1949-04-26 — Page 1

VOL. IV NO. 96

Communists

Invade

For the Proprietor of

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. For and on behalf of

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, LTD,

The

TODAY'S WEATHER; Light West and SW winds. Con- tinuing fair and warm,

Noon, Observations: Barometrie pressure, 1013.5 mba, 20.83 In. Temperature, 84.8 deg. F. Dew point, 74 der. F. Relativo humidity. 71. Wind direction, WSW. Wind force, 8 knots.

Ilg water & IL Gla Low water: 2 ft. 6 in. at 3.35 p.m.

at 9.49 p.m.

Hongkong Telegraph

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1949.

The Battle For

US Embassy Soochow Begins

Leighton Stuart Recalled

Nanking, Apr. 25.- Twelve Communist soldiers invaded the United States Embassy today and entered the bedroom of Ambassador J. Leighton Stuart.

The Communists entered the building at 6.45 a.m. and, after visiting the kitchen to question

minber

Chinese

foreigners employed

In

and

house, asked the whereabouts of the Ambassador. They pros ceeded upstairs to Dr Stuart's bedroom where he was tylng!

They pointed 10 half awake. the things In Dr Stuart's bed. und rak, "These will

room

soon belong to the people."

The Communists also visited the room of the Embassy Secre- tory, Edward Andenberg, in a building of the large, structure

residential the

.com- within pound of Shanghai Road. They asks the gutekeeper how inany. Chinese were foreigners and

inside and left.

Chinese, has one

Dr Stuart, who speaks fuent of the best collections of Chinche treasures which he

arl

amassed

LAKE CITY BECOMES

AN ARMED CAMP

Bandits Join The Reds

Shanghai, Apr. 26.-The battle of Soochow has begun and pre- liminary skirmishes occurred seven miles northwest between the redeployed Nationalists and the Communist columns driving down from Chinkiang.

At 9 a.m. a telephone report from Mr Chen, the editor of the daily, Soo Pao, to the United Press said that artillery and machine- gun fire was heard throughout the night and died down at 8 a.m., but was still sporadic at 9 a.m.

The Lake City, which two days ago was undefended and open to the Communiste, is now an armed camp of the Nationalist Army under General Ku Hsi-chu.

Gates were closed and troops were stationed on their positions for an assault. The initial clash occurred at Hautzekwei which with Shinan are twin towns seven miles northwest of Soochow on the rail line.

to the I The Shanghai garrison com-

that Anand

only its ordered The strength of the Commu-Kiangyin, southward during his many years in the nists altacking was not known railroad just above Soochow.

that they If the entire distance of 30 official releases be published.

Up.m.' and mis- but it was learned

The garrison's eruntry us educator

was consolidated sionary. The walls of the Enhad been reinforced by Soochow miles basky are hung with priceless Lake bandits of several thou- would be in a position to strike ouncement, first of a promised three a day through the official the bandit cast or push direelly

Central News Agency, acknow- acrolls, some of them thousands of years old. Valuable Chinese and strong under

Woosung ledged that the Red troops Ind operating months

has bren

capture The

Nonhrland, 116 curios are displayed on tables general, Hsi Yun-hwei, who for Woosung.

infiltrated routo the water would close and wall racks.

guerillas arounil Soochow.

miles Northwest of Shanghal that Hsi from Shanghai Chen saiti

and put the Editor

It denied widespread reports Yun-hwet was known to have Communists in compele control

that the Reds captured Kashing. of the Yangtse.-United Press.

53 miles by air and 62 by ruit several thousand armed men.

Southeast of Shanghai. SETTING A TRAP CONFINED TO CITY

VIGOROUS PROTEST

Washington,

Apr.

