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VOL. II NO. 112

CHURCHILL WEDDING BY CANDLELIGHT

But The Organ Played!

London, Feb. 11.

Miss Mary Churchill, youngest daughter of the former Prime Minister, was married to-day at the height of Britain's power cut, with only four. candles burning and no host in the fashionable St Margaret's Church, to Captain Cristopher of the Coldstream

Soames Guards.

At the

minute, enough electriclly was supplied so that the bride could walk down the aisle to traditional organ murlo instead of

a plano as had been expected. Thousands of Londoners braved the biting wind and waited for hours | outside the church for a glimpse of j the bride and her famous father.

Mr Churchill was cheered lustily amid shouts of "Hello Winnie".

The

For the Proprietor of HONGKONG TELEGRAPII, For and on behalf of

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, LTD.

Printer und Publisher

Hongkong Telegraph.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1947.

REAFFORESTATION OF H. K.

On

XMEA

The Air

Washington, Feb. 12.

The action of a Chinese military in closing the former American radio station XMHA at Shanghai was interpreted by State Department sources as the culmination of the Nanking Government's determination to eliminate all stations in China in which the Chinese feel foreign influence is existent.

The impression here was that although XMHA, at present is owned by the Chinese Catholic Bishop, Paul Yupin, it drew Nan- king suppressive action be- cause it had been broad- casting co-operatively with the United States Navy for the benefit of the United States armed forces

in China-Associated Press.

cheers which accentuated the silence DEMONSTRUOTA DE that greeted the Prime Minister's and Mrs Attice's arrival to attend the wedding, which was one of the high- Hights of London's social senson.

Mr Churchill grinned broadly and raised his fingers in the Victory salute, after which he uffered his hand to his daughter for the march to the altar.

COLD AND DARK

The church was cold and virtually pitch dark, except for four candles on the altar and single light burning over the organ.

Masses of yellow daffodils and the front of the mimosa banked altar and the mink and sable coats of the guests-some of whom were wearing colourful Paradise plumes In their hat gave a marked con- trast to the thousands of

spectators

In shabby overcoats and sackcloth.

Captain Soames, the bridegroom, is at present assistant military at- tache at the British Embassy In Puris. He served in North Africa and fought in the battle of El Alamein.

the wedding, but they proved In- adequate to hold buck the erowit

of the

JEWS ALSO REJECT PLAN

Palostine Solution No Nearer

London, Feb. 11. Jewish leaders to-day joined the Arab states' delegates in re- jeeling the new British plan for Palestine, leaving the British Government faced with complete failure after weeklong efforta fer a compromise.

UNDER WAY

Immediate And Long Term Policies

TASK OF GREAT MAGNITUDE

The Botanical and Forestry Department has started its great task of `reafforestating tho colony which, to-day, is seriously threatened with soil erosion in some of the catchment

from the arcas. Seedlings government nurseries are being planted, but, said an official, replanting on a full scale will have to wait until the spring of next year.

The planting of seedlings from nurseries started

·Dine At tho

P. G.

For

Reservations

Price 20 Cents

IN ENGLAND TO-DAY

Horo is a scene that is typical in many parts of England to-day, whore shoppers have to be served by candlelight owing to electricity cuts made necessary by the acute coal shortago, Britain's towns and villagca are almost as gloomy to-day, as they were during the wartime blackout.

this month and already about 5,000 trees have been Russia Changes Tune

planted, principally the catchment areas. It is expected that by the end of next spring,100,000 trees will have been planted.

An official said that they had been very unlucky in losing so many Tristania seedlings in the typhoon last year as this was one of the best types of trees for afforestation work. However, they had plenty of other seedlings to get along with.

He said that it would be fiva, to 10 years before they develop

ed Into anything like full sized undergrowth

trees, or would have any value as timber.

Dealing with the long term forest policy, the official

said that every will be made to increase the covering and tree growth in the protection forests on the steep hillsides and catchment

arcas.

On German Treaty

London, Feb. 11.

