30 Dec 1941
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 30, 1941
Page
1
General MacArthur rejects immediate indiscriminate bombing of open cities in Japan. He argues retaliation is natural but should wait for a time when Allied forces have sufficient men and equipment. He urges every bomber used in the Far East to count for real strategic value.
A civilian shift of office tasks to civilians is debated as War Department contemplates volunteer women and possible universal drafts. Officials warn of patriotic pressure bias and stress efficient use of all capable manpower. The piece also critiques rationing preparedness and notes a hopeful quiet winter while stressing national resolve.
Japanese forces spread a flank toward Nueva Ecija in the Philippines amid reports of a big push. Dispatches say the nucleus comes from Pangasinan and aims at Cabanatuan as American and Filipino defenders retreat toward Manila.
Dutch newspapers in Batavia said Allied reinforcements are coming but urged patience. They warned the offensive requires thorough preparation and noted the enormous difficulties in taking the initiative, signaling cautious optimism.
On the Northern Luzon front a rifleman named Al York, a second Sergeant York figure, crouched at a bridge and picked off Japanese gun crews one by one, saving a Filipino battalion. Lieut William Porter of Las Cruces, NM, led the battered unit as they refit to rejoin Lingayen Gulf fighting in the first phase of the battle near Manila.
Former Col Charles A Lindbergh, who resigned from the air corps reserve, offers his services to the U S Army Air Forces in a letter to Gen Henry H Arnold. President Roosevelt had criticized his isolationist stance, and officials say his commission would follow standard first-application procedures with a possible rank adjustment from his former colonel title.
Wallace Carroll reveals a long organized fifth column and espionage network in Honolulu linked to Pearl Harbor. He cites alleged pre strike arrows in sugar cane, a Japanese business visitor at Scho field barracks, vegetable dealers with navy movement tips, and coded newspaper ads. He argues awareness now can warn future danger but notes not all Japanese were culpable.
The text argues that strategic bombing of civilian targets yields no decisive war advantage. It cites Cant on, Barcelona, Warsaw, Rotterdam, Coventry, and London as terror tactics that hardened civilian resolve yet failed to change outcomes. It predicts Manila and Tokyo attacks would likely follow the same pattern.
Japanese planes struck Singapore and Malay peninsula targets in a night raid, with four attacks on Singapore and claims of damage near Ipoh and Perak river defenses. British withdrawals and scorched earth measures were noted as tin supplies were destroyed to hinder Japanese advances. Kuching, Sarawak fell to Japanese forces threatening sea lanes between Singapore, Java, and southern Sumatra.
Akron report notes Harvey S. Firestone Jr. and the Firestone company shaping the rubber industry scene in Akron Ohio with ongoing commercial activity and development.
Cedar Rapids faces another heavy snow event with forecast for Tuesday and Tuesday night. Snow accumulation reaches two to three inches by Tuesday afternoon as temperatures linger around 27 degrees, wind 20 to 30 mph, and officials urge caution for motorists and stockmen.
Des Moines reports a cold wave with Charles D. Reed forecasting subfreezing temperatures across Iowa. Snowfall was heavy with Fort Dodge adding three inches to reach seven inches on the ground, as storms cover the state.
DES MOINES AP Col Dan A Hunter state commander of the Iowa civil air patrol announced group 2 appointments for Cedar Rapids residents. Group commander F Cruz Hahn executive officer J L Sea ly adjutant James Waltham personnel and medical officer Dr John Stansbury intelligence and public relations officer Flourney Corey training and operations officer Harold Ammons equipment and supply officer George Suichty transportation officer Ira Weed and communications officer Charles Quentin.
Mohandas K. Gandhi, longtime head of the Indian independence movement, asked to be relieved of leadership of the all-India Congress Party. He will retain his stance against violence and disagreed with the majority on cooperating with Britain's war effort.
General MacArthur urged that retaliatory measures be taken against Japan for the Manila bombings, described as violative of international law. The war department communique details the destruction of churches, hospitals, and religious sites after Manila was declared an open city.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill spoke in Ottawa to a Canadian parliament assembly, outlining three war phases ending with a final assault on Germany and Japan. He warned of a long, hard road, urged total mobilization, and praised Roosevelt as a destiny man guiding the crisis.
Line Japs seek to outflank Philippine defenses in Pampanga province amid reported advances toward Lingayen Gulf. Japanese reinforcements landed on the southern front while observers saw a need for a defense stand in Batangas province as forces fell back from Tayug.
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