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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 17, 1940
Page
2
The narrator cites refugees from Norway who say the Nazis deployed young German officers raised in Scandinavian homes to serve as advance guards and spies during the invasion. They claim Norwegian hospitality in 1919 20 hid a “diabolical plot” that Germany exploited in war, betraying those who fed them.
The article notes German housewives face shortages of fats and soap and face rigid marriage rules in Hanover. It highlights a wartime allotment movement in Britain, with a rise in kitchen gardens, state support, and the National Allotments Society aiding new growers.
The Admiralty reports in London that trawlers Sunlight Myrtle and Altken were sunk by enemy mines in Home waters and fear grows that no survivors remain aboard the vessels.
The piece argues Britain will defeat Hitler through a strengthened empire air force. It notes Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States aiding the RAF, with ground crew expansion from 2,972 to about 12,000 and a 16,000 recruit target, stressing urgent needs for fitters and technicians.
The Australian Non-Communist Labour Party at its first annual conference declared to adhere to the Allies and defend Australia as part of the British Commonwealth. A resolution calls for a minimum 3/10 per bushel for Australian wheat at country sidings.
The report records barometer readings around 30.01 to 30.10 inches and temperatures ranging from 35 to 57.8 degrees across the day. Winds shift from W to N W, with daily high near 57.8 and low near 32.2 degrees, noting multiple inconsistent figures in the OCR text.
The Prices Commissioner gazettes new regulations to demand secrecy in inquiries and to allow him to submit information to the Attorney General for potential prosecutions as a further step in tightening price control.
The Department of State warns all nations at war not to intercept or molest the liner Washington on her voyage from Europe to America carrying nearly 2,000 American citizens. The ship departed Galway on Friday.
Australian Prime Minister announces a wartime scheme to conscript manpower for home defence only, not overseas service. The plan, modeled on Britain’s emergency powers act, would grant the government power to direct industry and call up troops, aiming to reach a defence force of about 250000 with 80 000 to 90 000 extra trainees.
An emergency meeting of the Commonwealth Parliament will be held in Canberra to grant the government broader powers under the National Emergencies Act. The measure would allow property seizure and directive authority over employers and trainees for defence, with no overseas conscription. Parliament will meet monthly during the war, in response to the empire’s gravest crisis.
The Premier Mr Mair said he was heartily in accord with the Prime Minister's statement yet questioned Mr Menzies' no conscription for overseas service. He urged adequate reinforcement for troops overseas and expressed regret at the lack of commitment to form a National Government.
Regulations gazetted extend powers of the Director-General of Munitions Supply to control aircraft and munitions production. He may incur up to £250,000 without ministerial approval and order factories, workrooms, and materials. He can employ staff, arrange training, and acquire invention rights, with broad property powers except for land.
The secretary of the Railways Department Mr Newman announced that the munition annexes at Chullora and Evelev in New South Wales will open tomorrow. He indicated the Commonwealth Government’s drive to expand war munitions production and said no public holiday would be observed in Sydney munition annexes.
Motor vehicles will be divided into three classes under the Commonwealth Government petrol rationing scheme with allotments based on horsepower. Cars up to 14 horsepower receive about 8 gallons monthly, 14 to 20 horsepower about 12 gallons, and over 20 horsepower 11 to 18 gallons. Travel will range from 240 to 300 miles monthly. Private nonessential users will receive half the petrol of semi official groups.
A faction of government members is likely to push for extending Parliament beyond its normal term. Election by mid January was expected, but supporters warn delaying a general vote avoids interrupting the Commonwealth war effort. Mr Menzies previously opposed extending Parliament citing constitutional hurdles.
Police halted Communist Party talks in the Domain after government legalised the party. About 8,000 gathered near the A.S.P. conscription platform as Mr Ellis defended Communists’ right to speak, while Alderman Grant praised workers’ loyalty and noted profits of large companies.
Washington dispatch reports the Senate passing a measure against fifth column activity in the armed forces. Advocacy of insubordination or disloyalty faces up to ten years' imprisonment.
Tokyo reports that the Japanese Foreign Office protested an incident in which a Netherlands naval plane was accused of bombing a Japanese fishing vessel on May 6.
The Sydney Stock Exchange led a joint move with all Australian exchanges to set minimum prices for government securities. Chairman E G Blackmore said rules prohibit sales below fixed rates and that investors should expect conforming prices on and off the exchange. Treasurer Mr Spender supported the plan as stabilising, likening it to the London market and predicting a positive market impact.
The Commonwealth government invoked the National Security Act to ban ten groups including the Communist Party of Australia and Italian Fascist Party branches. Police raided Communist Party premises nationwide with mass seizures. no arrests reported.
Police and plainclothes officers raided homes and offices state wide in a rapid, coordinated action less than two hours after the party was declared illegal. No arrests were reported though documents were seized and squads worked from bed in fast cars.
Canberra police conducted raids across the city and surrounding districts and seized a large quantity of crime literature. No arrests were reported. Ammunition and several firearms were handed in at the police station. Immediate directions were given to owners of firearms and lives to provide particulars.
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