M. Eyodor Gusev, the Soviet delegate to the Deputies for the German peace treaty suddenly and unexpectedly announced to-night that the Soviet delegation had decided their proposals on procedure should be widened and in particular a wider view should be taken on the matter of consultation and information of the smaller Allied powers. This question has so far been one Government, the leaders of the ap- of the main points at issue between proved democratic parties, trade the Russians and the other three of union officials and officials of Stale the Big Four delegations in planning or provincial government, should be for the preparation of the German Invited to submit their views to the

deputies at committee level.

treaty. one-half

Some idea of the magnitude of the work is indicated by an official re- velation that from December 6 to 11, 1941, approximately of the total growing stock of large pine trees between Beacon Hill rail- way tunnel and Laichikok felled.

This will be done by enforcing an cfficient system of forest guards and by beating up the undergrowth with high forest trees wherever suitable. Such catchment areas which have no undergrowth will be pitsown with in a chilly atmosphere created were

By carly January, 1912, all trees had completely disappeared from

this area.

that

It

pinc.

fully dealt with before the affores- tation of other areas is undertaken.

Requisite attention given to the planting of selected will also be flowering trees where their omenity voluc is high.

These protection areas must be

the

M. Gusev roade his announcement at the very end of a long meeting

by

The French representative, M. Camille Paris, deputising for M. Couve de Murville. said he con- aldered this last United States pro- posal premature.

Britain's industrial power cuts. not yet crystallised the form which He said the Soviet delegation had the widening should take but he M. Gusev asked in what capacity mentary proposal said he hoped to submit a supple- the German representatives would

to the

original appear

and whether they would Soviet memorandum in the next day

speak on behalf of the Gennan or two.

people.

There would

ference to the Standing Committee the United States and Soviet zones

re- be particular

Mr Murphy, replying, said that in

of of Germany there were duly elected sent a good proportion of the Ger- man population.

Tel: 27880

Britain Fights Coal Shortage And Snow

London, Feb. 12.

The British turned des- perately to its army, and navy yesterday for ships and men, flame-throwers and bulldozers to open coal supply laner blocked by the worst winter storm in more than half a century.

Fighting a fuel and power famine that already has immobilised more than 4,000,000 workers, Prime Minister Atlee and his Cabinet re- viewed the crisis at a special meeting yesterday.

Shortly afterwards the War Office and the Admirally were

Ismicd stand-by orders to give whatever help possible.

All kinds of expedients were con- sidered, including the use of flante- throwers to clear snow-clogged rail lines, employment of cuinarines to generate electric power for coastal towns, and use of Radar to shepherd

coal coasters through fog and 100. Also considered by the Cabl

Cabinet ва д further coal

coal conservation

measure was the extension of daily domestic power cuts to all the I- land except northern Scotland. Warning of the possible extension was made officially at a Ministry of Fuel and Power press conference few hours after the 10 Downing Street session.

Coal savings resulting from Mon- days dracle power cuts, a Ministry spokesman reported, amounted to 22.500 tom, or about a third of ner→ mal consumption by generating stations.

"But," he added gloomily, “de- liveries continue to be blocked by tho weather."

"NOT SO GOOD". He remarked. the publia co-opera- tion in voluntarily halting power consumption for five hours daily day." In many areas, Is, technical was "nok so good to-day as on Mon-

ly impossible to cut domestic power users from lines which also serve

industries. essential

Sir "It is doubtful," announced day Nolt-Bower, Ministry Under- Secretary.

"Whether at the close of yesterday the stock positions of the power stations in the restricted areas was much improved. Outside the restricted area

Brew: worac

Foreign Ministers in Moscow for officials who could be said to repre- proba areas, the stock position

at the forthcoming Council

consultation and information of ather Allied Governments.

memorandum was

when the Churchill car, bearing the Plan by force, particularly after the the removal of such trees adversely mainland, however, in the area the progress of the deputlus" work, mainly concerned with the proposed ago granted, increased supplies of

Bag of the Lord Warden

Cinque Porta, drove up.-United Press.

Fire Disaster: 86 Still Missing

Berlin, Feb. 11. Eighty-six persons are still missing following the flash fire which gutted a Berlin night club on Saturday and workers are still sifting through the debris hunting for bodies.

