WAR NEWS

Evening Star, Issue 23770, 28 December 1940, Page 10

WAR NEWS

DUTCH OIL JAPAN DISSATISFIED NEW DEMANDS EXPECTED Press Association —By Telegraph Copyright NEW, YORK, December 26. The Batavia correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ says officials are certain that the question of oil exports from the Indies to Japan will be reopened with the arrival of Mr Yoshizawa and the new members of J apan’s so-called economic mission. The departing Consul-General, Baron Saito, openly declared that Japan was very dissatisfied with Mr Kobayashi’s oil agreement last autumn, adding that the question will certainly be reopened. While exports of rubber, tin, manganese, and other war necessities were acutely needed by Japan and Germany they were a secondary consideration. The correspondent adds that the Dutch will stoutly resist the Japanese demands for reconsideration of the oil allotment and the demands for essential war materials beyond Japan’s needs. If Japan’s pressure becomes intolerable the negotiations will be broken off and details of the demands and the exerting of pressure will be publicised throughout the world. COMPANIES’ CONTRACTS. British and American companies operating fields and refineries under Government concessions have already made long-term contracts to deliver the entire outputs of aviation gasoline and crude oil to Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and the Straits Settlement. The concessions prescribe that the Netherlands will have the first call on production “ only in the event of national emergency.” It might technically be claimed that the Japanese pressure could be termed an emergency, but the Netherlands would refuse because of determination not to aid the Axis. Japan is particularly irked by the provisions of the original oil agreement, under which she would be forced to provide her own tankers aiid pay for the purchases in American dollars. THAI AND INDD-CHINA ‘ EFFORT TO SETTLE DISPUTE VICHY, December 27. (Received December 28, at 11.25 a.m.) It is reliably reported that France plans to send a delegation from IndoCliina to Bangkok in an effort to settle the frontier dispute. France has rejected Japan’s offer to arbitrate, declaring that she will not accept third party mediation. PICTURES OF LINCOLN AMERICANS’ HAPPY GESTURE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 26. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr A. V, Alexander, received from Colonel Frank Knox, the United States Secretary of the Navy, two pictures of Abraham Lincolm, one to hang in the wardroom of H.M.S. Lincoln, a destroyer recently transferred to the Royal Navy from the United States navy, and the other in the First Lord’s room in the Admiralty. WRh the two pictures the First Lord received the following letter from Colonel Knox:—“ I have learned with great satisfaction that you named one of the former American destroyers now part of the British Navy the Lincoln. Surely in a war which is being fought for the preservation of human liberty no more significantly appropriate name could have been chosen. lam sending you by the hand of the first naval officer who may be assigned to London as an observer two pictures of Lincoln, one of which I hope may be hung on the walls of the wardroom and the other for yourself. With sincere and heartfelt wishes, I am, yours cordially, Frank Knox.” The First Lord, in reply, wrote: “ It gave me great pleasure to receive from the hand of Commander Hitchcock your kind gift of pictures. I shall treasure mine most deeply, and I know that the officers and men of H.M.S. Lincoln will give theirs pride of place on the walls of the wardroom. No gift from you could have been more happily chosen, expressing as it does your sympathy in the struggle for preservation of human liberty, a cause to which Lincoln devoted his life. I hope you will do me the honour of accepting the old rare coloured naval print which 1 am forwarding under separate cover hy the bearer of this letter. With my best thanks and cordial greetings, yours sincerely, Alexander.” DUNEDIN CORPORAL SERIOUSLY ILL [Pas United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 27. It was officially announced to-night that Corporal Arthur James Waterman, of the R.N.Z.A.F. Station. Harewood, is seriously ill in the Oamaru Hospital with acute appendicitis. His wife is Mrs A. J. Waterman, 58 Filluel street, Dunedin. PRISONER OF WAR [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 28. The following casualty is officially announced:—Sergeant John Frederick Coombs, R.N.Z.A.F., previously reported missing, believed prisoner of war; nmv officially reported prisoner of war. His wife is Mrs J. F. Coombs, of IS§ Qugc.q’jj-DriyOj,

