BALKAN NEUTRAL BLOC

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22812, 11 September 1939, Page 11

BALKAN NEUTRAL BLOC

Immediate Concern , Of Italy a: NO MENTION OF AXIS Offer to Hungary Renewed (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received September 10, 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 9. The Rome correspondent of the “New York Times” says Italy, through the inspired press, reaffirms her determination to remain neutral indefinitely. The emphasis means that Germany’s exhibition of military strength has not induced Italy to throw in her lot with Herr Hitler.

Therefore, until there Is another phase of the war calling for a decision, Italy will continue as at present. That moment may be very soon.

Showing Italy’s will to peace m all circumstances, there has been rio mention of the axis since hostilities began. Italians, accustomed to daily mention of the axis, are wondering why. . A public explanation might bring an avalanche on Italy. II Puce is silent because the situation is such that he cannot burn either of the two bridges connecting him with Berlin and with England and France.

The correspondent states that Ital is feverishly endeavouring to strengthen her position in the Balkans and organise a strong Balkan neutrality bloc. Italian neutrality has enabled the Balkans and Hungary to stay out of the war, but if one enters all will be forced in, including Italy. The balance is delicat* and difficult to maintain, and it will be more difficult if Polar. 1 is conquered quickly. Therefore Italy is working fast. The chief difficulty is obviously to persuade Britain and France to agree to Balkan neutrality, which will not only protect Germany’s fank, but make available to Ger--5 many an enormous source of food and raw materials which must be V: partly diverted before the Allies will accept the neutrality plan. Rumania recently offered Hun- - gary a non-aggression pact, which was turned down, but it has been offered again as a result of Italian intervention and has n<~t yet been refused.

Only Rumania and Jugoslavia have formally declared their neutnlity. The Rumanian public is pro-French . and anti-German, but : : th“ position is most vulnerable. ? There is reason to believe that the V Pope favours a neutrality bloc. The .Holy See’s relations with Italy have rarely been more friendly Bnjl the : result is Italy keeping out of the .war. but the maintenance of Italian neutrality is most delicate. Britain and France or Germany could force her participation overnight, therefore she must be most careful to ‘ satisfy all.

LONDONDERS ADAPT THEMSELVES V # PEDESTRIANS* “BLACK-OUT SHUFFLE** LONDON, September 8. Night pedestrians in London are developing a “black-out shuffle,” many resorting to cheerful Whistling to prevent collisions. White-painted kerbs are helpful, and housewives are seen painting designs on their homes, presumably to direct their husbands.

The Government is permitting theatres, cinemas, football grounds, etc., in neutral and reception areas to reopen till 10 p.m. The police may prohibit the opening if the audience is exposed to an exceptional risk in the event of air raids.

GRIME UNDER COYER OF BLACK OUT HEAVY PENALTIES ORDERED IN BERLIN BERLIN, September 8. . Persons committing robbery with violence under cover of a black-out are ble to sentences ranging from 15 years’ imprisonment to death. ~ pr. Stuckart has been appointed .chief of the bureau for the reincorporation of Danzig with the Reich. QUEEN’S INTEREST IN RED CROSS LONDON, September 8. The Queen visited the London divisional headquarters of the British ®ad Cross Society. Later she decided to see patients in the Middlesex Hospital who were too ill to be removed during the recant evacuation. She walked through the wards speaking a word of sympathy .to each. ■ • SPECIAL MESSAGE TO- SCOUTS

RUGBY, September 8,

A Nairobi message states that Lord Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout, who is visiting East Africa, has sent a special message to scouts, urging them to be prepared for every service and to play a manly part in a just cause. ' -

U.S. EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS ARMY AND NAVY TO BE STRENGTHENED REMOVAL OF ARMS EMBARGO REPORTED ANTICIPATION BY ALLIES fUHITBD PB*aS iaaOOIATTOir—COPYRIGHT.) (Received September 10, 10,30 p.m.) HYOE PARK, September 9. Mr Roosevelt has reorganised the Executive, providing a framework for emergency management from the White House in the event of war or other emergency. There are five sections, including a secretarial department, a Budget Bureau, and a National Resources Planning Board.

