1939-04-12 — Page 1

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The

FIRST EDITION

Suproara Couri

Hongkong Telegraph

FOUNDED 1841

No. 15700

三拜體 號二十月四英港香 WEDNESDAY,

APRIL

KING GEORGE RETURNS TO LONDON

FOR AUDIENCE

12. 1939. 日三十月二

Hungarians

WITH CHAMBERLAIN: VITAL STATEMENT TO-NIGHT || Quit League

BRITISH WARSHIPS MASS NEAR GREECE AS PARLT.

UNDER

LONDON, APR. 11.

INDER STRICT ORDERS TO DOMINATE STRATEGIC POINTS, THE BRITISH AND FRENCH FLEETS ARE REPORTED TO BE MASSING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.

MEETS

KING AND QUEEN MAY GO TO CANADA, AMERICA IN

EMPRESS LINER

LONDON; Apr. 11.

His Majesty the King has returned to London from Windsor Castle, and the Prime Minister has

The British Government is reported to be given His Majesty a full report on international

considering a change in the travelling plans for developments and Britain's defence preparations. the King and Queen.

They will probably cross the Atlantic on their It will be recalled that in September last Canadian tour in the Empress of Britain instead

the King returned to London specially toof H.M.S. Repulse. year, sign the fleet mobilisation orders.

QUEEN GERALDINE

Albanian

Queen Stricken

Fears For Life

Of Zog's Wife

ATHENS, Apr. 12.

STATEMENT TO-NIGHT British and French war- ships are reported to be massing off the entrance to the Adriatic Sea while Mr. Chamberlain is seeking a last minute deal with Mus- solini.

The Empress of Britain, which was in Hong- kong last month on a round-the-world cruise, is duo in New York next month.

The tension in the Mediterranean makes it appear possible that the Repulse will be required on the spot, despite her age of 23 years,

H.M.S. Repulse is at present at Gibraltar, "shaking down" preparatory to the Royal voyago.

United Press,

BUDEPEST, Apr. 11.

HUNGARY HAS withdrawn from the League of Na-

tions.

Count Csaky informed the Secretary-General, M. Avonal of this decision in the follow- ing telegram:

"I have the honour to in- form you, on behalf of the Hungarian Government, that, conformably with Articlo 1. Para. 3 of the League Coven- ant, Hungary herewith an- nounces her resignation from the League.

"I should also like to state. on this occasion that tho Hun- garian Government intends to continue its co-operation with tho League in technical fields. and to participate further in the work of the Permanent International Tribunal, as well as the international Labour Office."-Trans-Occan,

Kaifeng Puppet Massacre

Assassins Kill Six Leaders

Mr. Chamberlain is reported BRITISH CASH FOR BURMA LINE of the

to be seeking an arrangement whereby Italy's occupation of

| Albania would be accepted if Italy firstly, gives firm assur- ances against an attack 011 Greece and, secondly, promises to immediately begin withdrawing Italian troops from Spain.

It is believed that if an sgree. ment with Mussolini proves in- possible, Mr. Chamberlain will announce in the House of Commons al 2.45pm,” on "Tharkday ~(10,45°

p.m. i.K.T.) that the British Gov-

crnment is prepared to enter intoj full defensive alliances with Greece

and Turkey.

It is also forecast that the Govern ment will denounce the British Italian friendship pact, which pro- vides fur the maintenance of the status quo in the Mediterranean. The Admiralty has refused divulge any information_regarding Fleet movements—United Press,

Warships Off Greece

13

SKOLPJE. Apr. 11-Reliable re- porta from Greece say that several¦ British warships are lying in the harbour ut Argostolion and Astako.—United Press.

Audience With King

London, Apr. 11.

Alt. Neville Chamberlain had an audience with the King at Bucking-|

QUEEN GERALDINE ham Palace to-day. It lasted 80 of Albania, who was forced minutes.

40-Year-Old Railway Dream Coming True

LONDON, 'Apr. 11.

