1940-12-21 — Page 1

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nding our SEASON'S GREET- INGS we are ever mindful of our obligation to the motoring public. The services, we have provided for the coming year will insure you the maximum of safe, comfortable, economical trans- portation"...and we hope that we will be privileged to serve you during

1941

FAR EAST MOTORS

Phraulil

Manager "Hongkong Telegraph"

for The South China Morning Puss, Ltd., 1 & 3, Wyndham Street, Hongkong.'"

The

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Hongkong Telegraph

FOUNDED #-#A=+XT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1940. #=#A-+

No, 10338

BRITISH

MECHANISED

FORCES THRUST PAST

BARDIA'S

LORD HALIFAX

HALIFAX FOR U.S. A.?

DEFENCES

CAIRO, DEC. 20 (REUTER)—BRITISH MECHANISED FORCES OPERATING AROUND BARDIA TO-NIGHT ARE REPORTED TO BE THRUSTING INTO THE OUTER PERIMETER OF ITALIAN DEFENCES. THESE DEFENCES EXTEND AROUND THE PORT. IN AN ARG APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES LONG. THE BELEAGUERED ITALIAN GARRISON IS CONTINUING TO PUT UP A VERY STUBBORN RESIS- TANCE IN THE FACE OF ATTACKS OF THE BRITISH AND IMPERIAL TROOPS.

The manner in which supplies have continually reached the most advanced British forces throughout is astonishing. Supply units following the advance include not only well-equipped medical services but even canteen stores.

The air force is unremitting in its support. Its spirit is typified by an order of the day issued by one Air Commodore: "Squadron Leaders will expect every man to do his duty in the righteous cause that we have at heart."

Apart from showering bombs, the R.A.F. have dropped leaflets on Bardia enumerating the number of Italian prisoners captured, mentioning all generals individually and calling them to surrender. "Do not provoke further Joss of life by continuing to resist" is the exhortation contained in the leaflets.

On Wednesday night a British patrol probed Bardia's defences, but found some resistance and did not press the attack, leaving Bardia open to the subsequent terrific pasting by the R.A.F.

No Chance of Relief. LONDON, Dec. 20. (Reuter)-in-}

New Ambassador formation received indicates that the

· (DY "REUTER'S" LOBBY

CORRESPONDENT)

Italians are in nu mood to relieve Bardia, which is being besieged by the British, for the British air service LONDON, Dec. 20.- name reports that there is only movement which is now being seriously to the west towards Tobruk and no

in

BARDIA UNDER SMOKE

Description By Newsman

"REUTER" WITH THE ADVANCED BRITISH FORCES

on

Heavy Raids by R.A.F.

Bardia, Derna And Valona Attacked

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH”

CAIRO, Dec. 20 (UP)-The R.A.F.. made heavy raids on Bardia and Derna on the night of December 18-19. The official report said, "Great damage was. done at Derna. Military build. Ings were set afire after violent explosions. Direct hilts were re gistered on the barracks, police. headquarters, motor transport parks and garages. When our last plane left the scene, prac. tically the whole camp ablaze.

Was

"Similar reids were carried out on enemy troop concentra- tions and motor transport to the northwest of Bardis.

movement at all on the only road canvassed

well-informed witch Marshal Graziani

can used. circles in London as the most Moreover the movement of sur likely British ambassador to the extreme left wing from Siwa seems United States, is that of Lord in progress, for an Australian cavalry

Somewhere in Libya, Dec. 20 successful very ta squadron and Halifax, the Foreign Secretary.tion ne

Offensive Patrols action near Jurubub sor

some days ago. (Reuter).-Over Bardia I see a As-a-former Viceroy of India From here the road leads to Tobruk, dense pall of smoke hanging offensive patrols in the advance areas, "Our fighters continued their There is no readin for thinking and Foreign Secretary for that the British operations will stop seaward, corroboration of the in one engagement between Sollum number of years, he has had at the capture of Bardia. The Bri- effectiveness of the British and Gambut, one squadron of eight- wide experience of Government tisk

bombardments, the gun fighters shot down ve enemy are well-placed both Navy's

planes. Two other planes broke and will also be able to take with geographically and morally to carry booming broadsides of which formation and were hit. him to Washington an extensive Tobruk. Thereafter a second battle have echoed through my camp vona and Krlonero were raided,

the advance forward as far as knowledge of the whole war may be necessary for the capture of the whole night. Close by situation.

this

forces

Benghazi,

Reconnaissance Reports

an

tically endeavouring to defend.

"An enemy plane attempted a raid on Aden on the night of December 18-19 but there was no damage or casualties.

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WHITEAWAY'S

NAZI PLANE SHOT DOWN BY NAZI GUN

A gun from the rear turret of a Heinkel plane brought down in Kent, was remounted in a position held by a company of the Somersetshire Light Infantry. A few minutes later the Heinkel's gun was the means of bringing to earth a Messerschmitt. This picture shows the Heinkel's gun with the gunner who brought down the M.E.

