1941-02-21 — Page 17

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FOUNDED 1801 五拜禮 號一廿月二英港香 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1941.

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No. 10388

日六廿月正

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BRITAIN'S SUGGESTED JOB OF WORK TOO

RESTRICTIONS ON WAR MATERIALS TO JAPAN

Special to the "Telegraph"

LONDON, Feb. 20 (UP).—It is reliably reported that Britain has sounded out the United States on a number of measures designed to prevent Japan from increasing her reserves of strategic materials in preparation for a possible war against the Democracies.

A list of suggestions was given to Mr Harry Hopkins for submission

to President Roosevelt, and it is believed they are now under consideration in Washington.

CAPTURED PORTS Mediterranean

Navy On Libyan Coast

With the British Mediter- ranean Fleet, Feb. 20 (Reuter). I have just returned to har bour after spending ten days at sea aboard a British warship in which we visited the captured Italian ports and saw how the British lines of communication were being maintained as far as Benghazi.

We were the first naval force to enter Benghazi since its sur- render.

com-

It has been emphasised by Britain that she does not wish to do anything that will provoke Japan.

FOUR SUGGESTIONS

The suggestions are believed to include the following: (1) That the United States Philippines, British Empire and Allied Empires should restrict exports to Japan to the normal peacetime level or less.

(2) That the United States put a further indirect check on Japanese Imports by limiting to normal peacetime levels or less, United States controlled shipping available to Japan, especially tankers.

(3) The United States, by buying large amounts of key. materials from South America, could put a brake on the present big purchases there,

·

(4) If the United States would give favourable considera- tion to the establishment of a British contraband base in the Caribbean it would help the British control of exports of vital materials from the east coast of South America to the Far East,

via the Panama Canal.

It was pointed out to Mr.

PONTOONS Hepkins that the United States

ACROSS DANUBE German Activity Reported

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH"

Now that German planes are parti- cipating in the African campaign, more determined efforts are to be made to disrupt British sen munications along the Libyan-court-ZURICH, Feb. 20.(UP). It is but counter measures by units of the reliably reported, although offi Beet have maintained the steady new cially, denied in Sofia, that the of men and material, while the re- organisation of the captured towns Germans have placed a pontoon bridge across the Danube near Giurgiu in Rumania, to a point near Rustchuk in Bulgaria.

is proceeding opace.

Airmen Shot Down Three German airmen shot down while we were at Benghazi, are now aboard this ship an prisoners to gether with 350 Hallan officers and 300 mea

Outward bound we carried a num- ber of Libyan volunteers, some of whom were exiles and other prisoners now fighting on the British side,

A British officer told me of how, during an advance beyond Derna, the locni Libyans rendered valuable ser- vice by droppng behind the retrent- ing Italians and pointing out the mined areas. In some cases they actually built barricades in front of the mines to prevent the British from passing over before they had been warned.

Our first port of call was Tobruk where the harbour is still full of sunken enemy derellets. Ashore, the arduous task of cleaning up the fown was proceeding rapidly while the native element have gradually trailed buck home.

had imposed complete embargoes on a small range of exports, in- cluding high octane gasoline, but this did not restrict the export: | of other kinds of petroleum pro- and other ducts, cotton, lead minerals.

On the other hand the British Empire restricted exports to Japan of these items as well as a wide range of other products to normal peace. | time levels or less.

ordinated between the United States, restrict

The British are reported to have suggested that policies should be co- Philippines and the Allies to exports to Japan and Japanese con- frolled areas to normal levels. This would involve an extension of the the export licensing system in United Sintos and the adopilon of According to another report, a pon- similar machinery in the Philippines. It was also pointed out to Mr toon bridge was erected 50 miles up the river a week ago and a fairly Hopkins that it the United States large number of troops crossed then und Allied controlled tankers, includ and returned to Rumania, the bridge ing Panamanian vessels under con-: trol of United States firms withdrew being withdrawn.

It is believed that this is only a

triul.

It is known that about seven from Japanese service, Japan's im- bridgeheads have been prepared on porting capacity would be severely the Rumanian side of the river.

Panama Canal Lock Work

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH" CRISTOBAL, Feb, 19 (Domel).- Construction work on Use Third Lock in the Panama Canal was started | to-day from Gatun Lake.

At a total cost of $8,000,000, the work will be completed in two years eight months. Bils for the engineer- ing work were made In December, Inst year.

3,500 A.R.P.

Wardens

To Take H.K. Census

reduced.

GREEKS SCORE

Capture Another 200 Prisoners

ATHENS, Feb. 21 (Reuter). Thursday was another suc-

cessful day for Greek troops

who, says a communique from

These men render mines safe after they have- been washed ashore on Britain's coasty. This squad seen in the pic- Lure have been decorated for bravery in carrying out the task. Left to right they are "Tubby" S. C. Keen, D.S.M., the Rendering Mines Safe Omeer. Licut- Cdr R. B. Edwards, D.S.0., Chief Petty Omeer Spriggs, D.S.M., and A.B. G. Rowell.