THE CHINESE Government's Purchasing Com- mission recently placed orders with British firms for £180,000 worth of all sorts of construction material for the Yunnan-Burma railway, which is actively being pressed on towards completion.

Further orders are now being negotiated.

The railway follows the route recommended by British

CIVILIAN gineers 40 years ago.

EXPELS JAPANESE

en-

The "Times" correspondent, who recently notored over the Lasklo- Kunming motor roed, minutely describes his impressions, and observes: "This is a Ane feat Chinese engineering."

of

The total length from Lashio to the frantler is 124 miles, and from the

Bitter Fighting As frontier to Kunming 648 miles. Of

Namtau Burned

Unlimited Labour

the Chinese sector, 367 miles from Hslakwan to the frontler were only begun in October, 1937, and despite the altitudes ranging from 2,000 to CHINESE SOURCES this 8,000 feet, the road was completed Prime Minister returned to morning claimed that the Japan-for light traffic in 14 months. to flee from Tirana threeDowning Street about 8.20 p., and ese landing near Namtau became days after giving birth to was cheered by big crowds.

The King returned immediately to rout with the sudden appear- King Zog's heir, is reported Windsor.

ance of the Chinese Fourth to be in a serious condition. It is understood that the sole Guerilla Corps.

reason of the King's visit to London She is suffering from puer-was to learn first-hand of the interno mechanised units and were not The Japanese forces, which landed national development, and peral fever.

Premier assisted by planes, were completely

overwhelmed. travelling to Windsor.

When the Italians suddenly invaded Albania, the beautiful Queen whose photograph is reproduced above was forced to flee over forturous mountain paths.

same time

to

save

It is stated that the House of After four hours fighting they were Lords will meet at 3 pm. on Thurs forced to retire to their boats, leaving day, when Viscount Halifax will make one officer and ten men dead and a statement in reply to a question by 24 wounded. The latter were cap- Lord Snell, inviting a statement on tured by the Chinese and are now the International situation, with Imprisoned in Nantau. particular reference to the Mediter- Franean area.

The House of Commons will meet

245 p.m. (10.45 p.m. H.K.T.).

Reuter.

French Preparations

She was so weak when she crossed the frontier that she had to be car- ried to her tiolel on a stretcher.

A leading gynecologist was rish- ed to her bedside this morning.

Later she became worse and has been removed to hospital at Larissa. Queen Geraldine wis married to King Zog a little over a year ago. She was the Countess Geraldine cave, Apponyl and is of American descent.Flect at Toulon She is the daughter of Gladys Stewart, once of New York, and a Hungarian count-United Press.

To Settle In Turkey

Istanbul, Apr, 11.

King Zog of Albania intends to settle in Turkey, according to press reports.

The worst stretch is from Lung- ling to Salween Valley, crossing un 8,000 feet mountain barrier of very

feet on the outer side. Almost un- steep gradients, and almost impossible curves, with sheer drops of 2,000 limited labour is now engaged on this part, but owing to the geologien! nature of the ground, landsildes are frequent.

Monsoon Dangers

A suspension bridge, 280 feet wide which crosses Salween was only recently finished, and it is now being reconstructed for heavier vehicles.

The "Times" correspondent CX-

monsoon

In addition, the sudden appear ance of the large Chinese force completely cut, off a garrison of Afty Japanese who were left In presses the opinion that if the road Cheivan while the main body as to stand heavy traffle during the tempted to push en towards the

must senson, IL

have railway.

adequate drains cut on the inside and which lead under the road.

Nevertheless,

25ys. greatest credit is due to the Chinese engineers. "One leaves. Yunnan with the utmost admiration for the determination and courage of the Clilnene."--Renter.

These Japanese are now completely

PARIS, Apr, 11. The French Government has called isolated. In naval specialists and cancelled ali

Now Landing? Chinese believe that the Japanese The main French Mediterranean

prepared to salt who retired to their ships yesterday North

eastern will attempt to land again to-day in African and Mediterranean coasts.

order to rescue the men marooned in. All Easter leave for the Army has Chewan,

for

Namtou has been re-possessed by Nazis In Argentine

flres Bro st!!1

-been_cancelled.