25. The In- Stute

Department today structed its Military Attache in Nanking to lodge a "vigorous protest with the Chinese Com-c Shinan

military

of

they

for

to

an-

fumous}

A huge fire in the direction

Shanghai, Apr. 26.-Chinese

THE KEY POINT broke out at miri

Communists slashed through

Kashingt normally authorities night and burned during most

the rain 10 miles Northwest of but residenta in 1e vlointion of eat the night

re-Sportiow were not allowed to Shanghai last night but secrecy only for its production of the Ainbassador's

covered their major nanoeuvre ancient tggs beloved by Chines: American

KO out of the elty.

It is on the Grand sidence there cariler today.

The cuiler said, "The city is aimed at trapping 300,000 go-entures, is the key of the tran

against the operation. The States Department con-

is no escape vernment troops

and is the function of the Canal that the resigned, there

nko we sea south of this city. days

railway firmed press reports

Three

Consulate The U.S.

warned Shanghai-Hangchow be no Ambassador's home had been now.

would there

cllizens that the and of 2

of a line that runs North fo violated and gave details, of the thought

planned US Navy

to move intersect the Shanghal-Nanking Chinese Communist-action as battle in Sonchow, but it has American

Shanghai chorage railway at Senchow-Wuhsien). they were received in telegrams bepirt."

Information from Although actual

involvement in the

Communists If the from the American Embassy in

was fragmentary, mostly speen-to avold

and that

if thes Kashing, they reached it down that the civil Nanking.

on board they the Soochow railway. The State Department said tative, it tippeared today What Dr 3. Leighton Chinese. Communists were unwanted to go

The Shanghal Command dr Stuart, American' Ambassador rolidating their forces in order must do so quickly. There was frontline ex- no large response from the

that trains through inclared Americana 2,500 the nearly to China, has been ordered home to form a rolid

from Hang- tentling from Hupu on

Kashing to and for consultation.

Yangise, a short distance from Sunghai.

chow; were still operating.

(Continued on Page 8.)

EDITORIAL

AVIF,

A View On The Future HONGKONG views the developments

n

are un-

in the along the Yangtse and direction of South China anxiously, but calmly. The Communist milltary auc- cesses bring a full turn to the cycle of internal strife which first assumed political complexion In 1927 with Chiang Kai-shek's drive to Shanghai against the years Borodin-influenced Reds. For 22 the Nationalists have been accepted by foreign Powers ny the de jure govern. ment of China, but today that authority is, apparently, about to be wrested from them. As governors of the nation, the Nationaliste exist in name only, for on their own showing they cannot physically exist elsewhere than in Canton, or even more ineffectually, in Taiwan. It is the realities of the situation which minke Hongkong a tle anxious.. The Com munista, as a political force,

announced a. known. True, they have very generalised internal polley almed at KMT- of the correcting the defects gulded administration, but whether that will prove to be a cute or, merely a pálilative remains to be seen. Even more obscure is the Communists' policy, con- cerning third powers. Their propaganda service has given somewhat vociferous Russia's anil-Western lip service to attitude, at times going out of His way to emphasise the ideologicnt ties between them and the Kremlin. Nevertheless there is no evidence that the Chinesa Reds have attempted anything approach. ing an all-out Commualst economic, social the Soviet financial policy an and pattern, and the non-military conditions Mao Tse-tung's 24-point contained in pence offer to the Nationalists were. only mildly revolutionary compared with what has been imposed on other countries during the past quarter of a century,

On the question of successfully intro ducing and making effective its internal policies, the Communists obviously must depend upon the goodwill and wiling co- operation of the people. Coercion might desired about the superficially bring results, but in the long run this would would still be boomerang and China

denied that peace and prosperity which is so essential to the nation. It is, there. fore, with the interests of the Chinese jx heart, that Hongkong at Maxxes anxious about the outcome of the current situation. It remains calm because there is no genuine reason for being otherwise. It must await the end of the civil war and the Communists' foreign policy before. It can truly naseas relations with And whether its next-door neighbour. these become difficult and acrimonious depends entirely on the Communists. It can be said now that any underground attempts to usurp the rightful powers of to inflet the Colony's Government, or

on the deliberately-agitated problems Colony, will be firmly resisted. Hongkong cannot permit itself to became a breeding ground for dissafection created by the Communists and neither can it allow its normal life, and the unfety of its inhabitants and their property to be compromised. We expect the new Govern-, of Chian, whether it be wholly Communist, or quasi-coalition, to devote itself to the problems of China; that is a gigantic enough task for any adminis. tration, Hongkong can, and will help to make a peaceful and prosperous China a realty, but it will tolerate neither agitators, saboteurs nor rebels, no matter whom they purport to represent. If this la clearly comprehended now, it may suve

ment

n lot of misunderstanding later.

