10 Jul 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jul 10, 1940
Page
1
London reports a sustained effort to ready Britain for a potential invasion. Dunkirk divisions are reorganised and reinforced, new battalions formed, and equipment and defensive works expanded. Allied units join French, Polish, Czech, Dutch, and Sheronih troops in a massive mobilization as recruitment surges past one million.
Eight enemy raiders were shot down yesterday over Britain as RAF fighters clash with Messerschmitt escorts. Three RAF fighters were lost with one crashing at sea. Civilians suffered injuries from raids along the south east coast while anti aircraft gunners and Spitfires repelled the attack. The Air Ministry notes enemy aircraft crossed eastern and southern coasts during the night with bombs damaging buildings and few casualties.
British forces widen control of a large Libyan desert zone to 3500 square miles and harry Italian units around Capuzzo. Italian casualties mount as Capuzzo and surrounding trenches face heavy bombardment and tank assaults.
In Ottawa the Prime Minister unveiled a plan creating a naval department with Nova Scotia's Premier as Defence Minister for Naval Services and named J L Ilsley as Finance Minister W P Mulock as Postmaster General Colin Gibson as National Revenue Minister and J G Gardiner as National Services Minister while retaining Agriculture. A national war services department to head manpower and resources is planned with Gardiner leading the effort and possible conscription in the future.
A British warship evacuated survivors after a torpedo attack sank a vessel. The Whirlwind was involved and another ship recovered people from the water.
Coastal Command bombers attacked Ostend base named after the Belgian king, damaging dock gates and scoring a direct hit on a large German supply ship at anchor. A second German supply ship in Willemsoord harbor was also hit by action aircraft.
The first Czech Legion contingent, allied with the French Seventh Army, lands in London with several French aviators. French authorities disarm the Czechs before embarkation, and the commander says they hope for quick reequipping to serve as a useful force.
Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek spoke on the third anniversary of the Chinese-Japanese war pledging continued resistance until Japan withdraws its forces. He warned of grave consequences if Japan threatens Indo China and the East Indies, calling for help from the United States and Russia. A Tsingdao city bombing killed 120 people and editor Wu Chu Chick of pao was assassinated. no arrests.
Four Iron Guard members in the cabinet resign as Premier Gigurtu faces pressure to resign and let General Antonescu form a government. Carol refuses to accept the candidates, delaying a reorganization of the cabinet amid political tension.
Washington Monday Senate debated the nominations of Mr. Stimson for Secretary of War and Colonel Knox for Secretary of the Navy. Senator Vanden declared Stimson’s policy threatened war, Holt attacked Woodring’s cabinet removal, and the chamber recessed without voting, with action expected tomorrow.
Secretary Stephen Early said a prior statement caused confusion due to his oversight. He clarified he intended to show minor nations should have a voice in regional affairs and did not imply Germany and Japan were given free hands in their continents.
British forces launched further action against the French fleet in the capital region. Reported Royal Navy units conducted strikes targeting the French capital ship Richelle as ships moved in response amid ongoing regime battles.
The dispatch notes Britain may permit limited discretionary steps after Sir Robert Craigie’s talks with Japan. Japan demands Britain halt Burma Road and Hong Kong shipments to Chinese enemies. discussions also touch on Soviet outreach and potential East Asia tensions. Roosevelt doctrine remarks are awaited.
News from Singapore notes the Indo-China situation remains unclear with limited cables arriving. A dispatch describes conditions as a locked situation comparable to a closed oyster.
Official summary shows for week ending June 30 British ships six losses totaling 20 277 tons plus three allied losses 8 672 tons and three neutral losses 11 340 tons. German losses reach 877 000 tons by July 7 and Italian losses 244 000 tons. British convoys to July 3 escorted 27 247 ships with 40 lost.
The Times claims a French constitutional revision would place France under Hitler’s absolute power. It predicts the Third Republic dies, Liberté Égalité Fraternité erodes, and Laval’s stance cannot keep Britain from influence. France would be subservient to Germany, with industry and agriculture serving the Nazi war machine and policy aligned to Berlin.
A damaged French battleship Richelieu was sighted at Dakar on the west coast in poor condition after heavy bombardment. Reports note lingering damage and operational limits while authorities assess repairs and continue tracing the vessel's movements.
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