1947-02-14 — Page 1

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VOL. II: NO. 114

The

Vor the Privrictor of `· HONGKONG TELEGRAPİL For and on behalf of

SOUTH CHINA MORNING JOST, LTD.

I Mraule

Printer and Publisher

Hongkong Telegraph.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1947.

GAS INDUSTRY NOW

A

Turn THREATENED

For The Better

London, Feb. 13.

The British fuel crisis took a turn for the better to-day and the Government was ex- 'pected to decline with thanks President Truman's offer of American coal shipments.

Cabinet Ministers and Mr Attlee's new Joint Comunission on the conl emergency probably will discuss Mri Truman's offer of American 03- alstance to-morrow.

Spéculation that Britain

factors:

would

Fuel Crisis Latest

London, Feb. 13.

The Prime Minister, Mr Clement Attlee, told the House of Commons to-day that Britain's supply of fuel for power had improved slightly, but warned that there was cause for anxiety now in the gas industry.

The Prime Minister, making an up-to-the-minute report on the fuel crisis that.had stopped all but the most essential of the nation's ́ industries, said 78,000 tons of coal were saved between Monday and Wednesday as a result of the drastic current cuts.

He said the general power the first time a small improvement in

the general position." stocks of coal at the nation's

NOW decline the offer was based on these generating plants were

sufficient for about tine days' In London, normal operations. however, there was only about a week's stock at six main power stations, Mr Attlee announced.

1. The immediate crisis was luc primarily to snow and storm-bound transport. The National Coal Board estimated that 1,000,000 tons at con! were above ground awaiting ship-

menti

!

2. Any coal shipped from the United States would arrive on latel to help in the immediate crisis.

[C-

3. Britain would hesitate to spend more of her dwindling dollar perver.

STREETS DARKENED

Street lights all over England, Scolland and Wales were switched aff in a return to wartime blackouts to-night as unother conservation measure. Only busy intersections and areas where public safety might otherwise be endangered were

*སམ་ illuminated.

Even lighting on Auch busy thoroughfares ̈ns" Oxford Street, Regent Street, Charing Cross Road and Whitehall were halved.

At the wirst, the coal stocks earlier had dropped to four days' supply.

"The situation remains critical," Mr Attlee said. "The coal stocks of tas undertakings give cause for anxiety, particularly in London, where stocks, in general amount to about nine and a half days' con- sumption-considerably lower in

kome casUI.

Mr Attice announced that 12 ships tuns of coal had carrying 24,000 reached London in the past 24 hours and between noon Tuesday and noon. to-day 51 ships in all had left North- east porta, carrying 400,000 tons for

London.

.First reports from areas to which electricity restrictions were extended to-day for the first time indicated! comparatively little saving effected. Both in South Wales and in Scotland, consumers were confused over in- structions in south Wales, saving period, Mr Attice sald. Six was only one-eighth.

were Lied up, but more others were experted to day, he added.

London Power Company officials, however, reported respouse in London to-day was better-United

Press.

TRUMAN'S OFFER

Washington, Feb; 14. President Truman yesterday sald that the United States is ready to do everything within its power to relieve the plight of Britons in the present fuel emergency.

In a statement, the President said that it may be possible to divert to Britain a number of colliers now at sea in the vicuuity of Britain which are carrying coat to uther European countries-Assuciated Press.

LYONS CUT OUT LUNCHES

London, Feb. 13. Lyons-Britain's largest restaurant chain--announced that as of to- morrow, most of its corner houses and restaurants would not serve luncheon because their power had been cut. Two leuding hotels--the Cumberland and Regent Paluce- owned and operated by Lyons, were included in the order. The Strand Palace, another Lyons' hotel, has its own generating plant and so is not affected-United Press.

EDITORIAL

31

than move to-

"The critical drop in coal stocks but the position remains dangerous for the moment has been arrested, until those stocks are brought to the safety level," Mr Shinwell's press conference, said. statement, which was released at a

up

He also said the drop in power con- sumption at the nine a.m. cut-off this morning was slightly less good than yesterday's-United Press.

Faith Also

+

Needed

New York, Feb. 13. The New York Times commented lil an editorial to-day that the "rally in the value of Chinn's wildly plunging currency suggests that complete collapse in that unhappy nation may not be as near as 'seemed to to be in recent weeks.”

