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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 12, 1940
Page
4
The Canberra Times page fragment lists publication details for December 1926 and a roster of agents and offices including Times Building, Jackson's Newsagency, Capitol Newsagency, and local agents such as Mrs Davis, Mrs Nicholson, Mrs Johnson, and R. H. Brown with locations in Duntroon, Kingston, Hall, Molonglo.
An isolated shower or two is possible with mostly fine conditions. A moderate cold night brings frost and morning fog dense in parts. Light to fresh westerly winds follow likely cool daytime temperatures.
Well informed circles believe most of the Italian navy is in the Mediterranean with little ships outside. Italy has harbor space for warships along its coast. It is unclear if armed merchant cruisers exist. An oil shortage has limited sea activity. Italy is said to field about 1,500,000 troops to be commanded by Germany, similar to Austro Czech forces, to improve wartime effectiveness.
The Canberra Times publishes advertisements under strict rules. The proprietors accept no responsibility for non insertion and may alter or omit ads if deemed objectionable. Ads must be received by 3 p.m. the day before publication and endorsed by the responsible party. Copy must be in ink with clear names and figures to avoid being held over.
In Ottawa the House of Commons unanimously backed Prime Minister Mackenzie King to declare war on Italy for Canada following Italy's declaration. The PM warned that Italy’s stance frees Britain and France to act more vigorously. Authorities report Italians being rounded up nationwide and passports issued to Italian officials.
The Canberra meteorological summary lists barometer readings 30.44 inches at 9 am and 30.31 inches at 3 pm. Temperatures show BS at 9 am and 62 degrees at 3 pm with a 9 pm max 45.8 degrees and 3 pm max 52.3 degrees. The minimum recorded is 34.1 degrees and wind is noted with velocity data at Canberra aerodrome.
A fragmentary verse line reflects calls to address needs and wrongs, urging aid for the future and the good that can be done. The text reads as a civic or moral reflection on service and action.
A wartime declaration denounces Fascist Italy for treachery in Abyssinia and Albania and calls for harsh scrutiny of Italians abroad. It asserts the regime's true character, condemns Mussolini, and urges total war across fronts while warning against leniency toward Italian communities in Australia.
The Rome radio reports King Victor Emmanuel in the Italian war zone proclaims Mussolini as Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Forces and vows victory with Germany, aligning with his rule and tradition.
Messagero notes that victory will not be easy as English and French Mediterranean forces remain intact. Papalo di Roma says Italy is now a German partner shaping a new European and world history, judging whether nations like Yugoslavia Switzerland Turkey Greece Egypt outthink Poland Norway Belgium and Holland.
The report describes Italy's entry into World War II and its impact on Allied morale in North Africa. It notes French leadership urging Italian civilians to accept the wartime reality, while assessing Italy's possible military moves from Corsica to Egypt and the broader Mediterranean balance. It also assesses German and Italian strategic aims and the uncertain prospects for Mussolini's regime.
The German penetration across the Seine is serious but not yet critical. If armoured units are followed by infantry, German gains could threaten the Channel ports and extend their hold further south. Allied troops may become trapped between Rouen and the Channel coast, or the Germans could wheel left toward the Seine valley to disrupt the Allied rear.
The German advance is exposed to counter attacks at many points. Breakthroughs so far are on a narrower front than in the Ardennes. A French counter-attack seems more likely in the east where heavy artillery battles are reported near Sofsons. If the eastern attack is stalled, German columns between Amiens and Rouen face lighter resistance.
AAP reports a message from the British Ministry of Information stating Italy acts under a German-driven clique. It argues the war is for German aggrandizement, not Italian defense of vital interests, and warns Italians will be treated as Germany while aligned. Prepared defenses were long foreseen.
King Carol of Romania receives a telegram from His Majesty praising independence and neutrality efforts and urging unity among Balkan nations. The message expresses belief in victory and condemns war as a danger to liberty.
The Commonwealth Government announced imminent petrol rationing to start within weeks after final arrangements. Diesel, fuel oil, and kerosene for road vehicles will be controlled. Applications will classify users by usage, with a Central Liquid Fuels Control Board to oversee regulations through State Road Transport Authorities and Supply Department representatives.
King Haakon and Crown Prince Olaf arrived at Euston Station aboard a British escort. They stated Norway must suspend active combat with Allies aiding resistance, while remaining advocates for independence. British, French, and Polish support helped, but wartime needs forced relocation.
Prime Minister Mr. Menzies denounces Mussolini as contemptible for Italy’s entry into the war. He argues Italy misjudged Allied strength, vows that the empire will react with indignation, and predicts Italians will curse their leaders. Australia’s Premier Mr. Mair backs staying resolute and cautions against despair.
Police in Bombay and Simla round up 70 Italians last night. Italian firms are declared enemy concerns. All postal and telegraphic communications with Italy have been cut off.
The article discusses Italy's actions to aid the Allies and widen the war's scope, noting Italian military weaknesses and the risk of a Panzer retreat. It mentions the Italian navy’s limited success and the expected clash with French and British Mediterranean fleets as Britain and France bolster forces in France. It concludes that Britain and France are preparing for the heavy task ahead despite doubts about Italy's reliability.
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