.• . ~ EMPIRE SECTION 3.lk39 -No, ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA GOES TO ULSTER AN "IMPORTED" INDUSTRY BRINGS· WORK TO COlrnTY DOWN. The. German seizure of Czechoslovakia has resulted in an expansion of industry in Northern Ireland. A Czech 11refugee 11 firm of 8. century and a half's standing, United Chromitanner s Ltd., made arran~ements before ·­ the war to set up at Shrigley, County Down, a l arge leather tannery, and alreD..dy nearly a hundred people have been given employment. This enterpri&e is now being developed still .:'"....... _,,_ .., further and it is expected thnt the annual output will be .• ( . . more than one million square feet of l enther, suitable for t~ manufacture of shoe tops, f ancy bags, and clothing. Large supplies of sheep hides from Ulster and skins from other parts of the Empire hnve been laid in stock. The village of Shr·i gley f ell on evil times some years ago, when its principal means of livelihood --a linen mill, employing several hundred hands closed down. To-day the spinning and prep~ring r ooms of the derelict mill are being adapted and o.. plant for t o.nning i s about to be installed. The chief market for this Czechoslovakian undertaking will be Great Britain, but exports will probably go 8.lso to France, the Northern Countri:::is, o.nd South America. ISSUED THROUGH THE PRESS BUREAU. 3/11/39 -No. 2. FRENCH OFFICLo.L COM' iUNIQUE Tho f'ollowing communique w2s issued by French GenGr al Headquarters to-day: A quiet night. Some artillery and infantry fire. During the dGy of the 2nd November1 a German twin-engined reconnnissc.nce airplane wns brought down ia our tcrritory by a British fighter. . . . . . . . . ..... . . . .... EMPIRE SECTION. ,2~11.39 No. 3. CANADI.AN DESTROYERS 1 FINE FEAT. The Canadian Department of N2tional Defence has announced the arrival in Eastern Canadian Waters of two of H.M.C.Destroyers from their base at Esquimalt, B.C. These vessels have completed what is probably a record passage for the seven­thousand mile voyage. On two hours' notice the two ships of vmr set out under orders to proceed to the Atlantic seaboard, and in spite of a day's delay in making transit of the Panama Canal and of other stops en route, they covered the distance in fourteen days. This voyage indicates that Canada's navy is maintaining the high traditions of His Majesty's Naval Services in preparedness and efficiency. ISSUED THROUGH THE PRESS BUREAU. No~4. PRESS NOTICE~ The Home Secretary has aDpointed Mr~ A.W~ Garrett to be Chief Inspector of Factories in succession to Sir Duncan Wilson, who retires from the public service on 27th December, 1939. Home Office, 3rd November, 1939. Unofficial Note fo~ the , Information of the Press. Mr. Garrett entered the Factory Department of the Home Office in 1906, was promoted Superintending Inspector, in charge of the Midland Division, in 193~, and beca~~ Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories in January, 1937. He has served in London, Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool and Glasgow~ During the last war Mr. Garrett served in France with the Royal Engineers attached to the 62nd Division~ EMPIRE SECTION 3/11/39 -No. 5. IF THE NAZIS WON. GENERAL SMUTS ON THE THREAT TO AFRICA. "As the weeks pass I am becoming more convinced than ever that we acted rightly", says General Smuts, South Africa's Prime Minister, in a message written for a special Afrikaans issue of "The Democrat", official organ of the Democratic League of South Africa. "Messages are pouring in from all parts of South Africa that the mass of our people support the Goverrunent in the step we took. "The declared policy of the governors of Nazi Germany is not only to dominate the continent of Europe, but also to recover the former German possessions in Africa -indeed even to expand these and so to become the most powerrul Sta~e on earth. "We should be foolish to stand bacl~ with folded hands avvaiting the hour when Germany attacks South \!Vest Afr•ica. Then it rmuld be too late. "The champi ons of neutrality would expose us to privations and derision, without giving us the satisfaction of taking a worthy share in our own defence and in the destruction of the threat to Democracy and all free and Christian nations. "I am certain that if v e all do 011r a.uty as men and brothers then the future is propitious for racial peace and a much better unity than we have ever: known before. With undiminished belief and pride in our Afrikaner nation, I ask for your faithful support in these anxious times". Dr. C. Louis Leipoldt of Cape Town, regarded a& the national poet and an Afrikaner f r ee of party allegiance, writes in the same issue that South Africa is free to r emain neutral and cut its own throat•. "But we can only do so", he states, "if vve take no interest in the rights of humanity, if we have no fellow-feeling f'or ·those who feel, and if we are convinced that the ;?resent Nazi policy is not a threat to our existing civilisation, a threat whi9h will plunge it into a state of indescribable slavery". ISSUED T~ROUGH TrIE PRESS Bl}REAU. 3/11/39 No. 6. STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION. -· . The Allied contraband control organisations have now intercepted and detained well over half a million tons of contraband suspected of being destined for Germany. The French official figures published on the 12th October announce the seizure up to that date of 150,000 tons. The British figures for the fortnight from the ll+th to 18th October show that 63 ,000 tons were inte1"cepted, uhich raises the Briti13h total for the first eight weeks of war to over 400,000 tons. Of the goods detained during the last fortnight, the most important are:­ Copper and Copper · Ore 7,500 tons Zinc 3,200 II Lead 480 II Phosphates 6,600 II Lubricating Oil ll,000 II Oils and fats 3,400 II Oilseeds 10,600 II Wheat 2,800 II C.offee 3,800 II Other Foodstuffs 2,000 II Fodder 1,000 II Cotton 1,000 II Wool 460 II Fibres 1,200 II Hides and Skins 1,2.00 " Tanning Materials 600 II The more important items detained by the Ministry of Economic Warfare since the war began, may be conveniently classified in the following groups:­ 1. E§,rtilisers, fats and :f.ee_g.j,_n_g_ stu:ffs for cattle. Oilseeds 21,100 tons II Oils and fats B,ooo Cotton seea cake 2,800 II Soya h-eans 3,500 II II Soya bean oil i,ooo Fodder 5,700 II I Phosphates 31,100 II II Sulphur 2,500 Pyrites 5,700 II II Chlorate of Potash 1,500 ... . 