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Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jan 18, 1945
Page
1
In a combative Commons speech Churchill said he and Stalin had an agreement on handling the Balkans to avert future wars and that Roosevelt was kept informed. He stressed the pact was not to carve Europe into spheres of influence, signaling cautious Allied unity.
Moscow dispatches report Soviet forces 2,000,000 strong on a 250 mile front push into Silesia and Poland. Zhukov and Konev converged on Lodz from east and south after capturing Warsaw and Czestochowa, threatening Breslau and the Oder frontier as German defenses collapse.
Premier Churchill pressed the House to back wartime plans including conscripting refusers into war work and continuing aid to Greece amid ELAS clashes. He warned against Balkan feuds derailing postwar settlements while signaling tough actions on hostages and Stalin’s stance. He also asserted Tito’s Yugoslav dominance and questioned Italy’s future role in Europe.
Rep Clare Boothe Luce calls for a fixed time limit on active frontline service to reduce bitterness among troops. She cites the 34th Division, saying it has endured over 400 combat days in the line and lacks relief.
Rail and passenger schedules are being cut back to speed war freight moves. The New York Central System reduced some passenger cars and train services as weather worsened and coal and labor shortages pressed. Carriers in New York State Ohio Upper Pennsylvania and Indiana face impacts.
In Columbus Admiral Ernest J. King told the Ohio League of Municipalities that the hardest phase of the Pacific war lies ahead as U S forces near Continental Asia and Japan. He warned of growing enemy air and mine resistance and urged intensified offense with no tempo reduction in 1945. Casualties in men and material are to be expected as combat sharpens.
A force of Flying Fortresses bombed Salserlautern a key rail yard behind enemy lines. Mustangight ers and B-17s attacked a rail center west of Mannheim about 30 miles behind German lines. RAF bombers struck Magdeburg last night, returning with explosives as dawn broke. War Manpower Commission begins releasing workers from less essential firms to war plants in shortage areas.
Prime Minister says American ar My subject Brits have fought on western front since December 16. He credits the United States with doing most of the fighting and notes American troops outnumber British forces more than two to one. Churchill asserts American casualties are higher and describes the counterstroke as a model for the future.
Paris court martial announces four more sentences for American soldiers convicted of conspiracy to steal Army cigarets and rations and sell them on the French black market. Death sentences were imposed on five soldiers for desertion and selling stolen gasoline to Paris civilians. two others received life terms, one ten years, and four were acquitted.
American troops advanced on Luzon driving along a road to Baguio and moving toward Manila. Reports described three pronged assaults breaking Sapaneae defenses and probing along coastal routes as enemy watchers observed from hidden positions.
December 1944 marks the bloodiest month for U S forces with 14 778 casualties including killed wounded and missing on the western front The report notes air force figures excluded and highlights major Allied aerial operations from Formosa to Luzon as part of a broad campaign against Japan The dispatch also cites Japanese claims of losses and strategic moves across the Pacific with U S beachhead gains and battles near Lingayen Gulf and Manila Bay as Tokyo reports on the war’s shifting momentum
The Air Technical Service Command will raise production of B 17 and B 24 bombers. Lt Gen William S Knudson emphasized continued large scale output for months. He noted a need for B 1Ts despite the surge in heavy bomber production.
Cincinnati dispatch reports thirty soldiers furloughed to assist workers at the King Powfer Co. plant in Kings Mills, described as crucial to producing ammunition. In Columbus, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Public Employes Retirement System members must contribute for at least one year before retirement to draw pensions for pre-1935 service.
The Ohio CIO council Legislative Bulletin criticized the State Postwar Planning Commission for ordering a $20,000 painting by Howard Chandler Christy. Chairman Paul M. Herbert defended the project as part of postwar cultural efforts depicting the treaty signing between Native Americans and General Anthony Wayne near Creamville, about 150 years ago.
The report shows the Army and Navy service nursing quota for 1945 set at 839, with the State Nurses Association forecasting fulfillment. Elizabeth P. August notes a shortfall of $1,035,513 compared to 1944 in the first six months of 1945, amid calls to mobilize nurses for hospitals and public health.
In Columbus the Ohio Legislature considers a bill proposing a 5 million dollar annual boost to public schools. Governor Lausche backs more funding but no fixed amount. The measure, by Rep Walter Tarr, would raise per pupil daily state contributions for elementary education and adjust kindergarten teacher rates accordingly.
Two popular citrus juices Gris grapefruit and blended grapefruit orange juice are back on the ration list as part of wartime controls. Housewives will pay using Blue Stamps while the War Food Administration considers reclassifying lard shortening and salad oils. Points are set at 10 for No 2 cans 20 for 46 ounce cans and 40 for No 10 cans. Orange juice remains three free.
British forces widened the advance from Holland toward the Roer River sweeping four villages. U S First Army pressed near St Vith in the Ardennes and Beachhead efforts around Strasbourg with German counter moves. Heavy weather hindered the Allied push as tanks and air support tried to break the German lines along the Roer and Moselle valleys.
Soviet forces advance on Berlin as three-pronged offensives slice through Poland and Hungary. Moscow reports heavy German losses with Warsaw in ruins and 770000 residents displaced. Polish exiles in London seek return as Red Army pushes 13 miles into East Prussia from the northeast.
Washington lawmakers challenged the draft of farm workers after Selective Service Director Hershey suggested about half under 26 may be called by mid year. Elbert S. Goss of the National Grange urged President Roosevelt to halt farming draft pending an investigation of impacts on food production. Telegram says dairies are depleting and herds dispersing threatening meat and dairy shortages unless food production is deemed nonessential.
Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. was shot down and killed January 7 in the Southwest Pacific theater. Lt Gen. George C. Kenney confirmed the loss in a letter to McGuire’s wife, noting hopes of his return after nearly two years. Mrs. McGuire had received no official War Department notification.
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