Mr Roosevelt has proclaimed a state of limited national emergency. The proclamation was followed by executive orders increasing the man-power of the United States Army and Navy within peacetime strength limits, and the size, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for, better guards against sabotage, espionage, and subversive fforts. The Secretary for War (Mr Harry 11. Woodring) has ordered two infantry regiments totalling 2.7QQ then to reinforce the garrison of the Panama Canal.

- Provision ia also made for 500,000 dollars to repatriate Americans from the war zone. South Africa has been brought within the neutrally' embargo. Mr Roosevelt said it could be assumed that when he calls Congress for a special session he null ask for the repeal of the mandatory embargo on the shipment of arms to belligerents, and little or nothing else. , Confident that Mr Roosevelt will be able to obtain revision of the Neutrality Act. Britain and France have exercised an option to t buy 1500 more warplanes, according to aeronautical circles. * United States Embassy attaches told the United Press of America that the British Government had asked American aircraft manufacturers to complete unfinished portions of contracts fnr fighting aeroblanes. in spite of the embargo. All but 25 per cent, of thr orders had been completed, and undelivered aeroplanes will be stored in the United States with the hope that a neutrality change will permit their export. It v r as added that no new orders will be given for the duration of the embargo.

DEMANDS OF U.S. SEAMEN

COMPENSATION FOR WAR ZONE? SERVICE . NEW YORK, September 8. '

The shipping industry is threatened with serious disruption. Seamen are pressing their demands for higher pay as compensation for sailing in war zones. . . The National Maritime union is demanding a 250 dollar bonus for each • man each trip, 25,000 , dollars individual insurance, and a 40 per cent, increase -in the scale of passenger and freight ships, .Snipping operators said this was impossible and would add 400,000 dollars to the cost of each trip of a 25,000 ton liner.

US. AIR squadron FOR EUROPE OFFER TO FRANCE BY COLONEL STEHLIN NEW YORK, September 8. Colonel Joseph Stehlin,' a member of the former Lafayette Escadrille, has sent a cable message to Paris offering to furnish and finance an American Escadrille • “for the cause of - France and civilisation,” The Lafayette Escadrille was a squadron of American aviators, who fought for thd Allies in the Great War before America abandoned neutrality.

/FOOD PRICES RISE IN' U.S. i DEMAND FOR PREVENTION OF PROFITEERING WASHINGTON, September 8. Thousands of housewives, civic groups, and war veterans, joined ip a demand for regulatory measures against war profiteering, as retail prices of sugar, flour, meat and lard climbed steadily. The Secretary of the Interior (Mr Harold L. Ickes) described the situation as the “rape of our natural resources by war profiteers.” RED CROSS WORK - IN U.S. NEW YORK, September 8. Thousands of Red Cross workers throughout the nation have been ordered to make garments, knit socks, and prepare surgical dressings for shipment to Europe. Hospital units are - available, biit have advised that they are not needed at present. SOUTH-WEST AFRICA

SOUTH-WEST AFRICA NOW AT WAR

CAPE TOWN, September 8. South-West _ Africa is automatically at war with Germany as a result of the decision of the Union Parliament. _

EXPRESSIONS OF LOYALTY SUPPORT FROM ALL PARTS OF EMPIRE (BBITISB OTITCIAIi OTBELZSS.) (Received September 10, 8 p.m.) RUGBY, September 8. There has-been an exchange of telegrams between Emir Abdul Ilah, Regent of Iraq, and King George. The Regent said: “In the present grave international situation, the duties of friendship and the honourable discharge of our obligations make it incumbent on me to express to Your Majesty our unshakable attachment, Government and people alike, to the letter and spirit of the alliance uniting us, and to assure yeu of our firm determination to do everything in our power in the same spirit to co-operate with our great ally until right, justice, and lofty principles, to defend which you have entered war, shall prevail.” Replying, the King said: “The action of the Iraq Government is further proof, if proof were needed, of the sincere and lasting friendship between our two peoples. My Government .much appreciates the encouragement which your message brings to it in the task of resisting the forces of aggression, and I assure you that if ever the horrors of war were to descend on Iraq, my Government would carry out its obligations in the same spirit of loyalty and resolution.”

