20 Feb 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Feb 20, 1939
Page
1
RAF patrols based at Singapore searched seas within 100 miles on Wednesday to Friday after a naval intelligence report of two submarines of unknown nationality believed German cruising near Singapore. No trace was found as air forces watched the waters.
The Premier of New South Wales Mr Stevens stated the state would fast track works deemed of military importance. He indicated funding from the current loan could be diverted to railway and road projects and defence works as ruled by authorities. A conference with the Commonwealth is planned before Parliament resumes.
London reports that Mr. Olive Stanley and Mr. Robert Hudson will travel to Berlin in March to meet General Goering and Herr Funke for Anglo German trade discussions aimed at an 80 pact. The British Federations Mission will join in, with Sir Archibald Howle noting such a pact could foster lasting peace and benefit Australia through wool and wheat trade and German product access.
In a Sunday report from Finland, Singaporean and Danish observers note renewed European unrest as Poland and Denmark show readiness for remilitarisation near Auland Aslanda. Officials urge caution amid shifting alliances and regional drills.
Melbourne Sunday report on Prime Minister Lyons outlining Australia’s defence build‑up and international stance. He stressed unity, urged continued wartime effort, and warned of dangers in Europe and the East while praising Australian volunteers and allied cooperation with Britain and America.
A BBC policy note outlines that discussions will be offered monthly on political topics. In a year there were 42 broadcasts by Government MPs and 33 by Opposition or other members.
In Ottawa Saturday Minister for Agriculture James Gardiner outlined a new wheat marketing policy in the House of Commons. He urged cooperative marketing of all agricultural products and claimed the plan will encourage home-building and maintenance while offering facilities to meet emergencies via work market developments. The policy targets fair prices, with aid to farmers regardless of crop size. The government cited a sum of 48,000,000 dollars for the year’s crop and stressed support for growers and economies.
A Sydney agent said New Zealand potatoes would cost up to £40 a ton unless the Commonwealth Government lifts the embargo. A NSW Federal Potato Advisory Council member called the current stance untenable, noting that once lifted NZ potatoes could land at about £14 9s per ton, versus £21 for Texmantan stock.
British market sees cheer with foreign buyers visiting the British Industries fair next week. Germany shows higher spending, while 1st year figures rise alongside gains from other nations. New Zealand leads import value per population with £11/19/11, followed by Ireland and Australia in the top spots.
Paris reports Cortes refuse Madrid talks awaiting the outcome of discussions between Premier Negrin and Foreign Minister Del Vayo. Alicante claims 60 dead and 200 wounded in a Madrid bombing near the underground entrance. Rome says Mussolini insists on Spaniish collapse and Madrid reduction. Refugee toll climbs with 163,000 soldiers on the frontier and 12 percent ill from hunger. Poland to grant de jure recognition to Franco. Burgos says rail and service moves may be allowed while wary of political families. French dumping of munitions into Spain noted from Cerbo.
Rome dispatch says a man fired at Mussolini’s bodyguard near the Ville Torlonia as the premier left for the Palace Venezia. The assailant, Bruno Bimone, a mentally unbalanced mechanic, was arrested after wounding a militiaman and had been released from an asylum last year.
President Roosevelt sailed from Key West on the cruiser Houston to oversee a vast peace-time concentration of U S naval and air forces. About 140 ships and 600 planes will participate through March 5 simulating an attack on the canal and defenses. The test may influence plans for canal locks and force levels while highlighting commitment to democracy. A security scare near the presidential party sparked patrols, but officials later attributed it to a night watcher evading cordons.
The Nationalists captured the British vessel Stangrove at Barcelona on February 5 and escorted it to Majorca. The 16 crew left Valencia on February 8 with a cargo and a non intervention observer aboard. The Exchange Newsagency notes the ship was outside territorial waters when seized. Britain protested to France but has not yet received a response.
The State Government plans a price fixing tribunal to investigate excessive charges and negotiate with sellers for reductions. If negotiations fail, the tribunal will take further action to protect consumers.
In Washington Bungay reports to the Senate Military Affairs Committee that France seeks American aircraft to outpace Germany. The mission says Paris could spend about 86 million dollars to acquire 1000 planes by July 21, with likely models including P-40 Warhawk fighters and Douglas bombers. A Dutch mission is also in Washington assessing equipment.
Ottawa report notes a Saturday warehouse robbery as the House of Commons considers monetary reform measures. Finance Minister Coakies Dunning warns against destabilizing the currency, insisting Canada must avoid foolhardy moves toward the pound sterling or the US dollar while acknowledging risks of untested changes harming the poor.
Clive Evatt KC accepts an invitation to nominate for the Hurstville election as Labour remains confident. Dr Webb's death is noted and Heffron expresses satisfaction with Evatt's decision to stand. Lang and Heffron pledge party support, defending Labour's stance amid calls for national policy.
In Chungking on Saturday, foreign experts reported a large oil deposit in China. They said the reserve could supply oil to meet global needs for thirty years, signaling a major strategic development.
The fragmentary report shows counsel for Woolcott Forbes seeking curtailment of ball bends on a Bombay port project and challenging an arrest linked to a boating incident. Details are garbled but indicate legal and procedural questions in Erie terms with tentative affidavits and timelines.
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