12 Aug 1939
Page 1
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 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Aug 12, 1939
Page
1
A crowded public gathering echoed fierce calls over Poland and German demands. Reported scenes in Berlin and London describe diplomatic tension, Mussolini ire, and hints of a possible European war while leaders weigh moderation and ultimatums.
The Leader of the Country Party Sir Earle Page returned to attack the Menzies Government over defence policy. Speaking at the Queensland Country Party conference he forecasted the government would soon adopt expert advice on defence and build a permanent militia army. He urged stronger population growth and warned adequate defence hinges on development and population, criticizing government inaction and urging timely adaptive steps.
Empire Air Services to be maintained despite postwar delays. Manager Mr Hudson Pyah confirms Australia to England capacity will remain unchanged. New Zealand service may push to Christmas due to late ships and reallocation of planes, with inaugural London Auckland flight via Sydney planned, departing Tuesday for 12 days at sea.
On arrival in Quebec on Thursday, Beaverbrook stated he believed war in Europe would not occur, yet said Britain was now strong enough to face war and would prepare if it became inevitable.
Deputy Premier Col Ben Brantner denied claims he dominates the state parliament. He said he and colleagues share responsibility and aim to help, not hinder, noting Premier Maier will receive loyal support to pursue policy. Robertson moved a vote of thanks, countering reports that Bruxner dominates state politics.
A Chicago couple wed in a ceremony held with the bride, a regular visitor to her husband's room, beside him in the iron lung. The bride Fifteen? Lat' Win, age 25, both from wealthy families, shared the moment as he lay reclined in the respirator during the ceremony.
In Sydney a Commonwealth Works Department ministerial briefing discussed a 1,000,000 timber consignment tackled by a ship that could not unload at Darwin due to inadequate facilities and a port strike. Only part timber was unloaded before departure to Singapore, then returned to Sydney. future plans include sending it back to Darwin. The voyage was 12,132 miles rather than 2,832, reflecting unloading constraints.
London dispatch says Chinese claim Japan troops retreat along a 100 mile front in Hupeh Province as guerilla activity and weariness grow. Reports cite reduced food and reinforcements to Shansi, while Tokyo signals continuing fighting and Shanghai notes a drop in the dollar. A British apology to the Japanese Consul is reported over a clash near Suichen Harbour.
War Department contracts outline construction of 140 warplane engines with total costs of £7,105,400 for airframes and £2,800,000 for engines. Principal contractors include Glenn Martin North American Aviation and Consolidated Boeing.
Eyewitness accounts describe blackout conditions over London and surrounding areas during a large air defense exercise. Thousands of witnesses observed searchlights, bombers breaking formation, and a magnesium flare as officials evaluated blackout effectiveness.
Prime Minister stated New Zealand would restate its loan terms and honor obligations. He said the government would act in a normal manner while facing expectations of larger loan repayments and potential additional conditions from creditors. The Opposition pressed for a clear declaration on future debt handling.
The Minister for Customs Mr Lawson defended stricter moral standards for Australian cinema urging prohibitions on previews and harsh controls on displays for adults only. He argued parental guidance is needed and that censorship could prevent unsuitable content from public view. The minister also noted the Wartime board’s stance and confirmed existing exhibition restrictions.
London reports Rex Lee formerly of Melbourne will serve as minister to Bucharest. Ambition and appointment are understood, signaling a shift in Australian diplomatic posts.
National service items from London overviewing draft periods and volunteer registrations. Reports mention HM government and police actions, captures at coastal ports, and mixed details about individuals involved in wartime duties and fundraising. The damaged text references British security, Jewish emigration, and a Czech connection with patronage concerns.
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.