FOREIGN PRESS REVIEW DAILY SURVEY OF WORLD COMMENT ON THE WAR COMPILED FROM TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION 14th March, No. 1940 - U.S.A; FINLAND OBSTACLES IN WAY OF AT,TIED HELP. Although the American Press, commenting on the Russo-Finnish Peace contains some criticism of the Allies, the more general view is that difficulties - - particularly geographical problems facing Britain and France in connection with the provision of armed assistance for Finland, were too to be great overcome. The NEW YORK DAILY NEWS writes today; "Is it a blow to the Allies? We think not. Suppose Finland had called on France and Britain,,,.,, In the end Scandinavia would have become a bloody shambles> while the Allied fighting front would have become the greatly extended and strategic advantage would have lain with Germany, "The Finns, the Russians, the Alli.es and Germany are all better off. If the Russo-Finnish peace spread to England, Germany, could somehow France and better off all Europe would be " 0 The NEW YORK TIMES states: "For Germany the gain may seem greatest of all. There will no longer pre any interruption in Russian supplies, or in the flow of Swedish im-ore, or in the threat of Allied intervention in the North, " But it cannot be comfortable for Germany to see Russia extending her naval and military control of the Eastern Baltic, Ribbentrop can hardly boast about the growth of German prestige in consequence of the Finnish-Russian peace. His visit to Rome was a humiliating and abject failure. He seems to have been snubbed and by Mussolini and received with cold formality by the Pope, actually to have been insulted by a leading Fa.scist newspaper. hard "Germany will not live down her partnership with Russia, no matter now she to wherever freedom lives in the hearts of men, tries. For years come, the discredit and dishonour of Russia’s adventure in Finland will reflect on the Soviet’s partner^" The NEW YORK HERALD TRIBUNE declares: "It is impossible to overlook the very formidable character of the military problem presented. If it was another Munich, there are real military reasons for it as there were unquestionably for the military reasons original Munich-:J Mr, Lloyd George’s criticism that the Allies are "always too late", is NEW YORK DAILY MIRROR which states in an editorial article: quoted by the "Because England and France have permitted another democracy to be trampled upon, they can never again ask for American armed assistance on the familiar grounds ’this is not only our war, it is a war to make the world sfjfe for - Democracy and safe for the little nations. T England and Prance were pLain dumb not to help Finland." The NEW YORK WORLD TELEGRAM wr. te last night: "You cannot lightly accuse the Allies of failing to strike while the iron was hot. Geography won this northern war for Hitler and Stalin by forcing the Allies to default." 14.3.40. The view that it was Russia, and not Finland, which was degraded by the conclusion of peace, was taken by the which NEW YORK added: POST, "This terriblyhard victory over a small weak opponent has exposed both the myth of Russian might and the fraudulent moral basis of Russian Foreign Policy. Where is this anti-Soviet war? If one had been in the making, surely the invasion of Finland would have crystallised it. Finland will be restored long before Soviet prestige can be rehabilitated, is greater than for the moral ruin of Russia the physical hurt of her small neighbour." Writing in this paper, Ludwig Lore declared: "Quantity, not quality, won a victory over one of the finest peoples in Europe, The losers are the Allies, All Northern Europe is now under the control of Russia and Germany whether Sweden, Norway and Denmark believe it or not. The consensus of opinioha. in diplomatic and political circles, is that the Scandinavian countries will go the way of their Baltic neighbours. "It is certain that the Allies twice offered to send troops before the final offer last Thursday, In this paper we commented on these offers bo£h times. That will not deter Berlin and Moscow and their New York Propaganda Branches from insisting that the Allies deserted Finland and there will be - all too many who will believe and repeat those lies." DENMARK: ALLIES’ HELP FOR FINLAND. The view that Finland's call for help to Britain and France did not "fall on stony ground" is expressed in a leading article in today’s NATIONALTIDENDE, sent of "Both these belligerent powers incessant supplies arms in great done quantities," declares this paper. "It was certainly not only out of sympathy for a little, proud people, fighting the over-whelming and brave power of Bolshevism, but also because it was of the greatest interest to Britain and France should be the that Soviet Russia pinned down as long as possible on Finnish front so minimum to that Russia’s production had only a spare for the support of Nazi Germany, "In France and Britain, national interests and national sympathies coincided and to Finland’s request for help, came the answer ’yes*. in "When the international POLITIKEN, a leading article, states: are turned on Scandinavia in order to establish responsibility for the insufficncy of help to Finland, then we would, in all reasonableness, just this let them also be turned on London and Paris. Here are many dark say ­ that need to be illuminated,” comers HOLLAND: IMPORTANCE OF FINLAND’S GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. The in relation to Allied help, difficult geographical position of Finland is stressed in today’s Dutch Press, HET VOLK, the Social Democratic Labour Party organ, states: "The strategic, economic and moral position of the Allies is weakened, hut the geographical without doubt, the decisive factor," position of Finland was, DE TELEGRAAF doubts if Russia will keep the new than treaty any more Germany did in the case of Czechoslovakia, and this paper also admits the geographical difficulties of sending help to the Finns. Sweden is criticised she By this paper for the part played. DE MAASBODE, the Catholic organ states: "The new development has advantages and disadvantages for the Allies, The fact that another small country has been the victim of aggression without effective help will not increase the Allies’ with the small prestige States,” The view of the NIEUWE ROTTERDAMSCHE COURANT is that Germany, despite her must feel uncomfortable at Russia’s increased power immediate satisfaction, in the Baltic, 3­ 14. 3. 40. SWITZERLAND: SWEDEN AND NORWAY criticised. Sweden and Norway are criticised in today’s Swiss Press for failing to give right of passage to Allied forces for Finland* The GAZETTE DE LAUidARNE, the Liberal newspaper, writes: "V/hat prevented the Allies from giving help was the attitude of Sweden and Norway in opposing the transit of reinforcements across their territory. This explains the Western Powers’ passivity,,” The NATIONALZEITUNG, the Radical democratic organ, declares that the Peace Treaty represents a threat to Sweden, and adds: "What Scandinavia most fears is perhaps postponed but not disposed of, " declares: "Force has The Right-wing organ, the JOURNAL DE GENEVE, prevailed against justice, but nothing is final in history. As a quarter of a century ago, hope is kept alive that after injustice, equity will triumph," DER BUND states: "The Allies’ offer came too late. The Allies will bear the consequences of this peace* Hitler has been relieved of great Swedish ore He can concentrate on the anxiety regarding and Russian exports. west without fearing an extension of the war to the north. " "Fifty thousandmenmighthavebernghbrelief,butitisequallycertainthat Germany would4w?m-int«r*f©2ied-if Scandinavia had allowed the passage of troops", declares the NEUE ZUERCHER ZEITUNG, "'Sweden'"would then have been involved in war and. would have been obliged to bear the brunt of it because a small could not have withstood the German Allied expeditionary force onslaught, and effective aid would have been possible only later*" FINLAND: PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW OF PEACE TREATY. The belief that the Finnish delegation to the Moscow peace talks made the best of the existing situation was expressed by the SVENSKA PRES3EN last night. This paper adders "There is certainly no conflict between the political and military authorities’ intentions and opinions. Comments, both private and public, must remember this* *' The paper then referred to the sacrifices made by the Finns and asked if they had been made in vain. In conclusion it was stated: "If we had without resistance given way our humiliation would have been an episode quickly forgotten by the world, something a and Finland would have sunk to in catagory one does not bother about. "With a clearness have shown scarcely paralleled in world, history we we are worthy of freedom and peace,, Our dead have saved values without which our could not continue to people live* 11 HUNGARY: "FINNS HAVE NOT DONE BADLY." "The Finns have not done badly. " This comment was made yesterday by PESTI HIRLAP, which stressed "the primary importance of the moral lesson that a small people, determined to vindi-The cate its independence, is capable of protecting its living space," paper concluded by saying that it was believed that the course of the Anglo- French-German war would not be affected, MAGYARSAG characterised the as German peace a "triumph of Italian and diplomacy." 