1939-02-13 — Page 4

AN EXCLUSIVE eye-witness slary of the fall of Minorca is given by a

Special Correspondent on

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THE EFFECT of the Japanese oc- cupation of Hainan Island on the future of the British Naval Base at

Slugapore is dealt with in a report

on

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THE BELGIAN CRISIS has ended A COURT MARTIAL this morning with the formation of a new Cabinet aboard ILM.S. Keni hus cleared up by M. Henri Jaspar, Catholle leader, the mystery of a

peily number of

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resistance, the war must take its inevitable course.

In that event an offensive will

launched in due course. A Paris message says

Italian

or

GERMANY PREPARES FOR CRISIS

Army Preparations Accelerated

that

the mbing incident during, the visit of linked with the question of recogni- the cruiser Devonshire to Minorca is tion of General Franco's Government: to-day, which says: by Britain and France in "Le Temps"

The fact the

planes negotiations on the Devonshire may carried out a bombardment during indicate that the Italian forces were neting in contravention of General Franco's wishes, and casts doubt on Sigher Mussolini's assurances thot Italy had no interest, political economic, in Spain.

PARIS, Feb. 12. General Franco must have the

IN A LEADING article based greatest interest in removing this on information "furnished equivocation, in order to show his by high British Government own authority, particularly in view personalities," of the question of the recognition of "L'Oeuvre" to-day announced the newspaper his Government by Britain.

"Obylously this recognition can be that Germany is accelerating her CHUNGKING, Feb. 12. accorded on!

only to a free and Indepen- military preparations dent Spain which CHINESE MILITARY quarters stated that week-Mediterranean interests."

will safeguard serious international crisis end investigations had revealed that at least 53 Japanese Jean de Luz, Sir Robert Hodgson has around March 6 or 10, over the

According to a report from St.

which is expected to occur left by car for Burgos-Reuter, warships

new Italo-German demands had gathered on the Kwangtung coast,

France and Britain. including those engaged in the Hainan landing.

53 Japanese Vessels Now Off S. Kwangtung Coast

The Japanese forces were still watching for "holes" they could, penetrate, aiming at seizing Pakhoi from where they could attack Kwangsi.

LLIVIA FALLS

Barcelona, Feb. 12.

나

for វា

on

re-

re-

s

15

France And leading Chinese strategist, who factories, and over 200 railway car- and 18, and men between 25 and 30

Britain

Increased Ties In Far East Seen

to

ZBW Appeals To Kuling

France Why

Arita Explains Hainan Action To Envoy

TOKYO, Feb. 13. THAT THE JAPANESE occu- pation of Halnan Island is sole- ly inspired by milltary necessity both in nature and duration and that It Implies no territorial de- sign, was explained when the Forelem Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arla, received the French Am- bassador, M. Arsene Henry, at Il a.m. to-day, the spokennan of the Foreign Office announced.

According to the announce- iment, the French Ambassador requested to Foreign Minister Arita the Japanese Govern- ment's explanation of the objeck, Unration and nature of the occu pation of Hainan Islam by Japanese military forces.

Replying. Foreign Minister Arlta pointed out that the pre- sent occupation of the South China Inland WAS calculat-

ed to effectuate the blockading of Routh China and expedito overthrow of the Chiang Kai- shek regime.

Foreign Minister Arita stress- ed that the action was faken purely as a military measure, the announcement states, add- ing that the Interview between the Foreign Minister and the French envoy lasted 40 minuets. -Domei.

Officer Court-Martialled

R. A. CAPTAIN, ON ASSAULT CHARGE, SAYS MEN "LIARS"

Conflicting Evidence In Remarkable Case

30th Heavy

CAPTAIN D. L. S. Northcote, Battery, 8th Heavy Regiment, R.A., commenced his trial before a General Court Martial at Scandal Point Hall this morning on the charge that at Stanley on January 10, this year, he struck a soldier, namely Bombardier, now Gunner, J. S. Whitehead.

The accused pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. J. H. Armstrong of Messrs. Deacons.

The prosecution was represented by Mr. G. S. Hugh' Jones, of Wilkinson and Grist, who was assisted by Major M. Yates, Adjutant of the 8th Heavy Regt. The Court

Quiet Prevails comprised, Col. E. S. White (President), Lt. Col. M. S.

On Hainan· Japanese Claim Full Success For Troops

SHANGHAI, Feb. 12. JAPANESE REPORTS from Hainan state that about 1,000 inhabitants have already return ed to the capital, Kiungchow, and that quiet prevails on the whole of the island.

Immediately after occupation of the island, a Chinese committee for the maintenance of peace was formed,

Obversely, Chinese reports state that, Chinese soldiers who fled to the

fare-Trans-Ocean.

LOSS OF HOIHOW DESCRIBED

Teversham, Major G. S. Rawstorne, Major R. M. G. Denton and Major J. C. L. Yale, with Mr. H. G. Sheldon, K.C. as Judge Advocate.

An application by Mr. Armstrong for the case to be heard in camera was disallowed.

defence'."

