17 Dec 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Daily Alaska Empire
Location
Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1940
Page
1
Allied desert troops under Gen. Archibald Wavell penetrate toward Bardia, a key Italian stronghold, driving a salient 15 miles inside the Libyan coast as London reports a substantial advance in the North Africa campaign.
Admiral William Leahy argues at a White House session for aiding Britain before it is too late, backing a larger American navy presence to deter Japan and keep the Dutch East Indies safe. He presses for action in the Far East while warning against relying on the weakened British fleet and cautions about German moves in the Atlantic.
Paris faces a grim Christmas as Nazi rule tightens. About two million French men are under occupation with internment camps and forced labor, while rationing bites and champagne exports were diverted to Germany. Citizens endure curfews and dance restrictions amid widespread hardship and quiet resistance.
Secretary of State Cordell Hull urged maximum speed in defense production after reviewing full information on foreign developments and the British situation. He told reporters he would relay essential facts from confidential overseas sources to the Defense Commissioners and other officials, avoiding technical production details.
Athens reports a violent attack on Durazzo, Albania's major supply base, as twin Greek offensives move toward the Valona defense line guarding the Adriatic port. Italian reserves struggle against snowbound mountains, unable to halt the Greek advance.
Closing quotations list Alaska Juneau mine at 5 percent, American Can 26, Anaconda 26, Bethlehem Steel 86, Commonwealth and Southern 4, Curtiss Wright 8, General Motors 50, International Harvester 55, Kennecott 36, New York Central 13, Northern Pacific 6, U S Steel 69, Pound 4.04.
Freezing temperatures and snow storms sweep East Asia to the Yangtze Valley as Shanghai Benevolent Society reports today. Edward Patten of Juneau dies at the Pioneers Home on December 14 per Superintendent Eiler Hanson. Dow Jones closes with industrials at 130.53, rails 27.48, utilities 19.80. Architect Redman sues A I Whitley for 75 dollars in District Court over unpaid services at a railroad project in Mexico.
In Washington on December 17 examiner Ray Stough of the Aeronautics Board recommended 23 airline applications in Alaska under a Tertiary plan. The report notes sled journeys cost 500 dollars, while flying costs 78 dollars and cuts travel from 30 days to four hours, with Alaska carriers employing over a million dollars in invested capital. Proposals range from limited to broader services, with many carriers named among those approved in whole or part.
London reports Lord Beaverbrook Minister of Aircraft Production said Germany is preparing for an invasion of England, mainly by air, with large air force buildup expected in early next year. He cited feverish production signs and said the objective is invasion of Great Britain.
Late Rome release says Fascist torpedo planes struck a 6,000-ton British cruiser shelling Bardia. No specifics on damage were provided in the afternoon bulletin.
The Greeks report seven counter attacks against the fascist Legions on fronts in Albania early this morning. The report cites aggressive actions and ongoing clashes as forces contest control in the region.
Miami Beach report states J Edgar Hoover says Attorney General Jackson will likely order public hearings on the FBI report naming Harry Bridges a Communist. Bridges recalls a prior 1950 hearing led by Dean Landis that found no grounds for deportation, while Hoover claims new evidence is bribery and intimidation.
Moscow December 17 Pravda the state paper says Russia faces a giant economic problem in the coming year and must increase defense measures. The drive will drain oil output and Russia must take steps to raise production to meet the country’s needs.
British Royal Air Force planes pounded Mannheim for seven hours last night striking chemical plants and leaving many fires blazing when they departed. The High Command admits damage to buildings and two chemical factories but says production decline is immaterial. Ten killed and about fifty fatally injured in the raid.
Fort Worden in Washington state joined Port Townsend and Port Angeles in a night blackout last night. Aerial observers reported only one light visible in a Port Townsend house while the town’s siren and fire bell sounded and a paper mill whistle echoed. Port Townsend’s population is about 3,700.
Olympia Washington December 17 Gov Clarence D Martin appointed Wallgren to fill the vacancy caused by Schwellenbach resignation to take a federal judgeship in eastern Washington Schwellenbach moves to the bench in federal service with the vacancy filled by Wallgren
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