14.3.40 3a GERMANY: PROFESSED VIEW OF PEACE TREATY. A professedly disinterested attitude to the RussoAFinnish peace agreement was expressed yesterday by Marshal Goering’s paper the NATIONAL ZEITUNG of Essen. This paper wrote: "Soviet Russia now acquires the position in Europe whieh isher * due." The writer had apparently forgotten that, alongside an article in his paper on February 25th,. describing old struggles between Russia and Finland, there were two photographs with captions sympathetic to the Finns. One was picture that thefhe al°f K?relian landscape with a large ecclesiastical m Riding the background. The caption to the second picture read "Since the middle the ages Russians have repeatedly attempted to conquer the Karelian frontier district politically and culturally. For this the Greek purpose,Orthodox Church was chiefly used. Magnificent monastries and church buildings are evidence of this today." A small news item in the VOELKISCHERBEOBACHTER headed "Free Wireless Licences " reminded "all comrades" who had been hitherto excused of fees for wireless licences that they "must now make application for e:xP\mptionsfrom this payment by March 15th. The application has"to be addressed to the Department of Public Assistance", The fee for listening licences (about 30/-) is almost an inescapable no-one dares to tak in Germany because without very acceptable reasons, cancel his listening licence. A large number of listeners were, however, always exempted from payment of a fee which was found too heavy, The new short notice to renew exemptions mil, presumably, result in a large number of exemptions being cancelled. SWEDEN: "NO OBSTACLE" TO ALLIED HELP? "A month ago the \l stem P wers formed units for Finland and these were eD ready waiting in certain harbours. Why were they not sent as volunteers? There was no obstacle," This rather surprising statement was made in last night’s AFTONBLADET, which went on to say: "At the eleventh hour the ¥ stern Powers make glowing e promises, the acceptance of which would only have extended the war and destroyed Finland and Scandinavia." saved had Sweden and considered that Viborg might have been This paper other countries sent more volunteer help, and added: "Sweden must not commit the error of making enemies where she most needs friends. Sweden must continue helping Finland and help rebuild the country." AT.TEH AND A terms of the Peace T NYA DAGLIGT deplored the hard reaty but considered that Finland for the being at any rate had escaped the time fate that would have been the result of accepting Russia’s demands last autumn. This paper added: "Satisfaction in Germany should take less long view it is clear that the Russian?-* extravagant forms for in the Russia has advance involves deterioration of Germany’s position. paid dearly for the present gains but it is doubtful whether Russian stop for all time." expansion will now GOTEBORGS HANDELS -OCH SJORFARTSTIDNING stated: "England found the But Sweden conditions of the Treaty such that she could not forward them. northern union.... a did the job. Sweden spoiled the possibility of Sweden’s reputation has not stood lower in the world’s eyes for a long time. ” 14.3.40. FRANCE: HNLAND*S "ONEROUS" PEACE. The French Press, commenting on the Russo-Finnish Peace, has stressed the fact that British and French help was waiting for Finland. M.Lueien Bourgues, writing in the PETIT PARISIEN, described the peace as "onerous" and added: "Up to the last moment -courageous Finland had been materially and morally supported by England and France. had finally If she t# come to an agreement with the detested enemy, it ms primarilly in order to protect, her neighbours, who begged her to give way. The profound gesture which she has just made, can only add to the glory of this crucified nation." Herr von Ribbentrop’s visit to the Pope was described by M.Charles PLchon in the EPOQUE as a failure and this writer added yesterday: "Without paying any attention to the countless rumours in the Vatican, it is possible, to get - s©me idea of what happened during the two interviews one with the Pope and the other with the Cardinal, Three questions dominate the relations between the Holy See and the Third Reich, The first and most important is the Doctrinal conflict betweeh the two Powers -a conflict which, translated into and the action, is seen in the calculated suppression of German Catholicism, no less calculated suppression of Austrian, Czech and Polish Catholicism, which is new being carried out. On this point it is clear that there can be no .onoiliation, Th© Pope, has made this understood with unmistakeable clarity, 14 NORWAY: PLEA FOR BETTERMENT OF ANGLO-NORWEG-lAN —-RELATIONS. A plea for better relations between.„the Norwegian and British Governments has been made in the Norwegian Press. NORGES HANDELS OG SJOFARTSTIDENLfiE wrote yesterday; "Relations between the NcTTSfigian and British people are Unfortunately however this is of the best. net the oase with the respective governments. The greatest possible efforts must be made to put relations in order again as far as it rests in our power*"' W intervened in Finland in agreement with the Scandinavian countries, the have chosen After stating that the estern Powers would have preferred to have ARBEIDERBLADET added; "But Norway and Sweden a policy of keeping their out of war as long as it is in their power. It is that, combined with the l*it chance of extending war front, which explains the the There axe many unreasonable attacks rage of the French and English Press. t®-the vnr Sweden and Norway in this connection -attacks whioh oan only be to fact that not the slightest attempt has been made in London or Paris understand the position in M to Allied Press criticisms The AFTENPOSTEN last night made a sharp reply "It is true that we will make #f Scandinavia, stating: every possible effort remain neutral and keep out of the war for which we have no responsibility. They can •xitisdse us for that if they like, but oriticism must be based •n man. It has been actual facts, fn international justice and the rights of "sat like a hare in a bush not alleged that Norway until now daring.to for the fear of hungrey foxes outside. If, by the grace of destiny move through the war, this lesson will never be forgotten and fortune, Norway comes left defenceless." and Norway will never again be TURKEY: WHAT THE GERMANS OVERLOOKED. Referring t« the revelation of the device to render magnetic mines probably overlooked harmless CUMHURIYET wrote in a recent issue: "Germany had the fact that Britain is 6er equal in the scientific field." YSNI SABAH declared: "S» long as the type of mentality which led to attack Poland and Russia to attack Finland still exists, there will Germany This is the reason why all he no security for small or even great powers* are fight-thinking people praying for the victory of the Allies, " 14.3.40. 