It was stated that the evidence I had not hit him, he would have R.A.M.C., on the details of the of Major W. G. Harvey hit me ngala. I hit him in self- injuries suffered in the struggle

Major Yates would not be required by either party.

taking statements from the parties.

gave evidence of

Mr. Hugh Jones, opening the ease, said the charge arose from an cident in a Room at Stanley Bar racks at 10.30 am. on January 19 when accused and BSM. Goody****

Ellard

"I SAID 'OK,”

incident of the blows,

Gunner Whitehead narrated the "After Capt. Northcole had made a remark, BSM. Goody said 'Stand, to attention.* said O.K. At the same time I turn- ed my head to look at Goody, and turning back, Capt. Northeote moved and I thought he was going to strike me.

on

Northcote, who staggered back."

1 lashed out and struck Capt.

went to Inspect the kit of men who hills under the leadership of General had been told to lay out their tit as Wang Y, are reorganising for the

#puntsliment.

In the room were accused, White- purpose of conducting guerilla warhead, Goody and Gunners Congruve,

und

Stocker. Events happened which were not

Witness said the Sergeant Major relative of this trial, accused printed come townre him, hut allpped, and uut to Whitehead that his kit was de-

itness pushed him to the floor. Linhsien, Feb. 13.

"Capt. Noriicote came ficient in one small respect, and re-

towards Confirming the Japanese landing marks were made by accused, who him with his hands up, and blows on Hainan Island, Chinese circles

exchanged, lost his head and struck Capt. North- were

witness taking here have received wireless reports cole. That assault had been of the fall of Hollow, capital of subject of a previous Court Martial. Lainan and Tsingmai, thirty

miles southwest of Holhow.

the accuse blows on the arm.

by

accused had fallen on tho bed, witness slipped on to him, and Capt. Northcote held his head down. Witness then came to his senses and

(Continued on Page 5.)

part of the Hainan Island, the report whitehead, caught the back of his stood back, and permitted himself

was struck

on the bed,

STRUCK BY GUNNER The two key cities on the northern

Capt. Northcote stated, were lost to

to the Japanese after arteen

hours

continuous fighting ices on a bed, and fell the Chinese withdrew shortly from two o'clock ently in the morning and while there was struck again.

It is the case for the prosecution fore three o'clock in the afternoon,

be- that while accused was on the bed, Whitehead stood back and broke off sing the invasion of the the light quite definitely and Describing

de- Japanese, the message said landing liberately, but accused got up from was effected at two

points

along the

the bed and, quite unnecessarily, and northern coast. The Arst landing was

at Tachong, a coastal port thirteen not in self-defence, struck Whitehend miles west of Hollow, from where in the face. the Invaders penetrated ten miles "Naturally, the happenings took Inland to

attack the old city of place in a very short space of time,

and there is considerable Tsingmai.

confusion Another large force, supported by on the part of witnesses as a terrifle naval bombardment, landed exact

exact sequence, of things, but the

A

time

Astrot

Halbow and its

to the

not

LATEST

Court Considers Sentence

SHORTLY AFTER RESUMITION

in the vicinity of Siu Ying: Forts prosecution will submit the circum- about eight miles west of Holbow, stances in which that blow was de

livered by the accused, could of planes at the same possibly amount to self defence, na Whitehead was, at that time, being held by Coggrave and Ellard.

"They were holding him by wrist EVIDENCE

dropping bomba Chinese defence

nt

It is reported here that in the last also confirm that Germany has ult

The newspaper's Berlin despatches 24 hours the insurgents have cap-ready mobilised 95 per cent. of her tured Llivia in North Catalonia, and air power. are one kilometre from Puigcerda. On February 10 the Reich is Other Insurgent forces continued ported to have called up fresh Some sources stated that and south-west of Puigcerda, sup-

to clean-up sectors west of Figueras cruits, certain high staff officer and a

Mobillation, strictly speaking, many cannon, unmunition, scheduled to begin on February was travelling through the pro- riages filled with war material.

(Continued on Page 4.) vinces behind the Chinese lines

Burgos

reports state that the In- on an inspection of military con-surgent offensive in Catalonia lasted ditions, had reported to head-iberation of the Catalan provinces,

50 days

days and resulted in the complete) quarters that he was deeply im- the destruction pressed with the recent progress tifications by the Loyalists, and also three lines of for- made by the Chinese air forec.

the capture of 110,000

Loyalists, while Loyalist casualties amounted to 30,000 dead and wounded.

The The Insurgent army

comprised 240.000, of which 80,000 were re-

The Another Burgos repirt says

mai, have retreated into the south- The new situation, he reported, had Insurgent planes bombed military

DURING the mid-day News east parts of the island, are believed to have been dis- caused the Japanese to refrain from objectives in the port of Valencia Bulletin to-day, the Hongkong vasion of Hainan Island as a Japan- Informed circles describe the in- cussed yesterday at a conference | despatching old-type planes in air and the station at Belagcazar in the broadcasting station transmitted ese stroke which etish, American mndo e statement, that at the time between the Governor of French ralda ог for nic battles.United authern sector during the last 24 message to the foreigners the

wil Reverely test hours. Indo-China, M. Jules Brevic, and Press.

solidarity of isolated at Kuling, the Bana- and French diplomacy. the Governor of the Straits

several trains have arrived carrying

These circles also believe that the Settlements

over 5,000 troops and refugees from The appeal was issued by the Naval Catalonia. Late yesterday afternoon authorities in Hongkong, and

mediate occupation of the whole 250 political prisoners and wounded broadcast from ZBW in

Island which, beause of its large area, also arrived

the hope United Press.

