07 May 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Portsmouth Herald
Location
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States of America
Date
May 07, 1940
Page
1
Washington, May 7. Private expert testimony questions U S military preparedness. It warns an 18 month lag before adequate defense against invasion and insufficient anti aircraft guns. It cites budget limits, delayed mobilization needs, and hoped superiority in industrial capacity as not yet translating into real security.
Mrs. George W. Morton a 34 year old Newington housewife and mother of one died at Portsmouth Hospital from burns suffered when an oil heater spilled and caught fire while she tried to rescue another resident. She helped save Mrs. Josephine Hoyt of Greenland Road Newington who could not walk from her bed. The two women were upstairs after the heater incident and firemen carried Hoyt from a sloping roof as Morton, severely burned, assisted before succumbing amid ongoing hospital treatment.
Four Squalus tragedy survivors will be aboard the reconditioned submarine Sailfish when she is commissioned next Wednesday officials announced. The men Lloyd B Mannes Eugene Cravens Leonard de Medieros and Gerald C McLees were aboard during the May 23 dive off the Isles of Shoals. Sailfish records will start anew with a new crew and trials to follow. The refit cost was estimated at 1 460 000 and the work was done at the local navy yard.
Dover street commissioner dispute ends with state supreme court ruling. Justices say Dover Board of Aldermen had full authority to order a recount that swung the post to Frank J. Grimes by 14 votes. Walter S. Wheeler had led 22,706 to 2,620 before the recount. Wheeler's counsel argued aldermen lacked authority to recount.
Thieves entered Richardson's cider room in Derry and tried to tap a 44 gallon vat believed to be cider but it turned to vinegar. About 300 gallons spilled onto the floor before discovery. State police seek the thieves who apparently missed other cider stored in the building.
The rain swollen Connecticut River, flooding Hartford lowlands and streets, is expected to begin receding today after peaking near 29.7 feet.
The Herald announces a weekly News Map of the Week displayed in the Congress Street window. A full color map highlights 36 world events with explanatory footnotes. It updates as world news unfolds, offering a public service feature to keep readers informed.
The Hampton Beach Coast Guard plans a second tow to free a fishing boat owned by Claude Gimore after it broke from its mooring in a northwesterly wind. Boatswain's Mate James Sprague led the first daytime attempt with Suffermen Carlton Scovill and Real St. Marie assisting. high tide later in the evening is expected to allow safe recovery.
Berlin reports a purported telephone chat between Winston Churchill and Edouard Reynaud claiming the Allies would be ready for ordered action in the Near East around May 15. London officials call the tale fantastic and Paris officials deny the conversation and any Allied intention.
District Attorney Musser W Gettig asked for a 65000 reward to apprehend the sex maniac believed to have killed Fay Gates 25 and Rachel Taylor 17 near Pennsylvania State College. Police traced a small key to its manufacturers as efforts to locate the slayer continue. Authorities think the killer lives in Centre County and that many residents know him though he appears normal.
The House Judiciary committee voted 14 to 11 to revive the Hatch political practices bill and give it further consideration.
In South Pasadenas California on May 7 three survivors remained critically wounded after a deposed school principal opened fire with a target pistol that cost the lives of four others. authorities identified slain victims including George C. Bush, aged 62.
In Concord on May 7 the sixth annual luncheon of the New Hampshire Women’s Republican club drew a near capacity crowd to hear Congressman Frank Horton. Sen Styles Bridges urged strengthening U S defenses, calling for a powerful navy, mobile air corps, and modernized army as insurance against infringements. He outlined four political principles emphasizing government integrity and decentralization.
Washington May CAP The most important plank in the Republican platform urged by Senator Lodge R-Mass calls for keeping peace with a balanced budget local control of unemployment relief merit based government jobs non discrimination and robust armed forces while avoiding overseas military intervention and stepping back from old partisan methods.
New York May 7 AP Twenty five years ago today the British liner Lusitania was torpedoed off England by a German submarine causing 1198 deaths including 124 Americans and hastening the United States entry into World War I. The warning from the German consulate did little to deter voyagers and the ship’s sinking shocked the nation as leaders considered responses.
The Associated Press reports Dewey led Maryland and Idaho Republican delegates, with Maryland backing Dewey and Idaho instructing eight delegates to support the New York district attorney. California Democrats filed four delegate slates, while other states like Alabama and Florida held primaries with pro third-term sentiment and rival slates.
Laurence Meyer of the State Planning and Development commission told the Dover Kiwanis club that the city must diversify its industries to dodge a local economic lull. He warned that too many workers are textile operatives and noted no space for new industry. He cited the closing No. 1 mill of Pacific Mills and the Sawyer mill of American Woolen Co. and urged a modern plant to support multiple small industries. The commission has discussed with Pacific Mills and American Woolen Co. but may not be asked to aid establishment of new industry.
Feverish preparations for defense against modern war accelerate in Egypt as the Mediterranean region becomes an armed camp. Britain hints that Italy’s non belligerent status could change within seven days and a 20th century blackout is ordered. Police and troops enforce air raid warnings starting tomorrow noon. Blackout measures cover homes and buildings with curtains and coverings.
London reports Prime Minister Chamberlain defends Norway withdrawals and appoints Winston Churchill to supervise day to day military operations. In Parliament Labour leader Attlee harshly criticizes the speech as complacent and demands new leadership, warning of fresh fronts and a nation anxious for decisive action. Churchill retains first lord of the admiralty as he guides chiefs of staff across services.
Bucharest May 7 AP Romania tightens internal defense as war fears rise in southeastern Europe. Police and military officials could detain and intern thousands of foreigners including about 60 000 Germans, many tourists, at the first sign of trouble. Censorship on reporters is imposed and the entire defense network is mobilized for air raid drills.
Two Dublin detectives were wounded in a machine-gun battle with a gang believed linked to the Irish Republican Army. A half dozen armed men attempted a mail robbery near Merrion Square as detectives rode motorcycles to deliver mail to Sir John Matty. The clash follows an April 25 bombing at Dublin Castle that injured five detectives.
War bulletins from the Mediterranean report Mussolini calling up 1938 conscripts, Bulgaria Yugoslavia tensions, and Italy asserting claims to Madagascar. Belgrade mobilizes 275,000 more troops with 3,000 aircraft as Berlin radio notes Italy’s expansion. In Rome crowds cheer Il Duce as he hints at broader alliance while Bologna paper hails him as greatest war lord. London Times editorial dismisses optimistic notes.
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