FOREIGN PRESS REVIEW DAILY SURVEY OF WORLD COMMENT ON THE WAR THE OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY MINISTRY COMPILED FROM TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS llth March, 1940 No. 49 GERMANY: REFLECTIONON NAZI INTERNALCONDITIONS. A reflection on internal conditions in Germany is seen in the heavy sentences which Nazi judges continue to deal out to persons convicted of comparatively mild offences. The KOELNISCHE ZEITUNG has reported that a twenty year-old man was sentenced to death at Halle four barns between for sotting fire to 1938 and New Year's Eve 1940. The judge said, that for offences under Para. 3 of the decree the state there against persons causing injury to was only one and accused could not punishment death that the mental deficiency of the justify a lesser punishment. on Marshal Goering’s organ, the NATIONAL ZEITUNG of Essen, reported S turday that a farm hand was sentenced, at Eleve (W stphalia) to ten years e a penal servitude for causing a fire in which cereals, farm implements and motor­ cars were The destroyed. public prosecutor refrained from asking for the death penalty because a doctor’s certificate shoved that the accused's past proved him to be a mm! idiot. Somewhat surprisingly, the court concurred. Banner headlines in the BERLHUR ZSITUNG All MITTAG distorted events in Britain. The headlines were "British blackmail action Chamberlain’s - at concealment" and to be to Polish jailers in London camps". The headingsreferred to the Anglo-Italian coal question and a suggestion in a British newspaper that some of the Germans desperate new attempt "Germans handed over should in England be interned and guarded by Poles. SWITZERLAND: SATISFACTION AT COAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT. Satisfaction is expressed in today's Swiss Press that the Anglo-Italian coal dispute was prevented from developing into a serious breach between the two countries. The JOURNAL DE GENEVE, the Conservative organ declares: "It is hoped that able to fix her coal and that Italy will be supplies questions of prestige will be statesmen not poison the dispute, Further, the hope may expressed that the of the two countries will be guided by practical necessities to a mutual accommodation. The situation in Europe is already so disturbed that it would have been a pity to see the affair degenerate into an Anglo--Italian quarrel." Some Swiss newspapers express doubt regarding the negotiations to bring about a termination of the Russo-Finnish war and the TRIBUNE DE GENEVE writes: "The Soviet's gesture constitutes a significant avowal* In agreeing to renew the that were in their conversations, they recognise they seriously in the wrong estimate %hen they embarked upon a Afresh and jolly war'. After military reckon with the defeats, they must now disappointing uncertainty created by the announcement of a possible Armistice, Scandinavian intervention and underground German propaganda in order to exhaust the small adversary's moral strength. They are even obliged to announce that 'Draconian' conditions are not the last word and an arrangement is still possible." The JOURNAL DE GENEVE writes: "It is plain that the Soviets hope by a treaty to undermine Finnish integrity by ensuring themselves strategic peace to render Finland she resists positions permitting them powerless the moment their demands. They would hold. Finland1 s independence in their hands* " 11.3.40. 2 SWEDEN: "BLOCKADE CANNOT JUSTIFY SINKING OF NEUTRALS." cannot The belligerent blockade justify the sinking of neutral vessels travelling between neutral ports. This opinion is expressed today by the NYA DAGLIGT ALLEHANDA. Under the heading "International Lav/ not for Neutrals", this paper refers to Admiral Raader’s statement to an American correspondent in Berlin and points out that goods can only be declared contraband if destined to a The blockade belligerent. cannot justify the sinking of Swedish vessels travelling, for example, from South America to Sweden. If the blockade cannot be maintained without attacking vessels in this manner, the least that can be done is not to seek support for such attacks in the statutes of international law. Referring to German advice taken from the American idea of remaining outside the danger zone, Georg Granmalm points out that the American decree was based on the "cash and carry" principle and its application by Sweden would mean that Germany would be compelled to fetch goods from Sweden with her own vessels. "Germany would certainly call this unneutral and rightly so," adds this writer."Sweden demands respect for her neutrality and for international law during the present war." DAGENS NYHETER describes Mr. Harold Nicolson's handbook on diplomacy as "very reasonable" and summarises the author’s analysis of Nazi diplomacy. The paper adds; "It is right that Nicolson devotes special attention to the Nazis for the Third Reich has understood better than any other Dictatorship, how to disguise the use of force. Nicolson makes the apt statement that the apparent incompetence of Hitler’s alms and methods depends on the general assumption that his aims are fixed. But Hitler’s are unlimited. He strives to attain the greatest possible power with the least possible effort." The Press gives great prominence to reports of the negotiations designed to bring the Russo-Finnish war to a conclusion, but there is no comment so far. FEET." U. S. A: "GROUND GUT FROM UNDER RIBBENTROP'S The view that Herr von Ribbentrop’s calculations have been upset by the settlement of the Anglo-Italian coal dispute is expressed in today’s New York Press. In a Rome dispatch the NEW YORK TIMES writes: "The ground has been cut there been a from under Ribbentrop’s feet by the coal agreement. Rarely has started with such dramatic possibilities and collapsed diplomatic visit that so thoroughly before it had hardly got under way". Referring to the German Fuehrer’s speech an editorial article in this the He paper declares: "Hitler’s speech threw no new light on situation. offered if necessary to give his life for a German victory. This a. seems one considers the thousands of other German moderate enough offering when lives he has already sacrificed to that end. even amongst his own "It would be difficult to match for obvious humbug, ’The enemy’s goal is Germany’s destruction ­statements,the declaration murder German unity apparently means robbery, goal is Germany’s unity’. and enslavement of the our Czechs and Poles. 