are at

Hangchow, 124 miles by rail is the Southwest of Shanghai,

base upon seaport and rail

troops the Nationalist which tong have been expected to fall back for a new defence or re- treat farther South.

It

Joining China Fleet

THE BRITISH CRUISER, HMS JAMAICA

Aircraft-Carriers,

Cruiser And Subs Joining

Far East Fleet

An AssociatedPress despatch from London says that two big aircraft-carriers (their identity not disclosed), and an undeter- mined number of submarines are to reinforce the British Far East fleet.

an Admiralty The message adds that spokesman, when questioned about these inforcements, declined to say from where they would come or when they would arrive in China

waters.

+

rc-

An official Admiralty announcement, quoted by Reuter, states that the 8,000-ton cruiser, Jamaica, has been ordered to the Far East from Bermuda,

"The 8,000- The Admiralty statement said: ton Fiji Class cruiser, with nine six-inch guns, H.M.S. Jamaica (Captain F. A. Balance, D.S.O., R.N.) has been ordered to proceed to the Far East from Bermuda. She will steam there at her best speed consistent with endurance.

"The exact time of sailing is not yet known."

Dino

At the

For

P.G.

Reservations

Price 20 Cents

Tel: 27880

GOVERNMENT SUED FOR DAMAGES

Cowie Further Cross-Examined This Morning

ASSISTANT'S EVIDENCE

The action for damages for alleged wrongful dismissel from his employment, brought by William Henry Cowie, former Sub- Inspector of Police, against the Attorney- General of Hongkong, was continued before the Chief Justice, Sir Leslie Gibson, and a Special Jury at the Supreme Court this morning.

Evidence of the system employed in carrying out tests of motor vehicles, and of the happenings on the morning of June 5, 1947, when Cowie was arrested and later charged with receiving a bribe of $50 from a lorry driver, was given by Mak Yuen, a motor mechanic employed by the Police Traffic De- partment, Kowloon, who was acting as Cowie's assistant.

of

Plaintiff alleged that he had suffered damages totalling $7,- 510.13 by virtue of the wrang- fut dismissal without notice and in breach of contract. He was

post from his dismissed Traffic Inspector in Kowloon the on August 25, 1947, by H. E. Governor on the recommenda tlan of a Departmental Board of Enquiry into Cowie's alleged receipt of a bribe of $50 from one

Chan Yu-long. claimed general damages.

also

.:

(Ts'o and Hodgson) appeared for plaintiff, and the Attorney- General was represented by Mr A. Lonsdale (Crown Counsel). Instructed by Mr. L. R. Andrawes (Crown Solicitor).

Cowie, who had en

entered the witness box yerlerday when he ovidence-in-chlot, his gave followed by cross-examination, was further

cross-examined by Crown Counsel this morning.

DENIES SUGGESTION Cowie denied a suggestion by The Special Jury empanelled Mr Lonsdale that he had accept- comprices Messrs. F. J. Horman-ed $50 on June 5, 1947, and had

Sinput the money in his trouser Fisher (foreman), Chan ming, Kenneth Chan, J. Mother-pocket. He also asserted he did sill, T. J. Pratt, R. E. Desal and in fact carry a cigarette case. pocket and a handkerchief in S. S. Jorgensen.

in-of his overalls that morning. Mr Brook A. Bernacchi, structed by Mr Y. H. Chan

India And The Commonwealth

"

Dilemma May Be Resolved

By Joint Declaration

London, Apr. 25.-Dominion leaders meeting in secret today reached agreement in principle to consider a joint declaration pro- viding a basis of free association in the Commonwealth which would allow India as a republic to remain a member, usually reliable quarters stated tonight.

