1948-02-18 — Page 1

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for Every one

BOSTITCH

SOLE AGENTS NAN KANG CO, UNION BLOGMK.

VOL. III NO. 39

VISCOUNT BRUCE

Britain Aids Refugees

Splendid Record

the

The

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, For and on behalf of

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, LTE,

Wilmankl

Printer and Pubsicher

Thongkong Telegraph.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1948.

Plan For Bringing Commonwealth Closer Together

COUNCIL OF THE BRITISH

NATIONS SUGGESTED

London, Feb. 17.-A supreme consultative body of the British Commonwealth and Empire to be known as "The Council of the British Nations" was advocated by Viscount Bruce of Melbourne in the House of Lords today. It would be composed of the Prime Ministers of the British self-governing nations or their representatives.

Viscount Bruce, a former Australian Prime Minister, who was High Com- missioner in London from 1933 to 1945, had, during a debate on Commonwealth relations, asserted that co-operation was not yet close enough.

A high-grade Council Secretariat would, he said, be needed with a picked per- sonnel drawn from all parts of the Commonwealth and Empire which would keep all the major questions under constant review, furnish information and reports to all the Dominion Governments and prepare the documentation and agenda for meetings of the Council.

to

such as

MONTHLY MEETINGS

suggest that early and adequate consultation took place or was taking place on the peace treaties, Palestine. the Marshall Plan, the financial and al-economic situation

developments,

ng still

bitterly

and

re-

the

("

Overseas

What generally happened was inst- minute consultations, either by cable or at a meeting of the British de- legations at an international ference when the United Kingdom had decided its policy and the time for action was Imminent

con-

That was not very satisfactory. Lord Bruce then moved a motion "that

this House is of the opinion that the closest relations within the Commonwealth and Empire are sential."

05-

Rail Crash:

20 Killed

Paris, Feb. 17.-Twenly people Including 18 girls, were killed and 10 seriously injured in a Tall crash near Douai, northern France, tonight.

A freight train ran into the back of a passenger train, com- pletely wrecking be rear

coaches.

An error in signalling was thought responsible for the col- Ilsion on one-track line.

The passenger train was filled with employees of the large Berliin

Bugar refineries де Thumeeles, where the collision occurred, going bame to Donal -Reuter.

JAPONESTIRENEJEDNANNTEN EN TESTVARANJE

U.S. Funds To Repair S. China Railway

Dine

Aq the

P.

For Reservations

Tel: 27880

Prico, 20 Cents

MORE VIOLENCE IN JERUSALEM

Arab Snipers Fire On British Soldiers

LONDON REACTIONS TO COMMISSION'S APPEAL.

Jerusalem, Feb. 17.-Two Arabs were believed to have been killed and two British soldiers badly hurt in an explosion at a house in the Old City today, Jewish sources stated.

Official reports added that Arab snipers wounded four British soldiers, three seriously, by firing on them from a house just outside Jerusalem's Old City.

These Incidents in the Old City; responsible for implementing paru- followed clushes between Arabs and tion and which might leave British Jews around three Jewish settle troops in the Holy Land indefinitely ments yesterday when the Arabs lost under a foreign command. 30 dead.

An American Jew named

Don

Washington, Feb. 17.-An in- formed source

today disclosed to the United Press that funds for the reconstruction of the Peretz.

RUMOURS DENIED Canton-Hankow railway are in- University, "courtmartialled" by the mission that British troops

The weekend rumours that Britain a student at the Hebrew had informed the Palestinė Com- cluded in the Administration's Arabs yesterday, was, freed after a on certain

might,

$570,000,000 Chin aid pro-three-hour "trial on condition that Jerusalem were firmly denied by a

The

15

the

arca

40

A police armoured car was fired and would not serve in Jerusalem

The

on in the same area later. police returned the fire but the at- tacker withdrew-Reuter,

ut

and

conditions. be left gramme which will be sent to never went into the Arab

again. He had to pay for the taxi

Foreign Office spokesman. the Congress shortly. Meetings of the Counell, with re-

which returned "What I am suggesting is that we

ed him to the Old City.