Continuing the editorial said: "The recovery may only be temporary. But not even monetary stabili sation can save the situa- tion unless the people still retain same faith In their government's assurances that the crisis can and will be controlled.

It would be a lamentable mistake for us to regard this situation as China's problem alone. It is also an American problem and The an acute one. United States has been China's steadfast friend. We cannot afford to abandon her to chaos." United Press,

How Coal Shortage Affects

Britain's Daily

Daily Life

(BY RICHARD TOMPKINS)

London, Feb. 14.

Here is how Britain's fuėl crisis cuts Cross the lives, home and activites in the areas affected by he great switchoff.

Big business-vidually all large! manufacturing plants are -closed. Drastic reductions are noticeable In railway transport facilities, with only

a wick's coal supply left.

Industrialists Incur heavy bills to meet payments under union

contracts.

wage

SHIPS ON THE MOVE Thirty more ships carrying 25,500 tons left North-eastern ports for

other destinations

that same

Underwriters ince loss through ships | curtailment of produccion dor export.

Fuel "pirates" seeking to operate businesses's through their organisa- Government inspectors. Sub- contractors resort to "home-work". Small Inciorles and "Tamily businesses", though their organisa- don, the National Union of Manufac turers, appeal to the Government to enable 4,000 firms.to re-open.

The Premier reported that the rallways of Britain moved more coal as a result of the passenger service cuts announced last night,

And he sombrely read to the House the weather forecast of con tinued cold weather-bu! no gale and no fog.

**Tills .means," although the loading of wagons and he said. "that ships still is slow and difficult, we can keep seaborne coal moving."

A ioan,

Dino At tho

P. G.

For

Reservationa

Price 20 Cents

From China's Currency Chaos Comes the Story of the

7. Tel: 27880

Plight Of Chang Ah-Mo, Rickshaw Coolie

Shanghai, Feb. 13.

Chang Ah-mo dropped the shafta of public rieksha No. 2139 at the curb of Nanking Rond, argued briefly with his fare and resignedly accepted a crumpled CN$1,000 note.

Two days ago CN$1,000 would have bought 'n satis- fying lunch-three rice cakes and one bowl of hol meat soup at one of Shanghal's curbalde food stalls. To-day it is sufficient for only two cakes and a cup of weak tea, scant fare for one who expends energy rapidly, dog-trotting the weight of his ricksha and another human through the cold, rain-drenched streets.

But it is not his lunch that worries Chang most. It is his wife and three children whose mouths also must be filled and over whose heads n roof must be kept.

Up to a week ago, things were not too bad. Prices had been fairly stable for A month. There WOG money for boiled rice for breakfast and boiled rice, a few vegetables and an occasional bit of meat or fish for dinner. Now, there is money enough for only boiled rice and soup-which means less rice and more water. There is no money for oil to light the shabby one-room home.

į bits of wood for the cooking fire. There is no hope now of new gar ments.

True, Chang makes more money than ever before. With good luck he can make CN$25,000 daily and on rainy days more.

Bat

"ay-yah, the ricksha rental." The official rate for hire La CN$5,000 for Ал eight-hour But one cannot exVETL owners to let rickshas out these timen at such a ridiculous rate. Se Chang must pay a black market' rental of CNS10,000.

Which

Els humble dwelling costs CN$700 daily and the noon meal must be eaten out" at a curbside stand at a price of about NC$2,000. With careful management and good for- tune. Chang may be able to take home CN$8,000 at the end of the day's work. But with rice selling at CN$150,000 per pleul, and dealers

NOW HE'S BAREFOOT With prices going up daily and with money' worth less and less, Chang has given up buying four pairs of straw sandále monthly, which he used to keep his feet off the cold pavement, at CN$1.000. reluctant to sell even at that

And

I now he goes barefoot a near-price... freezing weather.

has only one meogre, con- Other retrenchments also hava sulation. He knows his lot, in many been necessary. The children have respects, is better than that of L regretfully been taken out of the free Lun-chi, the government clerk. school in order they may roam the THE PROBLEM OF THE CLERK streets, picking rags und gathering

Li's carnings are pegged to the official, cost of living Index. His CN$70 basic monthly salary is multiplied by an index figure which, on January 31, was 0,014. That gave Li

month's salary of CN5406,- 200 which is worth, when paid at the end of January, about US$0s, but nt to-day's rate of exchange la worth only US$35,

Jewish Leaders Called

To Colonial Office

London, Feb. 13. Jewish Agency Icaders were unexpectedly summoned to the Colonial office this afternoon for last-minute talks with the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, and the Colonial Minister, Mr. Arthur Creech Jones, before to- morrow's meeting of the Cabinet, which will make its final decision on the Palestine problem.

