1939-08-04 — Page 31

Friday,

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

August 4, 1939.

House of Lords Debate on Far East Situation HONGKONG'S FUTURE IF JAPANESE

WIN THE WAR

Government Policy Bitterly Attacked

LONDON, Aug. 3 (Reuter).—The leader of the Opposition, Lord Snell, initiated the debate on foreign affairs in the House of Lords to-night. appeared The Prime Minister, he declared, to display irritation and petulance towards those seeking information which would be appropriate in a vain, ample spinster unsuccessfully trying to slim.

RELIED ON NEWSPAPERS

Lord Snell said that Hon. Members worked more or less in the twilight. Apart from a dribble of somewhat reluctant information from the Government bench, they had to rely upon the newspapers.

Lord Snell asked Viscount Halifax for an interpreta- assurance that the tion of the Tokyo formula, and an Government's policy in China was not to be changed, to support and that the Government would continue Chinese currency.

CONTINUOUSLY DISAPPOINTING

Referring to Russia, Lord Snell said the situation lo be continuously disappointing.

WITH

CHUNGKING

verse ita general policy, nor can thei British Government do so if it were astel.

"All we have done by this formula In to state the facts as they seemed to us to exist, and attempt, in a practical fashion, to deal with the background against which the situa tion in Tientsin has actually arisen.

"It would be difficult enough to reach an agreement on the Tientsin issues without placing misconstrue- tion on the formula, and we must see that we do not unnecessarily compli cate the task of Sir Robert Craigie, who is handling very dlacul cla cumstances with both firmness and understanding in the efforts he is making to reach a solution.

LORD SNELL

No Condonation "Therefore, while nothing we have done, and, I hope, nothing we should do, can on any reasonable considera- tion be taken as condoning an action bearing the character of "nggression. "Though our policy is designed to promote peace and international or der, nonetheless it seems that the oid treaty methods that the British purpose for which we bend our Government has shaped its policy.

"Walle we have never concealed efforts is an endeavour to do two

our view about Japan's action in things.

First of all, to assist in filing a China, and are bound to have regard urged Viscount Halifax to tell the settlement that will be fair as be- to all interested involved, particular- louse emphatically that there was tween all the interests concerned; ly those of Chinn, we have been fully no intention of handing over

this terest and position which Japan, in of view of the interests of Federal Bank currency in China, a country, to work for such an issue in view of her geographical position and silver in Tientsin or of recognising the day, from a more narrow point prepared to recognise the special in- which issues the statements made by the present dificulties as will not economic need, is entitled to claim Mr. Chamberinin in the House of impair our relations with China or and exercise," he declared,

Japan. Commons were not very deßnite.

LORD HALIFAX

tho

were

Referring to Chinese currency and "I am perfectly aware that many the disposal of the Tientsin sliver said thant Turuing to Japan's military posi- tion in China, Lord Elibank said that in the House believed that is much stocks, Viscount Halifax

various solutions to this problem had been suggested but none appeared to increasing, her gold reserves

Japan Warned

be satisfactory. appearedJapan's adverse trade balance was too optimistic a hope.

The British Government was con- diminishing and the guerillas were preventing her from securing Iran, "I don't feel for myself that the

question whether or not we succeeding to examine all the pussl- but in considering these coat and cotton.

Japan had suffered considerable in attaining such an object depends blities, reveres in North China, and pre-only on ourselves. It depends on the matters, it certainly would not lose sure by Russia was reported on good altitude of the Japanese Government, sight of its obligations towards the are prepared to distinguish between igntories to the Nine-Power Treaty. As regards the extension of further local and general issues recognised) authority to have forced her to with- and how far the Japanese authorities Chinese uvertiment or to the uther by their Government, and how far support for Chinese currency, any such proposal that might or might not from they are prepared to refrain draw troops to Manchuria.

be held desirable from the point of

He was not going to assume that Britain was alone respon. sible, but he could not help noticing the speed with which the Tokyo formula was arranged compared with the exasperating delays which had taken place in Moscow.

Lord Cecil said he wished the gurd to the Tokyo formula applies Chinese currency, which was at pre- Government would give a more to the necessity of supporting the specific and clearer explanation sent a vital point in the Sino-

Japanese struggle. of its Far East policy.

"Mr. Chamberlain's statement has left little doubt in my mind as to what that policy really is.

should Thu Government monstrate that it was not afraid Japanese retaliati

Far East Possessions

East

de

strange

“I recognise,” he added, "What for us to face a possible naval attack on our possessions in the Far East would be awkward, but that is a possibility which you must sider if there is in China.

