24 Dec 1941
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 24, 1941
Page
1
The piece notes grim prospects for American defenses in the Philippines as Japanese land at multiple points. It credits MacArthur with potential feats of military skill to hold the remote islands and considers the wider Pacific fleet movements, submarine actions, and secret Japanese naval operations shaping the conflict.
Labor leaders AFL CIO and industrial management agree on no more strikes or lockouts until the war ends. A war labor board will review unresolved disputes, with the President guiding appointments to preserve unity and deter attacks on patriotism.
Dutch East Indies sources say air and naval actions sank three Japanese transports and a tanker off Borneo and wiped out the enemy supply fleet attacking Miri. London received word Japan attacked Dutch outposts and civilian areas in retaliation.
Admiral Ernest J. King, new commander in chief of the US fleet, called for immediate expansion of air and naval strength. He warned the path to victory would be long and difficult, but pledged to press ahead and strike when adequates are in place.
German long range guns shelled the Kentish coast near Folkestone on Christmas Eve night causing alarm as Allied defenses scrambled. Royal Navy and coastal batteries responded to the bombardment along the English coast.
The Gazette announces Christmas Day want ads accepted until 10 AM Thursday with the want ad department open from 9 AM to 1 PM Thursday. Ads for Friday’s Gazette accepted until noon Friday.
Churchill calls for external knockout blows to defeat the Axis, urging unity of Allied war effort with Roosevelt in Washington. He stresses defense of Singapore, accelerates plans for a high command, and notes no internal Axis collapse to rely on.
In a Christmas Eve address Pope Pius XII proposes a five point plan for world peace based on gradual armament limitation. The plan condemns aggression oppression of minorities economic conquest wars and persecution of religious groups. He calls for a true Christian renewal and a new world order.
Cedar Rapids reports that over 80 skilled workers inquired about jobs at Pearl Harbor Hawaii after The Gazette announced a call for skilled labor to maintain naval equipment. The civil service office in the federal building saw its busiest day, with no fixed quota and transportation paid by the government.
The Navy reports Wake Island defense credited with sinking two Japanese destroyers during the final landing and notes beleaguered garrison severed radio contact as capture seemed likely. Palmyra and Johnston shelled with no casualties. SS Larry Doheny reached port. Montebello sinking confirmed.
General Kotaro Nakamura was named supreme commander of Japan defense headquarters by official wireless report. The appointment places Nakamura at the head of Japan's defense command structure as of Wednesday.
London dispatch reports German forces moving through France toward Spain threaten French North Africa while rumors claim Petain may resign in protest to German pressure in favor of Admiral Darlan. Observers consider Malta a potential target as part of a broader Mediterranean campaign.
Bethlehem observes a 24 hour wartime blackout as bells ring over the Church of the Nativity. Pilgrims from Jerusalem and Allied troops attend the midnight mass while Italian clergy are absent and Italian war prisoners hold services nearby. Peace on earth and good will are proclaimed.
General Douglas MacArthur assumes personal command as American Filipino troops engage a multi directional Japanese assault on Luzon. Reports detail landings near Lingayen Gulf and Atimonan with Mindanao activity at Davao, while Manila hosts heavy air raids and a push to declare the city open.
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