Reliable reports way that 400,- the Chinese. 000 reservists have been called The clly, however, is a sorry sight. since totatorial Dowern were Its main street has been burnt out,

Buenos Aires, Apr. 11. and granted to the Prime Minister,

amouldering. The morning newspapers here, ail The French Cabinet has met to Among the buildings destroyed by apparently from the same source, to- consider the international develop the Japanese was the Namtau Middle day reported that the police have In this connection it is recalled Bintments.

School, the only building of its kind uncovered an organised chain of King Zog received his school édugn- Marshal Petain, French Ambassa-in the coastal town.

Nazi centres directing the work ot tion und part of his military training|dor to Spain, unexpectedly arrived The Chinese resistance was led Nazi egents throughout the Argentine. in Turkey-Trans-Decan,

(Continued on Page 4.)

(Continued on Page 4.)

-United Press,

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FEVERISH BALKAN ACTIVITY

IL DUCE CALLS MORE RESERVES TO THE COLOURS

ROME, Apr. 11. AN OFFICIAL communique states that the full classes of 1901 and '1912 have been called to the colours.

The full classes of the 1917 and part of. 1918 and 1919 are also under the colours.

It has been learned from an official source that no further classes will be called unless "the political situation worsens."

More than, one million men are now under arms.

Million Under Arms

ROME, Apr. 11.

It is estimated, on the basis of an official communique issued to-

hus night, that Italy

now over 1,000,000 men under armIS.

“ANGRIFF”" ANGER

German Press In Full Cry

BERLIN, Apr. 11.

The communique confirms that ALTHOUGH THE German more reservisis have been called up

accur. —

but states that no other classes will press is in full cry against be called up unless exceptional Britain, political activity was circumstancCA

Easter holi- Reuter paralysed by the Special.

days, and Herr Joachim von Ribbentrop is the only lending Minister at present in Berlin. The British Foreign Secretary was The talk of troop movements

Russian Attitude

in conference with the Soviet Am-towards the Polish frontier is bassador in Landon to-day regarding entegorically denied officially, and is the Russian attitude towards the not confirmed by reliable unofficial latest developments.

reports.

return

of

and

A high British official stated that | It is thought that the arrangements have been completed German troops trom Bohemia by which Turkey will attack Moravia may have been misinter- Bulgaria if Bulgaria, with or with preted as unusual troop movements. out Italian ald, invades Rumania or Greece,

It is estimated that the French Cabinet hus called 100,000 men to the colours, in addition to the normal 050,000 armed forces-United. Press,

Bulgarian Position

SOFIA, Apr. 11.

Britain Accused

Britain is accused of wantonly disturbing the Easter peace, and the calling up of the Dutch frontier con- battalions is described as a sequence of the artiñelal hysteria in Britain.

The "Zwoelfuhrblatt" declares: It is reported that Great Britain "The peak of Democratic effrontery, is making a last minute attempt to has been reached" with the alleged align Bulgaria with the Balkan bloe concentration of British warships, opposed to the German-Italian Axis. *Tite "Angriff" ridicules the According to diplomatic circles, | Mediterranean fleet movements, and the first overtures have

with says that it must not be thought that the Axis Powers will calmly countenance any territorial experi- ment by Britain.

PEIPING, Apr. 11. SIX POLITICAL leaders new Provisional Government and members of the Peiping Committee of Pacification, were killed in Kaifeng, capital of the province of Honan on Easter Sunday, when un- known assailants invadede, if any, success-United Press. a meeting of the committee and shot all six members.

The-seventh-member escaped. death owing to his absence from the meeting.

Japanese claim that the assassins

were Chinese, who had managed to slip into the ranks of the Japanese troops in Kalteng.

