23 Dec 1937
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 23, 1937
Page
1
A local hospital dispute over Christmas ward staffing led to a tense scene as male staff clashed with administrators. Children seeking care were affected as temporary arrangements were made after the altercation.
Tokyo reports 108 arrests in the capital and 262 in 17 other cities on Red activity charges as Home Office orders move to suppress the All Japan Council of Labour and the Proletarian Party. Police allege ties to the Communist International and a spreading antiwar revolutionary movement. The Socialist Party, holding 35 Diet seats, faced a political purge in a tense climate.
A piracy guard repulsed a preliminary landing of about 800 Japanese marines near Canton on Monday. Japanese forces were driven back to their boats with heavy losses reported on both sides.
An early 20th century wire note reports United Front political parties in New York promising unity against Japan while contrasting American resolve with Japanese divisions. It details Roosevelt and Landon signaling cooperation on foreign policy, warns against political discord in crisis, and cites press commentary on Japan and potential Western responses amid Panay and Far East events.
Moscow dispatch reports North Polar scientists adrift on ice floe moving south toward the open Atlantic. Despite nearing Greenland coast, no precise position or sighting of the Greenland mount is reported, leaving the team uncertain about their route and survival prospects.
South China troops face Japan as well equipped forces approach Bias Bay. Cantonese leaders plan to mobilize civilians in Kwantung to resist. Nanking and Shanghai defense posts tighten. British House of Commons debate follows on war troop movements and reinforcement requests amid regional tension.
A partially garbled report describes destroyers anchored at the Pacific Fleet base and routine maneuvers near Hawaii. It mentions secret Navy officials in Washington and tests of mine and airspeed defenses, with notes on prelude to a destroyer cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.
Melbourne reports a railway dispute as workers seek higher overtime and Sunday penalty rates. Officials strive to avert walkouts during Christmas holidays and resume arbitration after Christmas.
London reports on the destroyer Nu blunt at Southampton with Sir Reginald Skelton denying claims of new millionaires rising from rearmament. He states between 80 and 85 percent of warship costs go to British workers and warns government accountants will strip any unjust profits down to the final halfpenny.
London reports the purge of the Soviet leadership continues under Stalin. The Manchester Guardian notes Stalin pretends to lead the revolution while accusing real revolutionaries, with older diplomats replaced by more pliable figures to suit changing policy.
The New York Daily News warns that American entry into war with Japan could come from current tensions after the Panay sinking. The editorial argues the cost of war would be immense, noting U S trade with China and daily warfare expenditures, urging caution before any further escalation.
A Auckland report quotes Priene Administrator Mr. Savage and Australian Minister for Customs Mr. White as stating a tentative agreement on several points. Savage called bilateral trade relations cordial and predicted a strong trade pact, though final terms await White’s government approval.
The Duke of Pistoia, cousin to the King of Italy, writes in Signor Musso's Popola d'Ital that Britain and France restoring colonies could end regional discord and form a five power bloc with Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and possibly others, seen as a path to lasting peace. This marks the first royal family member to broach political topics in the Italian press.
Frank Kellogg former Secretary for Beate known for Kellogg Briand Pact dies after coma since Saturday. He helped draft the Pact that denounced war as instrument of national policy. He was accessible to medical staff earlier today but oral recovery was impossible.
Major General Hirada retracts charges that Japanese troops fired on the Panay. He says Japanese boats could not have machine-gunned her and that Admiral Maahimoto used cautious language when ordering fire on any boat signaling danger up the river.
The Minister for Transport assented to the Motor Transport Act today but the Governor’s signature will be obtained in time to permit the DOT to operate before the holidays. The minister said the new law will be observed over the holidays and it is expected road tolls will be reduced. The speed limit will apply to all built up areas with street lighting, no exemptions.
A Sydney forecast warns that without rain bush fires will ravage the state as dry undergrowth turns to tinder. Authorities issued warnings to holiday campers to avoid sparks and fire precautions remain essential amid hot dry weather and additional outbreaks reported.
Spanish Loyalists reportedly capture Teruel as broadcasts claim rebels seized key heights on the vital highway. In engagements with about 70,000 troops, Loyalists reportedly attacked from four sides and entered the city. An Italian general is among the captured.
Tokyo officials offered no firm comment on the bombing of British and American gunboats. An office spokesman stated that the sequence of events surrounding the Panay incident remains under review, with further details awaited.
In Sydney at Redfern Court Robert Hartley 23 his wife Inia Harting 20 and Williams Paull 8 were charged with seriously assaulting Matet Brine. The court found the charges unfounded and released the defendants after the magistrate ruled no case to answer.
In London on a Foreign Affairs debate, Prime Minister Chamberlain vowed Britain would defend imperial interests and pursue peace without war. He warned against drifting and urged personal contacts, while Atlee pressed for clear policy and action to counter war propaganda and uphold international law amid China and Japan tensions.
In a reply to opposition demands for a debate on Halifax Hitler talks Prime Minister Chamberlain said the government did not guarantee the right to refuse opposition requests and noted the difficulty of offering concrete guidance after public discussion. He said the talks were welcomed but unlikely to yield immediate results with no pledges or bargains. He described it as an effort toward Remora settlement aimed at addressing grievances without breaking friendships or forming blocs of enemies.
The statement urges Japan to show real sincerity amid rising tensions over China and global conflicts. Chamberlain says Britain seeks peace but will defend its interests, noting past failures of diplomacy and the Beumeinia Conference. He stresses Japan must demonstrate actions beyond words to avoid broader war.
From the Daily Sketch claims Britain has secured a ground weapon faster than Christie tanks, described as deadliest yet. The report cites a faster advance rate and compares it with US tanks, noting speeds around ten miles an hour higher.
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