31 Mar 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Mar 31, 1939
Page
1
Britain does not favour calling a meeting of the League of Nations Council to address the international situation. The government prefers continuing ordinary diplomatic negotiations with Russia to preserve peace and mutual defense, amid Soviet proposals for a conference.
M S Misrace, Australian High Commissioner Bruce, spoke in Sydney about his son's return to England via America. He refused to detail whether the U S visit aimed at seeking American cooperation in defense. Bruce called Australia’s move to manufacture war planes a major step in national defense and noted British Empire air production potential.
In Auckland police court Giordon Robert McKay and Tainen Arthur Talbot faced charges related to desecrating the body of Bre erick Henry Shine at a cemetery. A similar charge was later preferred against Talbot. The proceedings drew a large crowd outside the court as McKay appeared with beard removed and claimed to be someone else. The defence sought time to prepare. mental and physical illness were raised as context.
London reports the British Government raising the territorial army to a 340000 man war establishment with 32 overseas divisions, up from 19, as part of a comprehensive national review under Prime Minister Chamberlain. The move signals reliance on voluntary service while enlarging conscription potential and hints at future measures amid a tense international situation.
A chaotic report describes military and political maneuvers around Suva involving naval movements from the Niagara liner and a Chinese government notice promising interest payments. The fragmentary dispatch references severe medical issues aboard and wartime actions aimed at disrupting railway lines near Nanchang and Ling Tai, with various places and names scattered throughout.
In a Royal Society paper Lord Sankey challenges the view that the 1926 Balfour Declaration was a mere diplomatic gesture and argues it followed a broader policy of imperialism. He discusses colonial equality, practical policies, and future arrangements shaping how colonies would be treated and integrated within the empire.
A garbled OCR item references a royal war context, mentions the Senate with A. repre by counsel, and cites the Briah-North America Act. It discusses the king's personality, empire authority, and alleged authorized powers for empire administration, but the text is incomplete and unclear.
In London on Wednesday Mr Arthur Henderson asked the Prime Minister if Britain would send neutral observers to Poland amid alleged German mistreatment of Poles. The Under Secretary T A Butler said Poland’s government should approach matters directly. In Warsaw, a Wednesday report denied any ultimatum from Germany and asserted no pressure on Poland, clarifying the situation.
A Spain war broadcast picked up in Lisbon claims the war is over and Nationalists occupy Republican strongholds including Valencia Alicante Jaen Guidad Guenoo. Premier Miaja and other leaders fled to Oran in 23 planes. many Republican officials arrested or fled. Hundreds of thousands flood Madrid with food aid. concentration camps prepared for captured Republicans. Old lines shift as rhetoric and surrender spread across Catalonia and other provinces.
The Empire Defence Conference to be held in New Zealand next month will consider Sydney's development as a major naval base with early provision of a deck for capital ships.
The initial outcomes of the governments shipping proposals include orders to the Newcastle shipowner Sir Arthur Sutherland for two steam ships of 9000 tons each.
Thursday court action in Sydney Equity concerns a 52000 bequest left by Alfred Parke. Claimants for maintenance include Leon Wong and others, with counsel arguing difficulties in communication and a recent hostile incident affecting the case. The matter proceeds as the phone service remains disrupted.
Sydney reports the Graziers Association president Mr L Philips comments on defence recruitment, stating depots in Sydney and Melbourne may close as the minister explains militia recruitment goals met. He asserts rural volunteers will join city forces, while training gaps remain. Deputy Street notes no need to keep depots open.
Two men aged 22, Thuraing William Frawne and Fann Jonnell aairaman, were charged by police with maliciously causing an explosion at the Hammersmith Bridge. Detained in London, they face custody as authorities guard the Thames river area amid heightened security.
A clipped report notes the Yankee Clipper, Pan American Airways flying schedule, departing here for Lisbon at 0.44 am. The piece mentions the second leg of a long journey, with the flight under Horta control and minor timing details.
Sydney dispatch reports the state Parliament voting to adjourn the Legislative Assembly until April 26. Government supporters backed the motion amid a gag by the Government Whip, 46 to 35, with several crossbench and opposition members voting against.
Dense fog en route to Hong Kong morning collision between the steamer Canton and the French ship Marshal Joffre. Both vessels taking on water. crews reportedly relieved and to return to Hong Kong under their own power.
A fragmented OCR line references a racial topic tied to a place named Tatemion, mentioning individuals or groups and a possible event or discussion. The readable words are sparse, offering little concrete fact beyond the general theme.
Orange residents and motorists faced a tangle as three Avro Anson bombers conducted late night exercises, prompting drivers to switch on headlights toward the aerodrome. Planes diverted toward Bathurst, then returned, causing police to coordinate with Bathurst and warn the public as the pilots expressed disbelief at the disruption.
Paris reports release of the December 17 Italian note asking whether the 1935 agreements remain in force for Franco Italian relations. France said the accords were never in force and discussed Ethiopia and the Italian Empire’s implications. Daladier defended France’s position, asserting the note did not alter Ethiopia or Italian power, and emphasized France’s fidelity to commitments while reaffirming no new claims.
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