. ་

It was understood that the Jews, Acting Leader of the House of Com- were being asked to make their final mons to-day. representations to Britain.

If necessary parliamentary busi- ness would be re-arranged to allow the debate.-Reuter,

The Cabinet will be asked lo_de-

and

whether in the

Ile advised the Commons that the 'dingly less fife and ddrrespon- slon by the. United Nations.

"danger spots are the North-east and Midlands areas".

His warning followed'an curller

a decl-

MRS FRIEDMANN ARRIVES

Jerusalem, Feb. 13. Mrs Helen Friedmann, sister of Dov Gruner, Jewish terrorist now under sentence of death in Jerusalem, arrived at Lydda airport in Pales- Line to-night from the United States. "I have come to try to save my brother," she said.-Reuter,

Tho-worker-an estimated --6,000,- 100 are idle, and unemployment is clde in which form the problem will expected to reach 6,000,000 by the end be presented to the United Nations of the week. Those not covered by for solution begin queuing for the "dola" the union-guaranteed-week contracts meantime British troops are to be

Govern

I withdrawn. was thought likely ment unemployment insurance of 24 that Mr Bevin will recommend that Exhillings weekly for

pending 18 troops should stay shillings for his

not be called The Cabinet will children:

upo to work out any new plan.

Dr Fadhil Jamall, Foreign Minis- ter and leader of the Arab delega- tien, told Reuter that the Arab denumŹDONCSU legates, who at a formul meeting of the Palestine Conference to-morrow will hear the Cabinet's decision, met to-day to consider what future steps in tale in view of the impending re- ference to the United Nations,

SCHEDULE UPSET

gal

The housewife: this ration announcement by the British Gas ridden segment of the population now Council that its 1,000 gas-producing has her cooking schedule upset. If she uses gas, that is threatened 100, the Sunday "joint" may never fully

Many humes, already cooked. short of coal for heating, row have their cicetric henters turned off five hours a day, And with lights out during the dark days there is litio comfort left in the home.

members kad been put in readiness to impose an emergency plan to cut off supplies to all but essential Industries, Home con- sumption would be affected under the plan.

It also followed a statement from the Fuel and Power Minister, Mr Emmanuel Shinwell, reporting "for

Britain Rolls Up Her

Sleeves Again

...

ĮRITAIN 'has had to roll up her aléaves oguln in a “We can take it, and we can break 1" gesture, facing up to the stark fact that the country' in

But this time it besol with a eriala atmost as grava as Dunkirk.

not question of fighting on the beaches and in the lance agalhat a tangible for, but of battling with nature and of striving to withstand the demoniac effects. of an economy, devastated by a world war: Britain, sald a nowa agancy despatch from London yesterday, has boon put back on a wartime footing, and the same 'report describes the joint committee of Cabinet Ministers, coal, electricity and railway executives as being the equivalent.of a General Staff in wartings. This is probably a fair evaluation, serving to place. Into correct perspective the seriousness of the situationį,

From this distance, Hongkong watches the plight of Britain with sympathy and anxiety, Tha' situation has advanced' beyond the' arena of -party politica (oven assuming any one political party could be held ex- clusively responsible either through polley or astion). This is evident by the apparent unwillingness of the opposition to enforce an Immediate debato In the House of Commons. Mr Churchill, despite his vitriollo criticism last Monday, probably appréciatos that concerted action at this time has mora Value than rhetoria.. The verbal annihilation of political opponents can be very satisfying, but it contributes nothing to the immediate problem-getting enough'coal through snowed-up areas to Industries and power`plante.

Britain, it is certain, wilf survive this ardea! as she has hundreds of ather though not with scars. And in due time there will be the usual in- quest, which may help to make elaar a lot of things to us out hare: Why? were not the people of Britain given ample warning, either by government dr through their national newspapers of this Impending disaster? To what extent has the socialist programme of the Labour government affected, or contributed to a situation that obviously was potentially, if not actually ́dangerdus when the war'ønded? In short, just whose fault is it that Britain hap resched this parious state of mass unemployment and misery due to dhortago pt,oon]?

