08 May 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 08, 1940
Page
1
Fragmentary OCR reads like a service and sporting items list with names such as Mrs Freebody Mr Jaon and Miss Gowing. The text is garbled and includes pricing and event references but lacks clear context or a cohesive event.
Reports from Newcastle and Brisbane detail union meetings on northern coalfields showing broad support for returning to work. Estimates put northern center votes mainly in favor of resuming, while small centers show mixed results. Brisbane indicates readiness to restart on Thursday under arbitration, with Burrum and Mt Mulligan voting to align with state authority.
Speakers from the Northern Miners Federation and Combined Mining Union urged firm stances as intimidation by Government loomed. They warned of continued action until engine drivers’ terms and reinstatements are met, and claimed industry paralysis may follow without intervention.
A summary of naval actions with Captain Vian aboard Afridi rescued prisoners from Altmark, plus German losses at sea. The British report notes the destruction of German convoy escorts Bison and Grom, and German merchant tonnage losses totaling 300000 tons since April 1, with 600000 tons since the war began.
In Parliament Mr. Chamberlain defended the Norwegian campaign saying the Namsoa operation was riskier than the earlier withdrawal. He noted German bombers attacked Naamisoa and praised France, Turkey, and Egypt while acknowledging prestige losses. Churchill to wind up debate. Attlee and Sinclair scheduled to follow.
General Ironside praised Allied withdrawal from Norway as a disciplined advance guard victory. Paget noted troops fought five rear guard actions while 100 miles from base. Royal Engineers sergeant and others described intense air raids and courage under shelling and bombing. Hugh Dalton blamed political leadership for gaps in war effort.
Reports from Yugoslavia indicate Italy reinforcing troop concentrations on the Yugoslav front. British and Italian press mix, with Goebbels propaganda and Papal peace talks shaping Mediterranean tensions. Egypt imposes universal conscription and stricter security around the Suez Canal amid rising Balkan-Yugoslav strain and frontier clashes.
A Pasadena school principal went berserk in a junior high, firing a pistol and killing two city schools officials and a high school principal, wounding others, then mortally wounding himself. The attack stunned the Board of Education and city administration.
The British Admiralty notes German Air Force efforts to counter Allied navies with one vessel subjected to 40 bomb attacks in a day yet escaping without a hit. Four raiders were shot down and two badly damaged. Vessels covering transport shot down five enemy planes in three days. no air naval vessels believed at Narvik.
Admiral Stark wrote to the Naval Affairs Committee stating he will request congressional authorization for Navy programs. The letter signals planned moves and seeks formal approval from lawmakers.
Stockholm dispatch reports large German transports moving north to Narvik with airfield use possible. British forces reportedly withdraw to stronger positions as Germany boosts garrison and parachute reinforcements arrive. Oslo radio claims Hitler now controls Norway policy. Dr Koht warned of northern army readiness for continued conflict.
The Office confirms a report that King Gustav of Sweden and Adolf Hitler exchanged letters. Gustav emphasized Sweden's neutrality and Hitler replied with a pledge, signaling continuity of cautious nonalignment.
Melbourne reports the treasurer Mr. Spender believes the war will last longer than a year. He announces a war loan within five to six weeks and outlines Australia’s war commitments totaling £173,000,000 for 1940-41 and beyond. Revenue will fund as much as possible, but £70,000,000 in extra resources are needed this and next year.
Fragmentary wires claim officials in London and Berlin discuss possible Balkan operations in May and April. Rumors link Chamberlain with cautious promises and French Premier talks amid uncertain East fronts and Turkish moves.
The report notes 963,000 unemployed, higher than 671,006 a year earlier, reflecting a worsening job market in Britain. Official figures indicate continued strain across industries and regions.
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