War Declaration

"In the light of these facts, any attempts to represent general as local

suggestion that Japan would de-issues, and vice versa."

Referring to a recent interview by

view of China, would also have to be considered in the light of very many

case

other financial considerations and clare war on us it we maintained a

Prime Minister, Japan's Disappointment

Japanese

ublications Incurred by this country firm stands seems to be wiped out the

Viscount Halifax said he was informat the present time. "The dimculties in the For

of considerating altogether," He took the view that the Tokyo ed by Sir Robert Craigle that he had

Colonel Spear have largely arisen from a of duality in the Government of Japan," conference must go on, but in view been incorrectly reported.

If he were correctly reported the he declared. "Unhappily, Japanese of the fact that there were moderate-

Regarding the

of Colonel In Japan, and Government could not accept the im-

Spear, Viscount Halifax said that the Jy-minded people statesmen are frequently overruled

"The British Government is boundition was most unsatisfactory. Sir by their Generals, and the Generals that it was only through the moder-pileations of the statement.

ultimately they could There is no

Le say they intended to take some setton to take a very grave view of the Robert Craigie had made repeated reason why thr

and the Japanese are committed by their junior officers testhat

America. Blockade in Tientsin and the Io representationa with British Empire should allow

ITS co-operation

against British Government had replied that the case apitation creasing policy to be affected by the

interests in those parts of occupied was almost complete. vehemence and violence of Cnlanels Britain should take stronger action.

"In a short time there will be a China,

Settlement Soon? and and Majors is the Japanese army.

"The Japanese Government

Viscount Halifax said that within "There is every reason to believe stalemate, and this will be the time that the Japanese army is bitterly for mediation in an attempt to bring the Japanese people must recognise.

that if this agitation continues, the last few days the Japanese disappointed in its military efforts to the war to a close," he added.

Viscount Samuel's reference to Aus-cannot prevent relations between our Government had held out hope that scence possession of China.

two countries growing steadily more settlement might be expected in the "After a period of two years, them tralla provoked Lord Stonehaven, a

resent former Governor General of the difficult. ought to be remembered that Aus- was a feeling of anger and who finds himsele sinking slowly in train, for the benefit of the Common- ent, and of fear-the fear of a man Commonwealth, to point out that it sery the quicksands.

wealth, did jeopardise her important trade with Japan.

Viscount Samuel said he did notareas

con-

Japanese victory

"In the latter event, the whole of swept our possessions would be

No reasonable man con away. doubt that that would be the result. The moment the Japanese have destroyed China, they will certainly turn and destroy us,"

Referring to his own experiences wifi Japanese diplomacy, Lord Cecil says that he found that every con cession made to Japan simply invited further demanda.

Abrogate Treaty

Lord Cecil sald he hoped Viscount Halifax would tell the llouse what parallel step the Government thought 10 the of taking with reference Unied States notice of abrogation of the treuly of 1911 with Japun.

"The Japanese militarists there

superant. The fore-feel that they must vent these feelings British Empire is being made scapegoat."

On

that

"It is worth remembering that the

very near future.

No explanation had been given of

the Japanese Government hud bren

Japanese Government, in the terms of Colonel Spear's long detention sad the formula, made themselves respole left in no doubt with regard to the sible for the maintenance of pub feelings of the British Government

the Japanese-controlled regarding it. order in

in China, and the British intend to suggest that Australia-Look Government accordingly exps to put Spear being covered by diplomatic. cour a disadvantageous to Britain plementation of the formula to himmunity, except in relation to China

anti-British down those areas.

for her benefit,

necessary to take a

propaganda

Others Interested

in

There was no question of Colonel

and Chinese nationals,

Concluding, Viscount Halifax sold he could not resist the conclusion that, taking the widest and longest

"We must remember, in some of view our present difcutties in the

"I suggest with regard to Australia Viscount Samuel referred to two

stronger line very significant actions taken by that, in the long run, it might be America "animated not only by her than the mere case uny economie

the Far advantage would require."

Lord Stonehaven replied that he/he issues raised, that, although they Far East, it was the duty of respon- own economic interests in East, but by what he conceived to be

I did not think Viscount Samuel aved might be local, they have a sign-sible persons everywhere a duly to the world at large."

These, he said, were the removal have any fear in considering the part which "I um not very much encouraged of the feet from the Atlantic to the Australia played as a member of besides ourselves. by Mr. Chamberlain's reference to Pusille, and the abrogation of the the Empire in the matter some just and equitable settlement commercial treaty with Japan. Re- he referred.

ferring to the more recent of these action, Visenunt Samuel said there of the Sino-Japanese struggle.

"It looks to me as if there is tendency on the Government's part and Japan on equal to put China

with this terins in struggle.