AUSTRALIAN PILOTS CONTINGENT ARRIVES IN ENGLAND TRAINED UNDER EMPIRE SCHEME (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, December 26. The first contingent of Australian airmen to complete their training in Canada under the Empire scheme arrived in London on Thursday. They are all pilots, and come from all parts of the Commonwealth, where they received their preliminary ami intermediate training before going to Canada to qualify for their wings. Since the beginning of the year a squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force has been operating with the R.A.F. Coastal Command. Another R.A.A.P. squadron has been engaged against the Italians in the Western Desert, and in combat it has destroyed six Italians planes. The Australians trained under the Empire scheme, although they will be posted to R.A.F. squadrons, will still retain their Australian identity. TANGIER ZONE BRITISH CONSULTATIONS WITH SPANISH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY r , December 27. (Received December 28, at 11.17 a.m.) The British. Consul-General at Tangier, Mr Gascoigne, has arrived in Madrid for conversations on the situation created by the action of the Spanish authorities at Tangier. Sir Samuel Hoare, who immediately took up the question with Senor Suner, was authorised to invite Mr Gascoigne to proceed to Madrid for consultations. BRAVERY AT SEA NEW LLOYD'S MEDAL LONDON, December 26. Lloyd’s Committee is striking a new medal, “ Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea,” for bestowal on officers and men of the merchant navy and fishing fleet for exceptional gallantry in war time. The medal will rank with Lloyd’s medal for saving life at sea, which is called the V.C. of the ocean. GENEROUS GIFT RHODESIAN CHILDREN'S SACRIFICE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 27. The Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Lloyd, thanking the children of a northern Rhodesian town for giving up their own Christmas presents to contribute £l4O for British children in bombed areas, says; “ It will bring happiness to many children who are homeless, and I wish the children to know that the unselfish surrender of their own presents will earn them special gratitude from these children and their parents.” BRITISH TRADE IMPORT AND EXPORT FIGURES (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 26. Britain’s imports during November, states the Board of Trade, reached a total of £72,930,436, compared with £85,095,565 in October and £84,042,755 in November last year. The figures for food, drink, and tobacco were £27,721,000, against £32,607,000 in October, and £38,657,000 in November last year. The exports for November were valued at £21,661.811, compared with £23,390,911 in October and with £37,360,327 in November last year. CHARLEY CHAPLIN'S FILM BANNED IN BUENOS AIRES (By Radio.) LONDON, December 28. In Buenos Aires Charley Chaplin’s new film, ‘ The Great Dictator,’ has been banned at the request of the Italian Embassy. NOW A FASCIST KING LEOPOLD'S SISTER LONDON. December 27. (Received December 28, at noon.) The Bremen radio stated that King Leopold’s sister. Crown Princess Marie Jose, has become officially a Fascist. She received the party book ceremonially at Naples. MRS A. P. F. CHAPMAN NOW WITH Y.M.C.A. LONDON, December 27. (Received December 28, at II a.m.) Mrs A. P. F. Chapman who earlier with her husband rain a canteen for the troops, is now in uniform serving with the New Zealand YJVLC,Aa 1

REVOLT GROWING POSITION IN ABYSSINIA ITALIANS AFRAID TO MOVE IN MANY AREAS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 26. Reports from several sources indicate the growth of the Abyssinian revolt against the Italians, especially in the forests and hills, where guerrillas spring from hiding to ambush unwary Italians. Rebel bands are increasing and dominate large areas. The Nairobi correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ reports that many thousands in various parts of the country arc actively opposing Italian rule and arc anxious to obtain every help which Britain is able to give and which she is giving to the utmost. Guerrilla leaders have boon crossing the border at the risk of their lives in order to make contact with the British authorities. They brought to Kenya such evidence of success as Italian officers’ uniforms, armaments and equipment, and official documents. The Italians are afraid to move in many areas unless heavily escorted. Guerrillas on the road south of Addis Ababa ambushed two companies of colonial infantry, killing 80, including four Italians. The whole battalion of Italians sent to punish the guerrillas was ambushed, 50 being killed. There is ample evidence that thousands of Abyssinians are rapidly becoming better armed in preparation for Italy’s day of reckoning. CHRISTMAS DINNER NEW ZEALAND FORCES ENTERTAINED IN LONDON LONDON, December 27. (Received December 28, at 8 a.m.) Six hundred New Zealand service men ate Christmas dinner at the New Zealand Forces Club oh December 25. Those present included the New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, and Brigadier J. Hargest. An entertainment was subsequently given by Miss Stella Murray, Mr Hubert Carta, Miss Colleen Clifford, and Miss Kathleen Levi. BALKAN PEOPLES' LEAGUE TURKEY'S PROPOSAL LONDON, December 26. The Ankara radio, appealing for the formation of a United League of Balkan peoples, declared that Turkey was willing to place all her harbours at the disposal of Bulgaria, and added! that the first condition of the league would be the inviolability of all frontiers. BELGIANS ABROAD FORMATION OF FREE FORCE NEW YORK, December 27. (Received December 28, at 8 a.m.) The Belgian Consul-General has called to arms his countrymen to form “ a free Belgian ” army' to fight side by side with the British. HITLER AT THE " FRONT " ADDRESS TO TROOPS BERLIN, December 26. According to the News Agency, Hitler made Christmas speeches to the fighting forces in western positions. His tour, which was commenced on Monday and ended on Thursday, included Boulogne and Abbeville, his closest collaborators accompanying him. Speaking to his bodyguard, Hitler said: “I do not know what your fate will be, men of the bodyguard, but I know that you will be in the front line in every action. As long as I have the honour to lead the fight as head of the Reich it will be an honour for you to bear my name and stand at the head of this battle.” He concluded, “ Heil. bodyguard.” Speaking to the fighter wing, he declared : “ What you have done in the past year was considered hardly possible, even by old soldiers.” SABOTAGE SUSPECTED RUMANIAN RAILVYAY SMASHES LONDON, December 26. The Bucharest correspondent of the United Press states that the police are reported to be investigating two train crashes in which seven were killed and scores injured. Sabotage is suspected. The Rumanian railways arc carrying specially heavy traffic as a result of German military trains moving in from Hungary in great numbers. TREATED AS CRIMINALS BRITISH WAR PRISONERS UNDER FRENCH GUARDS LONDON, December 26 Mr P. G. Woclchouse, the well-known author, told the United Press represen tative in Berlin that before their transfer to an Upper Silesian prison camp he and other Britons wore imprisoned in Loos, whore the French police treated them as criminals, allowing them only one hour a, day outside the cells.