Japan To Try & Take Singapore, Say U.S. Experts

Special to the "Telegraph"

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UP),.-Naval experts are of the opinion that any attempt by Japan to take Singapore would be British warships In the over-costly, even if there were no vicinity.

However, it was conceded that the Japanese navy could blockade Singapore unless Britain had a strong naval force there.

A MISTAKE

The same experts also believed that Japan might eventually capture Singapore, if she were willing to pay what is consider- ed to be a "terrific cost."

Italy Made Fatal that the most likely strategy would

Miscalculation

LONDON, Feb. 20 (Reuter). —A special commentary in the journal "Genevo" on February

They

17 stated that Italy entered the war because she believed that it would be quickly over. over-rated the French resistance, under-estimated the British and shared the German illusion that Britain could not withstand peated massive bombing.

However, it was generally thought be an attempt to starve out Singa- pore.

The experts declared that an at- would outright capture tempt at

cave Japan too weakened to capl- talise the achievement, assuming it

was ever realised,

Danger To U.S. SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH" WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UP).- Mr Ludwell Denny of the Scripps- Howard newspaper service to-day declared:

"Informed quarters state that the danger of the United States being re-involved in a war in the Far East is

greater than in Europe."

He asserted that Hitler hopes to involve the United States in a war with Japan in order to divert American aid to Britain. She per-

Italy counted on the ruin of the British Empire, believing that she had only to fight a country in the last stage of feebleness.

ceives to-day that she confronts a Power able to hold out for a long time with resources constantly creasing.

Italy's reverses political calculations,

Against this Mr Churchill, declared

to Mr Denny, desires the United States participate in the present show of in-

force in the Paclic, in the first Instance as a warning, but if Japan are due to false ignores the warning, for the US, to

nct belligerently,

President Roosevelt has been con- sulted over every major move made by Britain.

Eleven Enemy Planes Downed

By Empire Pilots

in Africa

CAIRO, Feb. 20 (Reuter)-Bomber and fighter units of the R.A.F., the South African Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force brought to-day's bag of enemy aircraft to 11 in addition to two further machines brought down the day before during engagements or bombing

operations.

All to-day's victims were Italians except for one Heinkel machine.

Mr Eden's Important Mission To Egypt.

Special to the "Telegraph"

CAIRO, Feb. 20 (UP).The Foreign Minister, Mr Anthony Eden, and the Chief of the Imperial and General Staf, Generat Sir John Dill, have arrived in Egypt.

Italo-Greek Peace

Talks Denied

G.HI.Q., occupied strong enemy What Turkey Will Do positions and captured 200 pri- soners, including officers.

If Nazis Attack

In addition, numerous auto-

SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAPH" matic arms and much material ISTANBUL, Feb. 20 (UP) fell into Greek hands.

Greek diplomatic quarters are There were also successes in angrily denying reports of. Italo- the air. Enemy military objec-Greek pence conversations.

would involve the withdrawal of and five enemy planes. were rush troops and occupation by brought down in, active combat. German forecs.

It is learned that Herr von Papen has repeatedly asked the Turkish Government to mediate

A census of the population will be taken between 6 and 10 p.m. on March 7 to 10, said. Mr. B. H. Puckle, Deputy Directortives wore, successfully bombed They asserted that any such talles of A.R.P. at ʼn Press conference this morning. Almost the entire A.R.P. force, comprising 2,400 wardena in Hongkong and 1,100 wardens in Kowloon, will be engaged upon this gigantic task.

The only information that the persons during previous black-outs ARP, will require is the age and enlled at certain houses and gave nationality of the occupants. It is orders regarding lighting, etc. The stressed that the sole object of the public is warned only to recognise wardens who are In-uniform and census is to find out what shelter accommodation must be provided in recruits who wear Identity badges ench district and also how food must and armlets, " be distributed in case of emergency. Mr Pucitle expressed the hope that the population will assist, and co- operate in this respect.

Black-out

Tunnel Tested

Anglo-Irish Problems

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGNAPH"

A Foreign Office source considers that Bulgaria would avold Any declaration by permitting German troops to use Bulgarip as a base for aggression.

Three Hurricanes engaged a forma- tion, of Heinkels yesterday and of two British planes missing, one pilot jy safe.

LATEST

Discovery By H. K. Censors

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH" SHANGHAI, Feb. 21 (UP)—It is

reliably learned that Britain has re- newed a request to the United States for further restriction of American trade reaching Germany via Japan and Russia.

The new request was mudo after

American

South African Air Force units censorship in Hongkong of recent destroyed ten Halian aircraft during American mails in which, it is alleged, evidence was discovered that Ameri- an attack on on aerodrome in the Asmara (Abyssinia) area while one can goods were travelling via Shang- Heinkel was brought down during an hot, Tientsin, Yokohama and Dairen

to Vladivostok. enemy raid on Benghazi, according

It is rellably reported that Ameri- to an R.A.F. Middle East communique.