In fact, the Commission was in- presentation at the Prime Minister should recognise the need for action

This source said that $80,000,000 pollee fortress in Beisan, south of

Unknown gunmen raked a British formed that the British Government level, would be held as and when and progressively create the ma-

might consider allowing of the programme

British requires. There "plenary meetings" chinery requirel,"

for rehabilitation projects, of which time, with automatic

earmarked the Sea of Galilee, Northern Pales-members of the Palestine poilce after would replace what had hitherla Asking why steps had not

their contracts the major one is the repairing of minutes early today, but there were

fire for

had

expired been known as imperial Conferences, ready been taken to remedy what

volunteer for service in an Interna- the railway in Southi Sprelat meetings of the Council he believed to be a defective system

Chino, e no police casualties, it was officially said

tional police the remaining

force in Jerusalem $510,000,000 reported.

only. coute! be summoned London, Feb. 17.-More than specifle questions

The British consider of co-operation. Lord Bruce recalled

will be devoted entirely to imports.

Government would not allow troops to ce, that, before the first World War. trnge,

of essential commodities. 325,000 refugees have been ad-nance, development, transport and there were some in Britain who mitted to Britain since the out-communications.

permit British police Included source said these regarded the self-governing

to serve in organised British units. com-

both foods and break of World War II, it was doubt, be by the Minister responsible colonies

Representation, at them would, no munities under the Crown

essential materials. He said the programme, raw

Oficint quarters do not consider

all announced today in a report for the particular matter under dis- "WHITEHALL DOMINANCE"

exaggerated the frank when it finally goes to the Congress, ARAB PLANS APPROVED

discouraging picture of the probable published by the Foreign Office. cussion

will be for 18 months instead

chaos and fighting which the Pales- The report, which

This attitude Was

Catro, Feb. 17-The Arab League tine Commission 15-month plan originally envisaged. Council approved unanimously Covers

expects sented in the

to break arrangements made

The source added that this was night Its Political Committee's mili Dominions for the return.

to- uut when British authority is ended. resettlement or emigration

suspicion of "Whitehall dominance" of re- In addition, "ordinary meetings of was created.

because the programme was being

INCREASING PESSIMISM fugees in Britain, has been submitted the Council would be held in London

made retroactive

tary, political and economic plans for to January 1 in- to the United Nations in reply to ajat least once a month, presided over a fetish. In spite of the Statute of In some Dominions, this became

Palestine, an

Widespread fighting has long been CONSERVATIVE SUPPORT

stead of commencing on April 1 as

official communique expected by persons with close ex- request to all member

announced. nations to by

originally planned. United the

Kingdoin make known their policy and present Minister or a Minister designated by

Prime Westminster, which

Support for Lord Bruce's views

perience of Palestine in the last 25 The Political Committee will meet years, granted

This informed source said there tomorrow to Dominions complete independence. Servative, who was Minister Resi-stabilisation funds in the programme, Reuter.

came from Lord Altringham, arrangerments about re(Anggeres.

Con-is nn military aid and no currency Morocco, the communique added. national force might, unless it ap-

discuss

It is

that the recognised Libya and creation and despatch of an inter- But for the special action of the

"this old mentality persisted in some The Dominions British Government in forming the be represented

would ordinarily Daininions."

dent in the Middle East during the and Although consideration was by their Polish redettlement

respective

war In his experience, all United King- corps, the report High Commissioners and from time riony

being given to these phases there

pear in overwhelming strength, only REACTIONS TO APPEAL Increase The scale of whatever states, 160,000.former members of to time by a visiting Minister.

of co-operative would be no developments

of the conflict, until the polish armed forces and shout|

political colour, had been prepared froups, he said, was "unquestionably fater this

London. Feb. 17.-The appeal of since it would attract greater opposi Meetings other

year, if t all-United the United Nations Palestine

tion from the Arab States, the next then the regular to move towards closer consultation

stake in 30,000 of the dependants, who have monthly meetings should be held in and co-operation, but they failed in

Cominonwealth Press.