THE NAURU RAID NEW ZEALAND HAS RESERVE STOCKS OF PHOSPHATE [Pee United Pkess Association.') WELLINGTON, December 28. The Ut. Hon. P. Fraser said to-day with reference to the attack by a German raider on Nauru Island, that he was in close touch with the Australian Government, who is responsible for Nauru, and that he was at present awaiting information as to the damage that had been done. To meet such a contingency, some reserve supplies of rock phosphate bad been built np in the Dominion with a view to limiting interference as far as possible with the supply of fertiliser to the primary producers. A further statement would be made in due course. HZ. TIMBER JACKS ADOPTION BY BRITISH AUTHORITIES INVALUABLE IN BOMBED AREAS (From the'Official War Correspondent with the Second N.Z.E.F. in England.) SOMEWHERE JN BRITAIN, December 27. New Zealand timber jacks patented and made in the Dominion are being added to the standard equipment of the Royal Engineers construction units engaged in demolition and rescue work after London bombings. A demonstration last week by men of the New Zealand forestry unit opened the eyes of the authorities to the timber jack’s usefulness in making heavy lifts from awkward positions. “ I am convinced,” wrote the War Office engineer in charge of this work, “ that the New Zealand jacks would be invaluable for use in London under the present conditions.” Accordingly . a supply is being ordered irom New Zealand by cable. Tn the meanwhile the War Office has requested the use of a dozen jacks from the Foresters, each of the three companies of whom came overseas equipped with 14.' Of these, a dozen were sent to London to-day from the country in charge of two expert New Zealand bushworkers who are being attached to the Royal Engineers for several weeks as instructors. Thus tlie new equipment was made immediately available ‘ for urgent rescue work, and the British troops are being given an opportunity to become accustomed to its use before the general issue of jacks arrives from New Zealand. Suggestions as to the use of the timber jacks in the bombed areas was first made by Colonel J. G. Elliott, officer commanding the forestry unit. In the opinion of a salvage corps engineer and senior officers who have seen them working in the woods, it is probable that the demolition gangs in all big cities will shortly be issued with the New Zealand product. NAVAL BARRACKS BURNED FIRE AT CANADIAN PORT NEW YORK, December 26. Fire at an East Canadian port destroyed the naval barracks. At least one rating was killed and 10 injured. Some jumped from the windows and others were burned. DOVER SHELLED LONG-RANGE GUNS IN ACTION LONDON, Deveraber 27. (Received December 28, at 8 a.m.) German long-range guns shelled the Channel coast across the fog-blanketed straits for two and a-half hours in the darkness. They began at 4.30 a.m with a salvo of three shells, which crashed into the Dover area, and continued at regular intervals. There was no damage and no casualties. JAPAN S MATERIAL RESOURCES CABINET MOBILISATION PLAN TQKIO, December 27. (Received December 28, at 9.20 a.m.) Cabinet directed a revision of the material resources mobilisation plan for the last quarter of the fiscal year, ending March 31, to counteract United States embargoes. The plan requires additional steel output, a new rice supply, intensive and extensive development of ore deposits, enabling elimination of dependence on foreign scrap, and purchases of high-grade coal from China and Manchukuo. The planning board president, Naoki Hoshino, stressed the importance oi speeding up the installation of ore processing machinery at existing blast furnaces. “ Japan is on the verge of the fifth year of the China affair,” he said. “ and needs huge quantities of steel for national defence and other purposes.” THE POPE'S BROADCAST NAZI OFFICIAL'S COMMENT LONDON, December 27. (Received December 28, at noon.) A Beilin message says that an official, commenting on the Pope’s broadcast, said; “ It was made principally from a Christian standpoint. This is not a Christian war, but a political war.”