1949-03-16 — Page 1

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Hongkong Telegraph

VOL. IV NO. 62

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1949,

In His Dad's Britain Beginning

Footsteps?

New York, Mar. 15. Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr., 35, became the first son of the late President to seek public office by agreeing to run for the Congressional seat vacated by the death of Representative - Sol Bloom.

Mr Roosevelt, who resembles his father in looks and manner, will be supported by both the Democratic and Tiberal Parties.-United Press.

NEW PEACE

DELEGATES

Nanking. Mor.

nouncement

that

would be made in

peace

Nationalist

which i to meet

18.-An on- ulterations the present

delegation,

the Com- munists, was made by the new Premier, General Ho Ying-chiki, | here last night.

One change would be the replacement of Mr Peng Chan- hsien, who has resigned. There might be more alterations, he said.

said

General Ho

he was studying the problems of dis- continuing military conscrip- tion

taxation in kind.

and which is being urged by the Legislative Yuan,

He thought the future of the. financial and currency reforms: to overcome the country's econo- zale crisis was bright.

To Build

Big Bomber Fleet

FRONT LINE STRENGTH

TO BE INCREASED

London, Mar. 15.-Britain is now beginning to put into effect the first stage of her programme for increasing the front line strength of her bomber striking force, the Air Minister, Mr Arthur Hender- son, told the House of Commons today.

He was asking for a vote of £207 million for the Air Force for next year-£34 million more than the original estimate for this year.'.

The other facts he gave about the Royal Air Force were: The re-equipping of the day and fighter and ground attack squadrons overseas with jet fightere should be completed by June next

year.

The latest types of Meteor and Vampire jet fighters- "the finest in service in the world today" now used by the RAF, were much better than the original versions. But the newer types already being developed would be much better still.

Smuggled Arms Seized

the

"I can say with confidence mond's jet fighter force was that the lead we now hold in being doubled.

This process day fighters will be maintained | should be completed by In the future,” he said.

middle of next month.

Mr Arthur Henderson, Secre- Orders had been placed "in quantity" for a twin-jet bom-tary of State for Air. fold the ber capable of a speed approach-House of Commons new bom- Wiesbaden, Mar. 16. Ing 800 miles an hour, which | bers had been ordered into full Aghier The Premier revealed that Germag, border, police at the was being developed, and for a production, that fet General Chiling Cith-chung, one | North | Hessian town' "of

twin-jet night fighter length would be youhind by the middle of 1950 and that of China's most ardent pence Heringen today seized five

Explaining why the re-equip- Britains, was moving toward advocates, could not be Deputy Premier because of his duties as chsea of weapon parts being ping of the RAF Bomber force technica supremacy in, bil Governor of the North-West smuggled from the Soviet with jet bombers had been de phases of alr warfare. Province. The present Deputy Zone into the United States could have developed at great ferred, Mr Henderson said they Premier, General Wu Teh-chen, Zone, Military Government cost a type of jet bomber bullt was considering accepting if he

around the existing jet engines, were appointed. General Clang authorities said tonight. Chih-chung might, however, be Besides nearly 200 elde trigger engine type. Both would have or developed another piston a Minister.

rine sights, the become obsolete in a very few He said he had not decided cases contained 160 drills and whether he would concurrently various tools. The police said hold the National Defence port- these could "conceivably help fullo. He anid the pence to it out a small arms factory. decided to negotiations would begin soonThe cases were addressed to with the Chinese Communists Germanin Wuerttemberg--vanced--jet-bombers, he said, Reuter-AAP,

ster.

EDITORIAL

T

actions and

Baden-Reuter,

"completely new era in flying" As Mr Henderson heralded a

and hinted of greater planes to Foreign Affairs Ministers of the come, the Defence, Finance and five Western Union countries conferred for the second day on military, political and economic barriers against Communism and long-term development of ad- possible Soviet aggression.

years.

