08 Feb 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 15 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Feb 08, 1940
Page
1
Cairo correspondent notes simmering war threat across Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, and Syria. Britain and France reinforce imperial defenses while Muslim nations rally. Observers warn of looming conflict and mobilization across regional flashpoints.
Following the executions of Peter Barnes and James Richards for IRA outrages, widespread precautions spread across Britain and Ireland. Police doubled guards at Birmingham prison, Dublin officials heightened security, and protest meetings were watched as threats arrived.
Britain signals a possible death penalty for espionage amid wartime tensions. Delays and appeals from officials and observers spark protests in Dublin as the condemned face pending execution.
Fragmentary report notes British forces in Palestine and nearby territories forming a defensive posture under the command of Major General. Details on unit names, dates, and specific actions are unclear in the transmission.
The article notes potential Soviet and German moves toward the Persian Gulf, stressing Allied reliance on Mediterranean and Middle East forces. It outlines two main Allied formations: Franco-British forces in the Maar Kant under Weygand in Burin and Lebanon, reinforced and mechanized, and the British Army in the Middle East under Wavell with air and land commands across Egypt and surrounding regions. It discusses possible reinforcement routes via Beirut and the Danube corridor and the need for early mobilization to counter threats in the Caucasus and Persian Gulf areas.
Mr Forgan Builth addressed the assembly urging Labour to win power and labour to back wartime measures. He warned against profiteering and pledged government controls to ensure profits do not come from human losses.
A Tuesday report notes German Soviet exchange aims at Berlin with measures covering grain oil coal flax and manganese. The pact regulates nine frontier points two of which are wartime zones, affecting loading and transport conditions.
London report cites Indian Congress working party urging self determination and a future constitutional framework. Gandhi clashes with princes and Muslims while moderate leaders, British authorities, and extremist elements influence the path to independence.
An old wartime note highlights the Maginot Line as a life saver, comparing early 1914 to 1916 losses. It claims the line’s strengthening boosted defense, though the text remains fragmentary and unclear on specifics.
A report from Ottawa says Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General of Canada, fell and struck his head while releasing a something, with a concussion noted. A government bulletin later stated he was unconscious. meanwhile Allied and French military comments covered Western Front activity, Maginot line strength, and propaganda concerns amid wartime tension.
Fragmentary item notes Germans denying a peace report with unclear details and nonspecific claims. The readable text references a proposed ledger and Pesaran but lacks concrete facts or context.
A British tanker named Councillor was mined in the North Sea and sank. The crew of 46 were rescued, five injured and evacuated to hospital. A San Palins report confirms the incident and details a Spanish liner reportedly involved.
A Finnish victory over the Eighteenth Soviet Division is confirmed by sources beyond the Finnish High Command. Reinforcements moved from Wuipurt and Joensin to Rortavaln decided the battle near Ruojarvi, with heavy Soviet air attacks repulsed at Bortavala. Parachute troops were reported killed, two Russian planes shot down at Turku, and additional units routed from Germany to Italy were redirected via France to Finland.
Melbourne reports Minister Street urges Ava war stance amid ship damage chatter while Berlin notes General Blücher hints at intervention delays. Postwar hints suggest a tense stance with no clear peace pathway and limited Allied rapprochement.
Polish fighters and remnants of Pale Ani's shattered army move to return home across international routes through Yugoslavia. In Zagreb three elderly men were repurposed into dormitories for shelter overnight as German consular officials report 500 refugees seeking to join the Polish region amid interment camps and shifting borders.
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