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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Oct 04, 1939
Page
4
European war risk and rationing reports frame a brief of global events. Italian shipping and central American routes are touched on, along with Communist property seizures and labor federation stance. Ottawa stock notes hint at Canada market activity and a Victoria estate case outlines legacies and heirs.
A Monday report details British trade employment data with a large reserve of power and 1 062 218 workers offered. It notes a rise in employment due to those on the register for work and anticipates a stronger position than last year, despite ongoing uncertainty about volumes and sectors.
War discussions urge Australia to centralize control under Commonwealth power. Training at home continues while doubts linger on sending troops. Authorities push to abolish State duties in health, transport, trade under a unified national framework for speed, efficiency, and postwar peace planning.
The Loan Bill authorises £23,200,000 in loans with £6,000,000 from British money and £4,000,000 raised in Australia. Defence funds from the 1938 surplus and a transfer of £2,000,000 from general revenue cover commitments since July. A Loan Council meeting may occur this year to set terms for the first War Loan. Defence Loans are exempt from Loan Council control, with State consultation to curb borrowing. Australia is expected to raise most war loans domestically, with potential needs around £100,000,000 if the war lasts three years.
The Commonwealth Cabinet met in Sydney for the first time since the war began. All ministers except Sir Henry Guilett and Mr Casey attended. The session focused on routine matters and future supplementary estimates, sparking resentment from Labour and business circles over perceived bias toward Melbourne.
The Leader of the Opposition Mr Curtin urged a government response plan to counter German Berlin short wave propaganda. He proposed daily replies over Australian radio stations and German and other language broadcasts to carry Australia s viewpoint. He criticized the Commonwealth Ministry for Information for inaction and suggested staffing could be drawn from newspapers to counter the German wave.
In Bucharest on Tuesday the Rumanian Government expresses satisfaction with public cooperation to maintain neutrality. India remains engaged in talks between steel manufacturers and the government to develop the industry for national purposes.
Two more American destroyers arrived in Lisbon today, reaching five. Portugal is becoming a clearing house for trade among the United States and Italy, Great Britain, France, and Germany, shaping a broader wartime information network.
In opening the Senate debate Senator Pittman urged repeal of the arms embargo arguing neutrality is not served. Senate Majority Leader Barkley predicted 60 votes for the measure with adjournment planned in a fortnight. Discussion covered arms sales, cash and carry, 80 day credits, and proposals to tighten munitions payment provisions.
Senator Borah warned that repealing the embargo would drag war into the United States. He condemned the Administration Bill as inviting conflict with Europe and France and risking a compelled military response if war began. He argued resumption of cash and carry would not shield the nation from war.
Secretary of State Hull warns Americans in Europe to forgo rights under international law and the Neutrality Act and sail home only on American vessels. He cites danger in belligerent ships north of 30 north and west of 30 west. Treasury demands publication of sailing dates and cargo details of American ships.
The Canberra weather note reports a 9 am barometer at 28.21 inches and a 9 am temperature of 69.7 degrees. The 24 hour maximum is 72.8 degrees with wind details truncated.
The Inter-American Conference Committee for the Preservation of Peace backed a plan for a 300 mile safety belt around American nations to shield them from belligerent actions after the Clement sinking. Sumner Welles called it a timely response to European belligerency in American waters.
The Pan American Inter-American conference committee endorsed a neutrality declaration to safeguard peace in the Americas. It bars use of territories for belligerent bases, restricts belligerent ships in neutral ports, limits armed merchantmen guns, excludes warships and submarines from ports, and covers air and radio activity with emphasis on good faith actions within American waters. The safety belt excludes Falkland Islands waters but includes other American territories in South America.
The Times Rotterdam correspondent says 4000 troops and 52 officers of Hels Peninsula surrendered. The Warsaw defenders are praised for bearing in the ruined city. Paris reports 80 Polish refugees, many officials, crossing into Romania toward Paris. Ex President Moacicki and his son are in Romania with plans to move to Switzerland. Madame Smigly-Rydz also heads to France.
Belgrade reports neutral Yugoslav stance amid Balkan tensions with praise for British warships. Official radio says the Balkans intend to stay neutral and trade with all, noting British conduct as extraordinarily considerate.
The article outlines a larger British Army force, noting militia provisions and a Spring call up. It states men will be used to maintain strength, with service extended to the New Year and the possibility of forming supplementary divisions if needed.
Army headquarters denied any mix up in recruiting the special militia force. Enlistment for garrison battalions was under way in Sydney and other areas. Hut construction for the New South Wales quota began today, with 24 hour work to convert open spaces into townships housing about 6600 soldiers by month end.
The Commonwealth Prices Commissioner Professor Copland will announce a new price fixing formula for large groups of commodities. The plan keeps food prices in common time but uses an average price basis for groups hard to price individually. It accounts for prewar landed costs, postwar freight charges, and usual wholesale or retail margins. Wool and cotton have varieties that require a different approach. The system would help merchants calculate charges and may invoke powers to obtain necessary documents. Brisbane reports note retailers and hosiery manufacturers urging price reductions to August levels.
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