5 BRAZIL: FINNISH PEACE NEWS FEATURED, The news of the Russo-Finnish peace was carried prominently in all the Brazilian papers and 0 JORNAL stated yesterday that Sweden and Germany urged Finland to accept the Russian terms and the Allies were anxious to prevent Russia strengthening her position in the Baltic, Discussing Herr von Ribbentrop f s visit to Rome, the CORKEIO DA MANHA declared that the German Foreign Minister’s conversations in the Italian German capital showed weakness* This paper declared: "An early peace will enable Germany to make war again within a few years with a good chance of victory. Will Nazism lead Germany to her death, or resign itself to death to save Germany?" In a leader, the CORREIO. DA MANILA stated that the German wireless had he said that Brazil was mutilated President Vargas's recent speech in which neither English nor German, a sovereign State, The paper on say but went to that the words "nor German" were cut out and the misinterpreted speech was "a made real marvel, in Germany," LEBANON: WHY ARABS SUPPORT DEMOCRACIES. the Concluding itsplebiscite on "Why Arabs Should Support Allies", ANNAHAR published a declaration by Dr, Mustapha Abou Izzeddin, the well-known in which he was as "Mutual interests should political leader, reported saying; form the bases for our relations with the Allies, Our ultimate aim is independence. "We want to be masters in our own countries, but independence does not come by wishes -it comes by force or the understanding of force,We have no force and as their undErstaridirgdcßS not mean the Mandatories'departure from our countries, departure involves our immediate loss of independence the occupation of and .< our countries by other powers. Therefore, for our independence, we should to - fulfil the following condition to have mutual interests militarily able tobe of to have protect us during the period of transition, financially capable developing our country, economically and otherwise, experience in to have Oriental politics for the respect of creeds, traditions and customs, enough colonies, so that we shall not have to add fresh ones. - "Where shall we find such powers among the Allies nr their enemies? The answer is obvious." EGYPT: FRANCE'S FIGHT TO A FINISH, referred Prance’s determination to fight until Nazism is eliminated, was to by AL MOKATTAM yesterday. "In the past, Germany fought Prance over the question of a province or two, but now Prance is menaced with enslavement," declared this paper, "What the French feel is the same as the British feel. Therefore they have decided, for they fully understand not to conclude definitely, a hotch-potch peace, are not allow their lives ­ indeed Nazi political wiles, and they willing to their existence to be threatened. Prance did not build the Maginot Line - realised that the Nazi the universal and did not spend millions of francs for fun. She threat was no longer merely a question of frontiers, but was question of saving civilisation," ‘ Referring to Herr von Ribbentrop s visit to Rome, AL BALAGH stated; "What­is confident j.n the ever its repercussions, there is no doubt that the East Of all on its territories to defend its security. military forces massed to the armies of Egypt countries in the East, Egypt is the calmest, owing and her Ally the British Empire," 6, 14.3.40. PANAMA: ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF PANA2.A. DECLARATION* In a leading article entitled "They fall on deaf ears" the STM AND HERALD wrote: "Violations of the Declaration of Panama are getting so common as to be simply read and dismissed. The British, having a so-called safety zone, well patrolled, are not in any mind to give the Declaration heed as long as there is a Nazi ship hanging around the American shores and biding its time to make a getaway. "The British Admiralty has flatly refused to give the Declaration weight in the circumstances and theystill rely on the old principle ’the freedom of the seas*. The Germans of course take the view that they cannot show any likewise. respect to the Yearning unless the British do "When the German ships have all left their harbours of refuge in the Vestem hemisphere and are either captured, scuttled or have escaped, then and only then will the Declaration have any force and effect, but only because there is no further reason for violating it. "Protests, it has been shown, worse than useless. Conceivably, as are soon as they reach their destination they are acknoy/ledged as a humdrum procedure and pigeon-holed for the duration of the war. Protests without any follow up in the way of penalties amount to no more than pouring water through a sieve. There has been talk of penalties but it seems to have been drowned out by the flood of ideas as to what form these penalties should take. "It is probable that more protests will result from the recent violations of the safety belt in the Mona Passage near the Canal's eastern bulwark of defence, but if couched in no different form from the others they will doubtless go the same way. In framing a complaint of this kind its " advocates should at least have provided the Declaration with sharp teeth. GERMANY: ALTMARK AFFAIR REVIVED. The German Press has suddenly decided to revive the Altmark affair. The ICQELNISCHE ZEITUNG in a front page article yesterday entitled "The rights of the Altmark" wrote: "The discussion of the case of the steamer Altmark is by no means ended. " German After overlooking in typical fashion the abuse by warships of neutral waters referred to by Mr* Chamberlain on February 20th the paper stated: "England, realising the weakness of her legal case, seeks other grounds for her action and finds them in an alleged ill-treatment of the prisoners* " The G abomb papers published a rman news agency message reporting e The YffiSTFAELISCHM L/dd)IiS­ explosion in the Nazi headquarters at Montevideo, ZETTUNG headed the message " wicked attempt on Reich Germans bomb outrage in - Montevideo. " The message added: "Rumour has it that the British Secret Service again has its hand in this mean " crime. BULGARIA: FINLAND’S POSITION COMPARED ,ATH BULGARIA. The Finnish-Soviet terms were peace given great prominence in all Bulgarian newspapers, and MIR yesterday compared Finland's present position with that of Bulgaria in 1918. The greatest difference, according to this paper, was that Finland had a chance terms. of discussing peace SLOVO thought that the peace was "one more game lost by the Democracies." 14/3/40 -No.2. IMPORT LICENSING DEPARTMENT NOTICE TO IMPORTERS NO 49 Iron and Steel 1. At the request of the Ministry of Supply the Board of Trade have issued a further Order (tJhe Import of Goods (PrddsM'tion) (Ho.ll) Order, 1940), adding to the list of goods prohibited from importation, "Iron and steel products of the following descriptions:-Jack chain (including mattress chain) and mattress hooks". This Order will take effect on 18th March, 1940, but any goods covered by the Order which are proved to the satisfaction of the Customs authorities to have been despatched to the United Kingdom before the 18th March, 1940, will not require a .licence. 2. Importers are informed that at present ift is not to of the covered intended grant Licences in respect goods by this further Order. 3. Firms requiring further information on the subjects are advised to consult the Iron and Steel Steel Control, House, Tothill Street, Westminster, London S»W*l* Import Licensing Department, Board of Trade, 23? Southampton Buildings, London, W. C. 2. - 14/3/40 No. 3. FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE (moknifg) March Paris, Thursday, 14# The following Communique was issued this morning by the French G. H. Q,:­ Nothing to report* MINISTRY OF LABOUR & NATIONAL SERVICE Press Notice CLUB NOT TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE TAPES OR BY BROADCAST OR IN ANY OTHER WAY BEFORE 4 p.m. THURSDAY, 14TH MARCH, 1940. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE STATUTORY COMMITTEE. Reports on the General and Agricultural Accounts of the Unemployment Fund. The Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee was appointed in 1934 and one of its main functions is to keep a watch on the finances of the Unemployment Insurance scheme. It makes a report each February on the financial condition of the Unemployment Fund at the end of the previous calendar year and may report at other times. If the Committee finds that the Fund is not paying its way, or if it finds that the Fund is accumulating an unnecessary surplus, the Committee must recommend some changes in the provisions of the scheme with a view to restoring the balance. Such recommendations require the approval of .Parliament before they can become effective. The Committee reports separately on the condition of the General Account of and on the condition of the Agricultural Account. It has the Unemployment Fund, now presented to the Minister its seventh report on the General Account, and its fourth report on the Agricultural Account. The General Account of the Ibnd. The Committee had anticipated a loss of about £8,250,000 on the General a Account during the year 1939. Instead, there was gain of about £16,600,000. Thus the Account was nearly £25,000,000 better off than was expected. The Committee attribute some of the improvement, if not all of it, to the effect of defence expenditure. On the other hand, they assume that there