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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
May 17, 1945
Page
7
Labor officials report urgent mobilization of prisoners for reconditioning equipment and repair of roads as part of a wider war effort. German prisoners are screened and assigned to thousands of tasks, including shipping supplies and maintaining port operations, under government programs.
The capture of Dr. Robert Ley by American forces signals a major roundup underway as allies confirm Ley in custody. Reports note Lt Gen Lucius D Clay and Eisenhower’s deputy hailed the arrests while a temporary German government exists to serve occupation needs. Ernst Kaltenbrunner’s arrest in Austria may blunt anti Russian resistance. Sauckel also captured by the 101st Airborne Division.
Washington AP report on the Atlantic battle notes more than 500 U.S. submarines sunk and large undersea raids by German U-boats during 1944 and early 1945. Admiral Jonas H. Ingram details submarine losses, captures, and Japanese submarine activity in the Atlantic last year. Two Japanese crew committed harikiri aboard a surrendered sub.
A three week forecast for the Charter For Peace League follows a bond show at Wiregrass Memorial Stadium in India. The event, part of the Seventh War Loan drive, drew about 4,000 spectators and raised tens of thousands in E and F bonds. Lt Gen Jacks K Truscott Jr spoke of the war bond effort, while a simulated infantry display offered a vivid view of frontline combat. The campaign targets $1,817,000, with current totals around $685,181 including $26 in E bonds.
San Francisco AP dispatch reports Secretary of State Stettinius insists there are no differences between American and British views on Poland and Crimea issues. Officials say Moscow replies on the Polish government and arrests remain pending as UN talks intensify. The Conference faces mounting disputes among the United States Great Britain and the Soviet Union over the peace league charter and key foreign policy questions.
The report notes marine patrols along the Asato river estuary and central island town defenses. It mentions cautious advances along the east coast toward Luzon and new landings on southern Tara, with Australian forces involved and broader supply details referenced in terse battlefield notes.
C. G. Smith, longtime manager of the Do than area office, is transferred to the Montgomery area office. Harry N. Scott, manager of the Rome Georgia office, remains in place. Smith had led the Rome office prior to his transfer.
In Montgomery the Alabama House clashed over Rep. Smyer and Law Sanderson’s fights on allocating income tax revenue. Debate focused on earmarking funds for teacher salaries or reducing property taxes, with differing views on real estate taxation. Senate action moved toward approving additional school and welfare appropriations, reportedly acceptable to the administration.
Allied intelligence shows the Nazi high command planned a do or die Luftwaffe battle to halt U S Eighth Air Force bombers. The plan called for destroying 750 to 1000 aircraft, with 400 bombers and 250 fighters, but pilots balked at close range engagements and some were court martialed. The effort failed as German command unity collapsed and the plan was dropped.
AP dispatch describes B 29s delivering a massive fire bombing of Naha Okinawa near the inner harbor and docks. Reports from U S crewmen indicate heavy fires and limited enemy air resistance while Japanese claims note several bombed targets including Atsuta Shrine.
AP reports total allied battle deaths and losses rose to 966,214 through May 7 with Army losses at 878,939 and Navy at 87,275. Philippine campaign totals reach 46,628 including 10,342 killed, 35,698 wounded, 507 missing. Japanese casualties exceed 237,256.
June 30 is the deadline to file applications for payment under the 19a and 1944 agricultural conservation programs. Jesse A. Culbreth, Houston County AAA administrator, urged all eligible applicants to file by June 30. Applications will be accepted at the county AAA office.
American divisions push along Sayre highway north of Mindanao while Davao City remains under close combat with fanatical Japanese. The 31st and 24th Infantry Divisions aim toward Valencia air fields and the 40th Infantry Division advances from Viel Marte. Rough terrain and entrenched positions slow progress as 50,000 enemy troops resist near Busnen Province and Del Monte, with Marine support and intense fighting amid rugged hills and improvised weapons.
Reported engagements indicate Japanese forces clashed with British naval units at Malate. The description notes destroyer activity and coastal defenses, with persistent conflicts referenced around Singapore in early 1942.
Daniel DeLuce reports on the American Military Government shaping German democracy and the occupation’s aims in the Rhineland. He notes the return of Germans, the strain on prewar population, and the tension between Allied control and rising German autonomy amid debates on a soft peace.
Washington reports Japan and business circles are boosting unofficial peace feelers after Manila fell and the Okinawa invasion began. No concrete terms are known, but inquiry suggests possible willingness to negotiate while avoiding surrender. Analysts caution there is no clear offer or timetable from Tokyo or allied mediators.
CHUNGKING AP The Chinese command said troops were forced to withdraw from Foochow on Tuesday night as large numbers of Japanese reinforcements entered the five day battle. Foochow near the coast, and Whitt American Expeditionary Forces may land someday. The Chinese claimed they fought into the city last Friday and inflicted 400 casualties. An American observer cited evidence that enemy morale had reversed in Hunan Province, praising Chinese morale and defensive counteroffensives that slowed the Japanese drive toward the Armieri base at Chibkiang. The report noted heavy equipment and supplies were left by the Japanese, while Chinese units and American air support aided withdrawal and rear-area evacuation efforts.
Alabama leads the United States in bond sales with totals announced today. Officials reported sales of about 17.8 million dollars and a broader state total near 200 million, highlighting resources for the loan drive and war finance.
Allied forces report 46 505 Japanese slain with 3 781 American KIA on Okinawa as Lt Gen Buckner’s Tenth Army presses toward Shuri Yonabaru and Naha. U S casualties total 20 950 with 2 771 soldiers and 1 873 Marines KIA and 11 675 wounded. About 36 000 Japanese remain. Americans hold key high ground and seize portions of the capital area amid heavy bombardment.
Belgrade dispatch reports Marshal Tito proposing that Yugoslav troops remain in occupation of parts of Austria including Carinthia but come under the command of Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander. He offered this in reply to U S notes urging no forced boundary changes pending peace talks and a US request for withdrawal of forces from Trieste and Venesia Gidia areas. The Yugoslav note claimed Austria occupation talks and cited prior proposals and responses from Britain and the United States.
An American officer and four Allied prisoners of war were killed May 9 when a plane carrying them from France to England crashed and caught fire. Names were not released.
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