Com- mission to the Security Council for also crane to Britain, would probably whatever part of the Empire con- not giving bolder leadership.

development."

Recognising that a failure of the MARSHALL PLAN

an international force to secure law United Its Ve

Saying how much the word Com- become

Nations policy over Pales- displaced persons. venienes dictated. At present they are being found -

and order In Palestine monwealth was to be preferred to

after the fine would gravely affect the prea He bought this "timidity" aruse It would be desirable flat some from fear of offending one of the Dominion status" for the Domi-Eaton, Chairman of the House

Washington, Feb. 17.--Mr-Charles British mandate ends on May 15lige and authority of the world or employment in Britain at the rate plenary meetings should take place Diminions.

ulons, Lord of 1.000 a week.

Altringham sald that Representatives

was being treated with the greatest Kanisation, observers here view the elsewhere than in London.

Foreign Affairs, reserve in British official quarters Immediate

was worth emphasising because of Committee a strong supporter of here today. It hart been represented to him

rs whole issue with increasing pessl- sleys had been inken The Secretarint of the Council that

the new situation in Asia.

mism. to ensure

that ne

as many of the others would be available for obtaining the not

some of the Dominions were

the Marshall Plan-declared India and Pakistan

But whatever the outcome, At the same time, it was clear prepared to co-operate Germans.

in this Austrians, Czechs, Jew advice of experts in all parts of the plas because of the commitments in cognise the

that he would accept a reduction in that in the near future Britali's is no intention at present to permit ish orphan children and 300 Spanish Empire and, where necessary,

"rown, up." They would not re- the European recovery programme representative for which it would involve them. Republicans were provided with an

historical associations funds if he thought that it was the Council, Sir Alexander Cadogall, is spurt of an international foreg Dritish units to remain in Palestine bringin

the- Security together in con-

The point

connected with Dominion status. opportunity to start a new life.

ference.

of view 1 frankly

Lord Halifax

enly way to get it through Congress. The British Government, the re-

was cannot understand," Lord

he declared when Viceroy of India, for putting he said. "If it is necessary

responsible,

have to define Britain's and it would require very cogent pert said, was looking for opportu-objective at which they should alm, other than those voluntarily accepted for Indin, and the effect on the. In-period to get it through I will be

want to see the job done right", attitude the No commitments would be involved forward Dominion status as the goal the smaller amount and the shorter international force for Palestine if

to in appeal to permittinents to bring about a change to take British

in this decision-Reuter, uities for cation for those whole was proposing that they should after full consultation.

troops to take part in an wished to settle abroad. It hnd "no prepare a sealed pattern for consul-

one were formed, use to regret its action" in ad-tation and co-operationa by the mitting the refugees.-Reuter,

EDITORIAL

זול h!!

Bruce said

British nations.

this was

Palestine Dilemma

TE authority and prestige

of

to

and

the United Nations Organisa- ton are being subjected to severe tests, amounting to threats. While Soviet Rusela coldly rejects the claims of the United Nations selfie the Korean problem, has, in fact, gone so far as to establish a puppet regime in de- Nance of the Security the Arabs are openly preparing to sabotage the Connell's

Council,

partition

plan for Palestine, and as a result public confidence in the patency of UN as a medlum for settling disputes, and achieving world peace is gradually being unders milued. Palestine promises to be- come the gravest challenge as yet, to the authority of the United Nations; this. Is. In fact, frankly admitted in the report by

Palestine Com-

United Nations

the

the

21

na

mission which Implores Security Counell to establistr International armed force to carry out the partition decisions. The Commission appears to ve illusions to what will happen once Britain's military and police forces are willdrawn from Jeru- salem and other key points in the Holy Land, and white, it

Ands cause to resent the British refusat to budge from its withdrawal pro-

It is Jully alive to responsibilities which the United Nations must assume in the main- tenance of law and order once the Palestine mandate la surrendered. The tenor of the Commission's

ramme.