Sun Sebastian that someens at Kuling would pick could not be held by a mere force of

up the message.

several thousand men-Central EME RECOGNISES FRANCO

News. The appeal, which was broadcast twice during the uffin transmission Dublin, Feb. 12.

was as follows: and will be broadcast again to-night,

HANOL Feb. 13. MEASURES FOR Increased co-operation in the Far East be- tween Great Britain and France

Thomas.

Sir Shonton

The Straits Governor is on a visit to Indo-China. French circles charac-

ierise the visit as a courtesy one.

The

local

French newspaper

He said that first-class Chinese bombing and fighting planes were at present many times stronger than at the time the war began.

Shots Fired At Meeting

serves.

that

Attempt To Contact Residents By Radio

many

OF COURT MIARTIAL THIS AFTERNOON. THE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED, AFTER CALLING REGARDING AC-

vise de fame troops, after and arms, and his arms were extend- OUSED'S CHARACTER THAT THE

ed by his sides. He was not in a COURT WOULD BE CLEARED TO

CONSIDER SENTENCE, threatening attitude.

WILL BE PROMULGATED.

CAPTAIN'S' STATEMENT

"Captain. Northcote,, himself, has

Whitehead stood back from the bed, he remained on the bed, covering up

position watched Whitehead.

San Sebastion reports state that torium atop Lushan Mountains Japanese would not attempt the im- his head and arms, and from that

nt

was

"The Japanese have postponed

Paris, Feb. 12. Political clashes occurred to-day In Avenir de Tonkin, urges. the Bayonne at a meeting of M. Doriot's It is officially stated that the Eire authorities to make use of the op- Social Party. Despite careful Government has recognised the portunity afforded by the visit of examinations at the entrances, Franco Goverment in Spain, and Sir Shenton to make Anglo-French several Communials managed to en- has notified the Inmurgent Govern their attack on Kuling until February co-operation more effectual. Domel. ler, and shots were fired during M. ment that is Minister, Mr. H. 20, to enable preparations to be made

"Dome" mida that speculation is Doriot's speech, two of his followers Kerney will be taking up his duties evacuate.

by those forelgnose wishing to rife in Hanoi political circles over being wounded. the recent movements of British and

and. Blam,

In Burgos.

General Franco has already ro- French officials in French Indo-China in the end gained the upper hand for lis recognition-United Press.

M. Doriot's sympathisces, however, niled, thanking the Eire Government in the end-to-hand fighting- M. Jules Brovie, the Governor of Trans-Ocean.

SWITZERLAND ALSO Franch Indo-China, who conferred

Geneve, Feb. 13. with Sic Shenton Thomas, on Friday the substance of the Anglo-French Minister, Sunday communicated Dr. M. G. Motta, the Swiss Foreign and Exturday at Hue in Annam, 10 conversations at Hao was issued. to the Spanish Minister here the turned there last night, while Sir Local newspapers report that two Swiss Government's decision to re Thomas la understood to be return British military officials accompanied cognian the Franco Government Into Bingapore shortly.

the British Governor at the Hue thuring this week, it was learned from No dicial communique regarding meeting.

authoritative sources-Damet

JAPANESE TAKE OVER MARITIME CUSTOMS

Haihow, Feb., 13. Japanese authorities will formally take over the Chinese Marl- time Customs at 2 p.m. to-day,

The

to

Following occupation of the port "In the absence of General city, the Japanese authorities com- Yang's Requiescence to the Tait of muniented their intention of taking British and American officers, the aver the customs to Mr. E. Groff- foreigners at Kuling must endca- Smith-Domci. vour to arrange their own

The "Dome"

message adds that conduct through the Chiness lines. Mr. Groff-Smith consented

the **Their 'pasinge- through

the Japonese request to hand over the -Japanowo Unes has strendy been Customs administration. The "Tele-.

sssured.

graph" believes this to be incorrect. They should try and communi- What has probably happened is that the tirilish and American Havalj can, has submitted to force majeure, cite the time of their departure to Mr. Groff-Smith, who is an Ameri "anthorities:st: Kuling,"

as has happened in other centres.“ –

"His evidence reads....he looked

sway to his left for an instant, and. I took the opportunity to hit him.... From the time he stood up to when I hit him wha about two seconds. ....I am quite certain he was not held at the time, and I am certain

WINCH

See Back Page For Further. Late News-

SMALL-POX SUSPECTED American Sailor on President Liner

YOKOHAMA, Feb. 13.

À CASE OF suspected small-pox has been found in an American member of the crew of the President liner President Taft, which arrived here on Banday morning from Honolulu.

* The patient has been isolated in the Municipal Hospital in Yokohama while hin seven colleagues hava bean-vaccinated at the qustantine station hers. The passengers were permitted to land.