11.3.40. 3 “The Allies have obviously won an important diplomatic victory in Italy." The American Press has continued to comment on the voyage of the liner Queen Elizabeth from the Clyde to New York. The NEW YORK POST wrote: "There in New York harbour was visible the symbol of England’s peacetime ingenuity. In that great ship was summed up all the resources of a nation’s inagination, skill and industry." /mother writer in this paper stated: "The exploit of the Queen Elizabeth That is the surpasses the homeward flight of the Bremen to Germany. considered view of Julius Seeth, the pilot who guided the Queen Elizabeth into port. He said, ’Captain Ahrens knew how the Bremen would perform, but these men who brought the Elizabeth over had an unknown quantity on their hands'". of The NEW YORK SUN declared: "Queen Elizabeth's trip was both a gesture confidence and a challenge on the part of the British Admiralty, It was a feat calculated to revive the confidence of a people who have had to bear humiliation and the sorrow of many sinkings." "TACTICAL BRITISH VICTORY." BELGIUM: Tie settlement of the Anglo-Italian coal dispute is described in today’s Belgian Press as a "tactical British victory." LE FEUPLE, the Left Wing paper declares: "It is true that the Brutish have agreed Italian coal-bearing ships, already detained in the to release Downs. This is only an it is a to elegant gesture although face-saving one Signor Mussolini." Herr Hitler’s speech, has, in contrast with his pre-war declarations, aroused little interest. The STANDAARD, the Flemish Catholic organ, declares: "The speech has opened no new prospects", and even blunter language is used in VOORUIT, the Socialist Party organ, which states: "There is no comment to be made." Herr the von Ribbentrop’s visit to the Vatican is commented upon by STANDAARD in the words: "Is Germany prepared to normalise Vatican relationships? Should such a gesture, offering loyalty and complete guarantees to the Catholic Church in Germany be forthcoming, it could not be underestimated from the psychological view-point and with a view to general peace." ADEN: SCHOOLS FOR NOMADS. Praise for Iraq* s education system is contained in FATAT-UL-JEZIRAH, “Each year an increasing sura is allocated for educational purposes states this paper. ""The number of girls’ schools has been increased and school buildings have been improved. Even the Nomads now have schools, and radio is used for the diffusion of instruction. desires to “Iraq share prominently in the renewal of Arab glory and and cooperate with Egypt Syria in a literary renaissance. " 11.3.40. SWEDEN: SWEDISH GOVERMENT DID NOT SUBMIT TO PRES SURE. A denial that the Swedish Government submitted to outside pressure in her role of mediator between Finland and Russia, was contained in an article printed in the ARBETET. The ~ article, which was written by the paper’s Stockholm correspondent - member presumably Senator Allan Vougt, a of the Foreign Affairs Committee as on was regarded sufficiently official to be quoted the Swedish wireless last night. The correspondent scotched rumours regarding the Russo-Finnish peace moves and denied that the Government of Sweden had submitted to pressure or was cooperating with Germany, Italy or any other power. It was emphasised that Sweden was acting purely as a mediator between Finland and Russia. It was added: "All possible journies between Helsinki, Stockholm or Berlin accordingly lack until now, all connection with attempts to arrive at a peace - contact between Helsinki and Moscow not the least being President Svinhufvud's holiday trip or Dr. Sven Hedin’s little pleasure tour. It should be stressed that Sweden, as a mediator, is not really concerned with the nature of proposes but would not have offered her good offices to transmit proposals which Finland would immediately have to reject. Those rumours are also exaggerated which describe the Russian hard and peace proposals as far-reaching in the extreme. They would not then correspond to the war situation. Finland is not conquered militarily and has norreason to capitulate." The correspondent stressed the inaccuracy of information published so far regarding the peace proposals and characterised foreign condemnation of the "new Munich" Swedish action as a as "an expression of the lost hopes of the participation of the whole of Scandinavia in the war." He added; "One need only recall that Czechoslovakia, at Munich, was sold and prevented from fighting, dis­ armed and put in chains by the British and French statesmen. "Finland has fought for her freedom with the assistance of Sweden and the rest of the world and her independence is untouched, even if one or more sacrifices would have to be made by concluding peace." SOCIAL DEMOKRATEN denied the justification of accusations by the French and British Press against Sweden and pointed out that LE JOURNAL acknowledged that the Allies were more interested in expanding the war against Germany than in help­ ing Finland. "It is honest to say this openly and we respect the point of view which, in the interest of world Democracy, may seem fairly logical," added the paper. "But such an attitude cannot motivate criticism directed against the Swedish Government for setting aside Finland’s cause in Swedish interests. It is fundamentally a different problem from the Finnish problem which occupies the - French Press the bigger war against Hitler’s Germany." DENMARK: DANISH VIEW OF PEACE MOVES. Discussing the prospects of peace between Russia and Finland, a leader in FOLITIKEN states today: "The English and French Press have treated the peace above the efforts in a way which, over and expression of strong sympathy for has clearly shown the direct interest that the Western Powers have in Finland, seeing Russia engaged in a struggle demanding the employment of the nation's full strength and restricting the supplies which otherwise would be serving Germany well." 11.3.40. JAPAN: BRITAIN'S WAR EFFORT PRAISED. series of articlesPraise for the British war effort has been given in a an ASAHI by a Japanese economic expert SHESUIT. declared that Britain’s who The expert, had recently