KING LEOPOLD

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21598, 8 December 1941, Page 5

KING LEOPOLD

REPORT OF REMARRIAGE WEDS A COMMONER ARCHBISHOP’S PASTORAL (United Press Assn.—Elec. T©l. Copyrlg-nt) (Received Dec. 8, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 7 A report that King Leopold has remarried has caused great surprise in Belgian circles in London. Members of the Belgian Embassy said they could not believe the story. The report emanated from the Berlin radio, whose announcer said the news was contained in a pastoral letter which the Archbishop of Belgian issued Dor reading an all churches in Belgium today. The letter stated that children of the second mariage would have no right to the throne. The announcer also said that King Leopold is still living in Laeken Castle. The wife of Prince Charles of Sweden, who was the brother of Princess Astrid, King Leopold’s first wife, confirmed that King Leopold has married a commoner. PEARL HARBOUR AMERICAN STRONGHOLD BASE OF PACIFIC FLEET STRENGTH OF JAPANESE NAVY Pearl Harbour, America’s naval base for the Pacific Fleet, is about seven miles from Honolulu. The group of islands is about 2020 miles south-west of San Francisco and 3400 miles east of Japan. Oahu Island, in the same group, is

a strong military outpost. The Philippine Islands, in which Manila is another American base, are about 700 miles from Japan, though the Japanese Empire embraces hundreds of small islands dotted all over the Northern Pacific. The American Fleet is a formidable fighting force and during the last few years it has been considerably strengthened. It is stated to be the most powerful fleet in the world.

The Japanese Navy is rated as the third most powerful in the world, being next to America and Britain. The nine battleships have been modernised and they use oil fuel exclusively. It is believed that three or four new battleships are under consideration. Besides seven air-craft-carriers Japan has three sea-plane-carriers, twelve 8-inch gun cruisers, 23 light cruisers, 11 destroyers and 59 submarines.

ENEMY REPULSED NEW ZEALANDERS’ DASH GIVING NO QUARTER (United Press as=t». —n:ec. Tel. Conyrlirbt) LONDON, Dec. 5 The most important engagements in Libya yesterday were along the Tobruk corridor, where, in spite of the violence of tank and infantry attacks the enemy was heavily repulsed and retired. In the evening he made a slight advance but again at heavy cost. The British in this sector do not appear to have yet launched an attack. Mobile units continue to scour the desert mopping up isolated enemy groups and leaving the final issue for decision between the two main forces south-east of Tobruk. Not much news comes from the frontier area except in the northernmost sector, where the New Zealanders cleared up an enemy column. A communique says the New Zealanders are fighting: with awe-inspiring dash and determination. They are asking and giving no quarter. There is a firmer and more • confident tone in the despatches from the front than has been evident practically all the week. INDIA AND CHINA PLAN’S FOR RAILWAY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 8, 11.50 a.m.) JORHAT (Assam), Dec. 7 A Chinese survey party has been in this district for some time studying the possibility of a direct railway between India and China. Surveyors believe that a line can be constructed in two years.