21 May 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Kingsport Times
Location
Kingsport, Tennessee, United States of America
Date
May 21, 1940
Page
1
Report from Paris claims the German army is advancing toward Paris and the Channel, with the Ninth French Army said wiped out. Allies prepare for an offensive as German bombers hit channel areas and western fronts, while French and Allied forces test defenses along the Aisne and nearby regions.
President Roosevelt and Republican rival Landon met in Washington on Wednesday fueling talk of a bipartisan coalition. The White House said the lunch meeting aimed to discuss defense and foreign policy, with plans for Landon to travel to Washington, though invitations and scheduling caused confusion.
Frank Warner, a prominent Gingsport resident and longtime hotelier, died last night at 68. A World War II infantry veteran and major, he helped found the Ohla Golel Grevter's Association and served as an early president and secretary of the group, later managing hotels in Columbus and Big Blore Gap before moving to Minespere.
War bulletins report British Expeditionary Force fighting stubbornly in a German salient on the French coast near the Flegen Channel. Claims of Dutch and Belgian fortifications falling are contradicted, while Norway faces imminent Allied occupation as ammunition runs low in Narvik. Italian Slovene border closures and a British air raid over the southeast coast are noted, with stock markets reacting to the German advance into France.
President Roosevelt urged Congress to remove a relief bill limit on WPA projects in a letter to Representative Non. He warned that maintaining the $50,000 federal cap would hinder national defense efforts and criticized the push for strict limits as a potential return to “hoondoggling” while noting the current share of relief labor on large construction projects. The debate resumed as the House prepared to read the letter amid ongoing fights over the $977.65 million bill.
Washington May 21 All navy establishments were ordered to speed defense preparations by working extra shifts and by increasing civilian shipbuilding forces by at least 16 090 within three months. The action targets 66 warships including 8 battleships across districts from New York City to Puget Sound. The move follows Roosevelt era plans for a large air and naval expansion amid world tensions.
London May 21 British defenses pressed to war speed as German forces pushed toward France threaten air attack and invasion. Daily Press and official statements say Amiens and Abbeville in range of invasion with tanks in the countryside. Western front muddled with German advances, while French hold key positions and counterattacks loom amid naval reverses.
May 21 Louisville Kentucky reports indicate Dewey from New York is a slight favorite among Kentucky Republicans for the GOP presidential nomination. Complete county reports show at least seven counties endorsing him or electing district conventions delegates. Kenton and Campbell counties back Senator Taft of Ohio. Local districts elect uninstructed delegates and prepare for national convention delegates and alternates. State convention in Louisville tomorrow to name four national delegates at large and reorganize the central committee. Franklin and Mercer counties back Portsins and Mrs. South.
Clarenne Long, a Kingsport Black man, pleaded guilty to felonies and stolen property in Blountville court. He asked to serve a year and a day in the state penitentiary rather than 60 days in Sullivan County Jail, but the judge said the law forbids increasing the sentence. He reluctantly accepts 50 days.
Berlin reports major German success in France as the Ninth French Army is crushed and leaders including General Giraud are captured. German forces push toward the Channel coast from Arras to Abbeville while Belgian positions resist east of Ghent and along the Scheldt.
British warships were struck by heavy bombs off Narvik Norway, including a likely 29 150 ton battleship of the Resolution class and a heavy cruiser. The Royal Oak was torpedoed and sunk earlier, with other ships sustaining damage as Royal Navy veterans fought near Narvik.
German high command announced a two pronged advance toward the English Channel with Paris within 69 miles. Arras Amiens and Abbeville were seized as German armor and infantry surged west and south, crushing the Ninth French Army on the Meuse front. British officials described the front as a confused, broad salient with tanks roaming the countryside as they faced mounting vulnerability.
Paris May 0. Premier Reynaud blamed the government for faults behind recent French losses on the Meuse front. He admitted German forces had captured Artois and Alsace while motorized raids and undemolished bridges challenged France’s fortified line. The premier painted a grim picture and urged belief in France as the nation braces for a difficult war period.
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