returned from London, one of war efforts were proceeding smoothly and his general impression was national unity. He added: "Britain had been storing foodstuffs and other important raw materials for about six months prior to the war so she has considerable stocks. But Furthermore, she is continually supplementing them from abroad. although she has sufficient stocks she is adopting measures such as rationing and the fixing of official prices for foodstuffs and important raw materials. about "Under the present system the only inconvenience felt by the public is the question of petrol for motorcars. There is not much inconvenience as the daily necessities. Official, prices for daily necessities have regards been very reasonably fixed so there has been no hoarding in anticipation of a rise in prices." VENEZUELA: RIBBENTROP FRUSTRATED? Herr von Ribbentrop will find that certain of his intentions in visiting Rome have been frustrated by the British decision to release Italian coal ships. This is the opinion of the Venezuelan newspaper AHORA. stated: "A formidable A leading article in this journal yesterday diplomatic game is being played in Europe today, Britain, like all belligerents* has one object to win the war and she recently stated that she would answer all enemy manoeuvres with counter manoeuvres. Ribbentrop intended to use the Anglo-Italian incident for German ends. Britain weighed the ’pros and cons’ and decided to free the Italian ships but she will not make unilateral 3 concessions. "By freeing the ships she will gain war material from Italy, who has saved her prestige, and Ribbentrop will find that the Anglo-Italian tension is ended and his intentions frustrated. Britain mil have obtained estimable results at the cost of prestige, but only second class powers bother about prestige." BRAZIL: DISILLUSIONMENT FOR VON RIBBENTROP? Herr von O JORNAL disbelieved that Commenting on Ribbentrop’s visit to Rome Catholic Italy would "consent to serve the interests of Nazi and Communist atheists." The DIARIO DE NOTICIAS published an article by Dorothy Thompson arguing the weakness and the of Germany Russia and urging benevolent neutrality towards Allies as best serving American interests and shortening the war. A tribute to the strength of the Royal Air Force was paid by the CORREIO DA MANHA. ITALY: RELIEF AT BRITAIN’S COAL DECISION. The British Ambassador’s visit to Count Ciano to inform the Italian Foreign Minister of Britain’s decision to release Italian coal ships relegated Herr von Ribbentrop's visit to Rome to second place as the news feature of last night’s Italian Press. Comments from L ndon stressed the sense of relief at the decision and o emphasised, the hope that the impulse had now been given to a general improvement in Anglo-Italian relations. 11.3.40. 6 Signor Ansaldo, who writes in the TELEGRAFO, said he understood that Herr von Ribbentrop would explain Germany’s achievements and intentions to the Duce but that there was no question of any interference with Italian liberty of action or had been any attempt to embitter Anglo-Italian relations as suggested in some quarters. commented on the writing in the GIORNALE D’ITALIA, Signor Virginio Gayda peace moves to terminate the Russo-Finnish conflict and stated: "European observers cannot fail to be interested but the question of peace Finland and Russia concerns exclusively the two governments in conflict. O n ly the Finnish nation can measure the advantages of peace in relation to her national interests. interest is however French intervention. Almost inevitably Norway and Sweden would be involved, thus causing not only Russian but also German reaction. There would be an enlargement of the European conflict against the hopes of Italy who "Of wider European the possibility of last-minute Anglo- had tried by every means to circumscribe it at least within the zone of its origin.” FRANCE: SPECULATION ON HERR VON RIBBENTROP ’S VISIT. The on Herrvon French Press has devoted considerably space to speculation Ribbentrop's visit to Rome. "All this pacifist activity is somewhat confusing. By bringing Russia’s friends into the affair the Finns risk no longer being able to' choose between peace writing in the PETIT PARISIAN yesterday M. Lucien Bourgues stated: and to from all continued resistance, and being finally obliged, pressure their honour would forbid them to consider a sides,what their interests and satisfactory solution. "Rome, like Moscow, is becoming the centre of intense diplomatic activity. Herr von Ribbentrop arrives this morning accompanied by a large staff: thirty-two officials includingDr. Caus, the famous lawyer, who is only there when his masters have agreements to draw up. The Germans are spreading the rumour that this is merely a normal visit but they are at the same time spreading the news among the neutrals that a turning point in events is imminent. It is in any case somewhat curious to note that tomorrow Herr von Ribbentrop will be received in audience by the Pope. It is the first time that a Nazi leader will cross the threshold of the Vatican. whenhe was in Rome in 1933 Hitler did not see the Pope and Ribbentrop himself, although often on the banks of the Tiber, has never so far visited the Vatican. "It is very unlikely that the sole motive for Herr von Ribbentrop*s visit to Rome is the desire to hasten peace in Finland. It is more probable that what on is in question is a supreme effort the part of Ribbentrop to bind Italy more an closely to Germany either for purposes of war or in order to launch imposing peace offensive, shall soon know." we In the POPULAIRE, M. Blum asked: "What should be,in the present state of things,the position of the French Government, the French Press and French public opinion? "In the first place we must respect the Finnish peoples’ freedom of decision, W must Finland advice and above of which she has no e spare all instructions, need.... In the second place it must be clearly and firmly said,with more clarity and force than has been the to if case up the present,that Finland appeals directly and formally to the Allies they are determined to respond fully of their without reserves, without restrictions, accepting all the consequences action." 11.3.40 No-1. COMMUNIQUE NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF TUESDAY THE 12th MARCH. 