1949-03-31 — Page 1

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Chiang's Support For Peace Parleys

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For and on behalf of

SOUTH CHINA MOANING POST, LTD.

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TODAY'S WEATHER: Moderate East or Boutheast winds; cloudy.

Noon Observatlona: Barometrio pressure, 1017.7 mba... 30.08 in. Temperature. 12.5 deg. F. Dew point, 04 deg. F. Relativo Bumidity. 70. Wind direction, East. Wind force, 1 knot.

The AS

Low water: 2 ft. at 4.30 pan. 1ligh water: & ft. 8 in. at 10.45 p.m.

Hongkong Telegraph

VOL. IV NO. 75

Nanking, Mur. 31. Generalissimo Chiang Kai- shek is willing to support the efforts of the National- ist peace delegation, which will begin negotiations to end China's civil war with! the Communista on Friday, according to sources here.

These sources told Reuters that this information was given yesterdayi prinsed senskem of the Legislative Yuan by General of Chang Chil-chung, the trader the delegation, who returned early in the afternoon by alr from a visit to the Genomlis- simo's place of retirement at Chiltow, near Fenghua.

The reported decision of the Generalissimo is expected by observers to bolster the peace efforts of Acting President Li his supporters, Tsung-Jen but the extent to which the Generalischno was, supporting Acting President Li Tsung-Jen's policy has been the topic of controversy here since Generalis- simo Chiang Kai-shek stepped down from the Presidenttia post.

CHIEF DIFFICULTIES General Chang was reported to have told the Legislators that the Nationalist peace delegation

dimculties 123 the expected negotiations with the Reds on mainly three of the eight-point pence terms of the Communist leader, Mr Mao Tse-tung-the Chinese reorganisation armies, the punishment of war criminals and elimination of so- called reactionary elements from any proposed National Coalition Government that is formed after a cesse fire.

-was

Heuer-AAP.

of the

EDITORIAL

Nocturne In The Square

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1949.

Dine

At the

For

P.G.

Reservationa

Price 20 Cents

Tel: 27880

H.K. WAR DAMAGE COMPENSATION

and now the sky signs have reappeared there for the first

time in ten years.

March sunset in Trafalgar Square

Want Peace Based On Fairness,

Equality And Freedom

Canton, Mar. 31.-Fifty legislators late yeater- day passed a resolution that peace with the Com- munists shall be based on fairness, equality and freedom.

The

en-

QUERIED IN COMMONS

14,723 Claims Submitted

NO CHANCE OF

MR L. GAMMANS

SYRIAN REVOLT

Bevin Mobbed By Journalists On Arrival In NY

GIVES ATLANTIC PACT VIEWS

New York, Mar, 30.-The North Atlantic Pact was the "culmination of the concrete effort to prevent war for generations to come,' Mr Ernest Bevin, the Foreign Secretary, told reporters when he arrived here today on board the Queen Mary.

Mr Bevin was mobbed by journalists and photographers when the Queen Mary docked.

SETTLEMENT Army In With Mr Bevin on the glant liner were the

London, Mar. 30.-Opposition Members of Parliament today, questioned Mr David Rees Williams, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, about the different attitude adopted by the authorities in Hongkong towards war damage compensation compared with that in Malaya and Borneo.

Replying to Mr Leonard Gammans, Con- servative, Mr Rees Williams said the total number of claims for war damage compensa- tion received by the Government of Hong- kong was 14,723, amounting, to the nearest thousand, to £38,610,000.

Mr Gammans: "Does the Minister not feel that, in view of the number of claims and the amount of money involved, the Government of--. Hongkong might be asked to adopt a different atti- tude, and that what is being 'done in the payment of compensation in Borneo and Malaya might be followed in Hongkong""

Mr Rees Williams told him that there was no question of settlement because there was no scheme.

Huks On

The Warpath Again

Full Control

Foreign Ministers of other Western nations The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg-on their way to Washington for the signing of the North Atlantic Pact on Monday.

peace.

world

can act

to-

Ministers Western All four Foreign endorsed the pact as a force for gether. If we sign the pact we shall still be in danger-in Scores of young demonstra-other words, It needs impte-

esmentation."

