Battalion Now At Bombay

London, Dec. 22. The troopship Dunera departed

In the to-day from Southampton to carry

are understood to be exceptionally southern part of Wuhu-United out the normal trooping programme. strong. Crack divisions commanded Press.

by General Chang Fah-kwel have:

made extensive

preparations to stem

the Japanese offensive.

Sho will call at Malta, India ports and Hongkong and will disembark the 1st Battalion, The Green Howards

According to Chinese reports some "ARMS KING" MAY at Malta, from where it will take

The momageries Maritimes Uner d'Artagnan which was scheduled to Hall for Shanghat and Kobo 'on December 20 has been delayed and 100,000 men are mobilised in the area will arrive here on Sunday, Decem- 10 take part in the defence of the ber 20. She will sail for Shanghai Cheklang-Anhwei sector. and Kobe the same day,

HOLIDAY AT SANDRINGIAM

VISIT HONGKONG

the 2nd Battalion of the Ride Brigade to India.

The 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards from Bombay will

to

Meanwhile, heavy fighting is re-

The Swedish "arms" king, Axel Hongkong in place of the 2nd Bat- ported near Changpoling on the Tientalu-Pukow railway. 60 miles

Wenner-Gren, owner of the luxurious tallon the Royal Welch Fusillers, who from Pukow. In a determined drive steam yacht Southern Cross, which are normal part of Hongkong's against Hauchow, Japanese troops are left Singapore on Sunday for Slam, stated to be throwing their main hopes to visit Hongkong, China and garrison, but who are at present on London, Doc. “24,"

weight along the Tientsin-Pukow Japan during the course of his world temporary duty in Shanghel. The King and Queen, Queen Mary, railway sector. Chinese troops de-cruise.

The Royal Welch Fusillors at and the Princesses Elizabeth and fending the railway area are reported The multi-millionaire manufac- Shanghai will go to Port Sudan from Margaret Rose, left Londen to-day to have completed the work of erect- turer of the Botors, anti-aircraft gun where the 1st Battalion the Black for the Christmas holidays ating a new defence Une near Pengpu. and the Bofors 4-in. field gun will Watch will embark for home on Sandringham-Reuter,

spend Christmas Day in Bangkok. March 7-Reuter.

--Itzuler.

Tension In Tsingtao Declining

Looting Now Under Control

Tsingtao, Dec. 23.

All shops and bunks have been ordered to open their doors to-day by the local Administration,

This order indientes that the situation, tense for several days, is Improving.

Looling is under control. About 'nine looters have been executed and some 200 more are in custody and awaiting trial.~~Reuter,

STOP PRESS

Booking In "Christmas Express'

Hankow, Dec. 23. Preparations for the departure of evacuate more than 300 foreign no- the Christmas Express which will tionals to Hongkong, have been com- pleted. Scores

booking their passages-Reuter."

(Further Stop Press News on

Pag 10.)

pre

Eight Families .Perish

Romu, Dec. 22. Nineteen were killed in the sudden, unheralded collapse of the ancient Castle of Cusercoli, 15 miles from Forli, which is in the same neigh- bourhood as Signor Mussolini's coun try house.

The castle walls fell in a roaring cataract of alone and mud upon four workmen's houses built about the castle's base, burying eight families.

Five bodies were extricated and parties of soldiers and merchantmen are frantically working to find the remaining 14 people.

The collapse is believed to be due to the persistent rain during the past! fortnight, causing a subsistence in the !

side on which the castle was built. --Reuter,

LANDON ATTACKS CRITICS

Defends American Foreign Policy

It is pointed out that Pal Chung- hsi, Li Chung-Jen and Feng Yuh- stang, with others, have long urged that war plons should be identical with the Red programme.

Support On Big Scale Wide-scale indirect support by the Soviet of China is increasingly (Continued on Page 4.)

Battle For Teruel

Insurgents Troops Hold Part Of City

Barcelona, Dec. 22. Heavy fighting is reported inside Teruel, which the Government last night claimed had fallen into fts hands.

This morning a communique says that Government troops have taken the southern part of the clty, while the Insurgents are still resisting In the old section of the town across the river.

Insurgent reports do not mention the fall of the city but claim that the Government attacks were repulsed and that the defenders captured five lanks-Reuter Bulletin.

CONTINUE DRIVE

*

Later.

Government troops are continuing their drive on Teruel which is ex- be completely occupied very soon. If Terue) falls # will be the nearest Loyalist town Mediterranean.

Washington, Dec. 22. Mr. Alfred Landon, former. Re-pected to publican Candidate for President, yesterday assured President Roose- velt of the support of his party in any stand the Government took in the Far East.

In his message to the President Mr. Landon sald that so many mem- bers of Congress of both parties seemed to have

to the

Observers stated that Teruel was intended to be the starting point of the Insurgent drive against the Government in order to separte Catalonia from the next Government

*

the basic territory-Reuter. forgollen principles of American politics, and by their actions helped to create the | members of Congress seem to have basic principle of Impression on foreign nations that forgotten the "you must not trust your Adminis partisanship and to have forgotten tration in foreign affairs.”

foreign affairs. "Every Republican "These members are pursuing the member of the House is behind the same dangerous course followed by President in his demands for those members of the British Parita Japanese apology and compensation ment who early in' 1914 - gave the guarantees," he added. impression that England either could Representative Rogers of Massa- not or would not fight under any chusetts said: "Certainly there is no circumstances," he went on.

Republican in the House who har A Republican member of the Con- said anything which torremediato, gress said he had not the faintest criticise Mr. Certen Huile patien iden what Mr. Landon was falling in counselled with the MAKIN STING about when her he