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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jan 27, 1940
Page
4
Melbourne Friday reports arrival of a 100 aircraft order from America for the Royal Australian Air Force. The minister for air announces unloading at Byngney and transport to Richmond for assembly.
According to the Shanghai courier, the British coastal passenger ship Wing Sang was halted and detained by a Japanese battleship for 11 hours near New York on a Friday.
Report claims three German submarines and a supply ship near Trinidad awaiting several German merchantmen from South America carrying fuel and food. It also notes a Latin American nation may be aiding the Admiral Graf Spee and that attacks on British and French targets within the neutral zone have been noted.
Canberra weather summary with barometer readings at 8 am and 3 pm, temperatures noted at 9 pm and 3 pm, and a record of maximum temperatures and wind velocity at Canberra Aerodrome for the 24 hours ending 230 pm.
Four Deebeee reports from the Danube and Balkans outline how Britain’s blockade pressures Germany for oil and food. Romania’s position grows critical as oil sources shift, with German aims widening into the Balkans, while diplomacy heats across Danubian states and the Middle East.
Hubert Opperman began a 24 hour unpaced record attempt at the Sports Arena. He set Australian and world marks for 50 miles in 2 hours 4 minutes 40 seconds and for 75 miles in 3 hours 0 minutes 38 seconds. He then posted 80 miles in 3 hours 22 minutes 4 seconds, surpassing the world record, and continued to 100 miles in 4 hours 12 minutes 17 seconds.
A statement from the headquarters of the 6th Division says Lt Colonel Mitchell is suspended from the Second A L F while a charge against him is pending determination. The notice indicates an official inquiry and the suspension title in military affairs.
Sabatino of Portoeit defeated Australian middleweight champion Ron Richards on points at the stadium in Brisbane. Richards led early, but Sabatino rallied to win the final rounds. Sabatino sent Richards to the canvas in the final round but failed to KO.
Cairo reports Iran and Afghanistan urge converting the 1937 Pact of Saadabad into a military alliance against Russia with Egypt invited. Turkey Iran Afghanistan Iraq signatories with Britain and France backing joint resistance. Suez and Middle East stability hinge on these ties and oil interests in Iraq Iran.
Australian officials warn of strained rail and port networks in Germany and the Balkans, with snowbound passes and limited rail capacity hindering oil and other imports. Swiss defenses, Finland’s ski troops, and Balkan logistics shape a broader war economy. A Melbourne conference urges vigilance on inflation, tariff policy, and postwar employment while debating how democracy can sustain total wartime effort.
Friday Sir Frederick Stewart sworn in as Minister for Supply and Development while retaining Health Social Services and Navy portfolios. Acting Treasurer Mr Spender becomes Vice-President of the Executive Council and full Ministerial rank. Navy administration to be run by Army Minister Mr Street for now. Prime Minister Mr Menzies hints at possible coalition. Spender portfolio status noted.
The Commonwealth Government may use the National Security Act to curb indiscriminate exports by Australian manufacturers. Exports will be allowed only after domestic and Empire needs are met. Eastern markets, especially iron and steel from the United Kingdom, could be affected. Factory output is near full capacity for local and British needs, with few able to fulfill foreign orders. The government has directed inquiries on lesser commodities to manufacturers while aiming to expand non disruptively. Export trade with France, Belgium and Switzerland fell by £7,500,000 in the July–December period compared with the prior year.
The Commonwealth Prices Commissioner issues a price control order for coal based on wage royalty cartage and other costs. Colliery proprietors may pass on increased expenses but cannot add gross percentages. The order also covers sale of coal by contract, recognizing prewar track agreements and trace pricing with conditions. Prices in new contracts hinge on the price fixing order at contract date.
The German advance reveals the now fortified Franco Swiss frontier. For months the French Prime Minister notes the entire French Army has been pouring concrete to fortify the Swiss border, redefining defenses along the unfortified line.
His Excellency the Governor General Lord Gowris and Captain L. Bracegirdle arrived in Canberra by air from Melbourne yesterday. Fireman Wally Plumbe, killed in Sydney on Thursday, was well known in Canberra with many friends, and had planned to spend his annual leave here next month with Fireman Hamwitun of the Wauwerra Shrine.
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