24 May 1941
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 24, 1941
Page
1
British report intense fighting on Crete with German forces holding Candia while a large air and sea assault unfolds. British and Allied units claim to have sunk Greek boats and a destroyer while parachute drops and ground clashes continue along the front in Crete.
A vice regal party halted at the Welfare Hut for an afternoon tea with over 40 wives and mothers of men in the forces. The gathering gave Canberra women a chance to meet and hear news from overseas in an unexpected but pleasant surprise.
A Melbourne report notes the war effort in Crete is intense with fighting continuing as German forces attempt landings from aircraft. British and Greek troops resist with strong cooperation from Greeks and Cretans while official commentary urges patience before military disclosures.
Government cites clear evidence that German E boats use Rhone passages to reach the Mediterranean. It notes Vichy collaboration and widespread French industry aiding the enemy. French factories repair ships and submarines and convert to aircraft production. Twenty unoccupied France firms produce aircraft components motor boats parts and munitions for Germany.
A government spokesman in Tokyo rebuked the Japanese press over Batavian coverage saying the outburst did not reflect official views. He reported talks with Batevia had reached an important stage with agreement on some points but noted the Netherlands West Indies attitude remained somewhat difficult.
Berlin announces all nations must close legations in Paris and move diplomatic missions to Vichy. General von Brauchitsch, arriving in Paris on an enclosed mission, held talks with the German occupation commander. France reportedly has no objection to maintaining relations with Germany from Paris.
Prime Minister Mr Menzies will speak from 2FC at 145 p m tomorrow with a repeat at 615 p m in the national programme. His speech and welcome on Sydney night will be relayed via national stations from about 815 p m at the Sydney Town Hall.
The Premier Mr McKell announced that work would start immediately at Walsh Island to commission the floating dock. He said it would take about six months to be in working order and could not yet specify the number of men to be employed.
The Berlin radio stated in Parliament that Germany had suggested a night armistice before, but would not repeat it due to Luftwaffe superiority. In Sydney, Premier Mr McKell said the government would pursue Upper House reform and might act before any rejection of legislation by the Upper House.
The Minister for the Army reports 3763 Australian casualties in Greece including killed wounded and missing. Excluding 423 wounded in Egypt Palestine or Crete, 3560 are killed missing or prisoners of war. evacuat ion over a wide area and ships sunk led to possible excesses and dispersed survivors.
In the House of Commons Foreign Minister Eden declares Britain must face the facts about France's collaboration with Germany and states Britain will attack the enemy wherever he dwells and no longer distinguish between occupied and unoccupied territories in its military plan.
Secretary of State Cordell Hull said reports from France about Martinique officials preparing for an American attack were pro German inspired and false. He stated there were no threats or alarming conditions on the island.
Despite air raids in England the first quarter saw production rise by about 50 percent over the December quarter, which already exceeded last year. The trend shows ongoing gains in war output.
In a Friday broadcast Admiral Darlan asserted that Hitler did not request France to surrender her fleet. He stated the world knows France will never give up its fleet and that Hitler made no demand for France to declare war on Britain or to relinquish colonial holdings.
Acting Prime Minister Mr. Fadden warns a Labour win in Boothby would delay war plans and end the National Government. He says the government expects to hold Boothby by a substantial majority, despite critiques of an inexperienced ministry.
Los Angeles reports the British Consulate announced two Japanese whaling and tanker ships would be affected by Britain’s ships list. Charterers are warned to avoid contravention of British regulations or face government disabilities in trading with named vessels.
Mr J A Gardiner was appointed by the Australian Jockey Club committee as stipendiary steward from June 2 until the end of the current racing season. Mr H V Kelalier was appointed assistant steward for the same period.
News from Ankara via Syria reports subversive actions by Axis agents among Iraqi rebels. German officers arrive to organize railway traffic while German garrisons on Chios island near the Turkish coast total about 6,000 troops with 2,000 rebels. Bulgarian and Romanian forces are also noted, and British forces claim recovery of bases in the Western Desert with a police post reestablished.
Waterside workers in Australia plan a mass meeting next week to consider a strike amid protests against shipowners' adverts accusing workers of delaying wartime freight. The FI Sydney branch called the claim a public lie and blamed owners for stalled wage settlements. The government warns action may follow if curbs on industry persist. workers refused to work tonight and gangs were mobilized for Sunday shifts.
Sergeant Helliwell and Acting Sergeant-Major Bowles cleared of mistreatment charges in a court martial over the voyage to Australia. Prosecutors argued an internees abuse claim from a September Melbourne incident aboard the transport Dune.
Dr Morel stated duties in Australia included internment camp work and that internees were treated fairly. He noted some adjustments were needed but authorities were very helpful in handling prisoners of war during the despatch process.
Governor-General Lord Gowrie warns war may reach Australia, yet the nation continues to arm and produce armor, equipment, and munitions. Despite shipping losses and import barriers, Australia sustains a growing war effort for the Empire.
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