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Newspaper
San Antonio Light
Location
San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
Date
May 30, 1940
Page
4
Allied forces flee toward Dunkirk as German advances pin the pocket around Lille and Ypres. French and British units refuse to yield under intense bombardment and tireless air and sea operations, with Maginot defenses, armored car actions, and naval support shaping a last stand.
A San Antonio Light reader submits a May 24 1940 open letter to the President arguing that a mother’s son must not be sent to murder innocents. She asserts her duty to God and family, pleads for national leadership that preserves peace, and stresses that no reward can replace a son.
Egypt May 30. Wandering Bedouin tribesmen from the western desert near Libyan borders mobilize for defense. About six volunteers join the effort as recruits rise among Bedouin chieftains' sons. Moslem high priests exhort readiness to defend the country, hinting a potential holy war if Egypt faces attack.
Air Corps officials from the training centers at Randolph and Kelly fields returned from Washington after talks with War Department officials on the air corps training program called for by President Roosevelt. Col. A W Robbins led the group, with Col. B A Bohman of Kelly field and Col. John Brooks of Randolph field.
Jerusalem dispatch reports a citywide blackout ordered for next Monday affecting public services and daily life as authorities implement measures rising from the ongoing security situation. Officials urge residents to conserve power and stay indoors where possible.
An imaginary battleship threat near Rockaway Point prompted Fort Tilden to fire two 16 inch guns for the first time since 1935. Eleven shells hit the target wood square towed by an Army tug, with observers noting a writer hit and incidental hits deemed sufficient to sink the mock vessel.
United States government chemist and engineers unveil a solvent extraction method for cottonseed oil, aiming to reduce heat damage to meal, produce cheaper oil and maintain meal quality for plastics, adhesives, fibers, and films. Gastrock leads extensive lab work on cotton, peanuts, and sweet potatoes, with multiple speakers at the National Mill Superintendents convention in the Smith Young tower.
In Paris on May 30, American ambulance corps in France painted out red crosses from eighty ambulances after German planes repeatedly swooped to within 100 feet. Officials said the planes singled out ambulances with wounded, lying low to hide identity before bombing and machine-gunning.
British women join the nation’s war effort by donating personal jewelry including an engagement ring and the mother of two soldiers’ wedding ring, part of fundraising for Britain’s fight and war debt relief.
Americans paused for Memorial Day as wreaths were laid for the unknown soldier and fallen in all wars. President Roosevelt, away from Congress, sent Maj. Horace B. Smith to lead the Arlington observance after consulting the defense commission.
Berlin reports May 29 night attack by about 80 ships aimed at removing the remaining British forces from Flanders. Three warships and 36 transports sunk, 31 other ships hit or damaged, harbor basins emptied, 78 Allied planes shot down, with over 60 British ships taking part and a half million troops at risk in the Dunkerque Lille Ostend corridor.
Berlin reports two French generals were captured in La Capelle as German forces broke through town defenses. Motorized units and tanks released heavy fire while infantry cleared houses. After walls collapsed the post office surrendered and two elderly French officers emerged. A German general aboard a tank saluted the French troops. La Capelle fell and the German advance pressed on.
Paris dispatch reports Pope Pius could quit Rome for Portugal if Italian intervention worsens. Genevieve Tahouts notes the Vatican may be compelled to relocate as the pontiff cannot properly exercise his functions in a war-torn Italy.
A World War I field report from May 20 describes dive bomber roars and the unearthly scream of German airmen over the Somme front. French troops endure shells and bombs as German tactics mix candy drops and propaganda with deadly air power. Crosses line the fields, marking fallen soldiers as twenty years since the armistice give way to renewed war.
Rome May 80 The Newsman reports in Bern that French General Gustave Gamelin is understood to have killed himself following definite instructions from the French high command. General Corap, who commanded the Ninth Army at Sedan, is said to have been executed and Gamelin removed from command, being replaced by General Maxime Weygand after the disaster.
In Nice France on May 20 the Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrived at the La Croe estate on the Riviera. They will remain there for an indeterminate period.
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce opened a Census Check-up office in the Tesurance building under BB McGifsey to pursue a complete all-inclusive census. Garfield $347, or a full census checkup, is advised for those who believe they were omitted. The chamber also mailed hundreds of letters to area business leaders urging verification of employee inclusion.
Police announced arrests of National Unity party leaders in Montreal including Adnen Atcand, Noel Decarie, and several officials. Earlier detainees include Maurice Beil, Marius Gatten, Patt Giguere, and Barek, as authorities act on charges tied to defense of Canada's reputation.
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