08 Aug 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Aug 08, 1940
Page
1
A garbled report references a night event, a foundation, and a show. It mentions a group, a theme, a motion and a debate over an electrical matter with unclear participants and outcomes. The readable text is too fragmentary for specifics.
London reports an Italian invasion of British Somaliland begun on Sunday with three columns advancing toward Oadweina Hargeisa and possibly Garraro. British forces mobilise to resist as Italy concentrates in Eastern Libya and aims at Berbera, Zella and the Suez line while French Somaliland collapses.
The Daily Telegraph reports Italian forces on the East Libyan frontier await orders for a high powered attack on Britain's western desert defenses. Indications point to action possibly next week as Italian patrols press near the Egyptian border and shells fall into empty barracks.
Cairo reports the Iran Higher Military Court tried its first case sentencing Francois Arkossy, chief steward on an Egyptian steamer, to five years and a fine for conspiracy to possess explosives. He was found not guilty on espionage. Italians Withdraw at Morale Nairobi dispatch notes fighting patrols from our forward detachments locsted and ama.
A Belgian correspondent in The Times reports King Leopold defended surrender as necessary to avoid extermination of Belgian troops and civilians after the army was encircled. Cardinal Van Roey voiced related concerns, while The Daily Express blamed Germany for famine and refugee hardships, not Britain.
Regulations drafted by the Commonwealth Government aim to prohibit the display or wearing of military uniforms by unauthorized persons. The drive follows reports that tailors are supplying uniforms to individuals who have not earned them.
The article reports a British demonstration where an incendiary bomb was handled swiftly by a Home Guard team. In the test the device burned briefly before being dealt with within minutes, showing effectiveness of the countermeasure under scrutiny.
An Italian communique says three bombing runs hit Haifa petrol dumps during an air raid with fire set, while Australian troops fought in action. Lt Col P Meame VC DSO arrives in Jerusalem to assume command in Palestine and Transjordan at age 52, noting service since 1908.
The Postmaster-General's Department pays 67 pounds weekly rent for part of a building in Spencer Street Melbourne leased from the Bank of New South Wales and Australian Cricketer Pty Ltd.
A defense conference report says Italian and German diplomatic services are forming fifth columns in the United States. It notes Nazi agents press Senators and Representatives and cites expanded German staffs in U S consulates. Roosevelt outlines plans for nationwide home defense units led by WW veterans once Congress approves mobilization.
In reply to a House of Commons question the government states cooperation between British and allied governments suffices for prosecuting the war. Attlee notes existing channels of cooperation and consultation are adequate for all war questions.
German forces entered Luxembourg as Berlin announced German would become the official language. Thousands heard a speech by the chief of the German civil administration outlining the German character of the duchy and pledging German as the official language for law courts schools newspapers and street names.
Washington reports a drive to aid Britain without entering the war by selling Britain 50 old destroyers. Led by Senator Pepper, the effort seeks Senate Foreign Affairs Committee action on authorization. Administration support remains unclear though some see General Pershing’s proposal as government approved.
London reports from Hanoi say Indo-China’s one month deadline to halt imports from China expired and Colonel Sato sent no extension note. In Manila, American officials sight a large Japanese fleet moving south likely toward Palau Islands, with Britain awaiting a Tokyo report on Japan relations amid cautious statements.
Nairobi announced East Africa invited to a Delhi conference in October with Australia New Zealand and South Africa to discuss the empire war effort focusing on production and supply. An East Africa Economic Council includes Kenya Uganda Tanganyika Zanzibar Rhodesia Nyasaland. Britain pledges full dominion consultation on European obligations.
From Bremen a German Air Force commander declared the air force ready to strike Britain. He said aircraft have been overhauled and pilots rested, with attacks targeting docks and industrial centers. Bombs fell near Bristol and elsewhere in southwest England, causing one elderly woman to die after a shock from a distant explosion.
The Times notes a misapprehension of Northern Ireland's defence position as a reserved British service. Northern Ireland cannot withdraw troops without Britain's consent, and an understanding with Eire is unlikely due to Eire's objections. The Northern Ireland government lacks control over troop presence, which hinges on its UK membership. A supplementary war budget raises Imperial Exchequer funding by £1.5 million to £6 million, with Ulster defence payments and Ulster Holdings certificates totaling over £1.5 million.
A RAF raid damaged Thyssen works at Duisburg including a laboratory, and a bomb fell between a steel works and a synthetic petrol plant. A large vegetable garden area near Desseldorf was cordoned off for an unexploded bomb, with a 1,000 yard radium zone around such bombs. Since May 10 there have been 28 raids on Duisburg and 18 on Desseldorf.
An air ministry communique reports RAF bombers attacked military objectives in Holland and Northern Germany including Wijmar Kiel and Hamburg. Goods yards at Hamm and aerodromes at Schippel and Borkum damaged. All aircraft returned safely. The Berlin High Command says a small British force also dropped bombs over Holland and Western Germany with no substantial damage.
A group of Italian irregular troops on the Bunu Ajae Road east of Moyale engaged in a brisk fight and withdrew. One Italian was killed and two wounded. Our only casualty was an African tanker who was wounded.
Official denial states Germany and Italy did not demand Turkey declare its stance on Axis plans for the Balkans. No confirmation of any ultimatum or policy shift is provided.
The Tokyo newspaper Asahai reports Sir Robert Craspie told Foreign Minister Matsuoka that arrests in Britain were required for national defense and not retaliation. It also notes Matsuoka demanded immediate release of the Japanese and a guarantee that such arrests would not recur.
The Madras radio said the Indian Government will appoint an Indian Trade Commissioner to Australia to pursue new markets for goods shut out of Europe as part of expanding trade links.
A German airman who reportedly landed in England by parachute 11 days ago surrendered to a woman motorist who noted his unusual appearance. Enemy incendiary bombs and 80 leaflets were dropped on Scotland last night.
Captain William of the steamer Hiiee appointed to command the C B Highlander was attacked in the North Sea at night by two German raiders. Both raiders were shot down with one crashing on the poop. Fireman Bertram Whyman, Able Seaman George Anderach, two stewards, and one able steward received commendations or medals for their actions.
Discussions between the Naval Department and a company push ahead on establishing a shipbuilding industry in Hobart. The update notes ongoing talks and potential sector development amid wartime economic efforts.
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