2 3. Materials used in the manuf'acture of war stores. Fibres. 4,300 tons Jute 1,500 " Wool 460 " Cotton 5,400 " II Hides and Skins 2,400 Tanning Materials 600 II ~ Petroleum Produc,ts 87,540 II (This includes 12 million gallons of petrol) Raw manerials used in the manuf'acture of' guns, shells and armour-plate. Iron Ore 81,500 " Steel Scrap 1,150 II Manganese Ore 38,500 II Molybdenum. 400 ti Wolframite 16o II 6. Other raw materials useg._Jn the armament industry. Aluminium & Bauxite 21,500 ti Copper 8,400 " Lead 2.,800 II Zinc 3,250 " Graphite 160 " Various ores and metals 1,600 II By f'ar the greatest percentage of consignments detained consists of materials directly applicable to military use. ISSUED THROUGH THE PRESS BUREAU. 3/ii/39 No. 7. The Ministry of Economic Warfare desire to draw the attention of conunercial firms, shipo~mers, agents and others to the fact that their Cor~nercial Enquiries Section was set up mainly to deal with enquiries in regard to ships and cargoes detained by the British Contraband Control. '.rhe earlier announcement about this Section, although it endeavoured to make this clear, resulted in an enormous inflow of enquiries upon a wide range of other subjects as well, and the task of sorting these and referring them to the Government Departments properly concerneo. led to a regrettable delay in replying to enquiries. Every effort uas made to clear up arrears at the earliest possible moment. The examination of a few ern[uiries selectea_ at random shows that the Einistry is being consulted on such diverse subjects as difficulties in obtaining supJ2.li.e-s..-·-o£.-S.ausage skins, ,,; and the· where.abouts -0r-·-parc.e.J.~.._ab.road. Many other enquiries, though less wide of the mark, show that there is a good deal of misapprehension about the functions of the Ministry, and it may--b€-he.l.pf-ul t-0 -commercial firms to note that enquiries on the subjects mentioned below should be addressed, not to this Ministry, but to the Government Department mentioned in each case:­ Foreign Trade policy in general Board of Trade Difficulties in regard to Export Licensing EJq>ort Licensing Department. Difficulties in regard to Import Licensing Import Licensing Department Controlled Commodities Ministry of Supply the appropriate Controller. or Applications for Shipment Board of Customs and Excise ,-------­ ...-..··-.... -2 ­ Applications to bid for Prize Admiralty Marshal goods at auction British-ovmed cargoes in Trading with the German ships Enemy Branch Correspondence or cominercial . -Trading with the dealings with enemy Enemy Branch. territory It should be noted that although the M.E.W. is responsible for answering enquiries about ships and cargoes detained by the Contraband Control authoritiess the Procurator-General becomes responsible as soon as a cargo has been actually seized. Applications for release, on the ground that the cargo seized is in fact British-owned, should therefore be addressed to the Procurator-General. Traders can themselves greatly assist in ensuring that they receive quick replies to their l 'Jtters if they wil1 note the above-mentioned points, and if they vlfill, as far as possible, refer in one l etter to cargoes in one ship only. ISSUED THROUGH TH:C P~:GSS BUHEAU. EMPIRE SECTION. 3/11/39. -NO. 8. VISITING DOMINION MINISTERS. NEW ZEALAND -THE HON. PETER FRASER. The Hon. Peter Fraser, who is representing New Zealand at the Empire talks in London, went out from Great Britain, like many of the outstanding figures in the history of New Zealand from the earliest rioneer­ing days, not only with personal ambitions, but with the hope of being able to help to bring into operation some of the social reforms which his study of problems in Scotland and England. had conv.inced him were necessary. He was twenty-five years of age when he left the United Kingdom for New Zealand. In those early years of his life he formed contacts with social reform movements, joining up ultimately with J_,o.bour organisations ,. because he believed at that time -the period of the Lloyd George land and social reform movement -that Liberalism, although it had accomplished much, was not likely to go much further. Mr. Fraser was not long in New Zealand before he came before the public of Wellington as an active fo~ce in the Labour movement, and in 1918 he was elected to Parliament. He has held his seat in 1.'.Jellington ever since. ' When Labour secured office in 1935 it was a foregone conclusion that Mr. Fraser would occupy rank next to his leader, Mr. Savage. His chief portfolios are Education and Health, but he is also Deputy Prime Minister. The progress of education in New Zealand during Mr. Fraser's aruninistration has been commented on by edl,lca tionists of world-wide repute. Mr. Eden, the Secretary of State for· Dominion Affairs,made his acquaintance in 1924, when lie paid a brief visit to New Zealand in that year, on his way home from the Empire Pre·ss Conference in Australia, and the two Mintsters met .at the Empire Parliamentary Association Conference in 1935. TC\iTll=·~n rrnr n0TT('1.T.T r.nrv T'lT"f:.' ,...,". T'TT:;'C" I TT. ·-: , 3/11 /39 ~ No. 9 • OFFICIAL ADl'.'