The shopkeeper: he is working in candle-lit, gloomy, and ice-cold stores.

Office workers!—with elevators halted, they cimb the steps and work in overconts by candle light, lanterns and hurricane lamps.

depen-

tu

*

STOP PRESS

Sai On Inquiry

Opens

crowded

Fire-blackened on

exhibits were

was

On that Li must meet the present month's expenses which since February 1 has gone up from 80 to Ds much as 400 per cent.

Li cannot eat at Chang's cheap street stails without

Irreparable

loss of face. He must continue to send wedding and birthday gifts

Singapore's Rice Thieves

Singapore, Feb. 13. More than 600 tons of rice is stolen every month by rice pirates" during un- loading in Singapore har- bour, it was revealed to-day. The figures, published in

the

Straits Times, show Singapore loses 10 per cent of the monthly rice ration at an estimated cost of £15.000. The pirates use engine-powered native craft and pounce on the rice- laden lighters which are manned by a small crow.

The rice is quickly trans- ferred and the pirates make a rapid getaway. Reuter.

VIET NAMH

LEADER

REPUDIATED

Paris, Feb. 13.

M. Paul Romadler, French Prime ‣ Minister, said to-day that the Bably have nothing to do with the French Government would "justi-

regime Jed' by Dr Ho Chi-Min, Prime Minister in the Viet Namh (Annamite Nationalist) Government of "Indo-China. "This Government has not assured the execution of past agreements," he added.

M. Ramadier told the first of the weekly series of press conferences that Franca desired "Uberty for the Annumite people within the frame- work of the French Union."

"We do not wish at any price to This would be contrary to Fronch repeat our iniquities in Indo-China.

thought."

The Prime Minister said that the and meet other social obligations. French Government preferred to His children must conilaue going ignore the document received a few te school properly dressed.

days ago from the Viet Namh delc- Chang massages his bare feet with gation in Paris, which bore Dr Ho his bands for warmth and tells you Chi-Min's type-written signature and he is sorry for Li At least Changlisted the alleged Viet Namb con- can argue with his fares in an at- ditions for a peace settlement." tempt to increase his earnings as prices rise. But Li must wait for "It is sale to say that this docu- the end of the month and the new cost of living index, and then must live through the same tarment watch, ing his money depreciate while prices sour.

"Ay-yah. How can?" It has been like that for months, only it is much worse now and no prospects of improvement.

ment did not come from Dr Hơ Chi- Min himself," M. Ramadier said, adding that the Government had received no communication from Dr HD Chi-Min.

COMMISSIONER RETURNING

M. Ramadier said, that Admiral Economisis know it as "inflation" Commissioner in Indo-China, would Thierry D'Argenlieu, French High and discuss it in learned terms its probably return to Purls at the begin- cause and effect. Chang and Li livening of next week,

IL

personal terms-nisery, poverty and hunger. -- United Frese

BYRD SHIP LOSES

RUDDER

"The Admiral hos injured his leg and his trip was put off until we could send him a plane in which he could make the journey comfortably," he explained.

The Prime Minister described the general military situation in Indo- China as "favourable for the French troops. "We obtained important successes at Hus (coastal city 360 miles north-cast of Salgon), he said.

ARAB APPREHENSION Dr Jamali declared that last week's British proposals, which were reject- ed by both Jewn and Arabs; ran the United counter to a resolution passed by Nations Last December.

The Marine Court was This resolution stated calegorically this morning when the official in- displaced persons would not be quiry was opened to investigate the

Aboard Mt Olympus, Feb. 13. that

Gales which lashed the Central dumped into any

country in such Soi On disaster which occurred at Task Group ships for 40 hours and manner as to cause apprehension the indigenous,

5 a.m., on February 4, when the ves crippled the cargo ship Merrick "French troops have occupied the the

occupants of that set caught fire with great loss of were subsiding this evening, raising entire city and at some points have country or neighbouring countries,"

life. Before the courtroom opened the expectation that the leebreaker penetrated beyond the city limits." he said.The British plan to per- at 10 n.m., many Chinese had arrived Northwind shortly could begin tow.