It is now confirmed that fighters of can consul officials in the Far East The object of the visit by Mr Eden the Royal Australian Air Force ye are investigating the movement of 1wo additional erican cargoes, particularly those and General Dill is to consult with terday shot down

transhipment, although the strict enforcement of

of the export licensing Commander-in-Chief of the various Junkers machines on Tuesday.

licensing In the attack on the Asmara aero-enforcer forces and other authorities in a full drome, buildings and hangars were system since January 1 has drastically reduced the shipment of many review of the political and military

hit while a transport park and reduced

American products, especially metals. After the second series of Anglo-well as moving troops on the roads

at General Staff talks Turkish

were heavily bombed. Large columns Mr Eden and week, Mr Ankara Inst

of black smoke poured out of the General Dill's mission is probably in ravaged workshops. tended to closely co-ordinate plans in North and Enst Africa and the

situation near the Middle East. repair shops at Dessie (Abyssinia) an

for

It is understood that Britain lacked

obtained

specific proof of American tranship ments unill the censors, in the past fortnight,

documentary Offensive Over France

evidence which they subsequently communicated to Washington. (Reuter) LONDON, Feb. 20 Balkanu, including enlarged help to

Unofficial circles re some

regard the con- Greece, and in case of emergency to British fighters carried out

theaular investigation. of trade move- bifensive patrol activity over Turkey.

Officials declined to comment on French coast during the day, it was ments as an indication that the Britch United States is preparing for fuller a British officially announced. Two

co-operation with Britain. the chances of sending

Bghters are missing. expeditionary force to Greece and a possible drive on Tripoli.

Primarily Strategic General Dill's presence and the fnet that Mr Eden was the former Minister of War, and is qualified to deal with military as well as political problems, is interpreted as a strong indientien that the mission is pri- marlly strategie and secondarily poll- teal.

It is authoritatively stated that Mr Eden and General Dill will also deal TURN to Back Pago, Column 4

British Armed Cruiser Sunk

LONDON, Feb. 20

(Router)-

Increase In Island's Electricity Charges

Electricity on the island is to cost more. This is revealed

In a statement issued to-day declaring that as from March 21, the Hongkong Electric Company's standard charges for current will increase from 15 cents to 16 cents per unit for lighting and from 5 cents to 51⁄2 cents per unit for power. It la also disclosed that from thai date the discount of ten per cent, on power accounts in excess of 1,000 units per month, will be dis- continued..

on 11th September 1940, a total of $2.20 per share ..................... $720,000.00 ray dividend of

Bellish sources intiinate that in the LONDON, Feb. 20 (UP)--Political event of a German attack on Greece, circles are speculating on the pos-Turkey might declare war, but she Mr Puckle said that tunnel ventila-sibility of America or Canada being would fight defensively to which she tion was tested on Sunday and Tues-asked to mediate in Anglo-Irish is best adapted, at the same time day when the duet ventilating and problem after Bubmission of a permitting Urlish worships to pass

At the annual meeting to be the exhaust fan systems were tried secret memorandum to Mr. De Valera through the Dardanelles in order to The black-out will take place as out. Both worked satisfactorily but and Mr Churchill by a group, headed attack supply lines to fumania, while 11.M.S. Crispin, an armed auxiliary held on March 20, the following scheduled, from sunset to dawn on the authorities have not decided by Sir Hughbert Gough.

British troops would make use of vessel of the Royal Navy has been recommendations will be made. February 20, 27 and 28. It is stated which system to adopt.

The group claim to represent the Turkey as a base. Wing Commander A. H. S. Stecle-feeling of Irishmen all over the that if the Block-out exercise proves successful on the first two nights, Perkins, Director of A.R.P., returned world. there will be

to office this morning after being in The memorandum makes recom February 28.

hospital with influenza for 18 days. mendations concerning Irish sen and It har como to the notice of the Ile was looking none the worse for air bases for Britain, as well as Irish A.R.P.-nuthorities-that unauthorized--ils-11inosa.-

unity,

no

black-out

on

Alfonso Restless

sunk, announces the Admiralty.

The next of kin of the casualties have been advised.

The Crispin, was of 5,071 tons, LONDON, Feb. 20 (Reuter) —Ex- | built in 1936. In pencetime she was King Alfonso passed a restless day, it one of the Booth Line vessels carry- was announced in Rome.

Ing both passengers and cargo.

To pay a final dividend

of $1.20 per share on the 600,000 old shares, making, with the in- forim dividend of $1.00 per share paid

830,000.00

$1.10 per share on the 300,000 now sharca ranking for dividend as from 1st July 1940, To pay a second dona-. Bon to the "South TURN to Back Pago, Column 4