19 Oct 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Oct 19, 1939
Page
1
The Daily Mail and News Chronicle debate naval losses as Germany’s U boat threat grows. Admirals defend safeguards while questions loom over Scapa Flow security and the Royal Oak sinking. A survivor recounts the sinking’s brutal moments and the peril faced by crew.
The British comment with approval on France and the Courageous carrier amid Royal Navy figures. It notes reductions in tonnage and ships, citing losses in Yemel and capital whips as part of Britain's fleet changes during the era.
Fragmented dispatches claim Japanese submarine sunk and a Norwegian merchant ship captured in the Atlantic near France. Reports say the American freighter Worpendent Hulled and the steamer City of Man were involved, with broader notes on German and Russian naval actions amid wartime activity.
London reports Turkey and France considering mutual aid and a possible agreement before week’s end. Turkish Foreign Minister Sarajoglu left Moscow and Turkish and German envoys met in Ankara as officials exchanged views on easing tensions and preserving peace. Negotiations to continue through the Turkish Minister for Agriculture amid hopes to avoid rupture in relations with Russia.
In Bogota on Tuesday the German crew of the steamship Helgoland mutinied or were ordered to mutiny. They claim danger of sinking by an Allied warship. The German Admiralty allegedly provided a destroyer to accompany the Helgoland and authorities were asked to quell the mutiny.
Gunray Anderson of the Travel Bureau testified that the Athenia carried cranial defence weapons for Canada and was linked to a return raid. The State Department noted multiple affidavits questioning the ship’s cargo as Chief Officer Copeland faced inquiries awaiting full departmental details.
General Gort in a war dispatch from Somewhere in France says the British stand four square and will fight for freedom. He recalls the graveyard guardians and notes that many fallen from 1914 to 1918 lie in the British cemetery, fathers of youths marching today.
Berlin report says the submarine crew who torpedoed the Royal Oak received Iron Crosses and the commander was promoted to Rear Admiral after a base arrival at 9 am. The attacker boasted of multiple torpedoes and damage to the second ship, claiming safe escape from Scapa Flow. Amsterdam dispatch notes German naval leaders admit aid from Belial backers and discuss lingering mine dangers and risky forays to deter future assaults.
London reports a British raid on Emden with up to forty aircraft involved. Explosions were heard. ships were not visibly damaged, and German defenses repelled the attack. Rotterdam and Amsterdam correspondents note German authorities acknowledged aircraft were driven off.
In Washington the Neutrality Act debate continued as Administration supporter Masoney faced threats of violence from opponents of repeal. Senate figures Maloney and Waterman argued repeal would pull the US into war, noting relatives of supporters could be drafted.
In Ostapoodh sive failed, General Bealita said a national survey of industrial and mineral resources would be made to support defense. He noted the Union’s position would differ if neutrality had continued, as the Union depended on the British Navy for protection.
A New York Tien report from Shanghai cites a high Japanese army official detailing Japan's future stance in interior China. He says anti-Bureau reactions prompted by the Western powers, the creation of a probe unit, and plans to coordinate with American and other powers.
The British Government signaled willingness to consult with Indian communities and princes on modifications needed for Dominion status. The Viceroy explained the Government of India Act aims to reconstitute a content government, with a working committee meeting next Sunday to review the plan amid mixed Indian press reactions.
London reports a straw poll by the American Institute of Public Opinion showing 56 per cent agreeing with Hitler’s view that Britain and France should end the war after German conquest of Poland, while 42 per cent say there is no option but to keep fighting. Bert Hiller’s statement is noted as influential.
Paris reports German forces launched a major assault across a 20 mile front in the Saarbrucken Zweibrücken area with over 100000 men. Heavy losses and French counterfire halted the push as both sides suffered significant casualties. France claims to hold most German territory except in a few pockets.
German planes attacked Scapa Flow and Orkney while reconnaissance flights along the east coast continued. At least four German aircraft were said destroyed by RAF defenses. Iron Duke damaged and later withdrawn from service. Royal Navy ship Stola bombed with no damage reported.
The German steamer Franifurt, loaded with 4000 tons for New Zealand, arrived at a Chile port from New Orleans on August 41. Arrangements were made to tranship the cargo to New Zealand.
Dutch planes face heavy German anti aircraft fire as Berlin resumes air activity. Networked reports from London and The Hague indicate renewed bombardment and defense responses, with casualties and disrupted missions across fronts.
Moscow reports that Investin reveals Runsis claims a complete blockade is impossible. French and British naval forces cannot reach, while Germany and Italy pursue cooperation. Textile and commodity flows are noted as factors.
President Roosevelt used the Inter-Governmental Committee on the refugee problem to urge speedier aid for millions of homeless people. He outlined plans to coordinate multi nation relief, expand assistance, and apply modern engineering and geographic methods to resettle displaced persons in Dominica, the Philippines, and other regions. He stressed human unity beyond race and religion and urged rapid action to terminate refugee suffering and restore security.
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