Mr Bevin was asked whether conferring in would be Mr Washington with any Govern

The

to come.

the

J

"Go porter drew Mr Bevin's

Pact?"

he had

When

United

London, Mar. 30.-The Syrian Army seized Pre-tors, armed with rotten sident Shukri El Kouatli and tomatoes, scuffled with the

police when Mr Bevin landed, he and his entire Cabinet in Before he came ashore, a lightning coup, and to Bevin held one of the biggest ment officials on other matters. press conference ever held on Ho replied sharply: "I have day had complete con-

the Queen Mar

como to sign the North Atlan trol of Damascus,

the By signing

Atlantie tle, Pact. Then I am returning capital. This report from Alliance, Mr Bevin said, "We in the Mauretania." the United States Minister shall be able to build collective Reporters who attempted to United question him on the Palestino în

security through the Damascus was the

Nations. This is the first step issue were told the Palestina latest news tonight of the of our great endeavour." was in the hands of the United situation in Syria, whero

Nations and we are out of it." "GO HOME BEVIN" Asked whether he was look steci - helmated

troops

Ashore on the pier Secret carried out the coup

at Service officers and police were beyond the Atlantic Pact Bevin replied: "I believa midnight.

for in strong attendance and kept It is enough

the timo 500 being." At this stage, a re- Colonel Humi Zaim, the Army watchful eye on some

chanting: demonstrators Mr Recs Williams: "I am

Commander-in-Chief," who led

and afraid we could not make an-

Home, Bevin." them, told Reuter in Damascus

carrying attention to a picket line oppor- onying: "Hands other approach to the Hongkong

that urgent measures had been posters

offing his arrival here. It had Dr Shao Li-tre, another im-

Government

taken. on this matter.

There had been some Israel. We

formed at the entrance to the Want Peace," portant peace delegate, is under-

They have fully considered it,

Foreign Secretary arrests and a "new constitution

repier. "No" to a reporter whe

Bevin stood to have also addressed the

hik government would be formed. plied

Mr and for reasons given to the

shrugged Yuan. He was reported to bove

House they have decided not to

Reports from neighbouring asked:

**That "Have you got on to a shoulders, remarking: said that, although he was not

Transjordan said the Syrian Mediterrancan adopt a compensation scheme of

en reminds me when I took part optimistle about the outcome, he

organised Army was in control of the whole asked whether gold:

picket lines. I first, of the peace talks are known the kind in Malaya." resolution

different not entirely without

country, with its population of ferred with Mr Andrel Gromy-

many pickets of a thusiasm-for-the-tusk-ahead.both sides will cease hostilities before, making any comment on

-Air-Commodore-Harvey, Con~-

nearly three million, after ko, the Russian Deputy Primeature. from April 1, the date the ne- the negotiations. They said-they-

swooping on key Ministries and Minister who also travelled in

M. Paul Henri Spaak, the follations are set to begin in are not in sympathy with theservative, asked what proportion

Government buildings.

the Queen Mary for the open-

and Foreign Ane Belgian Premier LEAVING FOR CHINA Pelping; second, the negotiations Rightist section dichards who of the claims had been settled.

PARLIAMENT CALLED ing of the

Nations United

tho will be open and accessible to are sceptical of the peace nego-

said he found 20 People Killed

Members of the Syrian Par- General Assembly, Mr Bevin Minister,

Alliance entirely Moscow. Mar. 30,--Dr Fu newspaperinen; third, the peace tiations and fear the Nationalist

liament were called to an ur- said, with a smile:

"I never Atlantic' Ping-chang.

In effect np-government will surrender un-

framework of the the Chinese Am-results must be

Manila, Mar. 31.-Press

Rent meeting tonight followina disturb the peace of the ship within the

Nations and bassador in Moscow, said to proved by the Legislative Yuan conditionally to the Reds.

that "it reports from Cabantuan said. the bloodless coup by the Army or cause any danger." night that he was lenying for and, fourth, amenalment of the

Mr Bevin told his press con- strengthens the United Nations." to study conti- constitution must be according

at midnight. They China shortly

It was rumoured in the Can-

Mr Gammann: "How can the 20 persons were killed and Command

This to discuss the formation ference:

mission on-Reuter. law and decide to the governing amend-ton press that Dr T. V. Soon: Minister defend tions on the spot

ди entirely five wounded as armed Huk were to

of foriner Premier, will proceed to

which we are now engaged Is whether to accept

ICELAND & PORTUGAL the offered meat.

a new Government. different method

between 03

bands struck at various

carly the culmination of a conercte A curfew, proclaimed In their of Foreign Minister.

eight-point peace buy arms for the South China two post

colonies. Why should a

Reykjavik, Mar. 30.-The Ice- in southwestern this morning after portly, 50- effort to bring about unity "I have

the Communists armies should the peace talks

Parliament today boen away from prostratame,

man who has lost everything points

ap- Colonel the constitution, fail. One report said Air Soong in Hongkong not be China so long and I must know want to junk

compen Neuva Ecija province yes-year-old

Zam had among the peace-loving coun-landic the actual conditions before not amend It.

