16 Oct 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Oct 16, 1939
Page
1
Extra precautions were taken over the weekend to safeguard Prime Minister Mr Menzies after an anonymous letter threatened his life. A special detectives squad acted as bodyguard and his whereabouts remain secret to only a few officials. Further details of the letter were not released.
U.S. leaders discuss a quick vote on the Neutrality Bull provisions aiming to narrow repeal opposition. A formula would let American ships carry goods to so called safe nations including Australia and parts of the Empire. Colonel Lindbergh urged Britain and Europe to exit the Western Hemisphere to avoid dragging the U.S. into war.
Melbourne officials deny reports that Mr Justice Evatt of the High Court will be appointed Australian ambassador in Washington. The claim circulates in official circles but is not confirmed.
The Royal Oak's loss leaves 469 survivors, including Captain W. G. Penn and Commander N. Nichols. The battleship, 25 years old, part of the Royal Sovereign class, carried eight 15 inch guns and four torpedo tubes. Berlin cites German pride while American officials warn of threatened sea routes if submarine warfare spreads.
A French communique reports quiet Saturday except east of the Moselle where a heavy artillery duel occurred. British troops occupy advanced posts in the Maginot Line with lines of support, while Polish troops move to Western Front positions.
Sydney report explains a government plan to curb war profiteering by stabilizing prices and allowing workers to operate with minimal interference. A Commonwealth Prices Commissioner and state commissioners will be supported by expert advisers and honorary committees from producers, consumers, and traders. The aim is to prevent living costs from rising with export prices.
The Government of Northern Ireland will raise cultivated land by 260000 acres and expand barley area to fifteen times the current level. Surplus stocks will go to the United Kingdom. A Women's Farm Auxiliary corps is being formed.
The Lithuanian Parliament unanimously ratified a pact with Russia pledging mutual aid and respect for sovereignty. The Prime Minister said Soviet garrisons are needed as a precaution amid border pressures. Reports from Kaunas note Soviet troops near the border and thousands in the Vilna strip. Refugees in Romania report Soviet concentration of troops and war materiel on the Slovak frontier. Fortifications grow on the Russo German frontier as western units move in Poland.
German newsagency reports firing near Berlin attributed to an unidentified aircraft circling the city for about 40 minutes. The British Air Ministry says it has no knowledge of a RAF raid on Berlin and cites a technical fault for the wireless blackout.
In a Vienna Fair speech, Dr Funk of the Propaganda Ministry stated Germany would bypass the British blockade by alternative routes. He claimed only a small portion of German territory would feel the impact as trade expands in Southeastern Europe.
Captain von Rintelen, former chief of German spies in the United States, appeared before the Allens' Tribunal in London. He renounced German nationality in 1954 and seeks service for Britain as a conscientious objector to Nazism. He said he refused the Nazis' London Embassy offer, potentially changing history. The tribunal granted him freedom of movement under undisclosed conditions.
King Gustaf of Sweden invites the President of Finland the King of Denmark and the King of Norway to a Stockholm conference on October 18 to discuss Russo Finnish relations. The Finnish reaction is optimistic due to US support for Scandinavia, while Finland maintains military precautions.
London Sunday report that Mr L King Hall is adopted as the Labour candidate for the Drnskirk by election after the retirement of Sir Thomas Rethbotham. The selection marks a key party effort in a tightly watched contest.
The Finnish delegation returned to Helsingfors after discussions with the Soviet government. The Foreign Minister said no ultimatum was received and talks may not resume before the Northern Powers conference in Stockholm. Russia reportedly sought a military alliance and Aaland Islands oversight, but Finland rejects an alliance and aims for peace. Helsinki plans capital transfer due to fortified roads.
German destroyers sent to sea to target goods carriers to England and France. Admiralty reports heavy submarine losses with seventeen sunk and likely more. British and French navies confirm several submarine losses in the action.
Reports from conflicting sides describe repeated air strikes on Hangkow held by Japan, with Chinese claims of downed Japanese planes and damaged Chinese bombers, while Japan notes three bombings and limited casualties. A US report cites a wheat shortage prompting Japan to curb exports to troops in China.
The Mexico City correspondent for the New York Times says one or more submarines are ready to operate in the Caribbean. German submarine reports lead to an official watch on the steamer Columbus, moved to an isolated anchorage with crew on short rations amid heavy stores. Officials pledge severity if neutrality is violated.
A note announces a special arrangement and rights reservation in Australia and Kew Rowland for the overseas Intelligence compilation.
The Turkish Foreign Minister prepares to leave Moscow as Istanbul reports a satisfactory agreement not conflicting with Anglo-Turkish terms. A Bucharest message suggests Russia guarantees no military aid to Germany. Hungary arrives in Moscow to begin talks with the Soviet government.
A new secret machine gun is appearing in British Army depots. The weapon will increase fighting efficiency for British planes and be used to guard depots and necrodromes against low flying attacks by enemy aircraft.
London discusses Italy’s peace push with Italian newspapers and wireless urging an international peace conference with neutral powers. Observers note Italy’s troop withdrawal from Libya and the Rome wireless claim Roosevelt will not intervene in Europe without allied notification.
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