Police headquarters carlier

had listed 104 mixing but later ikro- ported that 10 of the number had turned up. Some who failed to re-

and others had been receiving treat- ment at private houses.

The bodies are so badly charred and in pieces that the first counts of Di bodles recovered appeared to be an error.-Unlled Press.

Whitehall sources did not believe the Cabinet would try to Impose Its

Arabs and Jews had expressed them. selves unreservedly against accepting It, even as a basis for discussion.

Foreign Omce sources indicated that Britain might take the whole; matter to the United Nations as a last resort and might, in that case, call for a special meeting on grounds of urgency.

HAIFA SCARE

most

(on

the

The other main business of the

view

CW. Was

บง

A.

United

Brillah

thenesday

The British Government appeared confronted with the alternatives of either forcing their plan upon both parties or devising a new solution,

ces close to the Foreign Office Sources indicated

After the surrender of Hongkong, that Mr Ernest Bevin might

for several months the make yet another attempt to avo

Japanese the London tales from final break-uthorities did nothing to prevent down. He was known to be insisting the cutting of firewood from the hill. The wedding climaxed a love-at-that, if given time, he could bring sides and, declared an official,

Special efforts will be made to Arst-sight meeting in Paris. Within the Jews and Arabs together on a

check the erosion of those blittops during this period Was endoubtedly a month of their meeting last No-

deforestation was at its height. compromice solution, but neither

which have become completely de- vember, they were engaged.

Later the A special force of 35 foot and live Jews nor Arabs in London to-night

Wiki nuded of all vegetation. Japanise authorities carried out systematic fellings Te- Fortunately, said the official, this mounted constables were posted cul-showed any indication of a com-

He said the Government was not sulting in the removal of all trees of ling not becoine serious on any part side St Margaret's in Westminster for promising mood.

a size suitable for Arowood from of the island except on a small area.

considering any plan to buy United States easily accessible areas, except where around Tytam reservoir. On

coal to help The British delegate, Sir Willam

The rest of the discussion on the through the crisis, "de" the nation be- Strang, who presided, reporting on United States

Newspapers, only a few months affected the amenity of the locally, tween Laichikek and Kwai

Chung Tsun Wan road) rather said he was very doubtful whether system of committees, IMMEDIATE POLICY

serious erosion is now taking place, they would complete their, work in Paris said he thought too rigid."

which M. newsprint, announced, they will re- vert to reduced war-time size, be- Later, arcas that were previously time so far as the question of pro- The official nid that the im- under forest will again be sown with cedure is concerned.

The first two hours of the meeting ginning

and continuing mediate forest polley called firstly pine, but the

notice extent of these

կուլ was taken up with a long argument He added that a lot would depend over the difference of opinion. Which trains were withdrawn to clear the opernTM

Many suburkan, and, mala line for reafforestation, secondly for pro- tions will have to depend largely on

new pro- had arisen in the drafting commltice tection, thirdly re-establishment of the possibility of protecting, these on how far M. Gusev's nurseries and fourthly routine work, rear from illegal tree cutting, as

posals would go to meet the views

responsible for drawing

lines for priority, coal, shipments and No decision so far has been taken i such as the planting and lending of for the most part they are situated on procedure of other delegations. skeleton form of the report for sub- London transport, considered further by the Government. Mr Bevin was roadside trees, undergrowth clear in the Immediate vicinity of densely U.S. MEMORANDUM

mission to the Council of Foreign service reduction, affer a peak hour believed to be preparing a last appeal Ings, and so forth, -

Ministers.

trame drop of more than 100,000 on populated areas, such as Shaukiwan to both the Arabs ad the Jews for Reafforestation came under three, and Shamshulpo.

TuesdayAssociated Press. The difference was that in the continuation of talks in London.-headings: (a) arces which remain

deputies to-night was the discussion Soviet view the views of the smaller United Press.

comparatively

BIG BEN BLACKED OUT untouched and for

NEW TERRITORIES

of the United States memorandum Allied Governments on specific which the protection of growing stock

on procedure, which was submitted German problems should be isted

London, Feb. 11. Afforestation in the New Terri- by Mr Robert Murphy. This pro- in alphabetical order with the fullest to-night the lights.. on Big Ben's Jerusalem, Feb. 11.