None of them had been apprehend- ed by this evening.

Those murdered included

the chairman of the committee, General Hu Yun-kun, and 3 former high ofileer in the Manchurian army, General Fu Chuang-ying.

met

Dutch Precautions

The "Hamburger Fremedenblatt" The Hague. Apr. 11.

warns the democracies against -The-Prime Minister of the Nether intervening in places like the Balkans lands in a radio broadcast to the where they have no interests to nation and Dutch colonies to-day protect. The paper says that the briefly explained why. the Govern same risks arise there as in Central ment last night called up further Europe-Reuter Special. battalions for frontier defence.

"Nobody must see in this measure an indication that the Government fears a direct attack on Holland," he sald.

" is simply a precaution in view, of the general tension in Europe, which might lead to a sudden oul- break of trostlities, in which case The Committee of Pacification was Holland must show, nol only in words formed at the beginning of this year but in deeds, its firm determination for the purpose of looking after to defend its independence and main- Chinese soldiers who had decided to tain neutrality under all circum- Join the ranks of the new North-stances and in all directions. China Government.--Trans-Ocean.

Charity Ball

For Relief

"Our relations with all Powers are good."-United Press.

Jugo-Slavin's Course

of

LATEST

Big Robberies Reported

Loot valued at $1,350 was the Belgrade, Apr. 11. The belief is expressed in authori-proceeds of two daring burglaries in

that tative circles

Jugo-Slavia's Hongkong yesterday.

A widow living in a matshed at course will follow whatever lead

Talhang,

her Causeway Bay, lost England and France give.

entire fortune when leves entered A Fancy Dress Charity Ball will be It is believed that the Jugo-Slavs the matshed between 8 a.m. and noon

the helplessness held at the Grill Room of the Hong-feel

their and stole bank-notes and small coms kong Hotel on April 21, under the gconraphic position and are not into the tonl value of $1,050. auspices of the Hongkong Branch clined to assert themselves without of the National Women's Relief British and French support.

700 Albanians Meanwhile Association.

have volunteered to fight the Italiaus, although many of them are fugitives from the Zog regime.

Prizes will be awarded for the best and most original costumes.

Among the many artistes who will take part in the enbaret Items will be Mr. Hugh Chen, popular inp-dancer, Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Li who will give a demonstration of the Spanish Tango and Viennese Waltz and a chorus of Hongkong Chinese coclety Ladles.

All proceeds from the Ball will be devoted to relief work.

Big U.S. Barter Scheme

the

New York, Apr. 11. Commodity circles are awalling with great interest detalls of commodity barier plan proposed by Senator Byrnes, though at present little comment is to be heard regard- ing it.

The plan seems to be generally approved by members of Congress, with the cotton Senators strongly favouring it os long as cotton is bar- lered at the current market price.

According to Dow-Jones, consum- mation of the plan is expected by in- formed omelais to result in the export of about 6,000,000 bales of cotton, ngainst which, up to 609,000 lang tons rubber might be acquired. Reuter,

Three hundred dollars was stolen in Tanother robbery Ita the servants' here quarters at

the Hongkong Jockey Club in Happy Valley.

"Although we opposed him, we put ourselven at the disposal of Zog's government In order to fight the

tallan attackers," said their leader.

-United Press.

German Warning

Berlin, Apr. 11. Sources close to the German Foreign Office state that both Ger- many and Italy will refuse to tolerate British and French interference in the Balkans.

To-day's Press sharply criticised the democracies, and anger is rising. particularly against Britain, due to reports of British plans to guarantee (Continued on Page 4.)

Soo Back Page For

•

Further Late Nows

AVALANCHE HORROR:

22 CHILDREN BURIED

BERNE, Apr. 11-Children in a boarding school were whelmed by an avalanche near here to-day.

over-

Five bodies have been recovered, and 17 are understood to be entombed.

Rescue parties worked ceaselessly, but there is no hope of bringing out alive those who are buried.-Reuter.