ITALY SENDS TANKS BY AIR TO ALBANIA, REPORT

Special to the "Telegraph"

ROME, Dec. 20 (UP).—It is reported that an average of 3,000 Italian soldiers have been transported to Albania daily during the past few weeks, Italian planes also carried some new model whippet tanks to the Italian acrodromes just behind the Albanian front lines, and have also used new Italian Kangeroo planes which are capable of carrying fully equipped chaser planes.

Effective Raids On

Many German Towns

COLONY FINANCE

with the wings folded inside.

Athens Satisfied ATHENS, Dec. 20′′ (V2).— The official spokesman said "the offensive everywhere is success- ful" However, there are only mengrò details from the front.

Weather Improves ATHENS, Dec, 20 (Reuter),-- Aided by a slight improvement in the

LONDON, Dec. 20 (Reuter).—Aircraft of the Coastal Com- mand last night successfully attacked the Tiergen-Oslo Railway, poses. Bombs were seen to burst directly on the line at several parts of the 60-mile long battlefront which is now extensively used by the enemy for military pur-weather, the Greek Army has been

able to move | points.

in Albania. Targets in the Ruhr and sections of the front was especially The Greek advance in some sub- Western Germany, including yesterday and has opened the synthetic oil plants, power way for further progress. stations and railway junctions tion of the Greek nation in the war A fine example of the determina- were attacked last night, and was given in the past 48 hours in despite bad weather, all British certain frontier regions. Owing to aircraft returned safely.

heavy snowfalls in the mountainous Fires were observed, and oil targets danger, of being blocked, but when

countryside, some ronds were in. near Cologne were set ablaze.

Several fires

started the Minister of Public Security gave were Dusseldorf where anti-aircraft pos- children in the affected districts orders that all healthy women and Uons were bombed. Heavy bombs were dropped at Essen, explosions occurred.

Assets Rise In September

"In southern Albania, the ports of

"At Valona, the military barracks, stands armoured brigade petrol dumps, moter transport park ready to roll into action against und buildings were hit. If Lord Halifax accepts appointment, some Cabinet changes! LONDON, Dec. 20 (Reuter)-Re-Bardia, which the enemy is fran- are certain to take place and little connaissance pilots who have been surprise will be caused in political flying over Libya ever since the be

Other mechanised units lurk even circles if Mr Lloyd George Joins the ginning of the campaign have given a further beyond, adding a further War Cabinet in an unadministrative vivid "bird's eye" picture of the ingredient to Italian discomfort. capacity.

nasuult on Bo

Bordia.

I have just reached here from! Italian soldiers Sollum through a raging gale over the They have

acen Kennedy Not Replaced

plodding down! the coastal road Halfaya Puss, which the Italians WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (Reuter), towards Tobruk with

cars made no attempt to blow up as did -No one has yet been asked to fui and lorries rushing past them. They the British in their withdrawal, and R.A.F. aircraft yesterday attacked from $18,419,657 on August 31, Mr Joseph Kennedy's place ns Am-have seen Italian staff ears strafed by) TURN to Page 8, Column Six the Albanian ports of Valona and assets, rose to

Itailuss

bassador to London, President Roose the R.A.F, and sent careering over. velt told a press conference to-day.

Members of the special reconnaiss- The President reiterated the unce squadron which served as the opinion that his plan for "leasing and eyes of the army over enemy territory landing-war material to Britals have made fearless observation flights would require Congressional action and accurate photographs from which to make it effective, but that repeal the British commanders have bech of the Johnson Act would not be minutely informed of the exact dis-

position of the defences. necessary.

The main highway from Dardia to Cabinet Changes Forecast Tobruk has been thoroughly strafed LONDON, Dec, 20 (UP)-It is TURN to Page 8, Column Six strongly rumoured here that Lord Halifax will be designated as Am-

bassador to Washington and that a to relieve Mr Winston Churchili of] Cabinet re-shuffle will follow.

the key responsibilities and domestic

Mr Anthony Eden, the Secretary of afTairs. Stato for War, may replace Lord

Appeal For Ships

To Meet Menace- Of U-Boats

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH" LONDON, Dec. 20 (UP).

"A raid on Malta the same night was equally unsuccessful.

"All our aircraft returned from all operations safely.

Port Of Valona Raided ATHENS, Dec. 20 (Reuter)

Krioneri, states an RAF. commun!- que.

At Valona military barracks, a petrol dump, a motor transport park TURN to Pago 8, Column Six

Formidable British Tanks

LONDON, Dec. 20' (Reuter).

During September the assets of the Colony continued to increase and the financial state ment for that month shows that

September 30.

$18,734,673

at

and four should take spades and clear the roads as soon as possible, the work was cheerfully carried out.

Targets at Bonn were also attacked from a low level, and one very large fire was observed.

During daylight yesterday, the Alr- atcraft Coastal Command successfully

bombed Maupertus,

In that period revenue was $3,500-

and expenditure $3,275,094.