will be a rise in unemployment after the war in respect of which large expenditure will fall upon the Unemployment Fund. reason they say that it is impossible for For this them to regard any part of the present balance as disposable surplus. They recommend, however, that £37,000,000 of the balance of £57,555,222 should be used to pay off debt under the special powers of the Act of 1938 which enable re-of need. borrowing, in case The repayment of £37,000,000 of the debt will reduce the annual debt charge, and so release, after allowing for loss of interest, an annual sum of £1,100,000 for the benefit of the General Scheme. The Committee recommend that this should be used to * benefit for the first increase by i/-the weekly rate of dependants two children of any person receiving benefit. This would mean that 4/-a week, instead of 3/-, would be paid for each of the first two dependent children. The Agricultural Account of the Fund. During 1939 the Agricultural Account of the Unemployment Fund gained and there a balance £623,000, was at the end of the year of about £3,397,000. The Committee recommend that, agricultural claimants also, the dependants ’ benefit rate for each of the first two children should be increased from 3/­to and that the maximum weekly rate of benefit should be increased 4/-a week, from 33/-to 35/-. They estimate that these improvements would cost the Agricultural Account about £25,000 year. a Press Office, Ministry of Labour and National Service, Montagu House, Whitehall, S.W.I. Telephone: Whitehall 6200* 14th March, 1940, H.Q.389-500 C.J. (M«7—1420) Wt. 47177—7024 20,000 2/40 T.S. 477 14/3/40 -No. 6. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE DELIVERY 9 p*m. 14th March, 1940. of State for Foreign Affairs to the Czech people, to "be broadcast in the Czech news talk on March 14=. Message from the Secretary To-morrow a year will have passed since the German Fuehrer, in spite of his most solemn assurances, proclaimed a Protectorate over your country and sent his troops to occupy your ancient capitals By Herr Hitler destroyed thatbrutal and treacherous act all faith in the pledged word of himself and of his Government* But the act itself is less "brutal than the rule of terror which has followed it„ During the past year the world has learnt with indignation of the closing of your universities and schools, the arrest of your intellectual leaders, the systematic attempts to deprive your children of the educational facilities for which the country of Masaryk is justly famed and to destroy not only the economic, "but spiritual, life of your nation* also the That these attempts have failed is a tribute to your courage and to your unity in adversity, and in your determined struggle for freedom the admiration and sympathy of the British people go you in equal measure* out to It is with the firm resolve to restore your freedom that the Governments and peoples of the British Empire have taken up arms together with their AllieSc It is their high purpose to right the wrongs which you have suffered and to create a in which the of such evil will new recurrence Europe he made impossibles FOREIGN OFFICE NEWS DEPARTMENT* - l4/3/40 No. 7. WATERING IT DOWN. and The United Kingdom, Eire, Australia, New Zealand are the greatest tea-drinking countries in the world, according to a report by the Northern Ireland Divisional Pood Controller, and Northern Ireland consumes more per head than the rest of the United Kingdom. Ulster’s average annual consumption works about 10 pounds per out at head as against 9 pounds for the Kingdom as a whole. The Controller suggests ways of cutting down War­ time imports of tea. He recommends the use of smaller teapots, the omission of the extra spoonful ’’for the pot”, the drinking of weaker tea and the use of ’’left-over” cold tea with fruit beverages which combine to make a refreshing drink. EMPIRE AFFAIRS. 14/3/40 No.8. ForFriday's papers. ­ BOARD op trade announcement. The Board of Trade have issued of Goods (Control)(No.8) Order, dated Bth March, which comes into force on Monday, 16th March. The changes effected by this the Export Order are as follows to (a) Licences will be required for the export European destinations of andaiusite, fibrolite, kyanite, sillimanite and zircon; to (b) Licences will be required for the export any destination of nearly all non-ferrous metals and alloys thereof in unwrought or semi-manufactured fo ms (including angles, shapes, sections, pipes and tubes); waste cordage and waste cadmium and cadmium twine; mass sulphide; ethyl morrhuate and sodium morrhuate; and tar oil and other heavy coal tar oils; (c) Licences will no longer be required for the export of graphite and ammonium chloride to destinations outside Europe; (d) Licences will no longer be required for the export to any destination of single-vision spectacle lenses, silver sickles and other agricultural and horticultural wire, scythes, tools (except forks, spades). shovels and Copies of the Order may be obtained from H.M. Stationery Office, or through any bookseller, and its full text will also be published in the Board of Trade Journal of 21st March, BOARD OP TRADE, 14th March, 1940. - 14/3/40 No. 9. The following is issued by Naval Affairs for such use as the Press wish to make of it. TRaV/LERS HIT BACK. On Thursday last the trawler "Castor", Skipper J.B.Davidson, was fishing in the North Sea in company with other craft. Soon after 1.0 p.m. a German sea-plane appeared, flew round the trawler, and then disappeared to the north-west. Some four hours later three Heinkels were sighted to the eastward, and coming on attacked the "Castor" and two other trav/lers in his immediate vicinity - the "Queen" and "Montana”. All three replied with their machine guns during a concerted enemy attack which lasted from 5«10 p.m. until 6.20 p.m. who Describing his experiences yesterday, Skipper Davidson, served during the last war both as a soldier and. at sea, told what happened. One of the aircraft first dropped a bomb near the “Queen", and then opened fire on the "Castor". Most of the trawler’s crew, meanwhile, had taken cover below on the skipper’s instructions, leaving Davidson himself at his gun with the third hand, Critton, to assist with the loading, and the mate at the wheel* the The aircraft passed overhead, spraying trawler with bullets. At first Davidson had difficulty with his gun and could not open fire. But circling round, the first aircraft attacked from the other side, letting go a bomb which missed, Then she dived on towards the ’'Castor** from a height of about 40 feet have firing her guns, Davidson, as he said, then '*let her it’*, firing 80 rounds straight into her nose. The Heinkel sheered off and disappeared to the eastward. The other two aircraft, presently reinforced by a third, continued the attack for over an hour. In all they flew over the ‘'Castor" between 20 and 30 times and dropped four bombs, all of which missed, besides attacking again and again with machine guns. Skipper Davidson replied till all his ammunition was exhausted, firing in all nearly 500 rounds. Not a man in the "Castor'* was hit, though she had more than 20 bullets through the funnel, while many others hit the hull, deck and casing. The attack over, the '‘Castor" resumed her fishing and in due course returned to harbour. at his Davidson seemed completely unperturbed experience, and declared that no German aircraft were going to prevent him from fishing if he wanted to* “I reckon11 , he said, “that these guns have made a difference to us trawler chaps. They give us a chance to hit back at the blighters". WAR WORK FOR SMALL FIRMS Chambers ofCommerce assist Ministry of Supply. At the request of Mr. Leslie Burgin, Minister of Supply, 110 Chambers of Commerce throughout the country, members of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, are co-operating in smaller industrial establishments into the task of bringing the war production. Mr. R.B. Dunwoody Secretary of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce has received the following letter from the Ministry : "I am directed by the Minister of Supply to inform "you that in setting up an Area Organization throughout Great ’’Britain and Northern Ireland one of the objects which the ’’Minister desires to attain is to bring increasingly into ’’production some of the available engineering capacity of the ’’•smaller industrial establishments. ”It is proposed to examine the offers of capacity ”of all those firms who wish to be considered for munitions ’’production through the medium of the Area