18 Feb 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Charleston Gazette
Location
Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Feb 18, 1940
Page
1
Field Marshal Baron Mannerheim urged Finnish troops to hold the line and praised incoming foreign assistance. He warned the enemy cannot break the defensive system if new fortified positions are created, as reports show gains on the eastern front but retreats on the Karelian isthmus continue.
Reds claim gains at Saimo station four miles southeast of Viipuri as Soviet troops push toward the Finnish city. Communique reports enemy retreating under heavy blows, villages set ablaze, and occupation of Omata Karhula Narja and Munrila coastal towns.
In the Kuhmo sector 1800 Russians were reported killed as Red army raids damaged southern Finland defenses. Helsinki says local air raid alarms sounded and the Mannerheim line likely held. abandoned positions blamed on improvised frontal defenses by volunteers.
Paris reports French army headquarters backed Daladier’s plan to open arsenals and extend credits to Finland. French planes anti tank guns and rifles have been shipped, with a single command condition preserving newer arm models for inland defense. The accord aligns with Anglo Finn pact to avoid duplicating military aid.
A Navy board led by Rear Admiral Ernest J. King urges a five year 10 million dollar program to build a 650 foot dirigible and ten or more blimps plus two larger airships for long range scouting. It also calls for federal subsidies to support civilian airship lines and a replacement for the Los Angeles airship with 3000000 cubic feet capacity.
Tax Commissioner reports December sales tax receipts set an all time high with 1939 totals totaling 8,361,600.63 from the two percent levy. 1938 and 1937 figures show prior peaks. Beer barrel and gasoline taxes also hit new highs, while beer barrel receipts totaled 704,500.02 and gasoline sales reached 10,733,706.69.
President Roosevelt announced aboard the Tuscaloosa that he would inspect Atlantic side canal defenses in the Panama zone. He will meet Gen Van Voorhis and discuss additional canal locks and defense forces with military and civilian officials. The voyage with Lang and Jouett sails toward Panama amid excellent tropical weather.
Gov Olson ordered extradition of Hollywood labor leader William Bioff to Chicago to complete an 18 year old sentence as he faces federal tax evasion charges in Los Angeles. Olson cited prior arrests and Chicago law enforcement scrutiny in deciding to honor Illinois’ extradition request.
About one hundred residents crowded the community theater for a double feature when operator Ralph Murphy halted the second film 15 minutes before its end. Manager Isabelle Brown issued passes so patrons could finish watching the conclusion.
Senate foreign relations panel and the United States weigh embargo options against Japan amid a split 7-7-6 among 23 members. The fate of two bills hinges on Secretary Hull’s position, with several members seeking his views before deciding.
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Postmaster General James A. Farley announced the Democratic national convention will open in Chicago on July 15. The timing follows the Republicans’ Philadelphia nominating convention and aims to frame the party’s platform with knowledge of the opposing date.
Berlin reports quoted Nazi papers denouncing Britain's Altmark attack as a dangerous act. Volkischer Beobachter vows revenge, while Berlin newspapers call for retaliation and protest to Norway for failing to protect the vessel. Officials warn of serious consequences yet emphasize unified German resolve.
Under Secretary Sumner Welles and Myron C. Taylor sail aboard the Rex on a key US peace mission to Europe. Welles will seek a basis for nations to confer with Mussolini Hitler Daladier and Chamberlain. Taylor serves as Roosevelt’s envoy to the Vatican and aims to prevent further suffering.
A flash blizzard trapped travelers and snowbound motorists across the Texas panhandle. Army trucks carried medicines and blankets to aid at least 20 people near Taboka. Schoolchildren and buses were stranded, but all 190 pupils were later reported safe amid widespread auto closures around Lubbock.
Twenty five New York university women form Future Wives of America protesting underage marriage in New York. Led by Inez Freer they plan to lobby the state legislature to raise the minimum marriageable age citing missed “bliss” and a desire for large families.
Chairman Martin Dies of Texas plans an executive session Monday to chart the committee's course in investigating un American activities. The group will consider whether Rev. Charles Coughlin should testify and Rep Voorhis will push resolutions to curb members' speaking. Dies returned from illness and is under physician care.
J. E. Robertson of Smithers won the day with the best Confucius Say entry, earning the Gazette’s $1 daily prize as Charleston readers flood the page with humor and Oriental proverbs. The editor invites more submissions for ongoing daily prizes.
A British boarding party from HMS Cossack freed sailors from the Nazi prison ship Altmark after a fierce confrontation on Norwegian shores. The Altmark was left grounded fast in ice and rocks while a German tanker Baldur was scuttled nearby. Oslo and Berlin issued sharp protests as British forces remained on watch.
Oslo reports a daring British raid into Gjessingfjord to free Altmark prisoners prompting Norway to protest to Britain and Germany. The Altmark remains aground in icy harbor as Oslo weighs possible internment amid neutrality concerns and German demands for repair and compensation. Premier Nygaardsvold personally handles Norway’s protest at the British legation.
Eight ships owned by United States Lines were sold to Societe Marittime Anversoise of Antwerp. The steamers President Harding through American Traveler will sail under the Belgian flag from Hoboken to destinations including Belgium France and England. Proceeds estimated at 3 5 million will fund new American tonnage.
London reports last night a boarding party swarmed onto the Nazi ship Altmark wielding pistols and cutlasses. The account recalls 1917 actions of the Broke under Admiral Sir Edward Evans who led a boarding party and helped defeat six German destroyers.
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