It had therefore been concentrate on a

Their urgent secret conference adding that the Fighter Com-ended tonight, but plans laid by these leaders of Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg soon will lead to i the signing of the North Atlantic security pact, formation of the Council of Europe and rearming of the West,

Staggering Expenditure

THIS afternoon the Financial Secre

tary will present to Legislative Council estimated public expenditure for 1949-50 amounting to the staggering sum of $179,586,970, which a nearly $30 million more than the current year's estimates. It will be sombrely observed that this is an all-time record spending on the part of the Colony, and Mr Follows may have à Httle difficulty in explaining just why such a huge bill is necessary. Many items in the published abstract of estimated expenditure cat! for enlightenment, which, presumably. will be forthcoming today. The most astonishing sub-head is Subventions for which next year $13,260,877 has been allocated compared with a mere three quarters of a million dollars for the current twelve months. Hitherto sub. ventions have covered

grants and subsidies to a variety of charitable and social welfare organisations. Last budget day there aids were increased from the 1947-18 total of $193,860 to $760,730, which included six new grants, three- transfers from the Miscellaneous Services hending, and one transfer from the Medical Department heading. That in erense at the time was. recognised a being reasonable, but whether there will be similar reactions to the proposed new expenditure which makes it the third biggest item in the list of estimates is somewhat doubtful. There is a limit to what Hongkong can afford to pay in subsidising charlies, and when the total represents nearly eight percent of the budget, the question arises whether that limit is not being exceeded. The explanation for this startling increase in subventions may turn out to be that number of grants and subsidies hitherto shown under other headings have been transferred to that of Sub- ventions; but if it is shown that it is proposed to distribute an additional twelve and n half million dollars to organisations - “and Institutions which

this year were happy to share $750,000, the proposition is not likely to meet with general approval. While the biggest single incrense is Subventions, it is worth noting that Miscellaneous Services are up by eight million dollars, much of which probably Is absorbed by additional high cost of living allowances, while it is possible a more substantial grant Js needed by the Hongkong University. Public Works Extraordinary shows na increase of nine million dollars, while a further two million is demanded for Public Works Recurrent, A better appreciation of what this means in terms of public services will be gained when the itemised accounts are available, but it can be reasonably assumed that most of this additional expenditure is to be absorbed by long-term projects the cost of which is being spread over a number of years. The prospects of any big new undertaking for the general benefit of

19

the public being put in hand under the 1949-50 estimates are fairly slight. The Pollec Department is calling for nearly two million more dollars, but there will be little cavilling about this, Inasmuch that the Force has still to be brought up to full strength, while it is appreciated that to make it as effective as possible it necessary to provide modern equip- ment, and facilities for mobility. Two important departments whose estimates.

substantially decreased

nre Edu- cation and the Medical Department, the fermer requiring $7 million and the latter $3 million less than the current year. The public will be interested to know how these savings are being brought about. In fact, it can be taken. for granted that the Financial Scere. tary's budget speech will this year attract more attention than it ever has before, more especially that section of It is proposed

are

it which indicates how

to raise sufflelent revenue to cover ex- penditure of $179,500,000.

Amid their talks on how to distribute expected American military old and how to deploy Western Union forces, there) came another disclosure.

FRANCE SEEKS JETS

TC-

Facing Spy Charges

New York, Mar. 15.- Valentia Gubitchov, a Rus- slan engineer, stood mute in U.S. Federal Court to- day when Judge Simon Rif- kind asked him to plead un an indictment accusing him of espionage.

The Judge then directed that a plea of not guilty be entered on his behalf and fixed the trial for April 1. His ball of $100,000 was continued for this United Nation's employee.

Ile

be tried with

will Judith Coplon, attraolive Department et Justice em- ployee, who is on a $20,- 000 hall. She allegedly pro vided him with U.S. Go- vernment documentary In- formation.

Gubltchev, in continuing to refuse to enter a plea, adhered

to his contention that he is enlliled to diplo matic immunity. Asso clated Press.

