30 May 1941
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 30, 1941
Page
1
Official Cairo reports say Allied forces, including Australian and New Zealand troops, hold a line with continuous positions while isolated fighting flares at Rethymne and Candia. British units described as elite guerrilla fighters have landed in Crete to bolster operations.
The report covers Allied coordination calls between the Premier and Prime Minister on war effort alignment, while Crete faces a major German offensive. British reinforcements reach inland, food supplies are stressed, and German air and naval activity intensifies. Reports from Ankara and Cairo describe bombardments on Canea, hospital destruction, and prisoners, with RAF raids and naval movements ongoing.
The Admiralty said the Navy intercepted the 3,000 ton merchantman Lech while attempting to run the blockade from South America to a port in occupied France.
The Minister for the Army said rejected men who wish to serve should not lose their chance to help in munition factories. Many were rejected for defects not disqualifying for most civilian jobs. Mr Spender has discussed the matter with the Director-General of Recruiting and will meet with the Minister for Supply.
The American Unit Press reports Roosevelt did not call Japan totalitarian in his recent address. The piece suggests Japanese business leaders may resist total control and notes the president aims to avoid offending those who influence the region’s policies.
Melbourne reports reveal a surge in motor registrations aimed at securing extra rations. Officials stated that registered owners sought high powered cars to gain additional petrol allotment, highlighting rort attempts and enforcement concerns.
London reports nearly three million tons of enemy merchant shipping disposed of since the war began through mid May. Germany accounts for 1,499,000 tons across 285 ships sunk or scuttled, Italy for 183,000 tons across 39 ships seized, with 899,000 tons sunk or scuttled. Axis ships total 67,000 tons. Bomber and coastal aircraft sank 61 ships near enemy coasts between March 11 and May 14. The note cites German and Italian losses in late April and evidence of Nordic crews resisting service for Germany.
The Vichy AP report cites French Beirut sources that British and French air squadrons fought near Aleppo. A British Glen Martin reportedly downed the aerodrome defenses before crashing. three crew were killed. France seeks to build a continental air force amid armistice relaxations, while Germany and Italy approve measures to resist foreign aggression. Sugar Supplies for Tasmania Discusses shared liabilities to cover guarantees to the Commonwealth Bank amid sugar stock stability concerns.
Madrid diary notes Admiral Darlan’s attitude shift over ten days as Petain orders reconciliation with US public opinion. The note catalogues French fleet units still in form, claims repairs to Richelieu, completion of Jean Bart, and lists ships in various theatres. It states France will constrain German and Italian moves while not resuming war, and hints at a postponement of action against Free French if US guarantees no occupation of French colonies.
The Times Belgian correspondent reports Germans issue zinc coins due to metal shortages. Belgian traders resist, Germany urges acceptance in occupied areas. Belgians distrust the ersatz money as Brugseler Zeitung notes German journalists’ discontent over anti war slogans and traitor lists ahead of a British victory.
President Roosevelt said a steel industry report projects a 1 100 000 ton shortfall in 1841 and a 6 000 000 ton deficit in 1842. He noted a study to decide between curtailing civilian use or expanding capacity of the industry.
Private R. Kretachmer praises Lt General Sir Thomas Blamey as the bravest man he knew after returning to Australia from the Greek campaign. He says Blamey faced danger without fear and stayed in Greece to the death knock as part of Blamey's bodyguard duty.
A traveller from Germany reports elaborate camouflage in Hamburg Hanover and Bremen to fool RAF bombers. Timber canopies cover stations and landmarks while lakes are reshaped with boards and oil-tanker domes appear atop structures. Major destruction recounts tramway hits in Hanover and dockyard ruin at Wilhelmshaven with tens of thousands displaced in Neder.
Three Japanese ships seized 1500 tons of automobiles metal and other goods at Haiphong China. Five other ships load the remainder of 10 million dollars of American owned goods consigned to China. Guards with Japanese gunners and tanks patrol the five mile waterfront route.
RAF forces launched heavy attacks in the Mediterranean theater targeting Crete and North Africa with missions against enemy airfields at Malem and Benghazi. The night and day operations damaged several aircraft and ships, with Junkers 48 and 42 downed or damaged.
Report from Cairo states New Zealand Prime Minister Fraser was involved in a bus crash but uninjured. His personal secretary Jeffrey was hurt and hospitalised. Earlier, Fraser’s plane from Basel to Cairo came under fire from Iraqi rebels.
President Roosevelt stated at a press conference he has no plan to repeal or revise the Neutrality Act and no orders for an unlimited emergency. He suggested freedom of the seas could align with the act, noted possible ports if ships risk destruction, and avoided immediate extension of Atlantic patrols. Lord Halifax visited White House for two hours amid broader talks.
The Admiralty reports H.M.S. York regarded total loss after bombings at Suda Bay during the Crete battle. Five crewmen wounded and two killed, with only one officer and two seamen saved from the Hood.
Australia told residents with Canadian and United States funds in Australia to sell assets to the Commonwealth. Treasurer Fadden said about 1.5 million dollars would join the pool and another 1.3 million had already been surrendered. The measure covers bank balances and currency notes held abroad and aims to curb asset transfers to neutral countries.
A government report notes export of lead and zinc concentrates from Australia to Japan. The document mentions political debate in Parliament with the Prime Minister seeking to address the issue after discussions yesterday in the House of Representatives.
Australian Comforts Food authorities decide to pay duty on cigarettes and tobacco sent to troops in Trappe to avoid depriving them of comforts. The matter, contested by The Fane wall, is to be reviewed further, with initial action noting Phiptut as a nominal fee previously refused by Customs.
Foreign ministry in Manila reports no public statement on talks with Japan as regional leaders await official word. unclear notes refer to May discussions and responses from officials in the East Indies.
Fragmentary OCR records show a Vietnamese refugee story intertwined with Italian convoy movements and naval tensions. The garbled text mentions Tunis, refugee routes, and possible maritime peril tied to wartime logistics.
A mass meeting of Small Arms Factory employees in Lithgow discussed with Canberra officials, led by a deputy delegation tied to Minister of Labour matters. The Federation urged clear promotion policies and efficient operations, seeking hands on action to improve staffing and production conditions.
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