This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Location
Bluefield, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Jun 11, 1940
Page
1
German advances press toward Paris as ministers withdraw to the provinces. Allied forces prepare a first blow of Italian foe while French forts along the Rhine fire on German positions.
The crew of an Italian ship tried to set their vessel ablaze to avoid capture by Canadian authorities. The 3,690 ton Bay sweeper Nilo sailed from Montreal and was overtaken off the Big Islands near Rimouski, 180 miles east of Quebec. The capture was announced by the Canadian Department of National Defense.
In La Linea Spain on June 11 Italian crews scuttled two merchant ships off Gibraltar after learning Italy joined the war. The Chelina, 10,000 tons, had most of its crew reach shore. a nurse and one passenger survived. The Numbolia, 2,000 tons, saw half its crew reach safety while the rest were rescued or captured by British boats.
Raleigh County grand jury returned five indictments against Oscar Wheeler a Communist candidate for governor of West Virginia for actions tied to his party’s petition to appear on the November ballot The panel also indicted Allen St Clair defeated candidate in town for voting in the disputed election.
President Roosevelt, delivering an unscheduled critique at the University of Virginia commencement, denounced Italy for aggression and pledged to mobilize U S resources for defense. He urged swift, united action in the Americas and urged Americans to show courage and sacrifice.
Berlin reports Italian troops entered the French Riviera as German forces press toward Paris within 30 to 35 miles, amid Mussolini announcing war and Germany’s propaganda campaign urging French surrender. The Rome Berlin axis is described as an alliance of blood and steel with a potential French collapse from the south.
New York reports the liner Manhattan entered safe harbor carrying 1907 refugees 867 aliens from Genoa and Naples. The voyage followed Italy's entry into war with many babies and children aboard as crews tended to diaper washings and care duties.
Washington reports Chairman Gillette's senate campaign committee found no evidence of unreasonably large expenditures in the 1948 presidential primary campaigns. Investigations covered Nebraska Wisconsin and Maryland with Dewey competing in two states. The panel also checked Dewey's New York headquarters and described the tips as general or connected to Mr Dewey.
The Canadian House of Commons unanimously approves a declaration of war against Italy. Prime Minister Mackenzie King denounces Mussolini as a carrion bird and calls for formal proclamation by King George. The Senate is summoned to act. defense minister Norman Rogers was killed in a plane crash as the motion passes.
President Roosevelt extended provisions of the neutrality act to Italy in response to Mussolini's war declaration. He signed three proclamations and issued an executive order, but did not extend the combat zone. The proclamations reaffirm neutrality between Italy and the France United Kingdom alliance and declare warships of belligerents subject to the act.
Oklahoma City reports the state Democratic convention awarding 44 delegates to support Roosevelt or oppose his policies if he rejects a nomination. In Salina Kansas the state convention similarly votes to back President Roosevelt for a term at the Democratic gathering.
State Trooper reports a caravan attacked by a mob renewing violence against Jehovah's Witnesses. One youth shot and wounded as the group refused to salute flags. incident linked to religious sect tensions. Police track suspects and urge calm as investigations continue.
Widespread crowd violence strikes Liverpool Edinburgh and London as mobs clash with police. Bricks and bottles smash windows and helmets are knocked off officers amid calls against Italians. Police carding and raids occur as tensions flare in Britain amid wartime sentiment.
King Haakon of Norway lands in London aboard a British ship and issues a proclamation on Norwegian liberty as the fight continues abroad. The British press reports Mussolini’s promises to other countries amid economic strain as Britain topics include conscription measures affecting about 15 firms.
The Rome radio says hostilities began four hours earlier and Mussolini will be supreme commander of the armed forces while the king remains nominal chief. Reports from Ajaccio describe patriotic demonstrations by allies on Corsica as the declaration spreads. Spain reacts with intense but restrained excitement as it readies defenses.
Rome reports Italy has entered World War on the side of Germany. Mussolini vows to strike in the Mediterranean, aiming at Corsica Tunisia or Haifa as possible targets, while Rome remains blacked out and military patrols guard the capital. The move follows Mussolini’s unprecedented warning to neutral states to stay clear of the conflict.
Washington moves quickly to ready for war and arm allies as Roosevelt outlines twofold action. Congress advances naval expansion to 11 percent and 10 000 planes, while naval and air force funding grows with new vessel tonnage. House committee pushes army growth to 400 000 and defense tax measures ahead of floor action.
Bucharest reports that the crown council will proclaim a course of action as the war expands to the Mediterranean theater. The note indicates a united front and a wartime posture across the nation's leadership.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.