[Pictures

above show Judith Coplon and Gubit- chev]. De

An announcement here vealed that France had con- tracted with Britain's Havilland aircraft company "for the manufacture of Vampire jet Oghters under licence in France.

KAUDZZACHENMETSATZERAKO JE DOIS ENTIRETROCKEN

Dine

At the

For

P.G.

Reservations

Price 20 Cents

Tel: 27880.

FEDERAL UNION OF ATLANTIC NATIONS

ENVISAGED

Washington, Mar. 15. The former Supreme Court Justice, Mr Owen Roberts, to- day announced the formation of the American Citizens Committee to work toward Federal union of the nations which sign the North Atlantic security pact,

་

Mr Roberts and the former Secretary of War, Mr. Robert Patterson, told a press con- ference the Committee would ask Congress to pass a resolution calling for an international convention to explore the possibility of a "Federation of Atlantic democracies.”

No More

Jap War Trials

Washington, Mar. 15,-- The Far Eastern Commis- sion hua decided that there will be no further trials of

such Mr Patterson and Mr Clayton as Japanese on charges of hav- vice-presidents; Mr Walden ing "planned, prepared or Moore, former American MRI-

Mr Robert sald federation would be within the frame-work of the United Nations.

ment

a

tary Government official in Ger-conspired to wage a war of "A union of the democracies many. vill convince the Kremlin h Roper, public

as secretary; Mr Elmo #ggression."

opinion analyst. democracies menn business,"

A, directive to this effect has as treasurer, said Mr Patterson. "The Krem-

been sent to General Douglas Jin will immediately, sce that

WAR PREVENTION MacArthur, creation of

Supreme Com- federal defence force of nations would be

Members. Include prominent mander of Allied Forces fa for stronger than any staff agree-businessmen, religious and civic | Japan.

between separate leaders, publishers, educators nations."

and other well-known men and One effect of the decision is CHEAPER INVESTMENT women throughout the nation. to render even less likely the Mr Roberts said the United bel of that the

expressed

the possibility that Emperor Hiro- States would find it cheaper to pact would be an immediate step

North Atlantle hito may one day be charged · fedorata with Europe than in t

with having planned or con-7 conlinuc paying the gost of prevent war and bring the

democracies closer together, but spired in an aggressive war. European recovery and fence

de he warned that the pact would He said the proposed

Previous policy decisions by not be rufficient federation would

in itself to accomplish.

ensure permanent peace,

the Commission have mechanic- Mr Clayton wa

warned in his ally left the Allies free to tako statement,.... "Russla is on the whatever action they felt desir-

determined to

comable against, the Emperor, but it

three thintat

1.

Strengthening of

the

United Nations.

Mr

2. Raising the living standards (march,

Roberts

There is only one way to has been considered in the In- slop Russla, short of war De-terest of Japaneso democratisz=-

for all participating countries (munise the world. and lowering of overall detence costs,

80

3. "It would make democracy mocracy must be made to work tion to grant the Emperor im- powerful that the Kremlin in all those lands which are still munity to war criminal · pro-

ecedings.

mocracy works when people

could nut hope to start war. In economic terms, de- with any prospect of sestra have-more to eat, me to wear CLOSING THE DOOR

Another Commlifico member and better homes in which to the former Assistant Secretary live.

of Stute, Mr Will Clayton, sald

This rising standard of living

The Emperor could only be in a statement that an "econo- can only be realised in the charged as 'a class “A” cri- mic merger of world democra-modern world by increasing the minal, and the Commission's cies" was necessary to strike world's productive capacities, decision is regarded as further. off the shackles of economie na- through striking off the shackles closing the door on the prospect tlonalism".

of economic nationalism and by of action against him. The Committee's officers In- reducing armaments."-United | clude Mr Roberts as President; Preas.

VAIN ATTEMPT BY EIGHTY CONVICTS

TO ESCAPE

Paris, Mar. 15.- Eighty convicts_in Beauregard Prison, near Paris, were today wondering what informer gave away their escape bid to the warders. Last Sunday, the men completed a 100-foot tunnel which they had carved out with spoons and forks every night for three months.

