1937-12-24 — Page 21

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Hongkong Telegraph

FOUNDED 1581

No. 15309

五拜禮 號四月二十英港街 FRIDAY, DECEMBER

24,

1937.

日二十月一十HINGLE COPY 10 CENTS

PER ANNUM

DUNLOP FORT

This new tyre meels the conditions pro-

duced by increased Ecar efficiency. **

90'

JAPANESE GAINS IN HANGCHOW DRIVE

FLANKING BLOW

SUCCESSFUL,

LICHI CAPTURED

Police Frustrate Tientsin Kidnapping

JAPANESE RAIDERS CLOSE TO

Chinese Defenders Now HONGKONG

Admit Difficulties

Shanghai, Dec. 24.

Adopting again their favourite and highly successful out-flanking strategy, Japanese forces attacking Hang- chow area are developing a menacing thrust towards the famous city from the direction of the Chekiang and Anhwei border. Moving swiftly from its base on Kwangteh and Szean, a Japanese column is reported to have reached a point only 20 miles north-west of its objective.

After capturing Lichi, a small town on the highway from Szean to Yuhang, 15 kilometres west of Hangchow, the Japanese are now building strong defence works around the town, preparatory to establishing it as a forward base for future operations.

The Japanese are believed to be planning to strike next at Huanghu,| 33 kilometres from Yuhang. From Huanghu the atackers will likely drive on Yuliang. The capture of this Jatler point would virtually seal the fate of Hangchow as the town controls one of the two highways on which Chinese soldiers can transport supplies and reinforcements.

Admit Seriousness Of

Threat

The Chinese forces believe this new Japanese move is by far the most serious threat to Hangchow, pointing] out that the outflanking movement: from the Cheklang-Anhwel border, with frontal attacks along the Shang- hai-Hungchow rallway and the Hangcbow-Wuchow and Shanghai- Hangchow highways would increase the difficulty of defending the city.

To counteract the Japanese flank- ing movement, Chinese mobile units

ITALIAN ATTACKS RESENTED

Stirring Trouble By Radio Talks To Palestine

Mussolini's

Poison-Pen

London, Dec. 20.

for

Fly Over Lantau On Morning Flight

Fifteen Japanese aeroplanes, apparently en route on bombing rendezvous 011 the Kowloon- ! miles westward of Tai-0, the Canton Railway, passed five principal township on Lantau Island, at approximately 8.15

Jam, to-day.

ported from the Police Station

The planes were observed and re-

al Tal-0.

Three-quarters of an hour after passing so close to British waters..

the roar of the machines was heard ļus they returned to their base.

Ilazy weather which descended over Lantau after

thu after the planes hind vented observation of their return. of sight on their rald pre- passed out of

However, the roar of the machines Indicated that they were either puss- ing over British waters or were much closer than on the outward flight.

Tulis on the north-western coast- of Lantau is the biggest island in the

the Colony group comprising Hongkong and portions of its coast- line constitute the western boundary lof British territory.

of

"CHRISTMAS EXPRESS" DEPARTS

Cancellations At Last Minute

Iankow, Dec. 24.

TANK UNITS Approach nankING

Photographed while a brief halt was called in the vicinity of Nanking during the recent attack on the former capital by the Japanese, this section of the me chanized army later played an important part in breaching the walls of the clly. The line of

tanks is shown on one of the roads leading through the hilly district surrounding Nanking-Photo by Domet.

Evacuation Of Local Refugees Empties

BRITISH, FRENCH

COLLABORATE IN

CHECKING CRIME

Ambassador's Niece Saved From Gang

Shanghai, Dec. 24.

How British and French police at Tientsin on December 11 frustrated an attempt by four foreigners to kidnap Mlle. Denise Theon, pretty 19-year-old daughter of Baroness Guillaume, and niece of the Belgian Ambassador to China, is related in a belated foreign report received to-day.

Baron Guillaume, the girl's step-father and brother of the Ambassador, is General Manager of the Credit Foncier in North China.

H.K. Handling

Old Laichikok Gaol Big Mail For

The Hongkong Government has already completed its plans

to deal with any possible influx of Chinese across the Shum Chun River in the event of hostilities in South China.

STOP PRESS

But the plans are being kent a closely guarded secret. The refugee position is becoming less ac te in Hongkong. With the departure for Shanghai to-morrow of 19 refugees by the Lloyd Triestino liner Conte Verde and 17 by the M.M. liner D'Artagnan, it will be possible to close the Laichikok Refuge.

