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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 14, 1941
Page
2
Reports say Prime Minister Curtin faced cool reception as he urged a unified defense approach. He warned that any attack could trigger a rapid launcher response, stressing national unity and decisive action.
Residents vented criticism of reaped public property in Canberra the lawns at Manuka arcade area suffered from neglect and damage. Cyclists and children ruined grass creating a large mud patch while bus stops and surrounding walls show wear and breakage. Westlake shells and other structures are scuffed and aled by vandalism and misuse.
The TWCA opening meeting at Albert Hall features Her Excellency the Lady Governor and Mrs Kumm with a pageant of YWCA activities and a march of women in uniform. An afternoon of tables, croquet, bridge, and games is planned for May 3, with open house and services at the Congregation Church.
The Canberra weather bulletin lists barometer readings of 30.12 inches at 9 am and 30.18 inches at 3 pm. Temperatures were 45 degrees at 9 am and 50 degrees at 3 pm, with a 24 hour maximum of 56.6 and a 3 pm max of 50.3. Minimums recorded 39, on the screen 28.0, and winds peak at 1 mph.
Shipping losses rise as wartime commerce faces heavy toll. Reported figures show total damage near 1,278,000 Shan and additional losses around 23,000 in the latest accounting.
The article questions Hess’s mental state and motives, noting German claims of instability while suggesting possible deliberate travel to Britain. It discusses suspicions about Hess’s disappearance, the timing of German offensives, and cautions against sensational speculation while predicting further explanations.
The Premier Mair tendered his resignation to Governor Lord Wakehurst with his government. The Governor asked Opposition Leader McKell to form a Ministry who accepted and will advise in a few days on new ministers. Caucus meeting date to choose Cabinet expected this week amid seat uncertainties.
The Minister for Trade and Customs Mr Harrison issued a proclamation under the Customs Act to extend export controls to conserve supplies for defence. Key items include machines electrical equipment metal goods tools and several drugs and chemicals. Permits require a Department of Supply and Development certificate and compliance with敌 trading enemy contraband and related measures.
The Australian government announced a decision to appoint a minister to China as part of expanding direct diplomatic relations in the Pacific region. The move was welcomed by China’s Chungking authorities while the Australian foreign affairs minister expressed confidence in strong public support for formal relations with the nation.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions general secretary C A Crofts declares during a broad broadcast that labour leaders must back the war, safeguard Australia as part of the British Empire, and urge every unionist to oppose Nazi aggression while defending political and industrial freedom despite wartime curtailments.
Reports claim Rudolf Hess arrived in Scotland last Monday and sat with Hitler at the Reichstag. London sources suggest Hess may reveal sensitive Nazi facts, signaling a split in the party and a potential blow to Nazi prestige amid ominous signs for Germany’s war aims.
The London correspondent of the United Press cites two unofficial explanations for Hess’s flight. One claims Hess feared Boehme’s fate due to supposed no disagreement with Hitler, prompting escape. The other suggests he carried peace proposals from dissident Nazi leaders, though this may be wishful thinking.
A German broadcast reports that Rudolf Hess, banned by the Fuehrer from flying, reportedly left Augsburg on May 10 and disappeared. The message alleges Hess may have suffered mental illness and notes arrests of his adjutants for failing to report the incident.
London observers debate whether Hess fled by design or accident and whether his illness and court scrutiny signal a planned Nazi leadership change. Reports claim Hess intended to land near Strathleven estate but could not.
Reports from Berlin claim the former deputy Fuehrer's office becomes the Karly Chancellery under Hess's deputy Bormann, with Hess confined as a prisoner. A Berlin radio account hints at Nazi opposition and questions Hess's sanity, while comments from the Attorney General dispute claims of madness. The British ambassador in Kansas City notes Hess acted facing warning signs.
Government appeals to households to store nonperishable foods as part of iron rations. Sir Earle Page says hoarding by individuals is not sponsored but adds stores of canned meat aid distribution in emergencies. He notes country areas need home stores more than cities to ease supply strain during potential blockades and transport disruption.
Labour Leader Curtin warned that if Boothby remains in Conservative hands Labour would keep the House as a minority party and refrain from forming a government. He argued Labour could lead only with a strong showing, and would seek a united war effort through the War Council while opposing a full coalition.
In Darwin an AFL unit argues that men stationed there while awaiting overseas service should receive the same privileges as deployed troops. They contend tax exemptions and deferred pay should apply, noting they enlisted for overseas duty and are not at fault for staying in Darwin.
In Sydney on Tuesday Country Party members in New South Wales oppose a proposed amalgamation of the UCP with the UAP. The Country Party leader warned he would resign if the merger occurred, while Sir Earle Page also opposed the move. The decision lies with party organizers.
A seven year old girl, Margaret Mc Rae Archer, was struck by a motor car at noon near Forrest Circuit. She sustained abrasions and shock and was treated by an ambulance crew.
Treasury returns reveal ten months into the financial year the war cost to the Commonwealth reached £127,400,000 with direct war services including munitions at £53,778,000 versus £161,085,000 estimated. Loan-funded war service expenditure stood at £41,000,000 against £120,064,000 projected. April sees a noticeable jump in munitions driven spending, with consolidated revenue spending rising from £7,031,000 in March to £10,240,000 in April.
The report says Rudolf Hess, a top Nazi, allegedly landed in a German bomber in Glasgow suffering a mysterious disease. Berlin arrests party figures but no clear sign of an internal revolt. Hess’ fate and loyalty questions about Hitler’s circle loom as observers doubt a German revolution will quickly unfold.
Reports from the French frontier say General Franco agreed to let German attack through Spain on Gibraltar but remains wary of war involvement. Germany pressures Spain with economic relief offers while Franco seeks aid from Italy and the United States. Spanish public opinion favors independence from Hitler's system, with parties and monarchist groups resisting unification under the Axis.
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