The Dominion Prime Ministers, back from a week-end recess in the country, met again in plenary session this afternoon to seek a means of keeping the future republican India in the Commonwealth. Knowledgeable quarters were completely silent about the meeting, but earlier it was indicated in Commonwealth circles that the leaders might con- sider a. solution by means of a joint declaration stating the basis of associa tion between the member countries.

Though the clotest secrecy is and Lord Linilihgow-Reuter. Soviets Kidnap A Woman

SINGER/Prepared rough drafts of their

PRIVATE TALKS The Prime Minister,

Vienna. Apr. 25. The

an

Mr Lonsdale then told Cowie he wished to give him Opportunity

lo stato his reason why he felt that Supt Shaftain should

have

by

been actuated any malice towards him. The Chief Justice pointed out to Crown Counsel that he had already held that Mr Shaftain's attitude towards Cowie had no bearing in the case at the pre- sent moment.

Mr Lonsdinle (to Cowle): Then 1-will-give-you an opportunity to state what reasons you have that inspector for believing Johnston was netualed by any

alice towards you

Cowie: Johnston was acling under the instructions of Supt.. Shaftain. That is the only ren son I can give.

mc.

Kowloon Magistracy Alhambra' when

rela

the line of the conference's de- the Prime

Zealand. they have more than 1,000,000 velopment, the most important Ze Mr Attlee's week-end her captors. The men put her

And in regard to Inspector Morrison,

had

you any reason to belleve he was actuated by any malice towards you?--Up to the present Inspector Morri- son has taken no active

in part the case. I cannot say I am aware of any reason why he should

towards bear mallca One train did arrive from the

was ro South after Kuthing

but I

In the declaration India. taken upon their merits as they Street to enable them to meet ported to have fallen,

Cowlo was then questioned could have left before such a

along with the others, would arise. India has always indicated members of the British political me said

continue to accept the special that she wishes to be free of ad- opposition parties. development. Passengers

Among the guests were Mr about his statements regarding vance commitments. Na Hongchow was full of

status of the King as the sym-

This afternoon's plenary Anthony Eden, Deputy Conserva- rain which fell on the morning association in the bol of free ilonalist troops, so it could be

his Inspection of vehicles. He "Shadow Conservative that a considerable government Coinmonwealth, but unlike the session at No. 10 Downing Street tive leader. Mr R. A. Butler, of of June 3 after he had completed

to the withdrawal

point other nations India would owe opened at 1.30 p.m. GMT and the

lasted for two hours. Im-Cab'net", Mr Clement. Davies, sad he could not remember if ready has succeeded.

no allegiance to the Crown.

the Parliamentary he had mentioned the Alhambra The plan is one of a number mediately after the statesmen leader of Trains for Hangchow werU

and the leaving as rapidly as they could of ideas on which the leaders left it was learned that they had Liberal Party, Lord Swinton, Theatre, but agreed he might decisions on urranged for a further round-Lord Simon, the Earl of Derby have said he was between the base carly

it sturied to. table discussion at 8 pm. be made up with no attempt to may

problem constitutional the maintain normal schedules.

them to

on the progress The Garrison Command stated which nas brought

NUMBERS TALLIED London from the four curners still preserved and Kashing

of the conference, it is under that Nanhslang,

stood of the sto

that following informal Sanchow all were in Nationallat or the Commonwealth.

Cow a also agreed that the problem The main reln-

week-end exchanges among the

numbers of the notes found in hands and that strong

Seo-conference is still to produce u forcements had gone to

Aus his pocket tallied with a record:. in the leaders several delegations had chow, 50 miles West of Nanking solution that retains

Commonwealth

ideas of a solution in prepara-trian police reported today that of the numbers held by Johns- acknowledged that the tracks

men in Russian uniform had to

Mr Bernacchi, re-examining, small, dark wo- leading on Westward to Com-country which cannot

kidnapped a

Cowie how he usually mmunist occupied Nanking bad the suzerainty of the King. Ition for today's meetings.

