CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF

Southland Times, Issue 24055, 20 February 1940, Page 5

CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF

CANAL ZONE DEFENCES.— After inspecting the Canal Zone defences, particularly secret works involving 362,000,000 dollars, the President (Mr Franklin D. Roosevelt) sailed for the Pacific. It is believed that he plans to fish at Peal or Cocos Island and later confer with the President of Panama (Mr Augusto Boycl), who is chairman of the Pan-American Conference. (New York.) SINGAPORE BROADCASTS.—Beginning on Monday Singapore will broadcast daily news bulletins in Dutch to the Netherlands Indies to which Germany is already broadcasting daily in Dutch. (Rugby.) U-BOAT PRISONERS.— The War Office announced the names of nine more U-boat personnel who were now prisoners of war in Britain. (London.) 14-HOUR DAY FOR NAZIS.— The Amsterdam correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says the German Ministry of Labour has introduced a 14-hour day for all transport workers over 18 years of age. This reflects the immense strain on the transport system, of which frequent accidents are symptoms. Observers say both men and materials are being worked to death on German railways. (London.) LADY HALIFAX IN ROME.— Lady Halifax, who has been visiting Rome with her son, was received in private audience by the Pope. She was accompanied by the British Minister to the Holy See. Later she also visited Cardinal Maglione, Secretary of State. (Rugby.) MAHARAJAH’S GENEROSITY.— The Admiralty announces that the Maharajah of Gondal has most generously placed a lakh of rupees (£7500) at its disposal for the benefit of the dependents of those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Royal Oak. (London.) ,

ATLANTIC AIR MAlL.— lmperial Airways has announced that the British Atlantic air mail service is expected to resume not later than the first week in June, when the harbour at Botwood (Newfoundland) will be free from ice. It is unlikely that farepaying passengers will be carried. (Rugby.)