27 May 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 27, 1939
Page
1
The House considers a bill extending the Ministry of Supply powers to allocate and reserve goods for public service and wartime needs. The minister may compel production returns, regulate prices, and authorize stockpiling with limits to avoid overreach while keeping Admiralty and Air needs distinct.
Japanese naval spokesman announced a blockade extending 200 miles from the Chinese coast to stop the delivery of military supplies to China. He did not define contraband but suggested it could include food and medical items. He opposed obstructing peaceful liner trade with occupied areas, though specifics on included goods were not given.
John Simon argues taxation must finance wartime needs without crippling wealth creators. He defends income tax as essential while warning against excessive duties and forced conscription of wealth. He cautions against punitive measures harming morale and future revenue.
Canton reports Japanese occupation aftermath with limits on supplies entering Hank Tron and road access. Shanghai notes Admiral Honda’s proclamation tightening entry permits and penalties for violators, predicting food shortages in the International Settlement. London Parliament discusses blockade impact and British shipping protection, with Butler asserting government concern and action.
An executive of the Lang Labour Party in Sydney vows to oppose any alteration to the basis of representation at the unity conference set for January. The decision aims to avoid delaying the conference indefinitely and a letter will be sent to the Power Secretary detailing the stance.
The British committee denies an attack on a Japanese officer after nine Chitawe operatives were struck. The report notes a claim of provocation and a promise to protect property, with unclear details and potential misprints in the OCR.
Reports from Thursday describe heavy Japanese bombing over Chungking with widespread destruction and high casualties. Witnesses say over 1,000 killed or wounded, with debris 25 feet high in the business district and refugees fleeing toward Macao amid renewed attacks on Shekki.
Finance minister Reynaud announced France’s renewed status after signing four contracts with British and other banks to convert months of borrowings into a new internal loan. The move, part of postwar rearmament spending, signals a return to prosperity despite higher military outlays. The precise internal loan amount was not disclosed, but believed around £88.8 million.
New York reports 26 men trapped in the submarine Squalus are almost certainly dead as 49 divers work to confirm the disaster. 33 survivors remain and efforts shift to salvage as investigators consider the cause and possible Navy inquiry.
New Zealanders serving with the RAF are invited to man Vickers-Wellington bombers to be delivered to New Zealand and then transferred to the New Zealand Air Force. About 100 personnel are needed with training to begin soon. The aviation writer forecasts 30 bombers in five batches, the last due to leave in October, with at least 19 expected to be delivered by year end and the remainder in April.
A Berlin issued statement drawing Western Powers into a debate on European peace provokes London discussion. It cites Lord Halifax and IM Bonnet reaffirming covenant ties and mentions British French Soviet talks while alleging a rejected axis invitation. Officials stress that Britain seeks cooperative, peaceful settlement only if aggression endangers sovereign states.
Melbourne report details a Mildura bank cash heist where a bandit stole 550 pounds from Eric Allan an employee of the Mildura City Council. Allan suffered head injuries after being struck and the suspect fled in Allan's car towards a bridge. police later detained another man for questioning as the bag with the money was recovered.
Australia disclosed details of its trade and migration rate agreement with Italy in Parliament yesterday. Mr. Makin presented the information to the House through the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Henry Gullett, noting a direct treaty between Australia and Italy dating to the previous year in the era of Queen Victoria and the King of Italy.
In Lithuania the government reports higher taxes across wages incomes profits and landed property with measures framed during a session in Memel Germany. The text notes increases in bear and geretine taxes and references changes effective this Thursday.
The Heffron Executive tonight expelled all aldermen of the Glebe Council for supporting the content, system in preference to the day labour system. The Executive claimed the Councilors breached Labour's cardinal point in their action.
Premier Stevens told a cabinet meeting that New South Wales could cope with a possible invasion. He presented a plan showing preliminary work completed and defence works and railways requiring additional funding. The cost of defence works demanded by the Commonwealth was about £725,000, with ongoing discussions on the financial basis.
Ottawa report on a Royal visit noted by Daniel Roperahew United States Minister to Canada. He said lasting peace may emerge from the visit, which carries symbolic significance. He doubted full significance could be approved but hoped the trip would touch peoples and prompt a path to lasting peace.
Royal statement confirms Queen Mary is progressing satisfactorily after eye injury. Official update notes improvement but cautions continued care and rest as she recovers under medical guidance. The message expresses gratitude to government and people of Australia for sympathy and support.
A group of instructors, trained to promote school physical education, will visit multiple districts Friday and conduct demonstrations. They will tour state centers and communities to support ongoing structures and programs for child fitness, spending four weeks in total across the state.
In London discussions a new Anglo-Russian proposal phase was confirmed with statements from Chamberlain. The British government prepared to send communications to an ambassador in London and Moscow outlining forthcoming points and possible actions.
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