27 Dec 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 27, 1939
Page
1
Christmas Day in the war zone was quiet on the Westfront with patrol activity east of the Moselle. The French repulsed two German attacks. Reports say Hitler spent Christmas with German troops and celebrations occurred along the line despite ongoing bombardment and broadcasts.
Fragmentary text discusses air training selection and country center premises. Mentions Rivering and Ursin, Ugnoboate, with unclear reasons tied to conditions. Improvised, possibly from wartime military reporting. references to a Kangaroo and Australian context appear.
The piece describes a Pan American safety belt concept extending to the coasts of the American continent Canada and European waters. It notes a 5 October decision defining the area as merited for neutrality standards with no implied aggression, and mentions Cordell Hull explaining the stance.
A damaged line report describes a shooting at a camp where a person was wounded. Witnesses recall a flare of fire and the assailant’s position as police and campers attempt to locate the shooter. Details are incomplete and unclear.
Rioting broke out at Londonderry Gaol with 60 Republican suspects interned for the war. Forty five prisoners overpowered warders, locked them in cells, set fires, damaged bedding and furniture, and smashed corridors. Police stormed the cells. a five hour siege ended with the escape of prisoners. Earlier Dublin Republicans raided an arsenal four days earlier.
Moscow reports the frat election returns with WOBL percentage voted in Moscow and 98.08 percent. Votes were cast for the official office. polling was nearly as high in Kirov Minsk Leningrad. The official candidates were erected in all areas.
Rear-Admiral Custance, aged 45, died on a troopship en route to England. He served at the Battle of Jutland and held commands in the Royal Australian Navy during wartime service.
Boxing Day in Sydney saw suburban residents spend the day outdoors enjoying a wide range of sport attractions. Thousands attended carnivals on Wiebenche as trains ran to the countryside, while hall and makers offered full entertainment, reflecting a bustling holiday scene.
The death occurred today in Grafton, NSW, of James Edwin Page, brother of Sir Earle Page. He was the eldest son of the late Charles Page of Grafton and died after a sudden accident, with reports noting a fall through a window at FIRDU. The family and local community mourn the loss, with details of the funeral to be advised.
Dublin broadcast reports Ireland Prime Minister de Valera urging an international peace conference before the war worsens. He says belligerents should not wait, noting such a conference would be inevitable at war’s end.
Partial dispatches describe the torpedoing of a 2400-ton vessel named Raniah and the Danish steamer Hatnin that went to aid survivors but was prevented by German forces who shelled the lifeboats and fled into darkness, hindering rescue efforts.
The Japanese Emperor addressed the Diet today expressing satisfaction with growing trade relations between Japan and its partners. He urged stabilization in Eastern Asia and noted progress of the Japanese in China, stressing the need to strengthen regional ties.
London dispatch describes continued Finnish troop action on Soviet soil with artillery exchanges and heavy losses. Soviet claims of bombardments near Leningrad and Wilpuri detail air and ground attacks, with hundreds of casualties and significant material damage.
A garbled draft of a Christmas message from King Georg has puzzled officials and reporters. The text hints at uncertain sources and a hesitant broadcast, with a quotation about light and guidance attributed to a divine hand. Officials say the king did not source the quotation, leaving the origin unclear.
Tone indicates Britain plans wartime control of lead and zinc. Company manager Mr. Lewan discusses October agreement to buy refined metal and secure concentrates for own markets. Price cited around £18 16s per ton for concentrates and £125 per ton for lead. Currency mentions Australian context.
The Armalguiter Kryinwering union complains to the Commonwealth Arbitration Court over the ruling granting engineers holiday pay for the period between Christmas and New Year. Secretary J. Leary notes the decision shifts pay rights to manufacturing workers, with about one third of the 164,000 members affected. The Sydney district committee plans a meeting Thursday to decide on next steps.
Australian port defense plans call for strengthening against mine and submarine threats with an estimated cost of £1,104,040. Capital expenditure includes £495,000 for secret equipment and infrastructure at the naval engineering base. Submarine crews, equipment, and pay are outlined in the program for the defense effort.
Wartime spending figures show Victoria allocating more than 4 million pounds for the year to Army Vardar and related military costs. The document outlines estimated outlays and the financial emphasis of the government on armed forces amid ongoing conflict.
The Uruguayan government urged a protest over violations of the American 300 mile neutrality zone. The Republica backed interning belligerent warships that enter American ports, a move seen by some as distinguishing raiders from protectors of commerce, while others view it as U S support for the Allies.
London endures three days of deep fog with wartime blackout rules. Buses and trams run short hours, streets deserted, and many parties cancel as passengers face long walks and dangerous roads. A Channel steamer carries 200 passengers amid poor visibility and disruption across the capital.
A council chairman warned that shrinkage in wool may yet fail to prove and optimism remains cautious. Sir George Hullua noted progress reaching an interesting stage while acknowledging earlier ideas were flawed and economics remain a key question.
Fragmented report notes losses last week for Vine and possible battles with lines referencing a liner and captains. The garbled text mentions fires burning out and the need to account for total losses amid a possibly wartime context with ship representations and scorers.
The item outlines Britain's wartime trade strain and naval threats, noting foreign exchange, ship losses, and embargo impacts. It cites U.S. and Japan commerce figures, discusses sea-borne losses, and mentions neutral powers adopting measures to protect Britain amid a global conflict.
A fragmented report notes fears of a possible invasion by Sweden or Poland influenced by Germany. The piece mentions Finland and historic territorial shifts, with references to Swedish leaders and a tense path toward broader conflict in Europe.
On Tuesday at Central Police a man named Thomann Kee gant Ne was charged by warrant with conspiring between March 30 and May 1 to defraud the New South Wales Government of money. Also charged were Thomas Wyntong and laborer Winn remanded on £200 bond. Keegan sought an early remand as prior records were noted.
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