thn

tho

conclusions is that UN cannot keep the peace in Palestine with- out the backlar of armed nu thorlty, and so far as carrying out Its preparatory work is concerned the Commission bluntly

reports Hat "unless the United Nations provides forces, I will be impos sible to establish boundaries and the Commission will be unable to fulfil its other functions." There is n tone of finally about this pronouncement, the significance of which is not Ikely to be losi an the Security Council, yet the mere suggestion of creating an in- ternational army ratses a host of problems. The foremost question which arises is

what

upon

countries

can

43

would be expected to provide trained forces and war materials. and in what proportion? IL be expected that Russia would be willing to figure in this Interna- Vonal

army, but slic would probably unist

being Kumerically strong as the United States a proposition which America, with her overwhelming fear of further Soviet Infiltration south of the Black Sea, in matter what quise, woult almost certainly

oppose. The

United Nations could raise an interna. tional force without Soviet partl cipation. but

any Aucli would further estrange

по

Governments,

LEADERSHIP

Antant equals, leadership some

times

cami

from one, sometimes from another. As.be visualised the working of the Council, leadership for Europe would generally come from the United Kingdom. For the North American continent, from her geographical position and because of her intimate relationship with the United States-would prob- ably play an outstanding part.

Canudo-

D8

Australia and New Zealand. the great outposts in the Pacifle, should make the major contribution on Pacific problems.

The

formation

were

no!

dian mind was much less than ex-

pected.

the Same

thing. Burma had gone outside the

In Burina there was Commonwealth rather than Dominion status.

accept

זיי

of was

today

for that".

ready reduced the first allocation of cash and the period over which it is to be spent. Its bill calls for $5.300 million for 12 months.

The Senate Committee has al-

SOVEREIGN POWERS

The House Committee, which con- Lord Salisbury, leader of the Con- tains groups far inure hostile to the nations of the Commonwealth were servative Opposition, sald the great programme than those in the Senate body, any reduce this still further. overCIER powers. suggest that any one of them, or a

Mr No one would majurity, should impose Rs upon the others,

will

to

0:1

Whether the British Government

will make a statement of policy at SOMETHING

all on such a dellente question un- Jess n firm decision is taken by the United Nations to bring an inter- national force into being remains very doubtful.

Enton said his committee would conclude its open hearings establishment. late next week and then start draw- ing up its versinn of the measure. It is not, however, likely to end its

work until after the Senate starts a

there

FOR

HONGKONG

qu.

London, Feb. 17.-Burma and Bri- Omells In London are already tuin's Far Eastern colonies will soon Britain to join an international force Cripps. Chancellor of the Exchequer. very conscious that prior refusal by Ket some Japanese Industrial assets as war reparations, said Sir Stafford might prejudice Its chances of

Sir Stafford Cripps told the House But there is no doubt that the of Commons that SCAP has British Government would be ex-thorised distribution of 30 percent of tremely cautious about undertaking as reparations. He vali, "One sixth Japanese Industrial assets avaliable any commitment which might make of this distribution has been allocu

ted to the United Kingdom for in- mediate relense to Burma and to Far Eastern colonies. The first de- liveries of machine tools are expect- ed shortly."--Associated Press.

whole spirit of

That was entirely opposed to the the British Com- All the Dominions would be in a nonwealth, but that was no reason full debate on March 1-Reuter. the mandatory power to any extent position to make, a valuable contei- why there should not be some

machinery on

of their own basis to enable the valce of the Coin- n purely consultative countries to be, if pos provenith

came

intosible, harmonised.

bution on problems geographical area,

After the

Council operation, he visualised develop- ments on regional Hnes following the stitution. What was wanted was a Nobody wanted 2 written con- course which the United Nations gradual evolution of the existing and its specialised agencies were to-

structure-il consultation in accor day pursuing.

dance with old traditions

Viscount Addison, Government

be strongly

MacArthur Warns Of Blood

Bath Danger In Japan

Washington, Feb. 17.-General Douglas MacArthur to- day advised the Senate that Japan would undergo a blood bath of revolutionary violence "unless the occupation forces break up the concentration of economic power in that country."

t

TIENTSIN REDS ROUNDED UP

"The thresh which we live are so fraught with danger and the need teader in the House of Lords, thought that we should face them tedly Lord I so great that longer can we

Bruce's proposals “reactionary"

Tientsin, Feb. all our efforts

10.-Eighty-three the Lustrated," would tend to put Conimon-

Chinese, including he said.

wealth arrangements into a straight

several women, allegedly belonging to the so-called "Therefore I urge that if all the į Jacket.