.I R.A.LTY COM!.lUN I ·'i,UE The Admiralty announce that the s.s, "CITY OF FLINT" has been sighted by our light forces proceeding to the Southward inside Norwegian territorial waters. It is possible for the "CITY OF FLTI-TT" to remain insj_de Norwegian and Sv1edish t erritorial waters until she ent ers the Baltic. ADMIRALTY~ WHITEHALL, 8. W .1. Under the t enns of a Hegulation made on the 27th October, 1939, under the Emergency Provi sions (Defence) Act, 1939, the ~lhite Fish Corrnnis:3ion and the White Fish Industry Joint Council , which had been set up under Part I of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938, cE::ase to exercise any funct:Lons and t he corresponding provisions of the Act are suspended. Persons who were under an obligation to be registered with the Commission as a condition of c.l.rrying on their occupation ~ould note that, so long as the Re~1lation remains in force , t his obligation is suspended. 'I'hese persons include producers of white fish, wholesale merchants, fishmongers, fish friars and persons engaged i n curing, salting, drying, smoking or canning white fish. Copies of tho Regulation, which i s publi shed in the "Statutory Rules and Orders11 series (No. 1501 o:f 1939) may be purchased (price ld. net, 1~d. post free) from H.M. 8tationery Office at the following addresses:­ York House , Kingsway, London, W. C.2; 120, George Street, Edinburgh, 2; 26, York Street, Manchester, 1; 1, St. Andrew 1 s Crescent, Cardiff; 80, Chichester Street, Belfast; or through any bookseller•$ ISSUl~D 'I';~ROUGH TEE PRESf:l BUREAU . 2.i.1..:!L29. ~NO. 11. PRESS NOTICE. Compensation for Loss of or Damage to Uniform Clothi11f~ -Ratings only. In order to overcome the difficulties in assessing compensa­tion in respect of losses of uniform clothing of survivors as a direct result of hostilities ancl. to reduce clerical labour in making ledger entries, the following modifications to K.R. & A.I. Article 1697 arc to apply as a wartime measure. 1 • Articles of compulsory ~~d OJ2.~ional kit lost To be replaced by new articles. The usual invostigation9 as to the cause of tho loss and the '-· .. .,. correctness of the claim, may be dispensed with, the signed statement of tho man and n muster of the kit remaining being taken as sufficient evidence of the extent of the losses. II. Articles of compulsory kit damaged. Existing regulntions to apply. 111. Articles of optional kit dmnap;9d..!.. As at I, the full issuing price of such articles being allowed by present regulations. Care is to lJc taken that in no case is compensntion awarded for articles of clothin~, efuc. in excess of the regulation kit (obligatory and optional) of the rating held by the man at the time of the loss. ADMIRALTY, WHITEHALL, s.w.1. 3/11/.39 -No..JL PRESS NOTICE OFFICI.rl.TING MINISTER -RAMSGATE The Rev. F. Shield, of The Mnnse, St Mildred's Avenue, Brondstnirs, hes been appointed--O~iciating Minister to Baptist nnd Congr cgntionnl personnel of the Royal Navy_at Rnmsgate. The usual fc..ci lities o.rc to be af forded. ADMIRALTY W:~ITEHALL s.w.1. 3/11/39 -No. 13. PK~SS NOTICE. On the 11th November next officers and ratings in uniform both on and off duty may wear the poppies which are to be s.old for the benefit of ex-service men and their dependants. ADMIRALTY 9 WHITLJHALL9 S. W. l. 3.11.39 No.•14. PRESS NOTICE. Royal United Service Institution ­Remaining Ouen to Members The Council of the Royal United Service Institution, Whitehall, s.w.1. has notified the Admiralty that the Institution is remaining open for the use of members and that the Journal will be published as usual. The museum is closed f or the duration of the war. ADMIRALTY, WHITEHAT~L, s.w.1. The War o:·:rice, Leri.den , S. \'J .1. 3rc1 November, 1939. The 'Nar Office publish the following list of woollen comf orts etc., required for issue to soldiers serving at home and with the B.E.F. together with specifications of colour, size, shape , etc., Gloves Knitted. Colour Khaki er near shade. Wi dt h across palm 4 to 4~ inches. Overall length 10i to 11i inches. Material three ply whec::ling or double knitting. Mittens. Colour Khaki or near shade . Width acros s palm 4! to 5 inches . Overall l ength 9 inches . Length of rib Cuff 4 inches. Thumb opening formed by a rcv1 of stitchi ng 1 i nch deep. Material three ply wheeling er double knitting. Can Comforters. Colour Khaki 0r near shade. Width 8-~ inches, l ength 32 inches. Knitted tubular, and closed at each end. Material three ply fingering. Colcur Khaki er near shade . -,vidth oi' body 18 to 20 inches, length of body 25 to 26 inches Length cf sleeves 22 to 23 inches. Knitted with V neck. Material three er fcur ply wool fingering. Socks . Colour .'>.rrrw Grey or Khaki. Grey preferred. Length of leg 14 to 15 inches, length of :fc0t 10! to 11 inches. Width 4~ inches. Knitted with Rib Tep and .?lain leg and foct. Material 3 ply wheeling or 4 or 5 ply fingering. Length 48 inches. Width 9~ inches. Circular Neck. Colour Khaki er near shade. Gifts should be sent to the Officer in charge, Anny Comforts Depot, 12, St. Mary's Butts, Reading. )6 The War Office, Lendon, 8.-\V.1. 