Expressions of loyalty and practical support continue to be received from all parts of the British Empire. Many in Jamaica have publicly expressed their desire to help England in time of war. The Leader of the National Party declared: “This Is to be .no time for domestic strife.” Mr Bustamante has placed the services of himself and the labour unions unreservedly at the disposal of the Government. In British Guiana volunteers for overseas service increase daily.

DEPENDENCIES AND COLONIES KING’S APPRECIATION OF LOYALTY

LONDON, September 8,

The King, through the Colonial Secretary (Mr Malcolm Mac Donald), has expressed deep appreciation, of the loyal messages and offers of help which have poured in from the, colonies and British dependencies ‘ since the outbreak of war.

The Emir Abdullah visited the High Commissioner in Jerusalem to express ir person the loyal adherence of himself and the peoples _of Transjordan to the cause which Britain has espoused. Leading articles in the Arabic press of Iraq unanimously support Britaih’s'stand. The following message arrived from the Governor of Bermuda (Lieutenant-General R. J. T; Hildyard): “As soon as war appeared imminent the leader of the coloured community came to me and declared bn behalf of his people that no matter what future trials might he ahead, whatever their King and colony desired of them in the common cause they would proudly and gladly give.” . „ The Paramount Chief of Basutoland and his counsellors called on the Resident Commissioner and assured him of their unswerving loyalty. “Our King is at war,” they said, “and so are we.”

MORE HELP FROM INDIA KASHMIR TROOPS OFFERED TO VICEROV SJMLA, September 8. The Maharajah of Kashmir has informed the Viceroy (Lord Linlithgow) that, he is ready immediately to place two infantry battalions .and one mountain battery battalion at his disposal, and is prepared to raise three further battalions if necessary. The Maharajah of Indore has contributed £35,000 to Britain’s war expenses. y Princes’ loyal messages now total 89.

FOR CONTROLLING CONTRABAND BASES ESTABLISHED BY BRITAIN BELLIGERENT RIGHTS TO BE FULLY USED . (BRITISH OmCIAL WIHELI33.) RUGBY, September 8. The Government has established contraband control bases at Kirkwall, Weymouth, and North Foreland in Britain, and also at Gibraltar and Haifa. Vessels bound for enemy territory or ports of neutral countries from which goods can be conveniently forwarded to enemy territory are urgently advised to call voluntarily at one of the control bases, and, in Britain, preferably- at Weymouth. If they do so and it is established that they carry no contraband, they may be given a pass' to their onward journey. Vessels which do not call voluntarily will be liable to be diverted to a base in cases where an adequate search at sea is not practicable. A proclamation specifying the list of goods to be treated as contraband has been issued and in order to prevent contraband from reaching the enemy the British Government will use its belligerent rights to the full. On the other hand, the Government will do all in its power to facilitate bona fide neutral trade and have already informed neutral Governments that they will, at all times, be ready to consider any suggestions advanced by the latter.

No* Formal Blockade Although the name “blockade” is often used as a convenient way ot describing economic warfare based on the exercise of belligerent rights at sea, no blockade of Germany in the formal sense of the term has been declared. At the same time, vessels will not, of course, be allowed to proceed with contraband cargo having either an immediate or ultimate enemy destination.

Everything will be done at the contraband control bases to examine the vessels as rapidly as possible, particularly those which call voluntarily, and neutral vessels are advised that delay will be reduced to a minimum if they will co-operate by having all their papers drawn up in the most convenient form and carry a spare copy of the full ship’s manifest to be handed over and retained by the examining officer.

Particulars of Cargo Notice has also been given that vessels ceiling at British ports other than the/lTbove bases in the ordinary course ff f- trade will be required to give the customs full particulars of their cargo, whether it is being landed or remaining on board. Where there is ground for suspicion that contraband is being carried, the Ministry of Economic Warfare may give authority for a vessel to be unloaded.