1940 to The King has been pleased approve a proposal that Sir Muhammed Zafrullah Khan, on the expiry of his term of office on 13th April, 1940, should continue to hold office as a Member of the Governor-General's Executive Council for a further term. His Majesty has also been pleased to approve the appointment of Sir Girja Shankar Bajpai as a Member of the Governor-General's Executive Council in the vacancy that will occur on the expiry on Ist April, 1940, of Sir Jagdish Prasad's term of office. INDIA OFFICE 11/3/40 -No.2. FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE (MORNING) The following communique was issued this morning from the French G.H.Q:­ to Nothing report. 11/3/40 -No. 3. OFFICIAL ADMIRALTY STATEMENT. The Secretary of the Admiralty regrets to announce the following casualties amongst officers and men of the Naval service. The casualties shown herein arise from the various hazards of service in war and are not related to any particular ship or action. Officers. Killed. R.N. Midshipman (A) J.D.W. Barr, W. Barron, Temporary Boom Engineer, R.N.R. Midshipman R.A.S. Brown, R.N.R. Lieutenant B.E. Coombs, R.N. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant C. Dobson, R.N.V.R. Temporary Lieutenant D.B. Johnstone, R.N.V.R. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant N.F. Peat, R.N.V.R. Lieutenant (A) E.F. Pope, R.N. Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A) G.A. Skinner, R.N. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant G.W. Vaughan, R.N.V.R. Probationary Midshipman (A) T.R.W. Wagner, R.N.V.R. Temporary Sub-lieutenant (A) G.V. Williamson, R.N.V.R. Died of World's. Temporary Lieutenant A. M. Maclean, R.N.V.R. Died. Lieutenant A.A.C. Gage, R.N. Lieutenant P.L. Hocking, R.N. Wounded. Lieutenant-Commander J.I. Miller, R.N.R. Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenant R.C. Whybrow, R.N.V.R. A. Finlayson, Chief Skipper, R.N.R. 2 Ratings. Killed. Adams, James. Adcock, Bernards Baldwin, C.E. D.S.M. Barker, B.R. Baxter, John. Beavers, H.E. Bryant, C.N. Clay, J.R. Gowie, John Davey, G.H. Dunlevy, R.J. Gardner, S.T. Johnson, W.E. McCtillough, Samue1, Parker, Leonard, Preston, C.W. Reid, Peter, E.H. Shayler, Shepheard, G.H. Stewart, Alexander, James. Stewart, Tandy, H.A. Taylor, R. A. Tough, Charles, Tpodd, S.G. Uren, G.E. Warren, J.H. Watson, Andrew, I. Wylie, Young,H.J. Seaman, R.N.R. Stoker, 1st, Class. C.P.O. Engineman. Leading Airman, Seaman, R.N.R. A.B. Seaman, R.N.R. 2nd,Hand. Marine. C.P.O. A.B. Seaman Cook. A.B. Act/P.O. Marine. Seaman, R.N.R. Leading Airman Act. P.O. Airman. Seaman, R.N.R. Seaman, R.N.R. C.P.O. Signalman, Stoker, 1st.Class. Marine, Leading Airman. Ordinary Seaman. Stoker P.O. A.B. A.B. D.5897. C/KX.88505 P/J. 55017 X.6058. E.S. FX. 78-321 X. 21451 P/JX.152529 X.19252 X.178.5. Ply/21450 P/J.14938 P/JX. 141471 JX.155021 D/JX.159451 D/SSX.I3SB3B Ch/23005. X.18333 PAA/PX.78307 C/JX. 137529 X.18334. X.9385 P/J.21089 P/JX. 136115 Po/E.21597 D/JX.139232 P/55X.29937 KX.99019 D/SSX.16421 c/ssx. 21090 Died of Wounds. Barker, Edward, Bramble, J.H. Buckley, C.A. Russell, W.A. Shirtliff, William. Missing, believed killed. Dawes, E.C. Dyger, 'W.H. Hawkins, A.H. Larmour James Parkes, Edward, Reason, J.D.R. Sturgess, N.A.J. Died. Brotherton, Peter, Brown, S.H. Campbell, R.K. Cunningham, George, Ede, M.J. Fawcett, C.C. Harman, Samuel, Harrington, W.A. Hawkins, F.J. Hayes, Leslie, Hill, W.C. Honey, G.E. Jenkinson, G.A. Johnstone, E.M. Lynch, J.L. 3 2nd Hand. Ordinary Seaman. Boy, Ist Class Marine Cook A.B. Air Mechanic A. B, A.B. A.B. R.N.V.R. , A.B. A.B. A.B. Leading Seaman,R.N.V.R. A. B. Stoker Leading Seaman, Leading Stoker P.O, P.O. Shipwright, Ist Class A.B. E.R.A, 2. A.B. Leading Steward, Seaman, R.N.R. Stoker, Ist Class JX.173090 P/JX.150741 P/JX.154023 Ply/X, 214 D/MX. 53410. D/JX. 146247 D/KX. 90553 P/J. 107721 P/SSX. 14491 • LD/X.5010 P/SSX. 17373 P/J.115553 P/55X.24941 LD/X.1487 C/J.113702 C/KX.89083 P/JX.128234 P/K.9651 C/J.238553 P/J.1113888 C/M. 2234 P/J.98879 P/M.39370 P/JX. 139827 C/LX.20889 JX.166255 P/KX.83102 4 McMinn, R. Morrison, Malcolm, Bugent, Eric. Paddock, W.R.H. Page, John, Penn, J.W.V. , Russell, W.C. Snelling, James, Stammers, C.P. Stuart, W.J.C. Swann, R.M. Taylor, J.K, Thomas, A.H.H. Wounded. Beasley, F.W. Britton, R.C.L. Colley, P. Duncan, Andrew, G-eddes, Alexander, Harper, James, Loftus, James, Manson, G-eorge, Newing, A.R. Shawl, G-eorge, Sprake, W.J. Tullett, C.W Whyte, W.W. Youngson, John, The following man was is previously but now Boulton, Eric. E.R.A, 3* Seaman, R.N.R Marine. Stoker, A.B. (Pensioner) Stoker, Ist. Class, Signalman. A.B. Signalman, R.P.R Engineman, R,N P.S # R.N.R., P.S., Marine. E.R.A A.B. A.B, A.B. Stoker, P.O. Seaman, R.N.R. A.B. A.B. Engineman. A.B. Second Hand, R.N.R. Ordinary Seaman. Boy, Ist Class Leading Seaman. Seaman, R.N.R. erroneously included in a known to be alive;­ A.B. C/MX.50340 X. 18267 A. Ply/X.3014 P/K.61867 C/«1 22317.' C/KX.95299 p/jx. 140570 D/55X.17740 8.20473 X. 10295 Ply/X.3116. D/M.7399. D/J.100934. P/JX,136822 D/J.157038 18856 p/jx. 126321 p/55x.19095 KX.100592. D/JX.132613. P/JK.132391 p/jx. 160407 X.7746. casualty list published p/j„ 115348* ADMIRALTY. - 11/3/40 No. 4. - U BOAT PRISONERS Below is a further list of prisoners from names U-boats, whose were weekend:­ Oberloutnant-zur-See Leutnant-zur-See Boot smarm Maschinonmaat Maschinonobergetreitcr Maschinanobergefr6iter Matrosonoborgefreiter Maschinongefreiter MILITARY AFFAIRS broadcast Karl Johannes Paul Heinz Robert Heinz Peter Manfred to Germany this Age Vietor 26 Becker 22 Galileia 26 Marticke 27 Puchta 25 Weber 22 Lingscheidt 26 Krampe 20 - 11.3.40 No. 5. The following is intended for evening papers on Monday, March 11. It is issued by the Ministry of Information, for guidance -not to be as a communi quoted que. WAR LOAN ATTRACTION. The list of applications for the now £300,000,000 3 per cent War Loan 1955/59 the first of the public issues for - - financing the vigorous and successful prosecution of the war will open at the Bank of England tomorrow (Tuesday) and will be closed on the next day. There is still time, therefore, for investors who have delayed filling in their application forms to do so and have them delivered by post in time for consideration when the allotments are made. but have where special reasons for delay have existed, now been removed, the investor should not assume that it is too late but should make his either application at once, broker through his bank, his or by personally filling in an application form, obtainable from any bank in the United Kingdom. Even at the last minute it is worth a special effort to obtain a holding of this attractive new trustee security at the issue price of par. In making his maximum subscription to the loan the investor is helping the country towards victory in the war, making an important contribution to the maintenance of a sound economic position at home, and purchasing an investment on attractive terms. 