18 Apr 1942
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 18, 1942
Page
1
A fragmentary OCR line offers unclear hints of a local event. Readable elements include a place name and a date-like fragment, with generic nouns and no clear assertion of person, group, or outcome. The item appears preliminary and lacks verifiable details.
The Vichy cabinet resigned to Marshal Petain after a cabinet meeting. Admiral Darian named as successor to Petain, with command of land and air forces. Admiral Leahy to return to Washington for consultations. White House prepared action on French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, including Martinique. Laval hinted to seek direct authority as cabinet reshuffles loom. Americans advised to leave France as consular guidance renews.
Washington reports that the United States rejected the Vichy protest as Allied relations await clarification of American policy. President Roosevelt considers moves with Allies while Ottawa and London discuss France’s fate and a potential shift against Laval’s regime.
New York dispatch reports Prime Minister Mackenzie King met with President Roosevelt and U.S. officials for about an hour. They discussed joint defence, economic war supplies, and strategic issues forming the background of a forthcoming White House notification. A follow up with Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles touched on Vichy concerns. The Canadian ambassador and top U.S. officials were also involved in the discussions.
Allied reports from Port Moresby describe the 25th air raid with Japanese Zero fighters engaging Allied defense. Despite heavy fighting, Allied pilots repelled the assault, destroying several enemy planes while suffering casualties and unfinished targets.
A midnight communique from the Prime Minister reported aerial actions with five bombers involved and about 45 bombs dropped. Fighters intercepted and dogfights occurred, with several aircraft damaged and at least one parachute seen. No further details were provided on casualties or damage.
Evocation notes a mass evacuation of Bombay amid wartime fears as real casualties prompt exodus warnings. Nightly alarms persist with production disrupted as workers flee and city life adjusts to a tense, uncertain period.
The Admiralty stated a British submarine sank a large Italian supply ship in the Mediterranean. Two torpedoes struck the vessel, which went down in seven minutes. The sinking occurred south of Zingtane.
Washington reports Japanese troops landed on Panay Island from eight transports protected by warships and aircraft. U S forces on Panay are in contact with the enemy with few details. Japanese air attacks on Corregidor continue amid heavy combat and raids across the Philippines. Some claims and casualty notes appear, including statements about Cebu occupation and bombing damage, with conflicting or unclear figures from multiple sources.
A convoluted report from Washington describes submarine related actions and a fatal crash in New York. The account mentions a Friday session and notes an unspecified number of casualties and a possible inquiry. Officials vow to investigate the incident and address security concerns.
Lieutenant General Brett reports Allied forces in Australia and the South Pacific growing stronger. He says Japan could be checked with improved defense plans and continued cooperation of Australian and American air crews. The commander declares confidence in repelling any attack toward Australia as battles intensify in the region.
RAF forces press daily sweeps across Northern France with 400 plus Spitfires and bombers. A major night raid hit Le Havre power stations and docks while fighters targeted stations in Lorient Le Havre and ongoing attacks in Holland and northern France. The Air Ministry reports losses include several German aircraft and bomber crews missing amid intense combat and persistent bombing by Allied forces.
A damaged report from London describes night air raids over England with fighter activity and a train being machine gunned near a strategic area. Casualties and exact location details are unclear due to readable fragments.
Dutch approval clears Julius obstacle as Queen Wilhelmina of Holland endorses General Douglas MacArthur for command in the Southwest Pacific. The move signals a shift in Allied leadership amid ongoing campaigns in the region and follows earlier friction over strategic appointments.
A truck carrying secret equipment disappeared after traveling from the area. The vehicle, described as a lorry used for a shipment, vanished following a mid-journey stop near a town. Police and authorities say the incident remains unexplained with several scattered drops later noted en route.
Fragmented foreign dispatches note shifts along the front with claimed Russian gains near Smolensk and German naval dominance in the Black Sea. Reports mention Japanese movement from Nanking and various diversions in the Near East as authorities discuss evolving strategic positions.
Melbourne hosts important conferences on higher war strategy Monday and Tuesday attended by Prime Minister Curtin as Minister for Defence. Officials expect plans to guide war development and civilian impact, with the Lange Government aiming for long term postwar arrangements.
Ottawa reports a major shipbuilding expansion with 25 000 workers across Pacific coast yards moving to continuous 24 hour production. The plan covers 5 000 ton ships and a 10 000, 5 000 ton capacity, under a tripartite agreement among Labour, employers and workers.
London report on His Majesty the King conferring the George Crown on Malta for fortitude. The decoration marks a first for the British Commonwealth and is likely to be sent to the Governor of Malta and placed in a cathedral, becoming part of Malta’s royal insignia.
Hartison New Jersey Thursday report from General Somerell noting faster production of defense materials. He declared the United States will continue wartime output with emphasis on increased steel and munitions, aiming to supply allied forces promptly amid ongoing security concerns.
Descriptive war note claims Burma oil wells were destroyed by enemy action as tensions rise before World War II. Reports allege significant drilling sites suffered, with Chinese forces advancing near strategic points and Japanese and Axis-linked lines mentioned, amid shifting troop movements and international reactions.
A noisy Washington discussion centers on wage pegging and opposition from key voices. The administration faces criticism over proposed controls, while labor and business figures argue about impacts on inflation, competitiveness, and employment.
Officials arrived in London from Australia for importation and codas stationing related to the Dutch government as part of a broad international logistics move. The trip underscores coordinated efforts between allied administrations and recent adjustments to trade and regulatory frameworks.
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