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Newspaper
San Antonio Light
Location
San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
Date
Dec 20, 1941
Page
1
A public wartime message praises Allied resolve and the sacrifice of young American servicemen. It urges unity, adequate preparation, and support for armies and navies, warning against infighting or selfish interests that could jeopardize victory and humanity. The letter extols the bravery of the nation’s youth and condemns neglect of their needs.
A wartime letter from a Philippine Sea area radio operator describes delays in mail, transfer progress to a bombing squadron, and the emotional impact of distant home. He notes Catalina aircraft known as PBYs in the U S Navy, fears for mail and Clippers patrols, and expresses hope for more troops into Indo Chin. He speaks of longing, camaraderie, and the harshness of war as he awaits assignment and mail from Aunt Virgina.
London reports British defense of Hongkong remains stubborn as Japanese forces tighten the siege. Chinese troops push along the Canton Kowloon line but heavy fighting continues 10 miles northeast of Shumchun. Governor Sir Mark Young says operations on the island proceed while Tokyo claims British garrisons are crumbling under fire.
News reports from the Netherlands News Agency say Japanese planes sunk the 4200 ton Russian freighter Peeepop between Vladivostok and Surabaya in the Java area. Seventeen planes participated. crew losses included many dead with 32 rescued including the captain. In related dispatches a Chinese minister was reportedly captured during the Hong Kong offensive at Kowloon.
Forecast shows partly cloudy conditions in San Antonio area Friday night into Saturday with highs around 76 and a low near 66 on Sunday. East Texas remains partly cloudy and warmer in the northwest. Weakening fronts bring increasing rain possible across the Big Bend and Rio region.
Batavia reports Dutch aircraft damaged or sunk several Japanese ships off Mir, Borneo. Three cruisers put out of action amid attacks on naval concentrations near Mir, Sarawak, and Bela North Borneo. Allied claims include cruiser and transport set ablaze and a possible sunk cruiser.
A congressional committee report says seven Latin American nations host Axis spy and propaganda networks drawn from authoritative sources. The survey of 16 southern nations cites Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil among others. The panel notes 31,000 miles of Latin American territory surveyed and 2200 agent cells in Buenos Aires, with risk of a later stormtrooper contingent arising in Argentina.
London report notes a Soviet War News publication claims a secret committee of noce, a group of fascists and communists, plotted to overthrow Mussolini and seek a separate peace. It cites a revolutionary movement and an Italian sabotage attempt, with a trial of suspected spies held at Trieste this month.
Manila reports the Far East Command announced 13 U.S. officers and men received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary bravery. Captain Colin P. Kelly, posthumously honored, died after his bomber crashed following three direct hits on a Japanese battleship. Two Filipino recipients noted. pilot Buzz Wagner cited for earlier feats. The article details Kelly’s final mission and crew escape.
Weather information from S A reports cloudy patterns and partly cloudy skies with a Sunday low around 56 degrees. Forecast notes indicate a thinner Saturday than Friday and mentions wartime control impacting reporting.
About 2000 Wright Aeronautical workers in Waterson New Jersey stopped work for two hours in protest of managements incentive plan. William H Showers, president of the Wright Aeronautical Employes Association and independent union, cited notices of decreases in efficiency bonus payments as the trigger. Production resumed after company officials asked workers to return, stating steps would be taken to correct what they called an unfair variation.
Mexico plans to send about a half million gardenias to the United States to aid war efforts. Alejandra Burina, head of the government tourist department, said flowers would be shipped despite cancellation of a roses tournament. U S groups will sell the flowers for Red Cross or defense needs.
Hollywood blue note reports actors Robert Young Donald Oris and John Milfon among others queued to enlist in the 1st Evacuation regiment of the Galfarnin state guard. They waited two hours for physicals and an hour for processing in a public enlistment effort last night.
A report states that Indo China authorities have seized property of three powers at war with Japan. British French and Dutch consuls are under house arrest as sources confirm government takeover actions affecting foreign nationals and their assets in the region.
Rome reports a British naval unit sunk and another vessel possibly fatally hit by Italian forces guarding a Mediterranean convoy late Wednesday. Italian high command said Italian ships emerged unscathed amid the engagement.
Berlin reports U boats have sunk four ships totaling 17 000 tons in recent operations against British shipping in the Atlantic. A tanker of 8 000 tons was also credited as sunk by scouting whaleboats. The announcement notes the action occurred within a convoy near St George’s Channel between England and Ireland.
Washington news reports a growing conviction in Senate that the United States would send an expeditionary force across the Atlantic once trained and equipped and ships are available. Discussions cover possible landings in Africa or bases at the Azores or Canary Islands, with a range of views on timing and necessity.
British imperial forces in northern Malaya reorganizing for a new stand after driving the Jap invaders back along the Krinn river about 300 miles from Singapore. The Perak sector saw heavy fighting with only minor clashes near Grik. 60 Japanese were reported killed. Last American and British refugees left Penang as Singapore remained involved in the broader campaign.
In South Portland Maine two 10100 ton cargo carriers Ocean Freedom and Ocean Liberty were launched at an American operated British financed Todd-Rath shipyard. The ships sponsored by Lady Gerald Campbell and Mrs Borner Sewall, tested as harbor waters filled the concrete building basin and the vessels floated.
In a signed weekly Reich article from Bern Germanys Propaganda Minister Paul Joseph Goebbels argues the changed world demands a tough extended conflict. He claims Axis advantaged and predicts Britain and United States fatigue while Germany benefits from France Balkans and Japan realignments. He warns the war could last years and urges steadfast resolve amid looming global struggle.
News reports state heavy fighting in Davao City as Japanese forces strike anew, with transports unloading and a fierce daylong battle. Nichols Field reported light bombardment while MacArthur's status and Philippine defense plans were updated, including civilian welfare measures and a $10 million emergency fund.
Lonesome, a stray dog in Victorville, awaits the return of a missing soldier. The dog runs off last Monday, fails to reunite, and continues to search trains for any sight of a familiar figure. Observer Jacob F. Seamitt notes the dog eats reluctantly when tempted but refuses comfort from people.
Brig. Gen. H. RB Harmon commander of the Gulf Coast training center addressed the Tastamall class at Ove Kelsi field nomination school. Among the class members is Capt. Elliot Roosevelt, son of the president, with thirteen others. Roosevelt ordered to the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron at Mures Lake, Colle.
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