11/3/40 -No Trade negotiations which have been proceeding between the United Kingdom and Norway are now concluded, and a War Trade Agreement was signed to-day. This Agreement will enable Anglo-Norwegian trade to be continued so far as war-time conditions permit at a normal level. A Joint Standing Commission is to toe set up which, will meet from time to time in London or Oslo, and will deal with any questions which, may arise in the operation of the Agreement. MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC WARFARE March 11th, 1940. 11th March, 1940 No. 9 M.A.F.170 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCEMENT. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN ANY WAY BEFORE 9.20 P.M. TONIGHT. BROADCAST ADDRESS BY THE LORD PRIVY SEAL. In his broadcast address tonight, the Ft* Hon. Sir Samuel Hoare, said "We need ships to bring war supplies to our shores, and we need them to bring raw material for aeroplanes, guns, tanks, shells and bullets. So where do we turn? What resources do we mobilise? Whom do we summon to our assistance? Why, of course, the farmers of Britain. At every crisis in our history we come back to the land. In time of need we send our message to the men whose feet are firm in the soil of Britain, to the farmer and the farm worker in our most ancient industry. Now what is it we ask of you? We appeal to you to help the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy and the fishermen in the trawlers and minesweepers. You can help them as few others can. For the more food you grow shipping tonnage we shall need the less the to bring us food from overseas. In time we of food of peace require for our imports more than 20 million tons of shipping a year. That is not far short of one half of Britain’s total call upon shipping tonnage in normal times. In war time we must greatly reduce this tonnage for foreign food and use it instead for munitions and the raw materials that are needed for them. If you can help us to do this, you will be making a mighty contribution to our capacity to face this war of nerves and endurance. How are we to achieve this object? How are we to get this result? First of all, we ask you to plough up two million acres of grassland* As a measure of national defence, we need this considerable increase in the cultivated land of Britain. 1* So far, the results of the ploughing programme have been satisfactory. Some of the counties have already fulfilled their quotas, and I believe that those that have not are getting going to make up the deficit. Are you still anxious about the remember the price for your crops? If so, Prime Minister’s pledge. I repeat it now so that everyone may hear it again: ’Prices’ that is, the prices for farm produce ’must be such as to reasonable return to farmer and give a the enable the farmer to pay a reasonable wage to the worker.’ That declaration by th« Prime Minister leaves no possibility of doubt. It cannot be misunderstood. But, of course, I am well aware that there is, in the farming community a fine, determined spirit that will respond completely to the and so stiffest demand will do irrespective of any pledge or guarantee. More than any section of our population, perhaps, the farmers identify themselves instantly, unquestioningly with the cause of Britain. Already, we have good reason to know that the old patriotic spirit of the husbandman is alive in the land. And I want to thank you for what you are doing. I want to thank the Agricultural War Committees, working in all the counties, that have given up so much time and trouble to in Britain’s their urgent work. They are playing a leading; part war effort. But, of course, we know very well that, while the farmer can be relied upon to do his share in the work, there is a duty that falls upon the Government. If the farmer is to carry out this service, he must have an adequate supply of labour to work his farm. For that reason he has a right to say that the Government shall For without the secure to agriculture a sufficiency of men. labour, none of our plans can succeed. Here again the Prime Minister has given his word. I quote again what he said to the Chairmen of the - met them week Agricultural Committees when he a or so ago ’We cannot afford to crops wasted because there is not see labour enough to lift them; and, therefor®, I want to give you a definite assurance that the Government will take whatever steps are necessary to see that the crops when grown are harvested’. And here let me a word to the men and women who say are going to help you to win this food campaign. First, there are the farmers’ wives. I know myself, what a vital part they play in the farm’s life. They are as vital to you on the farm as my wife is to me in politics and I couldn’t say more. Then there are the girls of the Land Army. They will he wanted more and more as season the goes.on. And last and most important of all is the regular Army of the farm workers. They know their job and they don’t need any encouragement from me to make a success of it. 21 One and all you have had a very hard time. For weeks on end the frost held you up. But now the better weather has come and you mean to finish off in hours and days what would have usually taken you weeks and months. When the frost broke, the east wind made the townsmen shiver, but it made you glad, for it dried the land the plough, and drove and made you as keen for your task as the wind itself. From all sides I hear tell of the ploughs going up and down night and day. From all sides, I hear of "big farmers and smallholders, and the man with the spade who digs his own allotment, pushing on with the work. From one of the biggest counties I hear that