Advisory Committees ’’and the Area Boards which have been or are being set up* ’’The task of bringing the smaller industrial establishments ’’into war production is one in v/hich the Ministry desires to ’’enlist the active help of the industrial organizations of the ’’country. ’’With this end in view, I am to ask if the ’’Association of British Chambers of Commerce could assist ’’the Ministry by inviting the Secretaries of local Chambers to render what ”to give, in an advisory capacity, to the Secretaries of the ’’Area Boards who are the channel to the Advisory Committees ’’for the reference of all offers of capacity.” ”of Commerce practical help they may be able Secretaries of Chambers of Commerce have agreed to give the every possiblu-assistance to the Secretaries of Area Boards. The consist of of Area Boards representatives the Admiralty Air Ministry, Ministry of Labour & National Service and the Ministry of Supply and it is possible that representatives of the Board of Trade will be added in the. interests of export trade * The duties of the Area Boards are : (a) To secure the rapid, effectual and continuous co­ordination of the efforts of all Government officials in the Area in connection with the production of war stores,* (b) To provide for the speedy exchange of information between Ministries and Service Departments bind the Area Advisory Committees. (c) To settle by agreement, in so far as is possible, all local difficulties likely to delay output. (d) To transmit to Headquarters proposals for the exploitation of additional capacity found in the Area* (e) To advise Headquarters on the adjustment of difficulties contracts* over priority of 11 The Area Boards a '¦e advised by Area Advisory Committees of of which are composed representatives the Engineering Employers Federation and the Trade Union Congress General Council» The terms of reference to the Area Advisory Committees are To advise the efficient out­put of anything required by Ministry of Supply and (l) the Area Board regarding the the Defence Departments, and to assist the Board in overcoming local difficulties. (2) To survey the Area within which the Committee is working with a view to increasing efficient production in the Area. (3) To consider and make recommendations to the Area Board upon any matter arising out of the terms 1 and 2 except matters which are properly the concern of the Ministry of Labour and National Service or are normally handled by the joint organization of employers and trade unions in connection with wages and conditions of employment. The Committees have been supplied with details of various is stores for which additional manufacturing capacity needed and which it is thought the smaller firms could make. It is the intention that the Committees shall make recommendations to the Area Boards regarding firms which they think could undertake this work and it is hoped that in this way it will be possible to give more work to smaller industrial establishments. In addition to the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of British Industries is cc-operating with the Ministry of Supply in the work of bringing smaller firms into war production® Ministry of Supply, Press Office, Adelphi, W.C.2. 14/3/40. 0.374. - 14/3/40 No.ll MINISTRY OF SHIPPING ANNOtJNCEMEN The formal investigation ordered by the Minister of Shipping into the circumstances attending the stranding of the steamship Charles Livingston (Liverpool Pilot Boat No. 1) on 26th November last has been fixed for hearing at St* George’s Hall, Liverpool, on Monday, 22nd April, beginning 10-30 a.m* at l4/3/40 -No.12. CANADIAN TROOPS BEGIN TO POLL. Officers and men of the Ist Canadian Division at Aldershot recorded their earliest votes to-day in the Dominion election. Lists of candidates are posted throughout the Training Area, stating their addresses, occupations constituencies and hut in accordance with an agreement and Parliamentary usage in Canada, the party labels of not the politicians who are standing. Commissioned officers from each Unit of the Division are doing duty as Ballot Officers and Canadians will he ahle to maWc their voting papers on any day except G-ood Friday and Easter Sunday until March 23rd. The same system is "being used in the Training Area many miles away where the Ist Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron is quartered. EMPIRE APPAIRSe - 14/3/40 No.13. PRESS NOTICE The Treasury have issued the Import Duties (Drawback) (N0,2) Order, 1940, provides which for an allowance of certain increase in the drawback, payable on board made from paper or pulp used in the manufacture of suit cases and attache cases, from £3.14.0 per ton to £6. 4.0 per ton. Order The comes into operation on 15th March,l94o, and His is published by Majesty’s Stationery Office today as Statutory Rules and Order, 1940, N0,264. TREASURY CHAMBERS, S.W.I M.A.F.172 14thMarch, 1940No.14 MIN IST R Y O F AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCEMEN T. AIM IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO GROWERS OF SEED POTATOES. To help meet the demand for seed potatoes from true stocks, the the Ministry of Agriculture has hitherto season, for arranged, each with view to their inspection of growing crops in England and Wales a certification if .found to be true to type and reasonably free from rogues* The Ministry has now decided to extend the certification scheme in 1940 cover the extended scheme will be to virus diseases* Certificates under issued in respect only of crops which satisfy the following conditions:­ stock must be Class I (1) the parent Glass I (Scotch), Class I (Irish), (English Special Stock), or Class I (Welsh Special Stock), or a stock known to the Ministry to be of an equrivalan u standard? the must be grown at least 50 yards from any other crop of '(2) c.rops potatoes not eligible for entry under (1) above ; (3) the on inspection is found to be true to type and also attains a crop prescribed standard of freedom from virus diseases* In addition. Stock Seed Reports will be issued in respect of crops which attain higher standards of purity and health* notification of the crops eligible for Stock Seed Reports will be given after the normal inspection under the scheme* It is anticipated that, at the outset, the crops which reach the higher standards of the Stock Seed Reports will be mainly those raised specially for seed by members of Seed potato Growers’ Associations* Aphis, or Greenfly, is one of the principal agents of virus disease in potato crops and the attention of growers is drawn to the fact that aphis control on sprouting stock in chitting houses or during storage may be effected by nicotine fumigation., Arrangements are now being made for the inspection of this year * s crops and all growers in England and Wales who intend to sell potatoes for are for the planting next season invited to apply inspection of their crops* Definite identification of potato varieties can be undertaken only when the plants are in full growth, and it is essential, therefore that applications should be submitted early so that inspection can be made before the foliage has died down* Applications in respect of early varieties should be made not later than May 15th and those for later varieties should be made before Hay 31st* The fee payable on application for inspection is at the rate of 2s* 6d* per acre or part of an acre with a minimum charge of ss*Od* Forms of application may be obtained from the Ministry's Offices, Department X*A*, 85, Baker Street, London, W*l* In order to secure pure and healthy stocks, growers are recommended to adopt the following practices which, however, will not be insisted upon -during the initial year of the extended schemes­ (a) The crops should, be separated from other potato crops and from all brassica a hedge or a tall crop such as cats or beans or, crops by alternatively a distance of at least oC yards ; and should not be 5 by grown within 5.0 yards of an over--wintered brassica crop* (Brassicae include Cabbage* Rale, Brussels Sprouts, Borecole and Turnips)* (b) The crops should net be grown on land which has been under potatoes during the previous two years or on which potatoes have been clamped within the previous three years* should be (c) Rogue potatoes removed by digging and not by pulling* - ( d) Bolters ITo Certificate will be issued in respect of stocks of Early Varieties in which Belter types predominate over the normal type of ' plantsp or for Mainerop and Late Varieties in which Belter types are deemed to be excessive* Application forms will shortly be posted to Growers who have v submitted stocks of potatoes for certification in previous years* It will therefore not be necessary for such growers to apnly for forms* 14.3.40 -No.15. PRESS NOTICE. FOR MORNING PAPERS ONLY. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE CLUB' TAPES OR BY BROADCAST OR IN ANY OTHER WAY BEFORE THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, 15th MARCH, 1940. The Treasury have issued The Import Duties (Exemptions) (No. 1) Order 1940, which adds to the Free Ig st the following iron and steel goods 1. Railway and tramway construction material of the following descriptions:­ Sleepers, tie rods, tie bars, fish plates, sole plates and continuous joint Plates. 2, Bolts, whether threaded or not, bolt ends, set screws and screw studs, and other screws for metal, and nuts, whether tapped or not (including washers assembled with any of those articles. ) 3. Coach screws. 4# Rivets (other than bifurcated rivets manufactured from .. wire and tubular rivets with open ends) and washers. 5. Wire netting, wire fencing and wire mesh, of all kinds . (including wire). woven 6. Nails (including hobnails and boot and show studs and tacks and staples (other than insulated staples) 7. Jack chain (including mattress chain) and mattress hooks. 8. Parts of railway and tramway rolling stock, "being . products of iron or steel of the following descriptions wheels, tyres, and axles buffers. The also issued The Additional Treasury have Import Duties (N0.2) Order 1940 and the Additional Impdrt Duties (N0,3) Order 1940 which are consequential upon The Import Duties (Exemptions) (No.1) Order 1940. The Orders come into operation on tho 18th March, 1940, and are published by His Majesty’s Stationery Office as Statutory Rules and Orders 1940 No. 352 " """" No. 353 U """" No, 354 TREASURY CHAMBERS, S.W.I. 14TH MARCH,1940. No. 16. M.A.F. 173. MINISTRY OFAGRICULTURE ANN0UNCSMENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOE RURAL WORKERS The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is offering for award again this a number of scholarships for the sons and year or daughters cf agricultural workmen other rural workers in a similar economic position and to persons who are themselves bona fide agricultural workers * The main purpose of these scholarships is to to their technical knowledge and to learn something of the scientific principles of agriculture, and to widen their outlook generally so that in later life they may be qualified for positions of responsibility in the industry on which their livelihood depends. Thefe is also a small number of Senior scholarships which provide an opportunity for those who have reached a high standard of education at secondary schools to continue their studies in agriculture or one of the allied sciences at a University with a view provide an opportunity for young agricultural workers improve to qualifying for administrative, teaching, research or advisory appointments of an agricultural nature. This scheme has now been and in operation for 18 years to during that period assistance has been granted nearly 2,000 persons. Many past students have succeeded in improving their positions substantially, a number obtaining important posts, scientific and otherwise, in the agricultural industry. For example, two former farm workers have obtained posts of Assistant County Agricultural Organiser and manager of a "large farm respectively; a former dairy-maid is now an instructress at a Farm Institute and a former poultry assistant is now employed as the manager of a large scale poultry farm. Most of those who have held the Junior scholarships have returned to better paid and more now responsible positions in practical agriculture, and many hold posts such of of a supervisory character as managers farms, nurseries, dairies, farm bailiffs, foreman and so on. These scholarships afford to to the an excellent opportunity young people in the country to add knowledge and skill which they can apply agricultural occupations. to Candidates for scholarships must be (a) sons or daughters of agricultural workmen or of working bailiffs, or of smallholders or other rural workers whose means and method of livelihood are of or bona comparable with these agricultural workmen, (b) fide workers in agriculture. The scholarships offered for award this are year ­ or 5 Senior scholarships tenable at Agricultural Colleges courses University Department of Agriculture for Degree or Diploma in an agricultural subject, or at Veterinary Colleges for courses in veterinary science. or 90 Junior scholarships, tenable at Farm Institutes similar institutions for courses net exceeding a year in duration in agriculture, horticulture, dairying or poultry husbandry. The value of the awards is such that neither recipients nor their parents are normally required to contribute anything towards the cost cf the training provided. The method ox selection is usually by interview, no written examination being held, but candidates must be able to 1. satisfy the Selection Committee that they are in a position to derive educational benefit from the proposed courses of instruction and must also intend to follow an agricultural pursuit on completion of their training. of Full information concerning the scheme including forms the to students who have completed courses of training may 'be obtained from the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, 83, Baker Street, London, W.1., or locally from the offices of County Councils. The latest date for submitting applications is April 30th, 1940. application and a leaflet outlining types of career open 14/3/40/ No.17 IMPORT LICENSING DEPARTMENT NOTICE TO IMPORTERS N0.48. Canned or bottled fruit At the request of the Ministry of Pood the Board of Trade have issued an Order (The Import of Goods (Prohibition) (No.10) Order, 1940) adding fruit preserved (with or without added sweetenings matter) in airtight containers, excluding fruit pulps, jam and marmalade to the list of goods, the importation of which is prohibited except under licence. The Ministry of Pood wish to emphasise that the purpose of the Order is to enable the Ministry to secure a proper in order the trade control of the commodities, to regulate in the manner best calculated to serve the national interest. The Order will be published on the 16th March and will come into force on the 19th March, 1940, but any goods covered by the Order which are proved to the satisfaction of the Customs authorities to have been despatched to the United Kingdom before the Order came into effect will not require a licence. Importers are warned that no Open General Licence the of canned permitting import without specific licences or bottled fruit from Empire countries generally has been issued. matters Any enquiries by importers on arising out of the Order should be addressed to:­ The Ministry of Food, (Canned Fruit Branch), Great Westminster House, Horseferry Road, London, S.W.I. Import Licensing Department, Board of Trade, 25? Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.2# 14th March, 1940. - 14.3.40 No.32. WAR COMMENTARY, By General Sir Hugh Elies. One page two of Issue No. 18 14/3/40, please note the following correction:­In last paragraph on that page third line from the bottom read "Austria, Sudetenland and Bohemia" instead of "Australia," etc. 14.3.40. -No.18. FOR PUBLICATION AFTER 9*35 P» M» THIS "(THURSDAY)' EVENING. Mem. to Sub-editors: As this script is being issued in advance, it is necessary to it against check the actual broadcast at 9*20 p*m© this evening (March 14? 