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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 26, 1940
Page
1
An archival brief notes Ray Con with Mela Anna Holi ns in a BBC Mandarin telecast segment. Details are unclear due to OCR issues but the item references a broadcast featuring these names and a holi event.
London reports vigorous Allied pressure on Norwegian fronts with reinforcements joining to push German lines. Norwegians repulse multiple German river crossings near Osan and Ogen while reports claim heavy bombing of civilians and port towns. One bold assault near Tromsøfjord and Trondheim is mentioned amid mixed casualty figures and uncertain fortress fire.
London reports a record Budget debate as MPs from all sides press for higher war funding. Estimates put Allied budgets near £4.37 billion with France and Britain expected to bear heavy sacrifices. Labour and Liberals urge fair taxation and faster resource mobilization amid a total war economy. The City views the Budget as well received, sparking stock gains and a surge in gilt prices.
Economist J M Kenyes writes to The Times criticizing Britain’s budget as inadequate for a major war effort. He argues Britain must spend beyond prewar estimates to match France or Germany and questions public understanding of required sacrifices for victory.
Allied forces in Norway report center around Trondheim with renewed fighting in the north. German counterattacks strain German supply, while British and Norwegian units withdraw in good order from Stenkjaer. Oslo gravels push toward Trondhjem, with Swedish dispatches noting German attempts to break through Narvik and a push into Grong and Gudbrandals Valley.
Report says detention of the Soviet ships Selenga Vladimir and Mayakovsky at Far Eastern Allied ports achieved the goal. No further Soviet vessels have sailed from the United States with cargoes likely to be contraband.
Allied and German aerial activity is described over the Western Front with Belgian airspace violated near the Moselle. Belgian pilot Pastor Pype’s boat was machine gunned west of Outend as foreign planes drew anti aircraft fire.
Report from Admiralty and Air Ministry states enemy aircraft attacked Scapa Flow last night. One enemy plane was shot down with no damage or casualties reported. Heavy anti aircraft fire and RAF fighters repelled the raid.
Fragmentary note describes a special arrangement related to overseas intelligence compiled for Australia. Mentions Goaland and reserved rights terms.
RAF Bomber Command conducted extensive raids on German bases in Norway and Denmark overnight and at dawn. Westerland on Sylt endured heavy bombings for 100 minutes, while Fornebu and Aalborg bases were also attacked. A long-range force targeted shipping, sinking a patrol vessel near Sylt as aircraft conducted nighttime patrols and ground defenses were engaged.
Two Norwegian airmen captured a Heinkel seaplane moored at a Norwegian location. They daubed Swastikas with Norwegian colors and flew the plane to a British port, turning a grim episode into a symbolic victory.
London reports a Stockholm bulletin in which King Haakon declares the Government and monarchy will accept only Germany's withdrawal from Norway. Berlin confirms Terboven as Reich Commissar marking full German sovereignty in the occupied territory. Civil administration had been run by Norwegians previously.
The Times correspondent reports reliable London information that Germany planned to annex Norway for over two years and to remove King Haakon when the day arrived. An Attache tied to Oslo Legation was chosen for his social standing and was welcomed in Oslo to carry out the disposal of the king.
Copenhagen reports uncertainty over future grain and fodder imports and notes inevitable broad limits on agricultural production. It also mentions butter and bacon stocks diverted for export to Germany and a looming coal and gas shortage in May unless supplies improve.
Paris dispatch reports aerial activity over Sweden and Baltic port concentrations. German troops reportedly moved from Danzig and Stettin toward Bornholm Memel Konigsberg, with 40 German planes seen daily. Sweden enacts compulsory service for ages 16 to 80 while defending a 90 million defense loan.
The article notes the Secretary urging naval expansion in the United States with emphasis on military needs and quotes a statement about the cost of impotence versus arming, reflecting calls for greater naval strength in San Diego.
Unable to confirm full details from fragmented report, Able Seaman Charles Riley survived multiple maritime perils after serving aboard the Royal Oak and Glowworm era ships. The note notes escape from danger and continued service despite reported war losses.
A fragmented discussion on the Roosevelt presidency notes broad public support yet uncertainty about a third term. It highlights Roosevelt as a leading Democratic and Republican figure with strong popularity among voters and party possibilities for the next election.
A chaotic set of clipped notes reports boxing manager Joe Jeobs tied to Tony Galento, with scattered references to Roosevelt talks, anti submarine nets, and wartime logistics. The item mentions ministers, photographers, and naval material for harbor defenses amid era-wide secrecy.
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