they intend far to exceed their quota; from another county that they will finish in 23 ploughing days. From another I hear of a small man who was found scything some rushes before ploughing up his few acres. "It isn’t much" he said, "but it will lighten some ship’s burden". That is the spirit. Let us lighten our ships’ burden of foreign food, and by this means free our hands for victory in the war, and make our land richer and For the come with its reward for those who have worked for it, for our men under arms and for our workers at home,and not least amongst them, you men and women on the land of Britain. Not then in vain will have been the toil of sowing, the watching and waiting, the troubles and anxieties of war. For the end of a victorious war will be the greatest harvest home that the world has ever seen. stronger for the days of peace. harvest will surely 3* - 11.3.40 No. 10. RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION AFTER 9.35 P. M. THIS (MONDAY) EVENING, 11th MARCH. MEM. TO SUB-EDITORS: As this script is being issued in advance, it is necessary to check it the actual broadcast at against 9.20 this (Monday) evening on 391 or 449 metres. TRADE UNIONS IN WARTIME (1 ). by G. HICKS. M. P. first of My talk to you to-night is the a series of fortnightly broadcasts on what the Trade Unions are doing in wartime. In those cir­cumstances perhaps I had better give you the background and later talks will probably fill in more specific detail of what the Trade Unions are actually doing. Amongst many people there is an idea that Trade Unions merely exist to protect the wages of their members. It is quite true that the protection of wages and conditions of work is one of their primary functions, but their activities are much wider than that. In actual practice there is hardly a subject which directly affects the six million Trade Unionists in Britain which is not the con­ cern of either the individual Union or the Trades Union to which Congress the principal Unions are affiliated. And you know, you must always keep - this point in mind what the Unions are doing for their members is usual­ly of direct benefit to millions of people who, unfortunately, are not in their Trades Union. The Unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress are not limited to those catering for industrial workers. It is not generally recognised that all workers, including salaried and professional workers and the non- manual wage earners, are catered for on a wide field* The representative character, the integrity and discipline of the Trade Unions on the one hand and the development of employers’ organisa­ tions on the other have enabled Britain to set an example to the world as to how the system of collective bargaining in industry and commerce, with between employer and employed, can work. Collective bargaining deals all questions, which might normally be the basis of a contract of employ­ment and between employer employed, such as wages, hours, working condi­tions, holidays, and so on. Complicated as this work may be it is only part of the task in hand. Think for a moment of the wealth of detail involved in the protection of members in regard to workmen's health and un­ compensation, factory law, employment insurance and , the positive mass of legislation affecting the work-a-day life of our people. wide The range of subjects with which a Trade Union official has to deal in these days places him in the positionof having to be almost a walking encyclodaedia. as But, you may say, that is all right for peacetime. When are you to going tell us what the Unions are doing in time of war? The fact is this: what the Unions do in peacetime war- has still to be carried on in time. The war Problems with which we are confronted ( and their name is "legion") have to be tackled in addition. Perhaps in the first place I had better deal very briefly with the Unionsattitudeof the to this war. Trade Unionists are citizens and both as citizens and Trade Unionists they are not only in this war up to the neck, but as you will seefrom this series of talks, they are having to For years we have said that unprovoked aggression must be resisted. put their heads into it too. Our attitude has been perfectly consistent. The Trades Union Congress on questions of this kind cannot lead its membership of five million/ 2 million on brave words without regard to the action they imply. In our repeated and consistent declarations against aggression the consequences have been fully considered. Now that the die is cast and the belated stand against aggression has been made, our resolution of will to pursue our policy is as stern as the resolutions in words which have outlined that policy in the past. Make no mistake about it, we want peace. We want peace as much as the people who are devoting much of their time to talking only of peace but who, to my knowledge, have not yet shown how a real with Hitler can be secured. We would rather stand the brunt of Hitler’s war than endure the tortures peace of a victorious Hitler’s You know none of us can afford peace. to forget the fate of all free institutions (including the Trade Unions) of Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. You can take it for granted that the Trade Unions will home maintain their freedom. Neither Nazis abroad nor Nazis at shall destroy it. The democratic system is at the very basis of our existence. Democracy, involving freedom of association, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom to criticize, freedom to turn on the wireless set when we want, is a liberty which Mr. Hitler is not going to tamper with if we can help it. War was declared whilst our Trades Union Congress was assembled in Bridlington, We did not then, in any feverish' atmosphere, determine a new line of policy. In perfect calm, but with great determination, former policy was, in effect, merely reendorsed, our stand against Nazi aggression. We took Consequently, we are taking part in the war effort. Now let me tell you how we approached the question of participation. Right at the outset we understood perfectly well that no Government of this country, whatever its political complexion, could conduct a major war of this character without the support of the Trade Unions. Obviously, our first thought was how could we continue