A full statement of the evidence will also be prepared by the Ministry and submitted for decision to a specially-formed Contraband Committee. Lord Finlay has - accepted the chairmanship of this committee, whose decision will be given in each case ,on a basis of the evidence.

Cargoes will be either released or detained for further inquiries or seized and the vessel, unless she has also rendered herself liable to seizure, will be allowed to proceed with her voyage. When the decision is the seizure, ..vessels or goods are transferred to the Admiralty Marshal, who then becomes answerable for their custody until the case is brought before a Prize Court.

EXTENT OF BRITISH EVACUATION (Received September 10, 10 p.m.) LONDON, September 9. More than 1,317,000 people have been evacuated from thicklypopulated areas in England and Scotland, including Greater London (700,000). Other areas evacuated are Glasgow, Clydebank, Birmingham, Coventry, Liverpool, Birin, ahead, Merseyside, Manchester, Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Portsmouth, Southampton, Chatham, Rochester, and Dundee. The figures do not include areas which have not yet submitted ( full returns.

FOOD RATIONING IN BRITAIN SHORTAGE OF BACON AND BUTTER DEVELOPING AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. SUPPLIES 4 {tTNITBD PRESS i-SSOCIATIOK —COPYRIGHT.) LONDON, September 8., The Minister for Food Control (Mr W. S. Morrison) announced that Britain would eventually find it necessary to start rationing food supplies, but not for three or four weeks yet, since supplies were still plentiful. However, the public should remember that, because of transport difficulties at the start of the war, a shortage of bacon and butter might ensue. The Germans had experienced a butter and bacon shortage even in peac , and he was sure Britons would consider it merely a small c ntribution to war success if they had to limit themselves slightly in these commodities in the early stages of rationing. There also might be a slight temporary shortage of fish. “I cannot say what the figures on rationing will be, but it will be a very good ration,” added the Mimster Mr Morrison said the Government intends to develop Australian and New Zealand imports to replace commodities which come chiefly from the Baltic. BRITISH MINISTRY OF INFORMATION PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED LONDON, September 8. Officials of the Ministry of Information are: Director-General, Lord Perth, assisted by Lord MacMillan. Deputy-Director, Mr A. P. Water-' field. _ . Director of News and Press Relations, the Hon, Esmond Harmsworth; deputies, Messrs! Tom Clarke and J. H. Brebner. Director of Censorship, ViceAdmiral C. V. Usborne; deputy, Rear-Admiral E. C. Thomson. Director of Home Publicity, Professor J. Hilton. > Empire Publicity, Mr H. V., Hodson. . „ , .United States Publicity, Sir Frederick Whyte. 1 The advisory committee includes Sir Charles Campbell Stuart (chairman), Major the-Hon. J. J. Astor, Lord Iliffe, Professor F. W. Ogilvie, Sir Roderick Jones, Lord Elgin, Lord Lloyd, and Lord Cadman, Lady Denman and Mrs Montagu Norman.

COALITION IN AUSTRALIA

COUNTRY PARTY LEADER RESIGNS

CANBERRA, September 9. There was a dramatic political development last night when, following a breakdown in long negotiations for the formation of a Coalition Ministry between the United Australia and Country Parties, Sir Earle Page announced his intention of resigning the leadership of the Country Party. Sir Earle Page explained that he was no longer prepared to stand in the way of a coalition. A deadlock was reached when the Prime Minister (Mr R, G. Menzies) declined to agree to a basis which would not permit him to select his own Ministers.

GERMAN LINER AT KOBE POSSIBLE SEIZURE BY ALLIED WARSHIPS TOKYO, September 8. The Foreign Office spokesman said that the German liner Scharnhorst, at present taking refuge in Kobe, was liable to be seized by British or French warships if she left Japanese territorial waters.: He added that he understoed several German ships were anchored in Japanese ports. He denied knowledge of negotiations between German and Japanese shipowners for' the transfer of ownership of German vessels.

