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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jul 21, 1941
Page
4
President Roosevelt files a forceful message urging extension of draftee, National Guard, and reservist service. He shoulders political risk to help Congress judge the merits, warning against halting the modern army training and stressing readiness for future combat.
London reports a daylight raid by swarms of British bombers and fighters over the Dover Strait aimed at the French invasion coast. A prior five hour raid on defenses along the coast and a night raid on the Rhineland, including Cologne and Rotterdam docks, followed as German fortifications expanded. Observers note chalk cliff excavations and circular structures near the Dover memorial, signaling a network of roads between Calais and Boulogne to move troops and supplies more easily.
DNB says British bombers, protected by fighters, tried to sweep into France Monday morning but were driven off with six planes downed and no German losses. British night raids damaged some residences in western Germany but caused no military or industrial damage. German bombers hit harbor works and air fields, sinking two merchant ships of 11,000 tons and a speedboat off the English coast.
The Italian war communique reports fifteen dead and twenty four wounded from a British bombing raid on Naples during the night. It also states Italy will commence a blackout half an hour earlier at 10 p.m. The communique notes British raids on Benghazi and axis bombing of Malta.
Forecast calls for a high around 88 under clear skies in Cedar Rapids and nearby areas with a chance of scattered thunderstorms Monday night into Tuesday. The day opened with 66 at 7 am and rose steadily to 74 by 9:30 am, peaking near 88 at 2:30 pm as bright blue skies persisted.
An Exchange Telegraph dispatch from Hong Kong reports the British Far Eastern fleet escorting transport vessels has left Canton for an unrevealed destination. The claim originates from a Monday Hong Kong dispatch and carries no official confirmation.
Fort Meade unit soldiers from the 74th quartermaster battalion faced confinement to camp and barred from leaving after writing letters to Senators Wheeler and Taft protesting a proposed extension of citizen-soldier service during the emergency. Commanding officer Lieut. Henry M. Walter stated several were confined to barracks with others restricted to the camp, while the letters urged intervention against the amendment expanding term of service. Regulations prohibit soldiers from influencing legislation affecting the army.
Assistant Chief Al Mikota offers a ring of Bologna to the first patrolman who tickets three drivers clocked at 45 mph or more. Mikota says there is citizen concern over fast driving and unveiled the prize Saturday with rules: do not fudge and don’t stretch the speed. Local limit is 25 mph.
Cedar Rapids based 349th Infantry reserve officers totaled 306 with Maj. Charles Obye reporting 138 men, 45 percent, ordered to active duty. Captains show the highest rate at 24 of 38, driven by experience not being too old. Three field officers, 41 first lieutenants, and 70 second lieutenants also called. Only 18 failed physicals.
German spokesman says a large battle rages east of the Stalin line likely near Smolensk with claims of annihilating a Soviet division around Mogilev. Moscow dispatches note Smolensk remains in red hands despite the German report, while battles and air raids affect zones north of Vitebsk and across the Dnieper region.
Cedar Raunds News reports the Penick and Ford plant began an indefinite shutdown after a union shop demand by Federal Labor union No. 18619 left about 580 workers idle. Negotiations stalled as both sides awaited the other to move, with conciliator Mike Sherman called in to assist.
TOKIO UP report says hundreds of Japanese residents in the Union of South Africa hurriedly prepare to depart Johannesburg after Domei dispatch notes their readiness to leave.
The British airfield defense plan is set for review after a group of middle aged American business men captured the heavy guarded brigade headquarters at an important airdrome. Under Gen Wade Hayes the Americans entered despite 300 to 500 British troops in fog and rain, overpowered a sentry, seized maps and orders, and used tear gas to push into the building.
Acting Secretary of State Sumner Welles said the United States had information that Germany planned new aggression against remaining dependent countries in Europe. He suggested Spain and Portugal as possible targets while stressing U.S. support for Bolivia amid an alleged Nazi coup attempt. Welles rejected the claim that Red Cross aid to Spain was tied to policy, insisting aid aimed only to keep the Spanish people at peace.
Lieut. Gen. Ben Lear inspected the 110th quarter master regiment at Camp Robinson Arkansas and praised the battalion formerly disciplined for shouting at shorts clad girls on a golf course. He called it the best supply regiment in the Second Army.
Washington dispatch reports the House approved by voice vote a measure to permit revitalization of the army by retirement of officers deemed unfit for active duty. The bill would allow a five general board to decide who leaves the active lists, with officials saying over 100 officers could be affected if enacted.
United Press reports Britain urged its secret V army in occupied countries to stay undercover and wait to strike the Germans. The campaign aims to form a vast clandestine force pledged to harass the Germans, mark buildings with V and tap Morse code signals for Allied victory.
Washington United Press reports Senate Democratic Leader Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky told the Senate during debate on the administration draft property bill that he would not shun a declaration of war if it is a last resort.
Judge H C Ring, 71, district court judge for 11 years and former Iowa legislator, died of a heart attack at his home Sunday night. He served the Eighteenth district covering Jones, Cedar and Linn counties and had been in court Friday and Saturday before falling ill. The courthouse will close early Wednesday in his memory. He was born March 31, 1870 near Center Point, and known for his sympathy and integrity. Continued on page 2.
A Cedar Rapids cafe at 3108 First Avenue East was burglarized between 4 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday. A thief cut a screen and shattered a side door to take 16 cartons of cigarettes, five packages of tobacco, and 52 bottles of beer valued around $30, with no cash stolen. Patrolmen Eddie Stearns and Chuck Simon reported the breakin, Cedar Rapids’ first in July.
Mayor Frank Hahn led Cedar Rapids in a defense drive by placing the first contribution on a wooden platform over a municipal plaza fountain. At 9 30 a m the Musketeers band led a parade from the YMCA to the island as city officials gathered on city hall steps. Edward Lowe read a statement from Lieut Gov Hickenlooper, with Sen Byers citing Gov Wilson.
Industry rallied behind the aluminum drive as Iowa Electric Light and Power poured over a ton of scrap aluminum from its warehouse on the city plaza pile. Frank Chambers, vice president, said the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City railway would match the contribution and urged 100 percent employee cooperation. Edward E. Lowe, civil defense chairman, praised the power company truck and hoped other industries would follow suit.
The statement asserts commitment to the American system and the need for sacrifice. It frames unity and resilience as essential, echoing calls to protect constitutional principles amid ongoing national challenges.
President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare a national emergency to keep selectees and National Guardsmen in active service, warning the army would disintegrate within two months without action. He urged lifting yearly induction limits, protecting jobs, and transferring older guardsmen to reserve status, stressing urgent national defense needs.
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