3rd November, 1939. The War Office announce that Special Stevedore Battalions of the Royal Engineers are now being formed in connecticn with the discharge cf ships at the Army's base perts overseas. Dock workers having experience in the handling of cargo on board ship who wish to join these battalions should I report to their nearest recruiting office or empl.oyment exchange, from whom full informaticn can be obtained. The Emplcyers Asscciaticns acting in· conjunction with the Unicns' representatives at the principal ports in the country have given an undertaking that every registered port worker who joins His majesty's Porces will be restored to the port register on demobilisation. We are particularly asked to state that this appeal does not refer to applicants for commissioned rank. ) ) The War Office, LondC'n 9 S • ,-; • 1 • 3rd November, 1939. The Nar Office once more announce that as certain places of military and uati0119-l importance throughout the country such as camps, bridges, factories, gasometers, electrical plants, railway junction lines, etc., are guarded by armed sentries day and night, the public are earnestly warned against trespassing and advised that when visiting such places on business they will be challenged. This also refers to searchlight and anti-aircraft gun sites. On being ordered to "Halt" they should do so immediately, announcing their presence with the word "Friend". They must then be prepared to give their names and state the nature of their business. In view of the fact that all sentries are a.rmod with ball cartridge it is most essential that the above precauticns be strictly observed. PRESS NOTICE. 18/1'1/39 NOTICZ OF P2PORT OlT UNEI\1PLOYMENT FUND The Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee announces:­In accordance with the provisions of Section 59(3) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, and Section 8(1) of the Unemployment Insurance (Agriculture) Act, 1936, the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee give notice of their intention to make a report to the Minister of Labour and National Service not later than the end of February, 1940, on the financial condition of the general account of the Unemployment Fund and of the agricultural accoun~ of that Fund on 31st December, 1939. The Committee will take into consideration any representations made to them on this subject which are received on or before 2nd December, 1939. Representations should be addressed to the Secretary to the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee, Montagu House,Whitehall, London, S.Vf.t. W. H. BEVERIDGE. Chairman Issued through Press and Censorship Bureau Press Office, Ministry of Labour and National Service. Telephone Whitehall 6200. 3rd November2 1939. H.Q.94-430 K.I. .,. 10,000 T.S. 677 20,000 7/39 T,S. 677 MINISTRY OF LABOUR. Press Notice 3/ 3/11/39. CEN'rn.AL COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S TRAINING AND EMPLOY:MEl\fT . The Ministry of Labour and National Service announces: ­It is anticipated tha.t there will shortly be a considerable demand for cooks in Institutions and Canteens a"'ld in order to enable unemployed women who already have some knowledge of cooking to qualify for such posts the Central Crnmnittee on Women's Training and Employment have opened their two London Centres, the Maida Vale Centre, 97a, Elgin Avenue, W.9, and the Grosvenor Cookery Centre, 120, Grosvenor Road, S.W.1. Women between the ages of 18 and 40 who have lost their employment owing to the war are eligible; they must be British subjects. Those vvho have previously undergone a course of training from Government funds are ineligible. Married women whose husbands are in work are also ineligible. The courses ·will be of six weeks' duration, the hours being approximately 9 to 4 on five days a week . Women will be specially trained in catering and the production of cheap and nourishing meals under war-time conditions for large numbers, e.g., in communal feeding Centres. Trainees will not be entitled to unemployment benefit during training but will receive from the Committee a maintenance grant of 12/-a week if under 21 or 15/-a week if over that age. Trainees will receive free dinners at the Centre; and free fares to and from the Centre for journeys over 1t miles and within reasonable daily travelling distance up to about 5/­a week. They will be supplied with the necessary uniform which will become their property on satisfactory completion of training. Application forms (C.C.1B) can be obtained from any Employment Exchange in the London area. Issued through the Press and Censorship Bureau. Press Office, Ministry of Labour ani National Service. Telephone No: Whitehall 6200. H.Q.93-430 K.I. 3/11/39 -No. 20. UNOF'FICIAL STAT:CT'..J:lJT FOR ;I'H:S US:C OF 'I'HE PPJ;:SS AS ---·--TI-IE'TWISH. --· ---­ (CON.FIDENTIAL : This is by the authority of the India Office who r.mst not be q_uoted). The sharp rise in prices in India that was noted in the early stages of the war 9 has come dovm and more normal and stable prices now prevail. That this applied to India generally was ma.de clear at the Price Control Conference in Delhi , where all the eleven Provinces and some States were represented. In the first days of the war, the Central Government delegated powers to Provinctal Governments for fixing maximum prices of certain essential commodities, both in order to avoid panic and to prevent any serious labour troubles consequent on a sharp rise in the prices of foodstuffs and other necessaries, This Conference was convened in order to exchange experiencc) s and to study price control and other allied problems scientifically. In many Provinces, it transpired$ the need for utilising emergency povvers was not felt, the mere existence of these powers in reserve being sufficient to checl<: any undue tendency to