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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 11, 1940
Page
2
Sydney Monday. Director of Economic Co-ordination Sir Ernest Fisk urged public support for the Prime Minister at a British Empire Union luncheon. He said a change would need a better leader and that the PM was handicapped by a lack of unity as the people had not yet fallen in behind him.
The Graziers' Federal Council at Melbourne annual convention decided to form a War Council to cooperate with the Commonwealth Government to stabilise pastoral finances. It urged legislation to empower banks to include mortgage finance and create a bill market for wool stores. BE L Killen of New South Wales was elected president. The council backed an equitable petrol rationing scheme without delay.
Personal letters between Australians and Germans or occupied-country residents are allowed under a new proclamation. Formerly, under the Trading with the Enemy Act, such correspondence had to pass through the Swiss Consul General in Australia. The concession is for non commercial personal letters only and safeguards will ensure only personal content is sent.
Prime Minister Mr Menzies contemplates reorganisation to add Parliamentary Under-Secretaries or extra Assistant Ministers to defence related offices. He currently holds four portfolios and said he expects to be sworn in as Minister for Munitions the following day to manage detailed work.
The Canberra observation shows at 9 am barometer 80.43 inches and at 3 pm 30.30 inches. Temperatures were 36 at 9 am and 44 at 3 pm with a 24 hour maximum of 64.6 and a 3 pm maximum of 45.7. Minimum 31.4, wind at 3 pm from the north, maximum wind 10 mph at the aerodrome for the 24 hours ending 2 40 pm.
Mr H W Eather and his wife travel to Canberra where he resumes the role of representative for the Melbourne Herald. The arrangement places him back in the capital’s journalism circle, signaling renewed duties with the Canberra desk.
Over the weekend the Treasury received 404000 in interest free loans and 7100 in gifts. To date loans total 3100000 and gifts 158000, a grand total of 2263000. In Singapore the Straits Settlement Council passed legislation for compulsory service of Europeans with local forces.
The Norwegian government will not capitulate but re organise forces for use in other sectors. The Allied objective shifts to Western Front as Norway ends its campaign to cut off iron ore supplies. Britain and France remain resolute while King Haakon’s proclamation echoes the Viking spirit.
The 23 year old New Zealand air ace Edgar Cobber Kain was killed in action. He had reportedly shot down over 40 enemy planes and went missing in late May. His death was confirmed as painful news to his family and the nation, with messages of sympathy from leaders. The wedding plans of Kain and Joyce Phillips were disrupted as his family awaited word in Britain.
A prominent Communist was jailed for four months under the National Security Act in the Perth Court after saluting with a clenched fist. Three men and a woman were charged with contempt of court for similarly raising their fists. Rudkin, former editor of Workers' Star, faced internment prospects after his sentence. In Brisbane a Northern Command regulation under the National Security Act orders enemy aliens to surrender firearms and explosives by Thursday.
The Treasury reports an increased total of 2 217 818 pounds in war loan funding with an extra 30 555 pounds added to certificates. New South Wales leads with 878 426 pounds followed by Victoria 538 723 and Queensland 444 203.
ARIS Monday report that France has ordered all foreigners to surrender arms to police with the exception of British. The decree also bans carrying correspondence or luggage by those entering or leaving France or the French Empire.
Minister for the Army Mr Street quoted that more than 10 000 men may be under arms in the ALF by year end depending on enlistment and reinforcements. About 73 000 men would be raised for the First Australian Corps troops with the 8th Division training by July. A total of 20 000 reinforcements might be raised by September. Day boy companies will be filled by Wednesday. Canberra Drill Hall saw 14 enlistments and three Air Force inquiries. 21 men attended for medicals Saturday morning. Recruits will be processed at Sydney Nansteadle Tamworth and Wagga depots.
The Treasury reported a substantial Commonwealth surplus for 1939 40, with receipts exceeding expenditure by £9,124,000 through May and an expected full year revenue above £101,490,000. Defence spending and a review of the financial system are noted, aiming to sustain London finances and curb sterling drain.
Miss Elisabeth Smith aged 11 of Mansfield was shot in the back on a Midlands main road when a car failed to answer a sentry's challenge. She died en route to hospital. A sentry near Nottingham fired on a car containing two army officers. one officer was wounded.
The German assault on the Western Front shows signs of exhaustion as fresh reserves are required. Allied gains hold, while Weygand notes heavy losses and potential climax. Churchill warned that offensives lose momentum without reinforcements. Casualties are rumored to be high, with Britons’ losses considered small by comparison. The main German push may shift toward Compiegne and the Oise valley as the shortest route to Perig.
The Commonwealth Government faces difficulty justifying petrol rationing as no conservation measures from Canberra are in effect. H C Jones of the Motor Traders Association notes talk of 18 gallons per month for private cars, while Premier Mair hints rationing could start if reliable clocks endure.
The passage notes two main factors behind Allied success beyond skill and resistance. First, German bombing tactics strain nerves but are less deadly than heavy artillery from past wars, to which German troops are now subjected. Second, higher mechanisation aids retreat by reducing heavy casualties, though Allied forces face difficult combat against numerically superior enemies.
The Allies endure a four to three infantry advantage for Germany and a two to one edge in armour, with strong air superiority. Continuous fighting against a stronger, better formed foe tests Allied resolve. a few days more could seal victory and derail Germany's supreme effort.
Despite a powerful German push across the Aisne and renewed efforts near Amiens and Rethel, Allied forces maintain an unbroken line. The report notes potential strategic withdrawal remains possible before a critical breach, though no immediate need has arisen. A breach at either threatened point would pose serious danger.
Reports indicate a large attack across the western front reaching the Bresle line with significant gains. Eastern end advances stall after a gun duel while a Chemin des Dames push gains high ground south of the Aisne. Indications point to a potential wheeling maneuver toward Chalons-sur-Marne to skirt French defenses on elevated terrain.
A Sydney tour by Mr John Storey outlines plans to lift Australian output to 1000 planes annually by end of 1941 including 250-275 Beaufort bombers, 300 Wirraways and 400 training planes. He notes locally built tools and parts, new Mascot facilities, and the need for USA aluminium and manganese with hopeful assurances from Sir Frederick Stewart.
The Initial Training School at Bradfield Park opens with 232 recruits from Richmond, including 190 pilots and 48 observers. The intake starts with five pilot trainees and later expands to 700 pupils as two more initial training schools are added, per Minister for Air Mr. Fairbairn.
Street declares Australian divisions once accounted for 20 percent of Western Front forces and seized 304 square miles, 116 towns retaken, and a quarter of enemy guns. He asserts their contribution will again help win the current war and future ones, emphasizing judged use of their strength for shared principles.
London Sunday report shows pros Henry Cotton Dick Burton Patty Alia and Arthur Leas raising 1000 for the Red Cross with a four ball match in Sheffield. Leas won 4 up and 3 to play as aggregates push Red Cross total to about 15 000 pounds through contributing events and duties.
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