1940) on 449 or 391 metres* WAR COMMENTARY "by GENERAL SIR HUGH ELLES, K. 0. B. , K. C. M. G. I want to-night to talk a little about the German Army® The question I want to ansvirer, and I am going to try ±o answer, is this* Is the German Army of 1940* in the changed circumstances, a better or a worse military machine than was its predecessor of 1914? The because answer is important, after that very long struggle more than twenty years ago we did beat the old German Army once con­ - sidered the best in the world and beat them thoroughly in the field* That is an historical fact of which I shall have more to say* Before I begin my talk I just want to say that while my facts will be facts, such opinions as I give are my own opinions and are not official opinions* Now the first point I want to touch on is the position of the in the in old German Army State 1914* It was a very great position ­it was in fact the position in the country* To be a high officer in the German Army was very much to be somebody* Military .Tank meant so much that even the Chancellor Bethman von Hollweg assumed it on the outbreak of war; he was a Colonel in the Reserve* Can you see Mr* Chamberlain doing that? The old German to use a soldier1 s Army, phrase, chucked its weight about and the German people loved to see it chuck its weight about® The Army was rigidly non-political as - far as internal politics went but the Great General Staff in Berlin was in the State far the most powerful body and, as as foreign politics went, the German General Staff overshadowed even the Foreign Office itself* - Now all this had been going on for years* It was as indeed, - was the whole of the military machine the growth of generations* There were naturally led into the ranks of the Corps of Officers the very pick of the youth of the nation® The Army offered a wonderful career* All those things, of reflected themselves in the course, self confidence and ability of its leaders* Individuals, you will agree' are very much made by their opportunities* Let me turn for a moment now to the German Army of 1940» The old Army, the laborious growth of a hundred Was knocked out years,in 1918 and a new Army was formed* It was limited to one hundred - thousand men that is a pretty big drop from the five million odd with which Germany finished the war* And not only was it limited in numbers but it was not allowed anything but the very simplest equipment,, An Inter Allied Commission of Control sat in Berlin to that see disarmament was accomplished and that the small new Army to the terms - that had been - kept the very rigid terms imposed* For sixteen years that Army struggled for existence* To some extent it succeeded in evading the and terms by one deception or another, probably even before the Allied Commission withdrew in 1927 it could its hands on - have. laid many more than its official number of men but it could not show them nor could it train them openly* It/ 2 however, about this time that the growing power of It was, Nazidom and the creation of vast Brownshirt forces appeared to offer challenge to the privileged portion of the Army; but it was not until 1934, when Hitler was firmly in the saddle, that the crisis came. and the Nazi Commander The profossional Army private Army under the Roehm, were engaged in a bitter struggle for control. Hitler had to decide between the two and he plumped for the professionals. Then came the famous purge of the 30th of June when Hitler shot - his bost friend without trial and roughly a thousand of his followers, and the inconvenient General von Scleichor, once Chancellor, was murdered with his wife. The affair, quite apart from the executions, with which the Army had nothing to do, was an immense triumph for the soldiers. The next steps in advance wore also due to the Fuehrers action In 1935 he announced compulsory service for the nation and his - intention to expand the Army to thirty-six front line divisions that is a peace strength of getting on for six hundred thousand men. It was those thirty-six divisions that staggered the world. From that moment the Army has never looked back and it is Hitler who has been the impelling force. The Generals, if they are not of his mind in all that he does, at all events, the men of his choice. are, He has got rid of the last of the troublesome ’’No5 ' men General von - Fritsch, against whom the most monstrous and unproved calumnies were alleged by that ghastly Himmler and who died very suddenly and very mysteriously near the front line in Poland. Von Fritsch was a very, very good soldier and enormously respected. in no allowed So you seo the professional soldiers of 1940 are way to control as they were in 1914* The Supreme Commander is the Fuehrer, to whom they have taken an oath of allegiance hut it is s has yet to he proved that this extraordinary man the military genius of Napoleon. quite German generals have a I am sure that the their douhts on that point, and I am quite sure that there are grave - misgivings as to where he is leading them they have never liked the Western front, and they have never liked a war with the French - and ourselves they! vc heen too hadly hitten once* From every point of view they are hadly placed compared with their predecessors of the last war and they have before their eyes the fato of inconvenient Generals I have given you some sort of idea of the beginnings of the growth of the new German Since 1935 up to the beginning of the war the strength of its front line troops had just about trebled. That in itself is a very rapid expansion. But, if I know my German, there must have been going on a very, very much bigger expansion behind this front line of reserve divisions, perhaps double, perhaps more. the rank and Now, quite apart from getting file and the equipment, - there is the of officers Staff problem especially the problem of - Officers more especially the problem of training the highest Commanders and staffs in the task of manipulating immense bodies of men, of feeding them and of maintaining them. In the old German Army these processes had been going on for years* There were annually the great manoeuvres methodically and systematically prepared. There was an immense pool of trained officers in Reserve and a very large and very competent Corps of Staff Officers, Nearly all this had to be made in the last four or five years. In ground has up spite of the practice they have had in the peace occupations of Austria, . SudefcenlanG and Bohemia, and in spite of the Polish - - war in which every advantage of strategic position, numbers and of - armament was in favour of the German there must be a lot of leeway to make up No / 3 No, the German Army of 1914 has a big null there over 1940. Now I want to say just a word about equipment. It is certain, I think, that German equipment will be good, just as it was in 1914 - his armaments have always been first-class. But I wonder if he has not made some mistakes owing to the Sneed at which rearmament has been carried out* to Then I come the question of sunnly of war material, oil, and all that. And here I am impressed by the way German propaganda has bellowed and shrieked that they are all right for supply and if that is so I would merely ask "Then why make all this noise about it?" And I imagine that the Great General Staff in Berlin is already looking over its shoulder about supply at a very much earlier stage than did its predecessors. A.s to the German it is too fighting quality of the troops, early and we have too little information as to whether it has improved or deteriorated. The Boche has always been a brave fighter and he has always been rather a clumsy fighter. I think we may expect much the same.. But there are just two little things that have come to light which may be significant. The young German airman is and German I very fond of tip and run, second, patrols, am told, are all selected men, Stoss-Staffel they call them-"Push" detachments. That does not seem to reflect great confidence in the average German subaltern* But they will fight well these new Boche, let us make no mistake about that-. Before I finish there is just one more point I want to make. I think it is a very important point in makino; a comparison between the German Army of 1914 and of 1940. It is this, that in 1914 the German came to the Western front against the Western allies with the tradition of victory behind them. Today they come to the Western the Western the tradition not of front against allies with victory, but of defeat. For twenty years they have drummed into their gullible nation that the Army was not defeated in the field but only betrayed upon the Home front. What are the facts of history and not the lies? Tus these, they were nointed out by Sir Tohn Davidson in a letter while was to the ’’Times" that anpeared curiously enough, I preparing my scrint on this very roint:­ .After four of war during which on the Western front our years fortunes fell and rose and fell again, there came a day which Ludendorff has called the Black Day of the German .Army. It was when the Bth of August, 1918, the great allied offensive began with the attack of the British Fourth Army from Amiens and in just under 100 days, by the had beaten the Germans 11th November, we out of position after position. They had lost in prisoners 400,000 men and in guns 6,000 -that is, enough guns to equip 60 divisions liberally. The Armies were in confusion, the Supreme Commander fled. The Armistice was imnosed without conditions - - Bedingungslos. If that is not defeat in the field what is? And whatever else the leaders of the German they may proclaim, Army know that what I have said is true. They know it only too well, for the simple reason they were nearly all of them there, - 14/3/40 No.19. ' PRESS NOTICE The Ministry of Economic'Warfare is moving during the week present from its existing address, Houghton Street, Aldwyoh, London, W.C.2. to Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W.l. (Telephone Number G-rosvenor 4060). It is expected that the move will have been completed by the end of the week* All communications should henceforth be sent to the new address* The telegraphic address of the Ministry remains unchanged: Whiskers, London. MINISTRY OP ECONOMIC WARFARE. 