HUNGNAM OPERATION EXCELLENT XMAS PRESENT FOR U.S.A.

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 December 1950, Page 5

HUNGNAM OPERATION EXCELLENT XMAS PRESENT FOR U.S.A.

NEW YORK, Dec 25 (Recd 6 pm).— The successful Hungnam operation was an excellent Christmas present to Americans whose pre-Christmas preparations have been overshadowed by the Korean developments and the uncertain world outlook. President Truman, who celebrated Christmas at his home in Independence, Missouri, stated in a message of thanks t 0 the commanders in Korea “and all our brave men,” that the Hungnam evacuation was “the best Christmas present I have had.” Christmas sales were reported 1o have exceeded any year since the end of the Second World War. Toy sales were high, with less emphasis on “war weapons” than in 1949. Milder weather, with consequent fewer falls of snow, denied many areas of the traditional “white Christmas.” Church services throughout the nation over the Christmas period were heavily attended. Transport services were taxed. Motor-car traffic v-ns thick—moving millions bound “home for Christmas” or “away for Christmas” and re: urn.

The National Safety Council, which had forecast 440 deaths in traffic accidents between 6 p.m. Friday and midnight, tonight, revised the figures to 500 at 7.5 p.m. today, when road deaths totalled 441. Other accidental deaths by that time brought the lota 1 accidental deaths t 0 526. There were 413 road deaths at Christmas last year, a record since World War two. A National Safety Council spokesman, in revising Ihe estimate today, said the only way he could account for the increased deaths was heavier traffic. “Also people are regarding this as a ‘last fling’ Christmas. They have the idea, that the war emergency may prevent them from using the cars next Christmas.'’ He added; “Then, 100, there are thousands of boys who feel they will be in lhe service soon— they are getting all they can out of this Christmas. 1 '