flew to Chikow to consult with

sated?"

terday.

seized power, is expected to be tries, to promote solidarity and proved Iceland's adherence to lifted tomorrow. Kai-shek.Associated

to prevent war for generations the North Atlantic Pact after Several legislators in Canton Chiang malcing any decision," he said.

two days' debate, Thirty-seven The Governor of Nueva Ecija, THE DIFFERENCES sald they will wolt until results i Press,

President Kouatli and a num- Reuter,

Members voted for the Govern- Juan Chloco, notified Malacanan,

"It wift depend, of Course, Mr. Rees Williams: "There asking for the immediate dis ber of his Ministers are reported are differences. First, there was patch of Constabulary reinforce to have been placed under de- on the moral backing we get rent's Bill, 13 against and two

tention in a hospital building from all these countries. I do abstained.

Some windows of the Parlia contributory insurance schemements to his province.

at Mazzch. The Army is in not mean merely countries but In Malayo,

citizens. Without ment building were broken when which there was Press reports said those killed at

of the

Individual Residency occupation

gathered outside not

in Hongkong. Secondly in various encounters included the President's house, and of this individual moral force be large crowds

was going on. Hongkong became extremely 14

shall not achieve as the debate Huks three Constabulary all Government buildings. All hind it, we

Some arresta were made. wealthy. Trade recovered very troopers, two civilian guards and strategic points and installations what we are out to gain

Opposed Iceland Joining rapidly and to a large extent one civilian, while the wounded in the capital are in Army "I hope by the signing of the

Atlantic Pact we shall be able the pact were 10 Communists, the same conditions have not were three civilian guards and hands.

build been obtained in the whole of two soldiers.

security two left wing Social Democrats' collectivo It was oMcially stated that to

Nations and on Farmers'

Party Mem- the United | Maloyn."

The Huks retreated after not a single shot was alred to through

This is the Arst step of our ber. Two Members of the latter Mr Alan Lennox Boyd, Con- each skirmish, apparently to completion of the coup d'etat.

party abstained-Reuter.

30.-Portugal The Arab and foreign Legendeavour."

Lisbon, Mar. servative: "In view of the fact ward the Candaba swamps

IT ALL DEPENDS tions in Damascus were told nearby Pampanga province. that the people who are bene-

to join the At- Unconfirmed reports sald the that the reasons for the coup Mr Bevin was then asked decided

and the Foreign ditting by the now prosperity Hule chief, Luis Taruc, oppa- were purely internal, and have "whether we can expect secu- Inntic Fact

Creiro da may not necessarily the rently was personally directing been assured that peace willrity and peace for some timu Minister, Professor same people who lost every-the renewed dissident attacks. be maintained and that the to come" by the signing of the Matta, is leaving for Washington on Thursday-As- thing through bad Some are

plane conditions

He replied: by United Press.

normal life of the country may during the war, and in view

all dependa on how the soclated Press. be expected to return shortly, kept clean and tidy; others are eye-sores

of the widespread uncertainty and menaces. On balance their nuisance

about the decision of the local

MERCHANTS WARNED Colonel Zaim's headquarters is greater than their worth, and Kow-

have Road, could

warned food merchants that investigation loon, particularly Nathan

severe punishment would follow made?"" of well do' without them. As a relic

any boosting of food prices. those early Liberation days, when for

Permanent Departmental om- the sake of public convenience utally

cials were carrying on the ad-) ministration until a new Gov- and temporary shops were welcome, the stairway vendors are interesting, but Their qulle honestly, no longer useful. disadvantages outweigh their virtues, as it was found in the case of the private garages converted into shops. Neverthe- less, the livelihood of these stallholders must be protected. In the event of dispossession they must be offered alter- native sites whercon they can offer their wares. This was done in the case of the flower vendors and there is no reason why the same consideration should not be advanced for the stairway stallholders. Support for the KRA recommendations is offered, but on that condition, and we that Join the Association in trusting Government certain to

will actively pursue the matter, with the dual object of ridding fire Kowloon bulldings of unnecessary risks and public health hazards, at the same time giving fair play to the dis-· possessed stallholders.