Arrival of 240 Hankow refugees by the "Christmas Expresa" is not ex- pected to alter the situation to any Strong criticism of Italian Owing to last minute cancellationsmaterial extent. The American and consulates In Hongkong are reported to have been sent to anti-British propaganda was ex-on the "Christmas Express," the train German conduct extensive operations in the vicinity of Kwangteh and Szean. At pressed by Licut-Comdr, R.T.H. left Hankow yesterday with only 204 have promised to take care of their refugees of all nationalities for Hong- own nationals, and it is believed that the same tline the main bexly of Fletcher (Lab.) on a motion for kong. Instead of the 324 originally not more than 100 refugees, will re- quire assistance. There is sumelent Chinese troops is also rushing pre- the adjournment of the House of booked.

i1) the old Central parations along the Szean-Hangehow Commons

the Christmas Hundreds of husbands and friends space available

provide лесот- highway to stem the advance of the

gathered on the Butterfield and Swire British School to recess to-day.

hulle nt 6.30 um. yesterday to bid modation. Japanese forces along the road to

151 morning there were Many Yubang-Reuter,

He accused Signor Benito Mussolini good-bye to the passengers.

Lalchikok of being the poison, pen of Europe accompanied the refugees in launches refugees at Lalchikok and 35 in the "Notified Zone" Proposed and the whole world of international across the river to the railway sta-Central British School.

Wuchang. tion started i1 Hankow, Dec. 24.

Promptly at 0 o'clock the brightly cussing with the Japanese a proposal Portuguese colonies when for the establishment of a "notifed Portuguese relations had recently im-station carrying its none-too-happy

who waved last farewells., travellers. zone" in Hankow for the protection proved. Since

to Mr. Nevlile

138 WOMEN ABOARD of refugees in the event of the city personal message being bombed and bombarded by the Chamberlain last July, the Barl

broadenst had increased in violence, A London drizzle completed the Japanese.

Bari had persistently stirred quaint picture, lopes that another The proposed zane would include agitation in Palestine and fomented international refugee train will be the French Concession and special discontent here, said Commander arranged are rising, and it is learned Fletcher. Italian agents practically that negotiations are proceeding to areas along the Bund.

give away radios to Arab cafes which send another batch of Hankow re- pick up the broadeusty. Talks insidents southward about December 20 Arabic were now given daily. or 20.

had relations. Italy

The Consular Corps here is dis- completely mendacious story about

Anglo-be-flagged train drew out of the busy

understood The plan is

to be meeting with considerable opposition by the Japanese who maintain the zone would interfere with Japanese military operations.

Signor

Mussolini's

Yesterday's train took 107 Britons, Lord Cranborne, replying for the 96 Amerleans, 41 Germans, '25 Rus- Government, said Mr. Anthony Eden, İsians, ten French, nine Italians, three A section of the river is included in the Foreign Secretary, hnd sent for Swedes and three Norwegians. Of the proposed protected area because Count Grandi a few days ago and the total number, 138 were women, 85 of the numerous foreign warships and told him that unless the propaganda children and 71 men. merchantmen whtels are at present against Britain could be terminated. Providing everything goes as plan- held up at Hankow because of the it would be Impossible to create an ned, the train should reach Canton at atmosphere for the prosecution of dawn on Christmas Day, and pro- Chinese booms below that city,

conversation olmed at spects are bright that the train will The Consular Corps insists on the successful

go straight through vin the loopline term "notified zone" being applied, Improving mutual relations.

to llongkong-Reuter.

as they wish to emphasise that while! "We hope, and believe, the good

they are doing their best they are sense of the Ballans will see that our unable to guarantee the safely of representations, which were effective

lives and property within the area.-on previous occasions, will be effective Japanese

Router.

Chinese Progress In

North

again. Otherwise it is clear we must take further measures," said Lord Cranborne.

He assured the House that the

hesitate Government would not

To

Fishing Boat Seized

Los Angeles, Dec. 23. The seizure of a Japanese fishing boat in the harbour here by Federal ofciule la disclosed.

take whatever measures i thought Hauchow, Dec. 24. With crack reinforcements rushed necessary or appropriate for the pur- to the front, Chinese forces are pose, advancinst southward alang the The matter was then dropped und the House adjourned. — Reuter's Tientsin-Pukow Railway zone, ac-j

Special. carding to military advices.

ARADS MUST DIE

It is explained that the seizure One crack unit has already pro- ceeded Bouth

was part of the new programme for of Hitngkwang.

Jerusalem, Dec. 23, Chitahan and Changpoling and are

Four Arabs were sentenced to death Investigating ownership of all fishing pressing on the Japanese at Shanghol, at the Jafta Assizes for the murder of boats in southern water-Reuter.

Several columns are also moving another Arab during a highway on towards Chuhslen, strategle robbery near Ramich on July 20.

City Antwel

and Chuanchlao,

Eleven Arabs were estimated to be Another report states that feree killed when police and troops engaged Aghting has broken nut along the a big Arab party near Arrabeh, weat Grand Conal ni Kaoyu and Shaopo, of Tiberius. The engagement follow- ed a placer-lite movement carried norb of Yougchow..

CLIPPER HOPS FOR SOUTH

Honolulb, Dec. 23. The Samoon Cilpper hopped off on co-its Pacifle flight to Now Zealand at

6.23 a.m-Prosz

The situation around Huainan 11 out over several days by police and

Trans-Jordan frontlersmen, quiet.-Central News.