to protect the interest of workpeople inside and beyond industry? Our second thought was how could we do this whilst, at the same time, recognising and accepting our in full responsibilities as an integral part of a nation engaged a serious war? It did not seem to us that we were faced here with two conflicting obligations. We therefore demanded, as a general principle, that decisions should not be made and actions taken on matters which affected the interests of working people unless and until the Trade Unions, as the interests of representing had been workpeople, fully and frankly consulted. This represented no new departure in principle, but it did mean a considerable extension of the range of consultation. Over various Governments have a period of years found that only the Trade Union Movement is capable of speaking with authority about the interests of workpeople. We knew difficulties would have to be faced. Men do not spend a lifetime dealing with the whole range of problems which affect the various industries without gaining some practical knowledge as to how new problems can be met. When war broke out we were not Early in taken by surprise.1939 the trades Union Congress called a special National Conference of all affiliated Union Executive Committees, The Conference discussed detailed proposals drawn up by the Traded Union Congress relating to problems of industry in war-time. I will not here go into these proposals in intimate detail. They were based on considerations of this kind: /the 3 The Government in the course of a war would have many demands to make upon industry. For instance, the output of arms would have to be increased; the best use would have to be made of limited supplies of raw materials and possibly, also, of labour. The Government should, in the Ration’s interest, ask the responsible persons in industry how these demands could be met. We believed that the Government could do no better than to take into the fullest confidence those bodies already in existence whose members were actual responsible for, and had wide experience of, industrial processes. The proposals were endorsed by the special conference by submitted them to overwhelming majorities. We the Government before war broke out. Amongst the recommendations approved at that Conference was to set a proposal up a co-ordinating Committee advisory in to be of the Trade Unions and character composed of representatives of the Government. Such a body, representative of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress and the British Employers’ Confederation, has been employers, together with civil representatives have it referred to set up and you will probably seen in the press as "The National Joint Advisory Council". This is, as it were, the body responsible for the discussion of wide questions of policy affecting industry generally, but it does displace in any way not the joint machinery already existing in the various industries which enables representatives of the employers the Unions and to consider problems affecting their own industry. On the important question of securing the necessary supplies from war-time industry the Minister of Supply has set up a Central Advisory Committee of members of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress and also Area Committees which are representative of the employers and Unions and are concerned mainly with engineer­ing production. Most of the raw materials in the country are subject to some form of Public Control, a single Controller or a Control Committee or Control Board. On account of the vital interests of those in Unions employed industry, it is necessary for Trades representing the to be in a position to keep an eye on the activities work-people of these Controls and to advise where necessary. There is a Committee, composed entirely of members of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, which acts as an Advisory Committee to the Minister of Food. Trade Union is now to be on Local Pood Control representation provided for Committees. A member of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress is on the Central Price Regulation Committee, whilst at least one, and more often two or three. Trades Union Congress nominees have "been appointed to each of the Area Price Regulation Committees which are spread over the whole of the country. On tribunals set up to hear requests for the postponement of calling up for the Armed Forces because of hardship, and also to deal with the claims of conscientious objectors, nominees of the Trades Union Congress have been appointed. And so I could go on. I do not intend to go into any detail now, but from what I have said you will see the tremendous amount of time and energy which is being put into our war effort by Trade Union representatives. Whether you call this collaboration with the Government or use any I do the other phrase not mind, provided you appreciate purpose behind this vast burden which has been undertaken. /In 4 In effect, the lives of our people are vested in industry. accepted their responsibilities The Unions have because, I repeat, they must of protecting continue their work the interests of those because engaged in industry and commerce; a great burden rests on industry to maintain the gigantic war effort which to Air Force is necessary support the Navy, Army, and Civil Defence. There are hundreds of thousands of Trade Unionists in those Forces and we cannot allow the lives of our fighting men to be and munitions. jeopardised by lack of equipment Neither can we stand aside and see our Civilian Defence rendered ineffective because of the lack of means to protect the civilian We outside to meet population. are assisting in industry and the gigantic task necessary to ensure victory. From past experience we have no faith that war brings its unqualified victories, but there must be no possibility of our defeat; no question whatever that this country and the free democratic institutions which have flourished within its borders should be threatened by the same fate which has befallen the various countries now under Nazi domination. That is the background from which emerges our wartime effort, The future talks will show in greater detail how that effort is being directed with the ultimate object of securing victory. One final word, the war must be won. We shall help in that, but we shall be equally concerned with the basis for a true and lastingpeace. - 11.3.40 No.11. The Minister of Information Sir John Reith M.P. was present today at a private view of a film on the activities of "Women’s Voluntary Services” entitled "Britannia is a Woman”, which has been produced for exhibition in America. The script of the film was made by members of Women’s Voluntary Services, and describes the part which women are taking in Britain’s war effort. Sir John Anderson, Mr. Walter Elliot, and Mr. John Colville were the Ministers who viewed the among film. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION. 11/3/40 -No.12. MINISTRY OF FOOD ANNOUNCEMENT PRICES OF FROZEN EGG. PRODUCTS (FROZEN WHOLE EGGS. WHITES AND YOLKS). The Ministry of Food announce that an Order prescribing maximum prices at which frozen egg products, (i.e. frozen whole eggs, whites and yolks), may be sold to the consumer will shortly be issued. The Order will prescribe the following maximum prices ex cold stone Lange Tins (oven 15 lb Small Tins (up to nett weight of content). and including 15 lb nett weight of contents). pen lb. per lb. Frozen whole egg and frozen whites 8 1/4d. 8 1/2d. Frozen yolk 10 1/4d. 10 1/2d. The date on which the prices come into force will be announced later. 11th March 1940. - 11/3/40. No.13. PRESS NOTICE. The Royal Commission on Workmen's Compensation intimate that their next sitting for the pur-pose of taking evidence will he held in Room 137 on the Ist floor of Thames House (No. 2 Entrance); Millbank, London, S.W.1., on Thursday, 14th March at 10.30 a.m. and on Friday, 15th March, at 10.30 a.m. The sitting of the Commission will he open to the public and the Press. HOME OFFICE, 11th March, 1940. 11/3/40 -No.14. FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE (EVENING) Paris, Monday, 11th March, 1940. The following official communique was issued this evening from French G.H.Q.:­ fairly sharp local encounters to the south-east of the nied ARTILLERY FIRING IN THE REGION OF THE VOSGES. ACTIVITY OF BOTH AIR FORCES. - 11.3.40 No. 15. (NOT TO BE PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST BEFORE TUESDAY MARCH 12th) COLONIAL OFFICE APPOINTMENT. It is announced by the Colonial Office that Mr. R.D. Blandy, Assistant to the Resident Commissioner, New Hebrides, has been selected for appointment as Resident Commissioner in succession to Mr. Joy, is being appointed Resident Adviser, Mukalla, G. A. who Aden. EMPIRE AFFAIRS. - 11/3/40 No.16. Five million cigarettes will be given during the next few weeks for distribution among men on the minesweepers. They will be provided by a fund organized by the oversea league. NAVAL AFFAIRS 11.3.40 -No. 17. U-BOAT PRISONERS OF WAR. The following are German prisoners of war in this country. RANK NAME FROM AGE Lent* z« See HUTTEL, Fritz Erich Dresden 32 OherfeIdwehe1 SCHEFFLER, Erich Wilhelmshaven 27 Maschinenmaat MIKS, Pranz Wanne-Eukel 23 Funkgefreiter LANGE, Gunter Pulsherg 19 Maschinenmaat DREISBACH, Siegfried Erndtehruck, Westfahlen 24 Maschinenmaat KLEEMANN, Helmut Berlin- Wilmersdorfo 24 Maschinengefreiter FORGER, Paul Wilhelmshaven 20 Maschinengefreiter HERMANN, Rudolf Riese 21 Maschinengefreiter GOLLNER, Heinrich KoIn-Kalk 21 MILITARY AFFAIRS. FOREIGN PRESS REVIEW DAILY SURVEY OF WORLD COMMENT ON THE WAR THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATIONCOMPILED FROM TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS RECEIVED BY 12th March, 1940 No. FINLAND: GERMANY ACCUSED. Germany is accused by a section of the Finnish Press, which, despite the peace negotiations has not changed its attitude towards the Soviet, of having brought pressure on and Norway in recent weeks. to bear Sweden The HELSINGIN SANOMAT wrote: "For Germany, it is important to strengthen and define Axis obligations, since she desires a safeguard in the South, For weeks she has tried to bring pressure on Norway and Sweden to obtain security against an anti-German front. To leave Russia's hands free, for the approaching great struggle, she would like to see a Finnish war settlement on terms which a Great lower, in whose in German opinion, belongs, designs to dictate." SVENSKA PRES3EN wrote last night: "One cannot depend on any illusions regarding immediate peace when the war continues with undiminished intensity and alarm sirens hoot in Helsinki. The Moscow Conversations do not mean a slackening either on or behind our fronts. Our friends abroad certainly see the situation similarly." After quoting a statement made by the Swedish Crown Prince, this paper concluded: "For the present our fight continues as before." UUSI SUOMI, in a report reaching that paper from Russian sources, declared that the arrival of the Finnish delegation in Moscow was kept secret, although several Legations, including those of Germany the U.S.A., and were aware cf the date. The report added that the Russian Press had not mentioned the Helsinki-Moscow contact. Russian military preparations had been strengthened despite the negotiations. Mobilisation of men up to 35 was continuing and all railways, especially the Murmansk line, were engaged in military transport. The UUSI SUOMI, in a report from Kaunas, stated: "The transfer of Germans from Lithuania has been postponed indefinitely. This is interpreted as being that the Russian influence in the Baltic ceases at the Lithuanian the transfer of Germans frontier, or alternatively, from Latvia, Estonia and and Poland is causing such difficulty, Germany is receiving so many unruly elements, that the Lithuanian Germans may stay where they are." U.S.A.: FINNISH WAR TERMINATION WOULD NOT DEAL FATAL BLOW TO ALLIES. The New York Press gives pride of place today to the Finnish-Russian the NEW YORK TIMES devotes an editorial article to peace negotiations and refuting the theory that the conclusion of peace would deal an "almost fatal blow"to the cause of Britain and France. their "It has been clear from the day that Russia and Germany signed alliance that they would dominate the Baltic," states this paper. "If the the Finnish war should end the situation would simply revert to position The Allies would be no worse off in the matter prevailing last November. when they were confident of of Russian supplies for Germany than they were victory.