"A column from the inland pro- Banking-electric accounting mit continued immigration of Jews

and they "quickly filled UD the ing the rudderless vessel into the vince of Lnos has almost reached machines are paralysed, ledger post-into Palestine is causing a very real limited accommodation.

greal safety of the open co

Hue and is expected to join up with Ing is done by hand.

whole Arab apprehension to the

Rear Admiral Cruzen sent a mes- the troops who have freed the city, world." School children:-schools

Boge that the Merrick's' brought into court by the police.

emached I can say that Hanoi (chief city of Dr Jamali

that the Aruba dent on electric beating are not realised that the conference had vir Harbour

The Court comprises Mr Wolly, rudder had fallen off when bumped northern Indo-China) is almost

Master affected, but hot mid-day meals are tually failed to find a solution to the Crews, R. N., and Mr Pittendrigh.

Li-Cdr. J. F. H. by ice or buffeted by the sea purged of its troublesome elements.

United Press. curtailed. schools are closed be- Palestine problem when Mr Bevis

Reuter was opened by the The Court cause of the fuel shonlage.

produced the new proposals. last President reading the royal warrant Travel:delayed or cancelled al-week. The ending bad come as a convening the Court, followed by together because, of transportation disappointment to Ambs, who had the declaration that the Court tie-ups. Suburban electric trains cur- | High hopes that their case would be open Tolly then tailed..

favourably regarded by Britain.

adjourned the Court "If the question is referred to the until 10.36 a.m. in order that the United Nations the Arab delegations members of the Court could visit the their right to argue their Sal On to familiarise, themselves Radio the BBC ños cancelled for case again from the beginning and with the layout of tha vessel. the duration Its high-brow "Third"

the concessions that they have made

Twenty-one witnesses will be call- programme and television, and in the Palestine Conference will be ed, including Mr W. Mcintosh Smith, shortened other progrommes, Millions wiped out," De Jamali added.

Chief Fire Officer Mr. R. H. J. of receiving sets are silent.

He said that the Arab delegates Brooks, Mr C. W. Browne, Mr K. Newspapera:--they have réverted are expected to leave for their own C. Tanlison and Mr W. R. K

war-time size until

Collinge. further countries carly next week.

The conference has had value in notice, to conserve olectricity, and newsprint supplies which are sepree that it left no doubt in British minds of transport difficulties. about the Arab altitude and that Perindicals are suspended.

they stand firm in their fight," Dr Sports and other entertainment: Jamali, declared, adding that the greyhound racing is banned. Many conference results will be reported soccer matches are off. because of to the Arab League Council when canncelled trains. Steeple chasing, meels next month, or sooner if the is irregular because of cold weather necessity arises-Reuter. and transport difficulties,

STATEMENT PROMISED elosed until 4 p.m.

London, Feb, 13. Food:-cake and pastry baking. The Government hopes to make a prohibited but no other ration food-statement on Palestine one day next stuffs endangered. Associated Press. weck; said" Mr ́Arthur Greenwood. I anachuanautenticati

to

because

LESS RADIO

Cinemas

reserve

FATAL MOTOR

ACCIDENT

Orgy Of Spending By S. Africans To Welcome Royal Family

Cape Town, Feb, 14.

South Africans, spending a fortune, have paved the way for an unexampled welcome to the Brilish Royal Family. There is money here; and things to buy even after heavy raids upon stocka which huve in the past few weeks brought extraordinary prosperity to the aliops. Cape Town residents are willing scarce-morning attire and other to pay almost any price for luxury fancy clothes,

Normally high prices rose; ovep clothes and accessories such

higher. Many merchants obviothly held their stocks unul recently to sell at the time of greatest demand,

Large numbers of women deferred selling at fabulous prices up to £20 contents of the royal wardrobes. The shopping in the hope of learning the

About 11,30 am. yesterday,. a jawellery, Chinese who ran across the road at Women's formal dress is practically the junction of Nathan Road and unobtainable; lengths of material and Argyle Street was struck by a car going towards Shamshulpo He was removed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his Injuries.

a yard. Despite the King's, wish Queen's fancy for pastel shades is that the people should curtofl' ega well-known, and has became some- penditure on format wear; there has thing of n society! passion-A$50- been a rush for silk hats-extremely clated Press.