"The Japanese invasion is one of the least justifiable events that has world. It has been asserted that the first object of the Japanese duminate China, and secondly Asia,

look direct asend and try to keep clearly in deance much wider, and 2

with other governments front of them the real goal there. interest

"That goal musi not be, as Viscount "Reference has already been made Cecil seems to suggest, adoption of a the course likely to have concequences in the House of Commons. 1o interests we share in several matters very much wider and a good deal Halifax Replies

The more dangerous than he appreciates, with America and France, Replying to the debate, Viscount general aims and objects of the three It should be to try and bring about was no reason to suppose that it had

Is acutely present dispute, been taken for any purely mer

Offer Of Good Offices elal reason. Unquestionably, it was fullfax said that it had been suggest-governments are closely similar and a just and equitable settlement of the intended to have a political signin-ed in several speeches from various the British Government

parts of the Ilouse that the formula allve to the importance or collabora

"I certainly hope that the British "We have never failed to keen Government may, as they will cer "In those circumstances the British recently signed with Japan commit-tion with those governments.

use their good offices Governincat might be encouraged to ted Britain to a fundamental change

ing the formula, recognised a state both of our intentions and actions. opportunity

That is not to say that we all neces-if and when they could be usefully ever occurred in the history of the refuse to adopt any policy of more! of policy; that Britain had, by sign- those governments closely Informedtainly be ready. some day have the of belligerency in China; that it was surrender to pressure.

in spirit contrary to Britain's obliga-sarily do the same thing in the same employed.

connection

is to

and to exclude all European nations

cance.

Australia's Interest

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MILITIAMEN EVACUATE

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in wooden

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The War Office has also sent fresh Too few army cooks and too instructions to all enmp cooks advis

LONDON, Aug. 3 (Reuter) —¡

"One consideration that should be lions under the League resolutions, way and at the same time. The "I don't believe It is beyond the much rain, which have been the ing them how to serve appetizing and Indiviuals in any part of trade prominently in the minds of the that it was in danger of violating the recent negotiations with regard to the power of men of goodwill to find

in Asia.

Japan And Gofmany

Justice to, twin problems marring the first meals, and further military

are being trained at Aldershot, Nine-Power Treaty, and, generally, commercial treaty by the United solution which wil do

China and take account of the in- weak's militiamen's service, are British Government is the fact that that it condoned netions which we States was a case in point.

"I can very well conceive the terests of other Powers concerned in both now in the process of Australia has the largest interest of had previously condemned.

"I wish to state quite frankly circumstances in which His Majesty's the Far East,"

solution by the military au- all in the Pacifle question, and parti-j

that, in my judgment, those who Government might also wish to give

thorities. cularly in our relation with Japan.

take that sort of Ilne ignore both notice of their intention to denounce the plain terms of the formula and their commercial treaty, but, as the the Interpretation of the formula Prime Minister said on Monday, that which would require which the Government itself has is a matter

careful consideration and regard, and placed upon it."

cannot help noticing the "One

"There is no doubt that the in- curious resemblance between this policy of the Japanese military party terests of Australia played an im- And the policy of the present German portant part in influencing the mind regime. This is partly accounted for of the Home Government at the time. by the fact that the Japanese army of the Manchukuo Incident, was trained by Germans, who not

run, or

had

cooks

Rentals Of Sites

On Beaches

Since the frat 30,000 militiamen HISTORY OF HONG-

reported on July 15, the English sum► KONG DURING

mer has been composed practically THE WAR YEARS

of one cloudbursi after another with

Some conjecture has been raised unhappy results to over 200,000 mili- by the action of the Government-in "I know from the experience I have a close exchange of views with the

tismen and territorials at present aiming only half-yearly rentals for "I trust that the Government and

(Continued from Poge 8.) will recognise had in India how extraordinarlly British dominions would, anyhow, be

under canvas, aome Camps being mstahed sites, instead of annual ren-

othera reduced totals, as heretofore. only gave them military skill, but people of Australia views on political and international that e palley of constant retrent is dimed it was for people altiing in ceessary, I don't wish at this stage

TOR was this closely-packed com- flooded und

Enquiries by the "Telegraph" this No not one likely to succeed in the long London to appreciate the precise im- to say any more with regard to that

quagmires. affairs."

theplications in the East of any of those subject." one consistent with

Ancient Privileges

munity seriously straitened at

The only consolation has been the morning ellelted that Government dignity or interests of the British carefully phrased formulas. Japanoso Arrogance

