CABLE MESSAGES IN BRIEF

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23129, 19 September 1940, Page 8

CABLE MESSAGES IN BRIEF

France and Thailand.—The conclusion of a non-aggression pact between France and Thailand (Siam) is announced. It provides for arbitration on the Siamese claims to the Mekong river islands. France refused to consider the cession of other territories.— Vichy, September 17. Gifts for War Efforts.—A Basuto tribe numbering little more than 500,000 has contributed £10,518 of the total of £20,000 which the Basutoland War Fund has now reached. Bermuda has sent £IO,OOO as a second contribution towards the cost of the war, asking that the money be spent on two spitfires to be named Bermuda. —Rugby, September 17. Dobruja Occupation—The Berlin radiu states that the Bulgarians have begun to enter southerq Dobruja and have taken over all military coastal regions on the Black Sea. Berlin. Sept. 17. Anti-Measles Vaccine—The University of Pennslyvania has announced the discovery of an anti-measles vaccine.—Philadelphia, Sept. 17. Shorts’ for Italians—“ The Times” states that a campaign has been launched in Italy to induce men to wear shorts and go hatless for the purpose of conserving textiles. The publicity states that shorts are virile and hygienic.—London, Sept. 17. Conference with Herr Hitler —The Spanish Minister for the Interior (Don Ramon Suner), who has gone to Berlin with a large military and economic staff, conferred with Herr Hitler yesterday.—London, Sept. 17. Taxation. Paid in Advance—ln cpnnexion with the,scheme under which many British firms and individuals have been paying income tax in advance to aid in financing the war effort, the Halifax Building Society has sent in a cheque for £1,000,000 for the amount of income tax liable. The tax is not normally payable until January 1, 1941. —London, Sept. 17. USE OF AIR RAID SHELTERS EFFECT ON HEALTH TO BE INVESTIGATED (UNITED MESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) LONDON, September 17. “The Times” states that Lord Herder has been appointed chairman of a Government committee to investigate the effect on health of the present use of public shelters where there has been much overcrowding: because of their increasing use as dormitories. The Minister for Home Security (Sir John Anderson) is investigating the possibility of using the tube railways as shelters, providing the movement of trains is not hindered. People are beginning to resort to the undergrounds as shelters after buying tickets. Steps are being taken to discourage the movement of people from communal and garden shelters to large shelters elsewhere while the smaller shelters arc l?ft almost empty. The Government is also giving attention to the problem of housing the large number of homeless people. DEFENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES APPEAL MADE TO U.S. MANILA, September 17. The Philippines Finance Secretary (Senor Manuel Roxas), in a broadcast, appealed to the United States to strengthen its position in the Philippines by sending more arms, aeroplanes, and defensive equipment. He added that the islands’ military insecurity endangered United States peace. "She cannot intend to leave the Philippines to be overrun by an invader,” he said. The war disruption of trade had made impossible the preparation of the island economically for independence in 1946.