profiteering. Difficulties had been experienced in almost all Provinces in r espect of imported goods and it had been realised that any attempt at conm1andeering stocks would drive them underground. The Conference agreed that it was inexpedient to utilise powers of corrunandeering commodities except in the very last resort, and that traders were entitled to fix prices on the basis of replacement costs. It was also felt undesirabJ_e, at any rate for the present, to check the rine in prices of agricultural produces the agriculturist being entitled to a rise in prices after a depres.sion which had lasted sorne time. At the same time .it was realised that eventually this problem might become Gerious -2 ­ and that it might become ne~essary to impose two limitations on the tendency for the prices of agricultural commodities to rise: the first with regard to necessaries of life when the prices rose so sharply as to entail serious social discontent, the second with reference to Government supplies fo.r war purposes when a steep rise in price would militate against ~dequate wnr effort. It has been arranged that the Conference will re-assemble at intervals of three months.~ and that as a means of attaining a minimum uniformity in policy and application9 the Central Government would keep Provinces and States informed of the trend of prices generally and of the prices in different Provinces of particular commodities, the Provinces in turn undertaking to keep the Centre informed of such trends in their own areas. 3rd November, 1939. 3/11/39 No. 21. P R E S S N 0 T I C E The following account of the deed for which Captain H. Roberts, of the steamship "Mopan", has been awarded the Order of the British Empire by His Majesty, and Mr. &nith, Chief Engineer of the same ship has been officially commended, is issued for such use as the Press may desire to make of it. These awards anDear in the Gazette tonight, whicg is published at 5.30 p.m. No mention should be made before that time. ++++++++++++++++ GALLANT MERCHANTMEN" The appointment by His Majesty of C?ptain Hugh Roberts, Master of the steamship "Mopan", to be an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, and the official commenUa.tion of Mr. Richard H. Smith, Chief Engineer of the same ship, comrn.emorate a gallant incident -r1hich occurred soon after the outbreak of hostilities. The "Mopan" is a steamer of 5389 tons, registered at Liverpool and belonging to Messrs. Elders and Fyffes. She has special refrigerating machinery and on September 6th -vvas on her way home from Jamaica with a cargo of bananas. At about l.O p.m. that day the "Mopan" \vas in a position about 400 miles west of the entrance to the English Channel, when the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer, who were on deck, saw a submarine coming .to the surface about two miles arvay just abaft the starboard bow. Captain Roberts , who had been on deck since 4 a. rn.. , had gone to his cabin for a pipe. He had only been there two minutes when the third officer, who vrns on watch, came to the door and shouted --­"Submarine on the starboard side:" "A second shot was fired and l anded about 100 yards on the beam", Captain Roberts said. "Then I ported the helm tp bring the submarine on the port quarter. The shells were now straddling us, and bursting close alongside, with fragments coning on board. For the next shot v1e starboarded the helm again, and for the next round ported it ---eontinuing to do so and trying to dodge the shells". -2 ­The n Mopan" was entirely unarmed. Ordering his men to take cover, Captain Roberts continued to zig-zag into the wind, which was from the north-north-west. The submarine was compelled to follow, which meant she ·could not use her after gun. But v-vith her other gun she continued to fire intermittently for 37 minutes, by which time the "I:Iopan" had increased her lead to 6,000 or 7,000 yards• The "Mopan' s11 nominal speed was 13t lmots; but emergency signals had been arranged with the engine-room, so that within a few minutes she was steari.ing at 15. The U-boat was still following, and until 3 p.m. seemed to be slowly gaining. She was apparently having difficulty with her foremost gun because of the water washing over her low bows. The "Mopan" now increased speed to the utmost to shake off her pursuer. Very soon she was travelling at an estimated speed of about 16~ knots, and soon began to draw ahead. At ten minutes past four the U-boat, then about 4 miles astern, gave up the chase and disapp~ared. If ever a vessel was saved by the stout courage, skill and presence of mind of her captain, officers and crew, no less than by the energ;J and efficiency of her Chief Engineer and his men in the engine-room and stokehold, it was the 11 Hopan". While Captain Roberts said that the officers and men behaved "most admirably" during their try;i.ng ordeal, Mr. Smith expressed his great admiration for the "enthusiasm and :energy of the firemen". Apart from the Empire Gallantry Medal awarded to Mr. J .Gd,L Turner, wireless operator of the steamship tr r.:r anaar", for his gallantry when that vessel was shelled and torpedoed by a submarine, also on September 6th, Captain Roberts' O.B.E. and Mr. Smith's official commendation are the first distinctions earned by the Merchant Navy during the present war. 3.11. 39 I SSmm THROUQ;1L:-rlLLR~_q_§_.