CZECHS TO HELP ALLIES ‘ -V FORMER AMBASSADOR’S STATEMENT i (7VTTXD »B*H AMOCIATIOH —COFT»IO»T.) (Received September 10, 8 p.m.) PARIS, September 8. Dr. S. Osusky, the former Czech Ambassador to France, said that Czechoslovakia was now added to the nations which had declared war on Germany. Several Czech detachments were being formed in France to reinforce their compatriots from England and America. RESTORING CZECH ./ FREEDOM AIM OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE (Received September 10, 10.15 p.m). PARIS, September 9. Decrees similar to those of M. Poincare in 1917 can be expected, constituting a Czech Army. A Czech National Committee has been formed to act as a provisional Government in the event of the recovery of Czechoslovakia. A London message says that Mr Chamberlain sent the following message to Dr. Benes, the former Czech President: —“We look , forward, through triumph in the principle for which we have taken up . arms, to relieving the Czech people from foreign domination.” NAZI BROADCAST IN ENGLISH “JUST A MOMENT, BRITISH SOLDIERS” « (Received September 10, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 9. The following short-wave radio broadcast in English was made from Germany;—“ Just a moment, British soldiers. Are you willing to lay down your lives for a pack of lies? The German soldiers admired your pluck and courage in the last war. Now a handful of politicians say the Poles are your dearest friends for whom you must be willing to die, although the British Empire is not threatened.”

MEXICO URGED TO JOIN ALLIES

(Received September 10, 9.45 p.m.)

MEXICO CITY, September 9. The National Committee of the C.T.M., a semi-official Labour organisation, is launching a nationwide campaign to bring, Mexico into the war against Fascists. In view of the close relations between the Government and the C.T.M., the move undoubtedly has the. Government’s consent and may have been instigated by the Government.

PRECAUTIONS IN HOLLAND (Received September 10, 9 p.m.) AMSTERDAM. September .9; 'The Netherlands tested the inundating system for flooding portion of the Province of Utrecht as a defence preparation measure.

OBJECTION MADE BY ARGENTINA

(Received September 10, 9.30 p.m.)

NEW YORK, September 9,

The Buenos Aires correspondent of the Associated Press of America says the Foreign Minister (Senor Cantilo) delivered a Note to the British Embassy about the Argentine’s objection to foodstuffs being listed as contraband.

The Argentine Government has cancelled permits for trial flights on a projected German-owned South American line on the ground that the airmen might reconnoitre and give the location of British warships

TACTICAL MOVES BY FRENCH RELIEF OF PRESSURE ON POLAND. {TOTTED PRESS JLBSOCU.TIOS—COPTRIOHT.) NEW YORK, September 8. The .Paris correspondent of the '“New York Times” says that the French have continued to carry out strategic and tactical moves to relieve the pressure on Poland by preventing reinforcements for the expected decisive battle, and to retain the initiative, which has also been achieved; The French are understood to have advanced five to six kilometres between the Rhine and the Moselle, to gain manoeuvring space directly before the Maginot Line and to occupy new jumping-off points. Considering the nature of the ground, and the existence of German field fortifications, the progress is considered most satisfactory. The French command is economising in men, therefore frontal attacks are barred. Each obstacle is tackled methodically by artillery or flanking movements, the advance being continued when the obstacle is reduced. Soon the West Wall will be faced. Since the maximum distance from the frontier on this sector does not exceed 10 kilometres, then the nature of operations may change. Hitherto, there has been an innovation in warfare, namely a war of movement between two lines of fortifications, When the West Wall is attacked, other novelties 'can be expected. They are at present a secret of the general staff, but will soon be revealed. LOSS OF GERMAN DIRIGIBLE UNCONFIRMED REPORT (Received September 10, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 9. A report by the “Evening Star,” which is not confirmed, states that the dirigible Graf Zeppelin was blown up at Friedrichshaven by sabotage, recalling a recent message from Zurich- about an explosion being heard. SLOVAK DESERTERS

LONDON. September 8. ' It is reported that 6000 Slovak deserters crossed the frontier into Hungary yesterday.

