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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 14, 1940
Page
1
A brief program featuring Joyes on piano with a service at 1 hour and a 2.20 interval. Includes essential ideas and melodies, metal quota melodies, presented by BBC UU Kety.
A late Dutch communique reports German troops crossing the Yssel and Maas rivers with Belgian, Dutch, and French forces reacting. French and British units operate in Belgium and Holland as German advances threaten Liege, Maastricht, and parts of Luxembourg and Luxembourg.
The report describes German air raids over Belgium, France, and Holland including trains of refugees hit by machine-gun fire, bombed towns, shattered windows, and civilian deaths. Public outrage grows in France as calls for reprisals increase while warnings and alarms persist across the region. The Red Cross appeals for protection of noncombatants.
The Air Ministry said RAF fighters downed 45 German planes since Saturday and damaged more. Thirty five RAF planes were lost or missing, with some forced to land in Belgium and France. Weekend actions over Belgium France and Holland described as violent with several pilots praising RAF success including multiple Heinkel and bomber kills.
In the House of Commons Sir Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain received a standing ovation as the new leader announced a five member War Cabinet. He pledged victory at all costs and warned the Empire cannot survive without it, detailing immediate defense plans and ongoing European actions. The motion supporting the government passed 280 to nil.
Australian Prime Minister Menzies called for national unity after the War Cabinet met on strategic wartime threats. He warned of a grave, potentially decisive struggle against Germany, urging Australians to mobilize, accept tax burdens, and support rapid training, equipment, and munitions production to defend Britain and Australia.
Federal political circles expect a National Government in Australia if the Trades Union movement approves. Unions threaten to consult Industrial Labour Movement leaders to gauge official opinion. Prime Minister Moensgles may invite the official Labour Party if industrial backing appears, while Canberra’s stance remains hesitant. The Victorian Labour Party Executive and the ACTU are set to shape the conference outlook.
Australia plans a long range and urgent drive to speed up munitions and aircraft production, recruit three more divisions, and convert civilian factories to defense work. The government will requisition tools and factories, expand skilled labor, and tighten security to prevent fifth column activity while prioritizing essential war needs.
Princess Juliana and her husband Prince Bernard with their two children arrived in London today. Prince Bernard plans a rapid return to Holland.
Strikes refuse work as coal production in New South Wales stalls. Government proclaims volunteers to operate state mines, with police guarding Breckington, Gretta, Lithgow, and Greta pits. Some mines resume with non union labour while others stay idle amid union orders.
The Prime Minister urged volunteers to work coal mines as a coal shortage threatens war plans. NSW Premier Mair backed the appeal. ministers warned of production stoppages at Lithgow Small Arms Factory and potential cuts to Canberra brickworks and building programs. The government pressed workers to return to mining to sustain war effort.
Fragmented wartime telegram appears to report on German parachute activity near Brussels and BEF roles. The scrambled text mentions a BEF theater and potential advances. Readers receive a terse, uncertain update on military developments and Allied response.
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