The Commission emphasised today that trials of class "B" and

offenders-violation

of the laws and customs of wor, and crimes against hdmanity, such as murder, ex- termination and enslavement --- will continue.

The decision is a formal ac- knowledgment by the Com- mission that all Japanese who could be successfully prosecuted on these so-called cases. of "A" crimes have already been tried and, either convicted or discharged.

to

It is designed, a Commission' official explained todny, remove uncertainty about the

of them possibility

being charged as class "A" criminals from the minds of the Japanese and thus to have a beneficial psychological effect

One by one the men crawled the door of nearly every cell through. But as each prisoner in the prison before shots, fired emerged blinking into the by the warders, brought help. on the Japanese nopulation as light, warders whisked him | No prisoners escaped.-Reuter. a whole-Reuter. back into Jail. The first three out to

"freedom" put up a fight, then panic broke out in the tunnel and armed wardere at either end were able 15 wwwwww herd the men- back to their

cells.

M: Henderson asked the Com-STOP PRESS

mons for £207,300,000 for the Royal Air Force, an increase of

£18,000,000 over this year.

The Secretary declared: "We are now beginning to put into of our stage effect the Brst planned programme for incream-

Western

Union ing front-line defence and any actions we may be called upon to take as a re- sult of the Atlantic Pact have been settled."

He also hinted that production might start soon on another jot bomber, capable of "ylog at Eater helghts than hitherto", with a pressurised cabin. He added that the RAF would hold two major air exercises to test both air defences and the bom- her force.United Press.

ROADBLOCKS IN BANGKOK

Bangkok, Mar. 15.-Police manned-roadblocks were thrown

in Bangkok again up

tonight with the most stringent searching of persons and ventetes since the attempts to overthrow the Government February 20.

on

May-Kwok Case: Jury Retire

SPOONS AS SPADES

The prisoners, political agitators, petty thleves and The Pusine Judge, Mr Justice hardened ilfers, began the Williams concluded his sum-tunnel in a cell from ming-up in the PWD larceny they tore the

floor case nt 1.07 p.m. this afternoon Each night they took it in turns and the jury then retired to to

scrape consider their verdict.

away the earth--in damp and darkness OR they

Tamil To Die For Carrying Arms

iny

ол their

which boards.

stomachs-first with spoons and forks, and Inter with empty fruit tins.

They brought out the soil in their pockets, emptying it inte

prison lavatory.

Α

As the tunnel' progressed, the mon dug more feverishly. the morning roll-cals, they had their bleeding hands and brotten nails,

Last Sunday morning, the signal

was given for a final break-through. The men hoped to emerge into a small wood and bolt for Paris in the heavy rálu. But the warders had had the signal too. WIN the help of security guards, they soon had the men back in prison.

from

Singapore, Mar. 15-A former President of the Pan-Malayan Federation of Trade Unions, a THREE AT LARGE 24-year-old Tranli named Gana.

Three men who had escaped pathy, was today sentenced to cleath at

Benuregard by Rawang, Selangor

lesa Province, for the illegal posses- elaborato methods, a week ago One correspondent's car was sion of a .45 calibre revolver. were still at large today. stopped and ho was searched

arrested, Ganapathy At Aix En Provence, five times within a mile of claimed he was on his way to Southern

France, warder elty's central area. The surrender the weapon to the went to see a prisoner, who had searchers refused a clue whether police. He added that he hid in complained of a toothache. As the renewed.readblocks were the Jungle when the emergency ho ontored the cell, the prisoner

the

When

in

That's a

WHITBREAD

THE SUPERB

LIGHT BEER

motivated by a manhunt or an regulations were introduced last kicked him In the stomach, Sole Agents: A. S. WATSON & CO., LTD.

arns-hunt-Reuter.

Junc-Router.

jreized his keys, and had opened