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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 14, 1939
Page
1
The Soviet Union rejects peace plans offered by the League of Nations and declares it is not at war with Finland. Molotov arrives amid commentary on international morale and the League's limited influence, while Finland and other nations are noted in the council context.
A wartime authority reports Exnat Udet, chief of the Reich Air Ministry technical division, has been dismissed after a technical failure in German war planes. Udet, credited with 62 Allied kills in World War I, later toured America and then crossed the Atlantic amid political controversy and Allied scrutiny.
Allied powers ease blockade limits with Belgium, allowing free transport for ten sections as long as exports to Germany are avoided. Britain and France have not yet agreed on vital ore and weapon exports and will not hinder Belgium’s food supplies.
A damaged report recounts a naval disaster at sea near Kinait Comat, listing the crew casualties and survivors. The King Kehart is mentioned, with confusion over locations and names. Canadian observers and other figures are cited in a fragmentary account of the incident and wartime messages.
Lords debated the Ministry for Information and the Censorship Bureau amid wandering and amused tales of muddling. Lords mocked delays and questioned home office efficiency while laughter echoed as photographers and exams were discussed and ministers pledged to improve oversight.
President Roosevelt announced plans to ask Congress in January to extend the reciprocal trade act set to expire June 12 next year. Existing agreements include Argentine and Uruguayan deals and two with Belgium and Cuba under revision. The move signals a contest over the Leander agreements as opposition consolidates within Congress.
A London report notes seven rail crashes in a single month with 125 killed and 257 injured. Officials blame aging rolling stock and deteriorating infrastructure as authorities acknowledge insufficient safety upgrades and warning signals amid ongoing wartime pressures.
Ammownelng details outline sharing of funds between the United Kingdom and France under an allied agreement. John Simon notes questions of sharing profits and costs, while both governments plan to review and provide payments through Britain. Authorities pledge frequent contact to align policy and price expectations across the empire.
In a Commons review the secretary for air said fighter squadrons bore heavy losses yet maintained superiority over German bombers and fighters. He noted 57 submarine attacks with substantial damage and described formations forming, with new squadrons and imperial contributions expanding.
London dispatch notes Rowe radio cryptically claiming the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer has bad luck in the South Atlantic. The Daily Mail quotes the Admiralty saying it has no knowledge of such misfortune befalling the ship.
Empire gold flows to USA as red flags rise for a planned large scale action. Export figures include 65,074,000 dollars from the United States and 42,049,000 dollars from India, with other nations contributing smaller sums.
In bitter winter fighting on the Karelian Isthmus, Finnish forces halt a major Russian advance and hold three Russian armies. Reports say Russia plans a large counter stroke with fresh reserves from Leningrad northward, while Finnish units endure brutal weather and freezing temps.
In a wartime address, Dr. Lestie Borghi asserts the empire’s war effort is colossal, pledging that Britain will rise to the challenge. He hails the empire’s strength and unity against threats, claiming the current effort surpasses any in history. The speaker emphasizes vigilance and determination amid perilous times.
In Lower Egypt an emergency period of two hours was proclaimed amid tense maneuvers by British, Egyptian forces and naval air units. Reports indicate a potential complete blackout across Cairo and nearby areas, with pilots and troops on heightened alert.
Fragmented report notes German liner Bremen docked at Bremenhaven, with submarines forced to submerge to protect Bremen. Commands discuss ethics and wartime policy as Allied forces consider actions and potential attacks. The piece reflects uncertainty and international restrictions on merchant ships amid naval tension.
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