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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 14, 1941
Page
6
A wartime notice reflects on Sunday’s lull in Axis activity and the improve ment in anti Axis fortunes. The article stresses stamina and continued fighting against the United States, noting that Axis exploitation has begun and reserves are strained.
The article argues national stamina hinges on meat cheese butter and eggs stocks well above average in the midcontinent. It notes 1,776,000 people received vocational defense training in 12 months ending Nov 30, compares wartime training to World War I, and calls for a national strategy board to optimize manpower and resources for a decisive plan.
Six young army pilots were cited for heroism by the War Department for their actions during the December 7 Japanese air attack on Honolulu. Lieutenants Mee ler, Welch, Taylor, Sanders, Sterling, and Rasmu sse engaged multiple enemy planes, shooting down six in total. The report notes pilots faced outnumbered odds but demonstrated skill and bravery in encounters over Schofield Barracks and Kahuku.
Japanese radio reported a week-old offensive sealing Hongkong fate while claiming heavy naval actions. Tokyo said Wake Island damage occurred and ships sunk included British and American vessels totaling 140000 tons. The report touched on Thailand border actions near Chieng Rai and ongoing battles with British and Chinese forces.
Personal Opinion by Bob Estabrook discusses igloo style defense area housing, delaying Cedar Rapids home building, and the wartime shift to fireproof modern structures. He notes university and state offices delayed, questions air raid shelters, and predicts housing and architecture adapting after the emergency.
Washington AP reports the War Insurance Corporation with a $100 million capital will provide protection against enemy attack losses to private property in the United States. Coverage begins December 13, 1941 up to $100 million with no premium or reports required unless a loss occurs. Excludes accounts and art. Protection denied to owners deemed unfriendly to the United States.
Soviet ambassador Maxim Litvinov called Japan a common Axis gangster and said Russia would welcome help on any front. He stressed unity with the Allies, hinted at eastern-front offensives, and vowed Hitler must be destroyed. In the Philippines, Filipino soldiers fought parachutists in Luzon with hundreds reported killed or captured.
In Manila a Saturday air raid leveled a three mile zone near Nichols Field with over 100 homes and shops burned. At least 75 killed and 300 wounded, raising the city toll above 100. four planes downed from 43 bombing Manila and other targets in Luzon. Army says operations continue at Aparri Viagan and Legaspi with no change in the situation.
A Cedar Rapids observance at Coe College chapel marks the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Governor George Wilson and likely successor Lieutenant Governor B B Hickenlooper headline a program stressing U S wartime purpose and core constitutional principles. Public invited.
A wartime era community plans a major event centered on the Bill of Rights, highlighting the founders’ aims to shield against tyranny and uphold essential freedoms. The piece notes a surge of wartime verse in mail and reflects on newspapers’ restraint in publishing poetry.
Rome quoted Radio Rome reporting Guam may still be in American hands. The Japanese dispatch cited by the broadcast said the island’s garrison was in full swing but did not claim a capture.
A navy communique reported that U S sailors stopped the vessel Alert in the Gulf of Nicoya on the west coast carrying 12 000 gallons of Diesel oil. The seven Japanese crew were taken into custody and the ship turned back toward Costa Rica. It was not disclosed whether Costa Rican or American authorities will handle the Japanese. The oil’s intended use was not stated, but it could have been for ice in the Panama Canal Zone area.
San Francisco police flashed a yellow air raid warning meaning a raiding party on the way. The alert for Frisco sounded Saturday night and was cleared about 46 minutes later.
Cedar Ragidy News reports a large mobilization in Linn county as thousands of able-bodied adults prepare to register for voluntary civilian defense service next Thursday. The effort seeks skilled workers from carpentry to nursing, aiming to form an organized local defense network despite Linn county’s distance from aerial threat zones. Registration points are planned in City Hall and other public buildings.
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox made a brief stop in San Diego en route back to command of the Eleventh naval district. He announced he would have no statement to the Japanese attack on United States Pacific outposts.
London dispatch quotes Domei that Japan admitted a submarine torpedoed a carrier and that the sinking report remains unconfirmed by Tokyo. The message cites a Japanese agency report four days old and notes official confirmation is lacking.
A brief note details a holiday event connected to soldiers, highlighting charitable efforts and seasonal generosity involving a community or group.
The French cabinet approved a policy of neutrality in the intercontinental war while pledging defense of the empire. Officials said France would not reenter the war unless provoked by aggression and would not cede its fleet or let it participate in any defense.
Henry Shapiro reports from Moscow on the return of Anglo American correspondents eight weeks after the Soviet evacuation to Kuibyshev. The city shows few signs of wartime devastation, with limited damage from German bombing and restored exterior changes visible at one municipal airport.
London dispatch reports on Saturday night Soviet forces driving at least one push along the front extending from Leningrad as part of ongoing operations on the Eastern front during World War II.
Washington reports a wartime bill signed by the President to allow service anywhere for a broad pool of selectees and guardsmen. Officials press Congress to require universal registration for ages 18 to 64 and to draft 19 to 44, while Guam Wake and Midway remain focal points. General Hershey predicts next registration may be July 1, 1942, with about 1,000,000 still eligible.
Captain James Roosevelt United States Marine Corps oldest son of the President has requested active sea duty with the devildogs and his request was granted. He will leave for San Diego and then to duty at sea.
The Navy recruiting office in the basement of the post office building will operate around the clock on a 24 hour basis. Chief C. Madson announced the schedule will be maintained until further notice.
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