(Continued on Papo 10.)

(Continued on, Page 16.)

will be emplied wills the departure of 207 refugees by to-morrow's steamers,

Christmas dinner-Including the proverbial Christmas pudding--will be served to refugees at the C.B.S. to-morrow evening. It is hoped that the Hunkow refugees will arrive in

me to participate.

Many of the refugees arriving by train from Hankow will proceed directly to Shanghini

us Boon steamer accommodation is available.

Navy Hunts Helpless Steamship

Four Men Picked Up In Open Boat

Istanbul, Dec. 23. The British fleet-tender, Olympus, picked up four men in an open boat near Malta. The men were from a Norwegian steamer which lost her propellor 00 miles off Malta and hud drifted within 15 miles of the island: The mate and three seamen then took a boat In an attempt to reach shore but were unable to land,

The steamer in stil adrift, and British destroyers and naval planes are at present searching for her. Reuter.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

The Hongkong Telcyraphi wishes to take this opportunity to wish all Rs readers, new and old, a tuppy Christmas Season,

This newspaper will not bo published Christmas Day, nor on Sunday, but will resume normal production Monday.

Christmas

Huge Increase Over

Last Year

The foreigners arrested and de- tained by the police were:

J. P. M. Ferrer, well-known member of the French community in Tientsin: and three tusslans, named Marcos, G. N. Keroor, and Hautemoff.

One of these, when arrested, was found to be carrying in his pocket a typed note addressed to Mlle. Denise, stating that her sister was badly In- jured and was at the British Hospital, where she was asited to proceed im mediately,

ALERT SECRETARY

Hongkong's record Christmas mall is going through the hands of an It appears, this was intended to de- augmented staff at the General coy, the girl from the Country Club, Post Offee this week.

where she was playing badminton. Parcels and mall rooms have been) It was stated that a car was waiting hives of industry since Wednesday for her, but the Secretary of the club, night, when the first batch of Christ- who had previously learned that the maa mail arrived by the P. & O. liner telephone was cui," said that Mile. Corfu. Another parcels mail--one of Denise was not on the premises. the largest ever received

He noted that a number of Russians Hongkong ---will arrive by the Blue Funnel were in the car. The number of the liner Memnon this afternoon.

car was taken and this eventually led to the arrest of the men two days later,

As a result of a statement made by. detained for them, Ferrer was questioning.

The Corfu brought the record consignment of 152 bags of mail on Wednesday, as compared with 00 bags of Christmas mail received in Hong kong Inst Christmas.

Included in the Corfu mall were 943 parcels, while a further 993 par ecis are due by the Memnon to-day making a total of 1,083 parcels by the two ships. This represents an amaz- nig increase over last year's Christmas parcels.

3.

It is stated that the would-be kid- pers intended to keep their victim small detached building. Sup- ing this theory the police dis- red a bottle of chloroform and a typed letter demanding $30,000 in The windows of the building were

11 draped with dark material-

ransom.

Inward air mall has been equally phenomenal, and an equally large Reuter consignment is expected by the Delphinus on Montlay. So great was the air mail carried last week-end that freight had to be abandoned, the Delphinus making a special trip to Hanoi to pick freight taken there by the Dorado.

French Strike Spreading

Workers Occupy Aircraft Works

Paris, Dec. 23. Three nationalised aircraft fuctories -two at Argenteuil and one at Sartrouville near Puris-have been accupied by workers who state that their action is an expression of solidarity with the workers at Colombes who are threatened with forcible expulsion from the factory they have occupied.-feuter,

China's Famous

Soong Sisters -To Meet

+

Shanghal, Dec. 24. Madame Sun Yat-sen and Madame

H. H. Kung went to Canton yester

day together.

BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE STIFFENED

But Intentions Kept Close Secret

London, Dec. 23. All newspapers continue to give prominence to the China news whilch is now the first topic of public interest. The Government's Inten- tions are a close secrecy but it is widely believed that the British attitude has been stiffened by recent events. Offcial circles regord the possibility of a Japanese threat to and are of the opinion that Tokyo is Canton with reassuring equanimily,

concerned by unwieldy commitments In which the army's exuberance has plunged Japan. The Japanese Gov- grument is now completely puzzled holy to define, the country's precise alms in China.

Mr. Quo Tal-chi, Chinese Ambassa- dor to London, goes to Paris to- morrow to meet Continental Chinese Ambassadors in n conference. In the presence of Mr. Cheng, Kung-pu, who

who is now in Europe, and

will | afterwards return to China,

The Lord Mayor's Chinese Reliét Fund now totals 270,300. The

It is believed they are on their way Manchester, fund has sent a first to Hankow to meet Madame Chiang contribution of £500, and a further Kul-shek in an historie union of the 4000 is exported to be forwarded three.

Soong

Kistors,United Press. Early in the new yearanReuters was