Ceneral MacArthur's warning was Secretariats, he said, had a habit contained in "lefter

"These things are so well under- tion, Tientsin, were arrested during

Communist Underground Organisa British nations are not prepared im-,

to Senator stood by the Japanese people," he mediately to co-operate in the evolu- of attaching to theinselves greater Brien McMahon (Democrat,

the Lunar New Con- added. "that, apart from our desire tlan of the machinery

Year holidays in required to stats and gradually assuming greater necticut), who read it to the Seriate.

a densely populated part of the city, to reshape Japanese life toward ensure full consultation and

I should begin to co-responsibility"

Senator McMahon had asked Gen-capitalist economy, if this

the local Chinese police disclosed conceg- operation between the British na-be afraid of a Secretariat." tions, then let those that ure go for

Lord Addison said an organisationernt MacArthur to comment on re-tration of economic power in 11inst night.

Williain torn down and redistributed peace- "Mayor," Yu To-sheng, as well as

The reports of Senator

Communist word,

like

that kind would

appointed "1 am confident that if this

some countries of the Knowland (Republican, California) | fully and in duo order under the the Executive members of the Com- is resented In

over "socialisation" policies in Japan. occupation, there done, any initial hesitancy will be Commonwealth,

Is no slightest rapidly overcome

General MacArthur replied that a doubt that its cleaning will even-munist Party's branch headquarters, once the plan is "They would be upprehensive in operation."

free enterprise system could not be tually occur through a blood baths of Tientsin, were among those arrested. that It might

sufciently not bo

set up in Japan unless the "tradi-revolutionary violence."

A considerable amount of Com- LOSE UNITY

elastic or adaptable to take a shore

tional pyramid

munist documents and literature was of economic power" He treatly feared Commonwealth in all the different activities, Itussta

was torn down.

Senator William F. unity would be lost it the necessity

Knowland, seized.—Neuter. IMPROVED MACHINERY

He said the same steps were even General MacArthur's, letter confirm- California Republican, sald that for making the machinery required "The Secretarint might get into more "indispensable to the growth of ed to ensure adequate consultation and the habit of exercising authority democratic government and like. as Senate floor in my speeches that "my suspicions voiced on the co-operation was not realised.

which the

coun- the abnormal economic system here- Standing alone, Britain today was tries would Insist exercising tofore in existence can only thrive Washington-that they were

on

polley directives como out of pigmy beside the great giants, through their own Governments." if people are held in poverly and General MacArthur's."

· London, Feb. 17-The British Russia and the United States. In He thought the machinery of con- slavery,"

not Overseas. Airways announced that it co-operation with the rest of the Bultation lind been improved moro

will start a new service on Thursday Commonwealth and Empire, she was rapidly than Lord Bruce was aware that the Japanese people fully under-polley should be to "eliminate cartels Singapore and Ceylon

He added that the occupation across the Indian Ocean connecting their equal.

The Government agreed to Lord stood the nature of the forces that and trusts but not promote Socialism planes carrying 13 passengers will be Lancastrian Spealding of the present position. Bruce's motion and the House ad- had exploited them and shaped the or Lord Bruce asked if anyone would journed-Reuter.

controlled. economy."--United used on the weekly service of 1,777 tional will for war.

Press.

müca.—Associated Press.

move

out

and UN, possibly to a point where Russia would resign her member- ship. Nevertheless, so compelling is the necessity of carrying the Palestine partition plan, that the United Nations may find t will have to Ignore potential com- pllentions of the future in order effectively to ful01 is trusteeship of the present.

Л

MAY

Commonwealth

The Supreme Commander wrote

New BOAC Servico