£.UBJ:_AU. 3.11.39 No. 22~ MINISTRY OF HEALTH. EMERGE11TCY MEDICAL SBRVICE. Mr. Walter Elliot, Minister of' Health, who was accompanied by Sir George Chrystal, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Dr.Hebb, the Director General of the Emergency Medical Service, today discussed with representatives of the Advisory Committee set up by the Central Medical War Committee, their recommendations for the reorganisation of the Emergency Medical Service. The main objects of these recommendations are to release consultants and other senior members of the medical profession from their whole-time obligations in the Emergency Medical Service so that they may be free to attend to the needs of the civilian sick and to their normal duties in the medical schools, while remaining available on a part-time basis for casualty work. The Committee representatives were introduced by Mr, H. S. Souttar ; F. R. C.•S., the Chairman of the Central Medical War Committee and consisted of the following:­ Sir Robert Hutchison, f,1. D., P.R. C. i:>., (Chairman of the Advisory Committee) Mr. Hugh Lett , P. R. G. S .• , Professor William Fletcher Shaw, M.D., P.R.C.O.G., Sir Girling Ball, F,R.C.S~, Professor A.H. Burgess, M.B., F.R.c.s., Professor R. M~F. Picken, M.B.,Ch.B., D.P.H. Dr. G.C. Anderson (Secretary), Mr, Charles Hill (DeDuty Secretary). The Minister discussed with the Committee their recommendations point by point, and said that now that he had in his mind the broad principles of their proposals, he would consider them with his expert advisers. He ho~ed that it would be nossible for a few representatives of the Committee t o discuss the details of the nroposals with his advisers next week. MINISTRY OF HEALTH. 3rd, November, 1939, In ncco:rc1ance with the undertaking given to the Governmerd; by the Ce;ntral Council .of Colliery Ovmers that the general level of pithead prices would not be raised without prior consul tation ar~.d agr~'3-ESmen.rt vri.''th the Go"rnrnment , the Central Council have submitted an application for an increase to cover wages adlli tions operating from the 1st J\ovember and certain increa2ed costs of 9roduction arising from war conditions. The application has been investigated by independent accuuntants appointed by the Government and, based upon their report, an increase of 1/-per ton for Englc.nd and Scotl2nd and 1/4 for Wales has been agreed. The Governrnent hnve made an or-der requiring that existing contract prices for inland supplies shall be increased by 1/-per ton. Dean Stanley Street, LUllbank 9 London, S. W. 1. 3rd November, 1939. No.24. RELEASED FOR PUBLICJ~TION AFTER 8.0 l.m. TONIGHT (FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 3, MEM. TO SUB-EDITORS 1 939_. As this script is being issued in advance, it is necessary t o check it against the actua1 broadcast at 7.50 this (Friday)evening on 391 or 449 metres~ TALK BROJ\.DC/'.ST BY THE HON. T. A. CRERAR. The B.B.C. announces that the Hono T. A. Crerar, Minister for Mines and Natural Resources, Dominion of Canada, broadcast the following talk in the B.B.C. 1 s Home Service at 7.50 this (Friday)evening: "My first word must be one of thanks :ror the warm welcome which we hRve received since arriving in this country last Saturday. "It was less than three years ago that I last visited England. That visit w2s on a ha~py occasion -the Coronation of Their Majesties, who have since been crowned again in the hearts of their Canadian subjects during their memorable visit to the Dominion l ast M2y and June. This time we come here under more tr2,gic circumstances. At the 66ronntion we· saw a Britnin of peace and hnrpinesso We now see a Britain at war; but, as always, a Britain calm and resolute; not to be shaken from a high resolve which has hot been lightly taken, and which will be carried through to the end. May I pay a tribute here to the spirit of this ancient people and to that tribute add the firm conviction that once again, 8S so often inthe story of these Islands, this spirit will triumph over the difficulties and dangers of the hour. "In this war we in Canada are with you -as you are with us -t o the end. But we are fighting, not merely because of a sentimental i mpulse t o come to the help of the Mother Country in her hour of need. That feeling, of course, is strong amongst us, but it could not alone account for the dedication of the strength and s~irit of Canada to meet the challenge of this conflict. Remember, that to a great part of Canada the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is not a Mother Country, as approximately one half of the people of the Dominion are of non Anglo-Saxon stock. We are made up of every race and every people; French -our first white settlers ­who without any emigration from Old France h2ve in the last two hundred years increased from 50,000 to 3t millions; Scandinavian, Italian, Ukranian, Polish, ttye and even German -German Canadians who are now l oyal to the best that is in Germany and are for that reason joining with other Canadians in the fight against the debasing creed of Nazism~ "In m;y own city of Winni;::ieg; for inste.nce, there ,are twenty-two newspapers and news sheets published in languages other than English,, That al one YJOUl d show you that Canada is not and never c2n be merely a trans-Atlantic edition of this country. "And yet in this struggle we ::-~re P-s one -we h2-ve entered j_nto j_ t as one people rmd we will see j_t through as such, because we are conscious th2t as a Canadian nation we are fighting for our own i deals o.nd for our own existence. In this war we are not a Colony coming automatically to the aid of the Mother Country but n Stnte conscious of the help 2 Hhich it can give in the struggle for the maintenance of a decent ~orld ordero "In 1914 we also participated in a struggle against a common danger. Since those days, horrever~ Canada has grorm out of Colonial status in a British Bnr.:_)ire to that