12 Oct 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Oct 12, 1944
Page
1
Amid a 24 hour ultimatum, American forces bombarded Aachen as German surrender failed to appear. Reuters reports the city fully surrounded and under threat of destruction if no unconditional surrender. Allied aerial and ground actions continue in the surrounding area with leaflets urging capitulation.
The Times Paris correspondent reports deep harm to French health from German occupation. Rationing and wholesale controls reduced daily calories from about 2800 to 858, with winter relief needed for bombed cities Le Havre Rouen Caen and others. Malnutrition leads to tuberculosis growth mental distress and disease increases while alcoholism declines. Moorehead notes liberation delirium gives way to a hard winter and Paris is increasingly used for military purposes fueling civilian resentment.
London dispatch reports Polish Prime Minister Mikolajczyk accepted an invitation to travel to Moscow at once to join talks with Churchill and Stalin. The Polish President, Foreign Minister, and other government officials will accompany him.
Stalin hosted a luncheon in which Churchill, in British colonial uniform, sat to his right among fifty guests including ministers, party chiefs, Russian officials, and British, American, Australian and New Zealand envoys. He praised British and American war efforts and urged ongoing cooperation for peace.
The Polish Government did not inform Britain that it had received reliable information about a planned mass execution of concentration camp inmates at Oswiecim and Brzezinka in Poland. The British Foreign Office says it wishes to make clear that if such a plan or any similar plan is carried out, it would have serious implications.
The Secretary for Colonies told the House of Commons that both sides in Palestine were preparing for civil war. Public warning followed tense conditions with reports of foreign paratroops dropped in the Jordan Valley and calls for citizens to report information aiding parachutist arrests.
London reports a surge of rumours that Germany plans a peace move while Goering may be arrested, with Gestapo efforts to cut lines and isolated German officials recalled. Stockholm chatter cites Gestapo activity, Nazi infighting, and leaders allegedly shot or hiding as World War II tension rises.
London reports plan to place over 1 000 war plants each with 10 000 square feet of floor space under private control for peace industry use. The deal would keep factories in wartime work until released, with a 10 year term and potential extension. Allies would pursue enforcement against all involved.
Russian forces press toward East Prussia with Memel in sights as shelling intensifies across southeastern Memel and near Taurage. Moscow radio claimed seven Soviet armies attack the East Prussian frontier while Chernyakovsky’s front broadens against German territory.
Forty five war correspondents departed London for Paris to support the transfer of the Supreme Headquarters Public Relations Division from the Ministry of Information. The group included 20 British, 11 Americans, five Canadians, five Australians, two South Africans, one Russian and one Pole. About 25 other reporters had already relocated to Paris. Conferences with service chiefs offered updates on Western Europe operations and plans to streamline communications with SHAEF now based in Paris.
London reports German High Command evacuating from Athens toward Salonika while Greek resistance strengthens. Forces concentrate in northern Greece and the Balonie region as Crete to mainland movements halt. General Paget praises Greek unity and laments ongoing suffering. British troops enter Corinth amid celebrations as Germans abandon vehicles and horses, with reprisals and escapes reported amid Greek towns.
The office warned that all ships off the coast of Norway are liable to attack during the present critical stage of operations. The warning stated any ship, regardless of size, could be attacked to cut communications between Norway and Germany.
Reports from Lille say the famous tenor Tino Rosa has been arrested and sent to a concentration camp for investigation of his nation during the occupation. Unite 3300 persons were arrested in Nord and Pas de Calais departments during the last month.
A large carrier based U S force struck the Ryukyu Islands north of Formosa in what the navy called a complete surprise attack. The operation damaged and sunk numerous ships and destroyed many aircraft on the ground with light American losses. Garakayo Island and the South Palau group were secured while neutralization raids continued in the Marshalls. Tokyo reports 400 American carrier planes attacked islands south of Japan with over 26 shot down and light damage.
Allied forces report heavy attacks on Japanese positions in Timor and Halmahera. Liberator crews bombed targets at Korpang waterfront destroying buildings and likely the power plant. PT boats and Beaufighters fought barges near Halmahera, sinking or damaging eleven, with some troops reaching Morotai. Morotai defenses held with minor casualties from raids. Air and naval units across the region bombed aerodromes, barges, and coastal targets, while weather limited air options in Timor.
Parliament urged to have full opportunity to examine and debate any peace treaty or provisional settlement before British interests are committed. Lords Cranborne and Styabotal emphasize that final treaty details should be reserved for the Crown and government, with public understanding of possible difficulties and stakes for the nation.
Army officials indicate possible early return of troops to the Philippines as concerns over logistics and local security rise. The plan centers on speedier redeployment and coordination with Allied forces to maintain regional stability and counter potential threats.
Australian Spitfire squadrons return to Britain after a Europe tour and continue destroying enemy transports. Reports say trains of trucks and engines were blown up in Holland with several overturned. A destroyer Rockingham was sunk in an attack area tied to Allied operations, while Mosquito night fighters supported naval and air base exchanges near Arnhem.
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