MR. CHURCHILL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 196, 19 August 1940, Page 8

MR. CHURCHILL

SPEECH TO-MORROW. Will Deal With Important War Developments. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 18. The "Sunday Times" political correspondent says it is understood Mr. Churchill when he makes his statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday on the war situation, especially in the East, including Somaliland, intends also to deal with the controversy about the alleged impending famine in German-occupied territories and explain the Government's refusal to relax the contraband control. He may also refer to President Roosevelt's announcement with reference to British bases in the western hemisphere. A British official wireless message says that suggestions by the French Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, in a speech yesterday, appealing for the raising of the blockade, that the shortage in France is due to the British blockade, are not borne out by statements of other prominent representatives of the Vichy regime.

On the same day M. Caziot, French Minister , of Agriculture, declared: "There is an abundance of elementary foodstuffs in France, but everything depends oh transportation. The winter will be - hard, but there is no need to dramatise the situation."

Still mre significant is a recent article in the "Action Francaise" by M. Georges Calson stating: "The food shortage beginning to make itself felt in France is due to numerous troops of the German garrison, German officials, military authorities and tourists, who have first right to all food supplies."

German attempts to repudiate responsibility : attaching to the occupying forces continue. In a talk in English to North America a speaker at the German radio declared t. "It is the duty of the German authorities to consider their own people first. Germany cannot be held responsible for feeding nations who willingly let themselves be drawn into the war on the English side."

EXPERT ESCORTS.

Party Of 400 Children For Australia. WELL PROVIDED FOR. British Official Wireless. , (Reed. 2 p.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 18. Described by the captain as travelling in "their own ship," nearly 400 children from grant-aided schools in the more vulnerable areas of Britain recently left for Australia. About 15 of these young voyagers were only five years old, but they were supervised by 38 expert escorts, two doctors and a dentist and 10 hospital nurses. The whole party is well provided for. Addressing the children on the eve of their departure, the Dominions Undersecretary, Mr. G. H. Shakespeare, said: "Don't forget that the people in Australia will judge England by the way you behave. I do not expect you to be too good, but be truthful, brave, kind, and be grateful."

Mr. Shakespeare said that he hoped those whordid not.want to return after the war would settle down and become good Australians.

DUKE SWORN IN.

Cordial Welcome From People

Of Bahamas.

CHEERING THOUSANDS.

NASSAU, Aug. 18.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were welcomed to Nassau by a huge cheering crowd. The Duke stood at attention while the National Anthem wae played and he received a Royal salute.

•Hβ was sworn in as Governor of the Bahamas when he took the following oath:—"l,, Edward, swear that I will well and truly serve His Majesty the King." The oath was administered by the Chief Justice; Sir. JO/Bi Daly, K.C.

Mre. W. L, Heape, wife ofrthe actingGovernor, introduced the of officials.

The Duke, in a brief response, thanked the assembly for .the cordial reception and said be hoped that with hie past experience and the co-opera-tion of the people, his task would not prove over-formidable. The audience in the Legislative Chamber cheered.

After the ceremoniee the Duke went on to the balcony and waved to the cheering' crowd- He then drove to Government House along a street lined with people. Thousands of people gathered round Government House and cheered, and in response the Duke appeared at a window.

LONDON AMUSED.

ENEMY RADIO DISTORTION. ■ ■ British Official Wireless. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 18. Amusement has been caused in London by the manner in which the German broadcast statement that the Victory had been hit by bombs at Portsmouth, already stated here to be quite untrue, has grown on an impressive scale in its travels through enemy wireless stations. At 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, Zeesen said: "Nelson's flagship was hit during recent raids on Portsmouth." At 6 p.m., on the same day, the Rome broadcast stated: "It is officially reported from Stockholm that during a German air attack on Portsmouth a great explosion was heard, which was believed to be a hit on the British battleship Nelson."

SUNKEN TRAWLERS.

NUMBER OF CASUALTIES

(Reed. 1.30. p.m.)

LONDON, Aug. 18

• The casualties resulting from the sinking of the submarine Odin end the trawlers Oswaldian, Edwardian, River Clyde and Drummer totalled 111 killed, wounded or missing, presumed killed.

The Odin had five officers and 50 racings missing, presumed killed. .