The fuel crisis became complete was the most important considera- Haifa port sirens screamed over the tion; (b) areas from which all trees clared the official, and may

*****| tories has greal possibilities, deposed that at the fresh meeting of possible direct quotation, from the clock daces more blacked out for the city to-night and there were un- suitable for firewood have

been

well the deputies to take place within memoranda or statements submitted first time since the end of the war.— confirmed rumours of explosions moved leaving a fairly dense shrub prove, even in a short period Uke 20 four weeks of the Council of Foreign by each Allled government

Fress. rocking the area. The police quick covering. The quickest and most years, to be a real benefit to the Ministers in Moscow, four standing

The United States and sub-committees and about dozen explot colony. table dmber from these

Disclosing that a start was made sub-committees on which the smaller submit an integrated report at all

that the deputies should US. HELP UNLIKELY the Shing Allies would be represented, should the views of all the

Washington, Feb. 11. allowing the natural

Succession of Mun catchment area, he

Industry sources to-day said they generations of It was believed, however, the depth course. This may be helped to some problems as the catchment areas in

to ince its vegetation to

area does not present such bi

big deputies.

specific subject. charge was dropped from a police extent by interplanting such

send any speedy relief to Britain in In the end a French compromise the coal shortages of England and trees Hongkong from the point of view (Continued on Pago 4)

as Schima, Tristania

and

suggestion which came very close to Wales. the Soviet's view was adopted by the in groups; (c) areas from which all of protection, owing to its relative deal with the following subjects:

They opined that lack of ships and trees suitable for firewood have been remoteness, Moreover, its somewhat 1. Political and constitutional! Deputies,

England's unfavourable trading posi gentle and broken topography structure more removed, but which has little or no does not make the necessity of pre- committees on constitutional struc- ments, it was agreed, were to be despite the fact that the American of Germany, with sub-. The views of the Allied Govern- tion would hamper Targe scale help ahrul layer or from which shrub layer has been removed.

serving I a forest cover as essential ns fure and democratisation,

listed in alphabetical order, but soft coal production for the week catchment for most other

areas;

were to be summarised briefly and ending February These last mentioned brens, said therefore, it' forms an ideal choice 2. Territorial adjustments and direct quotations were to be avoided. with a total of 13,775,000 tons,

ach a.20-year peak the official, are the ones which call for large scale forestry operations. problems, with - sub-committees

Reuter, for the most strenuous steps to be

United Fress. In 1838 a working plan was pre- the eastern boundaries, the Nether- taken for reafforestation.

In many pared for reafforestation in which lands territorial claims. Belgium and such arcas natural reg

regeneration of

of it was

to set up an out- Luxembourg, territorial claims, the pine has taken

proposed aken place in rufficient quantity to establish a closed forest mich to

station and nursery with about 10 Saar and Czecho-Slovak territorini

claims. provide the requisite canopy in due time, should it be seedling for planting up this

9. The economic organization of afforded complete protection.

very Germany and reparations with the A large aren. such gops as occur in those

sub-commitless for economic In 1845 inspection of plantations - areas from failure

control reparations of natural re- generation will be artificially filled. Created in this area in 1930 and danisation and

Ruhr. In other areas little or no natural 1940 showed that moderately ontle and the standard of living, and the factory results had been achieved in 4. Disarmament and demilitariza- regeneration of

of pine has followed

of complete lack of tending spite of the older trees and such during the war years. These same duration and strength removal

tion, with sub-committees on the areas will have to be artificially plantations were almost completely occupation and on the United States of military Some

of these areas, honv-destroyed by wood cutters, In the

draft disarmament and demilitariza- over, are more suitable for plant-

tion treaty. ing with broadleaved tree seedlings ring of 1040.

committees raised in a nursery and this is now the largest scope for afforestation would consist of one representative posing of its. Rolls Royce

The four standing being done as far as available nur by the government in the New Ter- of each of the Big Four and four re Mr Meintosh Smith, Chief Fire ing capacity of 1,500, gallons per sery stocks permit

ritories since all village rights were presentatives nominated from amonji Referring to protection, the official extinguished at the time of the con- the smaller Allies by each of the Bigcer, told the "Telegraph to-day minute as compared will the old sold that antericfent outpost scheme struction of the reservoir.