IN

Stairway Stallholders

its investigation of, and recom- mendations on the subject of shopà and stalls erected within the stairways of dwelling houses, the Kowloon Residente Association is embracing a variety of interents, each in part conflicting. On health and safely grounds the KRA has a strong case, while Government is invested with legal powers! The KRA argues that these maniature shops are in- sanitary and present an extra fire hazard. It cannot be denied. What is more, they serve very little, useful purpose. What is offering at these, stalls can be obtained from

established any of the shops, and at similar prices. They are, of the therefore, but another example Chinese predilection for the hawker system. But hawkers are, or are supposed to be, controlled by licence and other conditions, wherens no suck Impositions are placed on the stairway stallholders. They, represent a typical example of the mushroom growth of small-time operators which, since the Liberation, have infested Hongkong in a number of forms. Their wares invarinbly are soiled by the dust from the roadside, and because turnover Is small, stocks are held for indefinite periods, with consequent deterioration. Nevertheless, these stalls do provide a livelihood for a number of people, how. ever small it be. What is more, they offer additional income for property owners; therefore, both parties are resist any attempt to remove the sloir- way stalle, and because of this the fasue, on the face of things, is narrowed to whether the fire risks and the danger to →public health shall take precedence over

the interests of landlords and stallholding tenants. But the legal aspect also enters. The stalls are illegal structures, and as such, their removal can be ordered. In addition, many of them are obstructions to residents who have to make use of the main entrances in order to reach their flats. Nor can they be said to improve property values.

be

in

government, will the Minister ESANG LEAVES

a

new

Mr Rees Williams: "I regret

I cannot promise any new in- vestigations in this matter be

TIENTSIN

cause it has been announced With Cargo For H.K.emment was formed.

for a considerable period, and that has been the unaltérable decision of

Hongkong tho Government."-Reuter.

Urges Campaign munist-held Tientsin Inst ment and the attempts to pour

Atlantic Pact. "It

today

British Jet Airliner May Fly This Year

London, Mar. 30.-The De Havilland Aircraft Company announced today that it hopes to put into the air this year a new jet airliner which is ex- pected to fly from London to New York' in about seven hours. The plane is the Comet DH-106- Britain's first jet airliner, and the "white hope" of British civil aviation.

Colonel Zalm told a press con- Shanghai, Mar. 31-The ference tonight that the reasons for the coup d'etat were the Jardine, Matheson steamer repeated attacks on the Syrian Esang sailed from Com- Army Inside and outside Partin- Monday for Hongkong with scorn on it.

He said Army officers had From Our Own Correspondent 70 tons of export cargo and

been imprisoned on false London, Mar. 30.-"It is only

Additionally, the

Experts believe the plane will able tricycle undercarriage with by starting a campaign In the several foreign passengers, charges,

people's discontent

with the put Britain five years ahead of a steerable nosewheel. Colony and making the Govern- It was reported here today.

situation was

Sixteen Comets wide- the airlines of other countries

are being She was believed to be the present that we can

reser ment thero act

when comes Into service built at the De Havilland fac hope to get anything

foreign vessel done," first

to carry spread.

Colonel Zalm sold negotia-

torles at Halfleld, 30 miles north Capt. Gammana told me after export products from the North his question In the Commons China port since it fell Into tions were proceeding for form probably in 1952.

The De Havilland Company of London. Some experts have Communist hands.

Ing a conaltutional Government, disclosed today that the airliner foreseen the new airliners y loday.

The foreign passengers on which would proceed with new is expected to have a cruising ing to Sydney, Austraila, in Referring to the Colonial board the Esang are sold to la- general elections. He sold his speed approaching 500 miles on little more than 24 hours. They purely domestic | hour at about 40,000 feet. It bellove they will whip the Offee explanation that there clude the Pelping staff of the actions were

North Atlanie Co- Economic

and any attempt to interfere will carry an operational fight cream off the was no war damage settirment United States scheme in Hongkong because operation Administration, head In Syrian affairs, "whether by crow of four and up to 30 traffic because of their spoed and

in comfort. Davis, and Arab

accommodated the Colony had grown

foreign governments, passengers, prosed by Mr Ritchie

is yet ap The prototype perous since

Capt. Mr Andrew. W. Rout, one of will be opposed by force." fully reclining, zoals gimillar to

proaching the flying stage, but Gammons stid:

He concluded by saying that the American sleeperettes," "That doesn't the Palping correspondents re-

"forcsccablo I will be powered by four, if there is the Com- he hnd repeatedly warned those moan that individuals in Hong-cently banned by kong who have lost everything munist from operating. in power of the consequences of De Havilland "Ghost" drgities, hitch," it may be flying beforg swapt-back the end of the year, the com- "despotic behaviour," mounted on 'low, Mr. Roth represent the Na- their as a result of the war are not.

Ileuter. Ition Magazine-Reuter. suffering.".

wings and will hava a rotract-pany said today Reutor.

the war,

or

no