of equal partner­shii:i in a CorJr:1onrve11lth of British nations. Some there were who thought that tLis gr•ov-1th meant a loosening, even a destruction, of the bonds tha t unite us to ou~ sister States in this CormJonrrnaltho The events of September, 1939 have proved the falseness of tha t vierlo We came into this war as a result of the free1 decision of a sove reig11 parliament, a decision \Vhich has since been magnificently confirmed by the votes of the people in the second lar gest province of Canada; a ~rovinceoomposed almost o:i.::.tirely of French-speaking Canadians. There is nothing forced or nothing of subordination in our co-operation with you in this waro Surely no finer demonstration could have been given of the unit of s1Jirit and ideals which bind together Canada and the United Kingdomo "vVhat is the reason for this? Primarily, in my opinion, because of the fact that whatever may have been the case in previous wars, we know· at this time that i·t Yras only after all the resources of pacific settlement had been exhausted that the British na tions l"rere forced to fight. We knmv also that we are fighting against the very spirit of evil in Government -against a conception of human and political relationships vvhich is founded on barbarism and brute forceo For that is what Nazism stands for -it i 3 the negation of every moral and spiritual value. It means the crushing of individual liberty and the subordination cf every human and decent feeling to the demands of a tyrannical Stateo Against this doctrine ~e place those ideals, in pu:r'suit of which Britain ho.s been the guide and inspiration of all other free Nations -insistence on the right of man to 3..0ad. his o•.'fn life and to govern himself; decency in human and political relatioi1shi2'.'JS; order without tyranny and liberty without licence. 11In a choice of this kind, be t·.-.reen the Nazi anc!. the British conception of life and liberty, ther e could only be one decision for the young democrac~r of Cnnada. •.-:e must fight with you against those doctrines, the triu1ff1)h of ;;1hich -vv-ould make it imoos sible for us to build our new· nation on foundations that would stand? This is a jus t war, and one '.7hich we must see through to a victoriouo anc1 just peace. If \7e do not, it would have been better for us had we l ost the last war. Life in a world do:11inc;,.ted by the base standards of Hitlerisrn uould be even worse t han l i fe in a world dominated by Prussian militaris~ May I, in this connection, quote one paragra:;:ih from a broadcast made by my leader 9 the CanaC.i an Prime Minister, ;l o.st Satu..:'.'day, to the Canadian p eo:;_)le: ~The tirna has come v1hen, to save our Christian civilisa tion, rm must be lJrepared to lay c1oYm our lives for its prcse~'.'vation. '1.'he young men who are enlisting_ in our Forces t oday to serve on lands sea and in the air, ar e first and foremost defenders of the faith. Like others ·who have gone forth to battle in the past they are l)lacing their lives in the service of King and country, but their s is an even greater mission. It is the iJreservation for our own futm"e ,,·enerations of the freedom ~ 0 begotten of the persecutions, martyrdoms and centuries of .; -3 ­ struggles. It is the preservation, not alone of national and personal freedom, but of the freedom also of the mind and soul. It is Nazism and Hitlerism as thus understood which produced the present war and which threatens~ if it is not overthrown, to extend its tyrannical power to all nations." "To the common task of destroying this Nazi doctrine and all it stands for Canada will make a worthy contribution. It is to facilitate and make as effective as possible that contribution that we are now in this country." 11 In return, we in Canada ask for this -that, as a result of our joint sacrifices, we may win t.be peace as well as the war; that with the lesson of the years between 1918 and 1939 still fresh in our memory, we may this time not merely defeat the enemy but on that defeat lay the foundation of a new society; one where war will be outlawed as the barbarity it is; where instead cf the Nazi dream of a world composed of brutal and bellicose despotisms, there will be a world of free and self-governing peoples$ willing, if necessary, to s~rrender certain of their sovereign powers in the interest of the peace and prosperity of the whole international community." 3rd November7 1939· 3/11/39 -No.25. l.IDHSTRY OF FOOD ANNOUNCEMENT. Egg Prices. In accordance i:lith the normal seasonal rise in prices due to the decline in the production of eggs 9 the I1inistl'y of Food have issued an amended Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order which will come into operation on Monday,9 6th November. Under this Order the maximum pri.ces which a consumer may be charged will range from 3/-per doz. for the largest home produced eggs to 1/3 per doz. for small eggs from China 9 Egypt and Roumania. Corresponding prices are prescribed for sales by importers and by wholesalers. 3rd November . 193~, No.26. MINISTRY OF FOOD A\TNOUNCEMENT. REGISTRATION FOR RATIONING. Cases have been reported to the Ministry of Food in which retailers hRve refused to serve members of the public with foodstuffs unless they agreed to register with them for their rationed goods. Such action constitutes a breach of the Order relating to Conditional / Sales and no registration can be made nor should any undertaking be given by any member of the public until he receives his ration book. Vfuen this has been received, the name and address of the retailer with whom it is desired to register for bacon and ham, and similnrly for butter should be inserted in the appropriate space on the inside of the cover of the ration book which should then be taken to the selected retailer who will detach the approDriate counterfoil. Only in this way can registration be properly effected. 