Vehicle Inspector. man, aged about 35, from the asked been torn up.

was expected that if the plas

Poilsh Embassy here. They said stood

that he usually. It sald only 20,000 Commu indicated the way to this sol-

examining nists had crossed to the South/tion, steps would be taken to Clement Attlee, this morning that an Austrian policeman on Cowie replied

from produce an appropriate form of had separate private talks with duty outside the Embassy restarted

the Prime Minister of Fakis-duty bank of the Yangtee

words for the Dominion leaders' Kiangsu province (the province consideration.

tan, Mr Liaquat All Khan, and port:d that yesterday morning a springs.

large yellow car drove up and the Prime Minister of Ceylon, three men in uniform entered what sort of a position would opposite the Nanking-Shanghai

your body bo in? The witness, Cros:-ex- THREE MAIN POINTS area) nad that others on the

later they my Lord, has been General reaction to the pro- Mr D. S. Senanayaka..

ho was The Prime Minister of South the Embassy. North bank were under "sui-

A few minutes

amined on the pockets velliance" of the Nationalist air.

posal in as yet unknown. But

who utilising at the time. of New dragged out the woman, Minister it was believed that whatever Africa, Mr Danio! Malan, and

and fought force.

Cowie: I had to bend to look Mr

the (The Communists have said

Peter Fraser, screamed for help

crawl underneath The or men on the South bank, 330,000 decisions are likely before Wed-we

Copies of the contract under country residence in Bucking policeman did not interfere but vehicles. of them from Nanking Eastward nedday, when the final meeting guests at Chequers, his official in the car and drove off

asked the woman for her name.

was employed towards Shanghai.}

is due to be held.

were handed to the Court and Informed quarters understood hamshire.

Mr Fandi! Nehru, the Prime She said she was Polish but did which Cowic

Jury before, the next. witness that there are three malu pointsMinister of India, rejoined the not give her name-Reuter.

wns enlled. In India's approach to the ques

Mais Yuen, of $30 Shanghal; tion of her continuation in the conference today after a week- end 03 the guest of Earl

Streat, third floor, sald he was to country Commonwealth,

Mountbatten at his

n motor mechanic attached reeldence. Broadlands, in Hamp-

Carthage, Tennessee, Apr. the Kowloon Traffic Office and in (1) Commonwealth co-opera" shire. tion must not in any way comi-

He spent the earlier part of 25. Ten persons, including an was working under Cowie repub- promise her complete

today in conference with the entiro family, were killed when 1947. To assisted the plaintif

train crashed in conducting Inspections ficon independence.

commercial vehi lorry at a level cross pubile and can be no Indian figh Commiteloner. Me fast freight (2) That there

about cles. Describing the nature of ai Cordonville, ing London.

his work. Mak said he usually question of Commonwealth as Krishna Menon, at India House, into a

involving her in n

Between today's two meetings seven miles from hers. military alliance.

All in the lorry were killed. left his office, in company with visiting statesmen were Com-the (3). In keeping with.

(Continued os Page B) monwealth traditions, problems guests of honour at a reception They were on their way home Cowie, about 9 a.m, and took of International policy will be held by Mr Attlee at Downing from church-Neuter.

an-

COMMUNIST CLAIMS

radio Communist Tho nouncements from Pelping on Monday night, however, said only that Red troops were now BC miles West of Shanghai and that others were driving south and southwest in pursuit of free- Their ing government forces.

not mentioned. Ideations were One Red broadenst said ait cities on the south bank from Anking

to Wasiha straich of 230 miles

were in Red hands.

Continued on Page 5)

These are::

socialioh

werd

LEVEL CROSSING

DISASTER

by

the

Mr Bernacchi: In doing that,

of