Now is the time to make preparations and reservations for next year's home leave, That the editors of Chinese newspapers in Hongkong have scuta message protesting against the censorship of war news from Canton, and the dissemination of incorrect reports is not to be wondered at, for judging from what has appeared in recent months in the Hongkong journals and comparing it with the facts as they were ultimately revealed, it is apparent that the Hongkong public has not been kept well informed.. The prevention of the spread of news likely to be of interest to the enemy is always a legitimate function of any command, but the suppress sion of the news of victories or defeats does not come within that category. Obviously the enemy is perfectly well aware whether he has been victorious or defeated, and the publication of such information or its suppression can have no real military significance. The question does arise, however, whether, for the purpose of fostering morale, such news should not be withheld from the public. It is quite likely that if the Chinese had all along been kept acquainted with the military reverses they have been suffering their morale might have seriously deteriorated. On the other hand it might not, and it is only by empiric test that the best method in the circumstances can be ascertained. The Chinese editors in Hongkong claim that they should be given correct information no matter how unpalatable it may be, and there may be much sound common sense in that contention. Nevertheless there are certain circumstances surrounding the Japanese descent upon, Kwangtung which may make the Chinese military reluctant to' permit the public knowing the dimensions of the blow which is apparently being inflicted in this latest development. Undoubtedly the rapidity with which the Japanese have advanced into the interior since their landing in Bias Bay, and the comparatively feeble resistance which has been offered to them, may not only afford some ground for Chinese criticism of their military command, but may induce panic which must be avoided if sterner opposition is to be effected.
Carrying first class passengers only, the comfortable vessels of the Blue Funnel Line offer the maximum amount of deck space, and unrestricted movement on board.
The amazing feature of this latest development is that while the possibility of it occurring was recognized,—that is indicated by the construction of concrete defences and the like,—the Chinese were so com-
Fares range from £154 to £112 return, according to the class of steamer, from Shanghai to London, Full particulars of sailings and fares will be gladly given on application to pletely taken by surprise that they were unable to take up the positions which had already been prepared. Indeed it would seem that the Chinese either completely ignored the potentialities of the situation, or were convinced for some reason or other
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.