3/11/39 -No.27. MINISTRY OF FOOD ANNOUNCEMENT FISH SUPPLIES ' There is now a plentiful supply of fish available, and prevailing prices are much lower than they have been in recent weeks. The public should bear in mind that fish supplies are bound to vary at times owing to weather conditions and housewives should take advantage of the present favourable supplies. 3rd November, 1939· NOT FOR PUBLICATION, VVHE'J:'HER BY BROADCAST OR OTHERVJISE,. BEFORE SATURDAY UORNING, NOVEMBER 4th. PRESS _ NO'J;1ICE The blackout period is being shortened by half an hour at the begining and half an hour at the end. The Minister of Horne Security has decided that the present blackout period should be modified forthwith so as to begin half-an-hour after sunset (i.e. at "lighting~up time" for vehicles) instead of at sunset, and to end at half-an-hour before sunrise, instead of at sunrise. This Yiill a1)ply to all lights to which the present Lighting Order applies, and of course includes dornestic lighting. This change has been made after consultation with the Air Ministry in the light of representations recently made to the Minister of Home Security by representatives of the British Employers Confederation and the Trades Union Congress. The Minister of Home Security vvishes to urge UiJOn the public the absolute necessit;;,r in the interests of public security of strict observance of the ·neYv blackout hom-s. Most newspnper~ publish daily the lighting-up times for vehicles, which for the rest of the winter 1:7ill be the time of commencement of the blackout, as well as the hour for extinguishing vehicle lights, ·which \7ill be the same as that of: the end of the blackout. MINISTRY OF HOME SEQU~J..'il 3rd Nqmber, J.:93.~. The Home Secre tf•ry hc.s c".ccicl.cn. t rJ :nr~kc c,n Or\1..er pcrmi t tin:0; plr.ccs of ento"'tr.i:nmcn t t~J rcmr.in open untiJ in Ccntr£1.l London, VJhere; spcci ['_l -'"rrr'.n[:;erJents ~".rc in force. 'rhc: l10Y't:: r of Chief Const::.1.Jlc s t '> •wohibit re-01>eninr.; in in0.i vidu.".l cn.scs \'i i 11 be r e t:..,_irJ.Ocl.o In Ccntro.l Londnn the: positLm v.rill bG thflt the cinemas which r.r c r'. t :Drcscmt pcrmi tt ec1 t 1 r crnr.in OTicn unr1er the erou:1Jin.:.~ scheme U}') to 10 :!Jill. in ~~-1t crnf'.tc weeks will be permitted to r mnc..in open up t o 11 pm. in those we.::ks . News Thco.trc;s which n.r c nt p:._·csent c.llowed to be open till 10 pm. will be permitted to rcmn.in open till 11 pm. HOME OFFICE 3r'd November> 193..2 3/11/39 -No.30. (NOT TO BE QUOTED AS AN AIR IUNISTRY .ANNOUNCEMDNT.) LOOK AFTER .YOUR AIRMEN WHO ARE LOOKING AFTER ..X.Q.'Q.. Men with wings are combing the skies to ensure yoursafety. Would you like to do something to show your gratitude? This is the keynote for a scheme which is beingsponsored by the Air Ministry. It gives opportunity to people in all walks of life to send gifts to serving airmen: in other words to look after your airmen who are looking after you. f:Jl. early exaraple of a fine spirit that is demandingpractical expression is contained in a letter received by the Royal Air Force Comforts Fund from a little girl of eight. 11 I am sending two pairs of socks l have knitted for the Royal Air Force", she writes. 11 Mummy says one pair is not very good, but the other ·will do all right". A good use was found for both pairs. So that this national urge may have an organised outlet, the Royal Air Force Comforts Fund has been formed to receive and distribute gifts to airmen wherever they are serving. It should be strongly emphasised that there i,S no question of our airmen being short of necessities. Everything is done to provide ample food, service clothing and equipment. But many things which would be welcome are not an authorised Government sup:p:~y, and it is just those little extras that make an airman's life happier in the troubled times of war. Cigarettes, tobacco, knitted wear, mouth organs, handkerchiefs, and tins of sweets and chocolate -it is in these directions that all who wish to a_o so can help. Periodicals and books, also, are in great demand, as well as garnes such as darts, shove-halfpenny boards, and pack of cards. Knitted articles required at present are searves, mittens and Balaclava helmets. Women's knitting parties can give great help, and to facilitate their work the Fund has prepared instructions. These can be obtained from the address given below. Portable radio sets, too, will prove a great boon. For instance, men who are generally stationed in remote rural districts, far removed from social ar11enities of any kind, will be cheered in their off-duty hours by having such sets. Why not help the men of the R.A.F. who are looldng af'ter you -in the air at home~ over the seas, and on the Continent? All gifts, wh:Lch will be acknowledged, should be sent direct to :-The Officer-in-Charge, the Royal Air Force Comforts Fund 9 The Air Ministry, Berkeley Square, London, W.1. ISSUED THROUGH THE PRESS BURE.fi:..11..~­ 3/11/39 No.31 FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE The follovring officio.l communique 'NO.S issued by French GoHoQ. this evening;­ A quiet day on the whole front. Locally there ho.ve been a fevv encounters betvvcen the conto.ct uni ts. 3/11/39 ~ No. 32. OFFICIAL ADMIRALTY ANlTOUHCEMENT The Admiro.lty nnnounce that the First Lord f.'l.rrived in Pa ris on Thursdo.Jr, 2nd November, to confer with hl . Campinchi on Allied no.va l dis~ositions.