GERMAN WAR PICTURES FOR U.S.

NEW YORK, September 9.

As a result of the British censorship, the majority of war pictures received in the United States are from Berlin, passed by the German Propaganda Ministry. , '

NEW YORK POLES TO HELP POLAND

(Received September. 10, 9.45 p.m.)

ALBANY (New York), Sept. 9., Ninety thousand Poles in New York State will contribute a day’s pay weekly to Poland.

NEUTRALITY OF NANKING PUPPET STATE

The puppet Government at Nanking has proclaimed _ neutrality in the European war. The federated autonomous government of Mongolia has . proclaimed that it is framing its policy in the European war in accordance with Japanese action.

NEW] ZEALANDERS MISSING f Royal 'Air Force \ Service THREE CASUALTIES ARE FEARED (PEBSS ASSOCIXTION TEUEGBAM.) NEW PLYMOUTH, September 10. Taranaki pilots have suffered heavily in Royal Air Force operations since the outbreak of war, three already having been reported missing. Flying Officer Laurence Edwards, whose parents live at Patea, was the first casualty. Advice of this was received on the day after the raid on Wilhelmshaven.

Yesterday advice was received that Pilot Officer Cedric Whittington, formerly of Hawera and New Plymouth, was missing and was believed to have lost his life.

To-day the parents of Pilot Officer Bruce Clifford-Jones, Mr and Mrs H. C. Clifford-Jones, of New Plymouth, received a cablegram saying that their son was missing., Clifford-Jones was Taranaki tennis champion and reached the semi-final of this year’s Royal Air Force tournament at Wimbledon.

SHOT DOWN OVER BELGIUM PILOT OFFICER BRUCE CLIFFORD-JONES

Pilot Officer Clifford-Jones, according to a message received by his parents, Mr and Mrs H. Clifford-Jones, of New Plymouth, was shot down over Belgian territory while he was returning from a flight over Germany dropping leaflets. The weather at the time was bad.

Pilot Officer Clifford-Jones, who was 22 years of age, was educated at the

New Plymouth Boys’High School, and came to Christchurch to train at Wigram aerodrome -in -April, . 1938.. oH®eamed a - place -in the_ senior Rugby team, and. was recognised ; as a■: fine three-quarters. He left last January for 1 England. He was also.lnteresteCJn golf and lawn tennis, and recency reached the semi-finals.-of'the Royal Air Force tennis tournament at Wimbledon. . He was engaged to he to - Miss Dordthy Dickey,, who is wQI known in Canterbury sporting circles. Miss Dickey was captain, of the Canterbury women’s hockey, team which recently won the K Cup at the annual Dominion tournament in Blenheim, • and a member of Canterbury’s Nunneley Casket lawn tennis team, -t?

SUCCESSFUL CAREER*: IN SPORT ■ ■ ■ '■ ■■■■■■ •• -th ■„ PROMINENT RUGBY J* FOOTBALLER • *£ ■ ~ , . . . vVO ■■ (FBXS3 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) '*‘i. WELLINGTON, September 1# Pilot Officer C. N. Whittington, who is the younger son.”’’ of Mr C. C. Whittington. .of Ebufe Metta, Nigeria (British .West Afrlcahi and formerly of Hawera, left,' New Zealand early this year to join, the Royal Air Forte in England. Re' was educated at New Plymouth, Boys’ ; High School and was a member of thef school. Rugby first fifteen and alsogained life-saving and debating cupsVt

On leaving school he joined the staffof an accountancy firm in New Ply- 2 - mouth and played Rugby for the Old . Boys’ senior fifteen there.- Later joined the civil reserve of pilots and' then the Royal New Zealand Air Forcerr training at Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch. * • While , in Christchurch . hea member of the Air Force Rugby team. He was a very ing footballer and was be a likely Canterbury representative;' * Pilot Officer Whittington, who HadT' his twenty-first birthday last month," has a brother, Mr H. J. Whittington,"at Wellington, and an aunt. Miss A. ~Mr-; Whittington, at Hawera.