Four deputies.

that

they were actually replaced in type machines which have a capacity has been established for the protre-

1041, but were kept for training the of 360 to 600 gallons a minute tion of afforestated areas.

In the

Auxillary Fire Brigade and ARP

Referring to resighting equip personnel. majority of cases, pill boxes have

mem,

Mr. Smith said that each station has its own latest equipment for fighting oil fres

archs

port had been suffering from shock ty denied any trouble and explained | satisfactory way of obtaining by in 1039 10 forest part of old this be set up to join in the work of the which had expressed opinions on a doubted if the United States could

EDITORIAL

that they had dropped a depth charge “as a precaution”. No other explanation was given,

The Task Of Reafforestation ON

¡NE of Hongkong's unhapplest and most unfortunate fegacies of the war

is deforestation. For years the authorities waged a struggle with legal wood cutters, with enough succola provide the colony with belts of wood- land and scrub-capable of preventing soll erosion' and sliting, and at the same time adding to the natural beauty of the place. With the overrunning of the colony by the Japanese in 1941, the protection so vital to the per- petuation of the forests was lost and the Chinese, desperate for firewood, swooped down on the more accessible areas and denuded them of their. trees. A very great deal of 60 years of, patlent work was ruined in a few months.

To-day, through the "Telograph", it le officially disclosed that the Botanical and Forestry Department has started the big tank of reafforesta tion, and the pronouncements of immediate and long term poilclos to give back to Hongkong its essential woodlands, are extremely encouraging. Wo must have a forest covering In water catchment aress if only to prevent large scale erosion: and there are other consideratione, such as the danger of rapid and complata allting up of the reservoirs during the rainy season, and Inovitabis landslides which could, and probably would, cause damage to property and possibly mean loss of life.

any

case,

sown.

Machllus

Tho

official said that area offers

NEW HEADQUARTERS

The Standing Committees would

LIVELY DISCUSSION

The Immediata plans for correcting the present, sorious altuation are reallatio, and workmantike. The decision to resume the pre-war system of protection fe echaible, and although it is a littis disheartening to know

A site for the new headquarters of that we must wait another twelve months for full scale planting of seedlings, there is comfort. In the knowledge that the Forestry Department is making been used for housing foresters for the Forestry Department has been the fullest use of its nurseries and is going shoad'as fast as possible with this purpose and only such minor retentatively selected near Talpo Kau. the work. The Department expects to have 100,000 seedlings planted by pairs as the Installing of windows This area in the past has been used the end of next spring and this will, undoubtedly, reduce the danger of | doors and edequate washing and for experimental work, of various to-night. prosion and sliting in the catchment areas. Complete reafforestation is a cooking facilities will be necessary kinds and was well afforested up to long forgy Job, but the energetic manner in which it is being tackled, in | to make these into permanent out-1844 when extensive fellings were commendable and reassuring.

stations.

• (Contintieil on Page 4)

on

or-

The United States memorandum also contained a novel proposal which was subject to lively discussion This was that "competent German authorities and experts", and also, in the absence nt o Central German

governments

Fire Brigade Says Goodbye To Some Old Friends

Once upon a time Hongkong could boast that it was the only city with fire engines driven by Rolls Royce motors. Now, all but one of these appliances, ora offered for public auction next Friday, One is being. retained to deal with small fires.

Asked why the Brigade was dis-emelent. They were each powered engines, with a 70,4 hp motor with a bump-

DTO

Mr. Smith disclosed that the Rolls Dennis and Merryweather en- glica were replaced six years by four American La France ap pliances of the latest type.

Experience had proved American machines wero

He declared that the Hongkong Fire Brigade is an... efficiently-run organisation with 14 inadern ap- these pilances and a complement" of 404 highly well-trained men.