"That being the case, there can

Referring to the suggestion by Lord any time for the necessaries of life,

mained very high and the health on a basis whereby they will become due at the end of the year instead excr- ving, though the Governor "The Japanese have displayed Empire."

has been practically unaffected. Viscount Samuel welcomed the fact hardly be any ground more fertile Davies thut the Government had or crippled by the increased cost of fact that the men's spirits have re-desires to place the system of rentals

of in mid-year, as at present. kli inter- arrogant indiference to

Rentals national obligations and to all prin-/thnt the Government had taken steps in which an enemy can sow. tares been setuated by a desire to eling toelsed, from time to time, his power

nnelent privileges. Viscount Halifax to regulate prices.

will, now falling due Those who made that kind of aid that he went and looked over a

Hampshire Camp Flooded ciples of Justice, while China has to reinforce Singapore, and be trust-among the whent

Only after the war wag over was

Twolve thousand territorials to-day therefore, be collected at the rate shortage of rice with

collee carried out every me of her obliga-ed that if the Tokyo conference!

due to were flooded out of their camp in the that will necessitato, future Lions and has behaved with absolute should not succeed, and prese 1000 accusation arising out of the passage in a note addressed to the

pressure should increase, the Gov- formula lose sight of one fact of Japanese Government earlier in the corresponding high price, propriety.

offlcers decided to evacuate the camp 1930, the annual rental basis will be It is incredibly humiliating that ernment would consider taking the great importance-the Impression that year, In which we reminded them untoward conditions on the mainland New Forest, Hampshire, and the ans on January 1. At the end of Great Britain should take action same action as the United States had, kind of accusation I have stened to that as tong ogy as 1931 we

this afternoon produres is exactly nearly completed negotiations with of China.

and and to billet the troops in the vile operative again. "If the Government comes to the the impression those, who were most the Chinese Government upon

A War Office spokesman to-dny which is regarded na favourable to recently taken. and that this should give the appear/conclusion that it je tesirable to give anxious to exacerbate the difficulties sublect of extraterritoriality. Japan and unfavourable

These had been suspended follow-of German menace, and in charge of

mode of living and by the end of this month, no milliīä- ance of abandoning a country which the necessary 12 months notice for with which we were confronted at

be Japanese, but the nnte went on th had done so much to deserve help termination of the British commer the present time, wislied to see pro-ing the sczure of Manchuria by the Governor who had a life experi-announced that it is now hoped that

cial treaty with Japan, the step would duced. Accordingly, we should

very careful indeed not to play their say that the British Government trend of thought the overwhelming nien will remain under canvas, all The Liberal Member, Lord Davies, be approved by the people.

Chinese population gave no cause belog accommodated in billets, huts would always be ready to resume for anxiety but identified their own or barracks,

(SPECIAL TO “TELEGRAPHI") supported the previous spenters and "We would then have means, in game.

Improving Food negotiations at a muitable time, and Intercals with those of the Empire,

JERUSALEM, Aug. 3 (Reuter).- said that Britain should support the conjunction with the United States,

Simultaneously,

authorities woro prepared to discuss these and as standing for justice and freedom

Improve have taken steps to

the Twe lenders of an Arab rebel gang Chinese Government in every way of bringing effective economic pres- and, if necessary, repatriate Japanese sure upon Japan, and we would be "I do not think any useful purpose other questions with a fully indepen- of life and trade.

dent Chinese Government when peace

Hongkong, in the modest words of militiben's food, which suffered in were sentenced to death by the milit citizens residing in the British Empire able to stop supplies, without which would be served by proceeding on

the Annual Report, played "a small, the early days of their service from ary court to-day.

They were described as execution- and over economic relations with it would be impossible for Japan the line of creating the maximum was restored.

Old Treaty. Methods but steadfast" part in the war. ja shortage of experienced cooks. of doubt on a minimum

To-day Treasury approval was cra. It is alleged, that they carried Japan.

to carry on the war."

measure

Tho Colony fared well and de- Chineso Currancy

basis of fact. The general conaldera-! Tientsin Silver ·

Lions to be borne in mind are that "It is not, therefore, with a view served to do so, for "Hongkong gave given for special messing credit, en-out the death sentences passed by the Lord Samuel, who followed, urged:

to buy food. Cooks are now being'ns traitoto. the Government to make it quite Lord Elibank, the next speaker, the Japanese Government has never to preserving unchanged the entire of her, best in money and in men of muring more money being available Arab "courts" on Aruba characterised. plain that the declaration with re-also dealt with the Far East. He asked the Brillsh Government to re-structure of what one might call the British race."

to China,

Doubt

Content under British rule the protection, freed from any possibility lages and farms.

ence of their

the

ARAB LEADERS

TO HANG