The

Bomber Guns London

LATEST

Japanese Cabinet Reshuffle Likely

ΤΟΚΥΟ,

11e monthly comparative statement of revenue shows that the figure for the year up to the end of September was $30,501,026 compared with $30,- 295,410 in 1030. The revenue, for the month was nearly $1,000,000 more

Few Missiles Dropped than in September .1930. Water

Dec. 21 (Reuter).— LONDON, Dec. 20 (Reuter). Japanese semi-official reports admit revenue accounted for an extra $30,--A lone twin-engined German that an Important Japanese Govern 000 while the item War Revenue! brought in $521,262, making the total bomber dived to within about 150ment reshuffle is imminent as a sequel yield under this head for the year feet of the ground to machine- ferences among the nation's leaders. to a series of crucial night-long con- $2,761,442.

gun pedestrians in a district on Prince Koooye had a night-long Expenditure from January 1 to the outskirts of London to-day, conference with Ministers represent Halifax as Foreign Minister, and Mr Hudson, Minister of Agriculture and Ronald Cross, told the press that Penetrate the thick hide of the 142. Expenditure in September 1846 This was one of a few incidents

It is also rumoured that Mr Robert The Minister of Shipping, Mr-No known-anti-tank gun can September 30, 1940, was $34,018,12but no-one was hurt.

the comparative Sgure being $27,871,

ing the former political parties and big business circles. Lloyd George many enter the Cabinet (Fisheries will succeed Mr Eden.

he was appealing to America for new 25-ton tank now being used was $90,000 less than in September during enemy air activity, which was American-built merchant vessels in the British army.

1939. Pension payments were $192,-¡described as slight during the hours Britain is pushing ahend-fäst, with 329 compared with $238,068 in Sep-jof daylight to-day. to meet the German submarino the output of tanks and the men to ember last year, Cost of the Police A few bombs were dropped in the

man them in a terrific bid to make Force was up $24,000,

London area, causing a small number He said that Britain was unable to up the leeway in the type of warfare $74,000 higher, and the Item War Ex-buildings.

Public Works Extraordinary was of casualties and some damage to maintain her war effort at the present she originated and Germany develop penditure at $250,321 brought the level without the construction of new ed. ships.

Saying that the purchase of old evidence of this during an intensive

"I have seen and heard plenty of total under this head for the year to United States ships was nearly ex-study of the Royal Armoured Corps hausted, Mr Cross added: "Perhops organisation and growth," writer the United States can spare us some- "Reuler's" special correspondent with thing of the ships in the existing the British Army in training. ordinary service,"

An. BAC armoured division,

Former H.K. Officer

Sinks Italian

Ships

menace.

In command of H. M. submarine Rover in Hongkong from 1986 to 1938, Llout-Commander. Haggard has distinguished him self in action against the enemy. in the Mediterranean.

Lloat-Cmdr and Mrs Haggard lived for some time at Royal - Finding Ships For Britain possessing the most formidable Court Hotel and have a large circle of friends in the Colony.

WASHINGTON, Dec, 20 (Reuter). self-contained and working at high hitting power in the British Army -United. States Government officials speed, and the even more weighty LONDON, Doc. 20 (Reuter). convey of heavily laden supply ships are known to be considering whether Army Tank Brigade, working at a Moro successes, against Italy off Cape Spartivenio. One of the 37 Danish and over 100 other foreign slower pace with the infantry, are have been achieved by the my supply ships was sunk and a ships tied up in American ports can expanding very rapidly.

second possibly was sunk.

do turned over to. Britain.. British Navy...

On the following night the Trunnt

The aim where equipment is con- In addition, an intensive study of cernod is standardisation with more It is officially announced that the torpedoed and monk a large Itallantha American shipping situation is armament and heavier armour than submarine Truant (Lieul Commander tanker off the Calabrian coast. The reported to be progressing in. H4 Haggard) on the night of tanker was deeply, laden and was effort to find more tonnage to tease infantry tanks. lost to Germany in an even that possessed by the heavy December 13-14, atacked on escorjed | steering south.

to Britain.

France:

́$4,521,774.'

Working The Axis Pact

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH!!

Sea Back Page For

·Further Late News

INTERNED ITALIANS CALLED TRAITORS, THREATENED

LONDON, 'Dec. 20' (Reuter).—An "anti-Fascist demonstra- tion by Italian officers interned in Yugo-Slavia took place at an officially announced that Germany,

internment camp In Slovenia when the Italian Consul General in italy and Japan, have agreed to from Maribor to the Free French news agency here.

DERLIN, Doc. 20 (UP)-It is Ljubllana visited his compatriots there, according to a dispatch methods for carrying out the clause

The Italian Consul is reported | One of the Italian officers replied: In the tri-partite pact providing for a joint technical commission for the to have called the Italian soldiers because I think that you abd II Duce purpose of making the past effective, traitors in the p esence of their will woon not be able to show your

"Your threat does not frighten ma

take up its military and political them that they could never hope tionary situation, was developing in commission, after which each will

Each Capital is to form a general Yugo-Slav guards and warned selves in

"added that a' revolu-, tunctions.

Italy.

***to return home.