14.3.40 -No.20. FOR PUBLICATION NOT BEFORE FRIDAY MORNING NEWSPAPERS, MARCH 15TH. IMPORT PROHIBITION ORDER RELATING-TO TINNED AND BOTTLED FRUITS, Tinned and bottled fruits have been added to the list of goods which may not be imported except under license because we have now very large stocks in this country. There had been a very substantial increase in the imports of such fruit in the first eight months of 1939 largely from the United States. Since the outbreak of war importations have continued on a greatly increased scale, and quite recently there have been unmistakeable signs of the placing of further larger orders. It has therefore become necessary to control imports in order to conserve exchange. effect of saving It will also have the tonnage and preventing the accumulation of unnecessarily large stocks. This is of course measure which results from the purely a war. Its objects are simply those stated above, and it is not intended to cause a permanent diversion of the normal channels of trade. IMPORT LICEa.BING DEPARTMENT, Board of Trade, 25, Southampton Buildings, V/. C. - 14/3/40 No.21. PRESS NOTICE. Mr. William Westwood, 0.8.E., J.P., who has "been released from his duties as General Secretary of the Ship Shipwrights Association, Constructors and has "been appointed Principal Materials Officer on the Staff of the Controller of Merchant Shipbuilding and Repairs. ADMIRALTY. S.W.I - 14/3/40. No. 22. BOAPD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT. The President of the Board of Trade has made the following further appointments to Local Price Regulation Committees set up under the Prices of Ooods Act:­ North Eastern Region of Bngland Mrs. D. Saunders. North Pastern District of Scotland Mr. James L. Glegg. Northern District of Scotland Bailie Hugh Fraser, J.P. Provost A.O’. Mackenzie. Board of Trade, 14th March, 1940 BOTES FOR THE INFORMATION OP THE PRESS. Mrs.' Saunders is the Secretary of the Bridlington Branch of the national Council for Women, the Secretary of the Bridlington Branch of the Women’s Voluntary Service for Civil Defence, and has taken part in other public work in the Bridlington district. Mr. Glegpc is a director of Clegg & Thomson Limited, Wholesale and Retail Iron Merchants of Aberdeen and is a member of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. Bailie He Fraser is a Justice of the Peace for Inverness-shire, Convener of the Inverness Public Assistance Committee and a leading member of the Inverness Council. Provost Mackenzie is Provost of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. - 14/3/40. No.23. BOARD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT. COTTON INDUSTRY ACT 1940. The above Act received the Royal Assent today. Under its terms a Board is set to advise Government up Departments and perform certain services primarily in the interests of the export trade, and a levy is imposed on raw cotton purchased by cotton spinners. The rate of the levy is and sd. per 100 lbs., comes into operation at once. The President of the Board of Trade has appointed Sir Percy Ashley, K.8.E., C.8,, to be Chairman and the following gentlemen to serve on the Cotton Board:­ As having special knowledge of the industry Mr. Frank Platt. As having knowledge of the business of respectively:­ a merchant Sir John Barlow, Bart. buying and Mr. W.J.. Walmsley Ex-President of the selling Liverpool Cotton cotton fibre Association, formerly partner in Messrs, Reynolds & Gibson Ltd. manufacturing Mr. J.S. Addison A Managing Director rayon fibre of Courtaulds Ltd., spinning Mr, T. Dutton Vice-Chairman Greenhalgh & Shaw Ltd.-, , Bolton, Senior Vice-President, federation of Master-Cotton Spinners Associations. weaving Mr. Joe Nelson Director of James Nelson Ltd, and Lustrafil Ltd. finishing Mr.A.Roger Walton Director of John Walton (Collyhurst) Ltd. - Chairman Employers federation of Dyers and Finishers. -1­ a merchant engaged in the export trade. Mr. R.B. Barclay Director of Robert Barclay & Co. Ltd and of The Whitworth Street Packing Co-.Lt The interests of operatives in:- Boothman General spinning Mr.H. Secretary* Amalgamated Association of Operative Cotton Spinners and Twiners. weaving Mr.Andrew ITaesmith General Secretary* Amalgamated Weavers Association. finishing Mr.G.G. Bagnall Secretary,National Union of Dyers, Bleachers & Textile Workers. Mr. Frank Platt is Managing Director of the Lancashire Cotton Corporation, but has leave of absence therefrom for the duration of the war. Sir John Barlow is a partner of Messrs. Thomas Barlow & Brother. (The firm will rid itself of its cotton interests while he holds his present office). Sir Percy Ashley will continue to a :t as Cotton Controller, Mr. Frank Platt as Deputy Controller. A Cotton Board with more limited functions was set up hy the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Supply early in the war, and the members of this Board with one exception become members of the new Board. The exception is Mr. Angus Campbell, was precluded from accepting appointment who Board duties to the new owing to the pressure of his as President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, an office which he assumed in February. Board of Trade. 14th March, 1940. -2­ - 14.3. 40. No.24. PRESS NOTICE. A lost gas mask will in future cost 2.6d„ to replace. A scale of charges for the renewal of lost respirators and the repair or replacement of damaged masks is contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Security to local authorities. Everyone who loses or damages a gas mask issued by the Government will either have to pay for the lost mask, or for its renewal or re­ pair if it is damaged* It is already an offence, under the Civil Defence Act, and will continue to be an offence, to fail to use reasonable care for the a to preservation of mask, but up the present, it has been possible to obtain free replacement of lost or damaged respirators. In made for loss future charges will be of, or damage to, respira tors according to the following scale* - In respect of (adult) civilian respirators s* d. For loss of a complete respirator (including carton) 2. 6 For loss of or damage to: a facepiece 1. 6 a container 0 1# a carton 0. 2 of ­ In respect a child’s respirator For loss of a complete respirator (including carton) 3. 6 For loss of or damage to: a facepiece 2. 6 a container 1. 0 a carton 0, 2 - In respect of babies’ anti-gas helmet For loss of a complete helmet (including carton) 25« 0 For loss of or damage to: a main frame (without tail-piece) 4* 9 an adjustable tail-piece on frame 2* 0 a supporting strap with webbing straps for attaching to main frame* 2. 0 an enveloping bag 11. 6 a draw tape on bag 0. 3 a bellows 1. 6 an elbow connector 1. 0 a valve unit (inside elbow) 0. 9 a container 1* 0 a strap for securing the air unit to frame 0. 3 a carton 0* 6 No charge will be made in respect of gas masks lost or damaged in air-raids, or in the case of persons in receipt of public assis­tance or unemployment assistance, or their dependents. In the case of loss of or damage to a child’s respirator or baby* s helmet where the charge is above 2* 6d* , and the local authority consider that cannot the the person responsible reasonably afford charge, they may reduce it, but not to a less amount than 2s*6d. The system of charges is to come into operation as soon as local authorities are able to make the necessary arrangements, but in any case not later than April Bth* It.is important to note that repaired respirators, or respiratorsIssued in replacement of respirators lost or damaged, remain the perty of the Government, even though a charge has been made for repair for replacement of a lost or damaged part* It still remains that no one may hold more than one respirator* MINISTRY OF HOME SECURITY, The War Office f London, S.W*l # 14th March, 1940. SERVICE LIBRARIES & BOOKS FUND, In response to the joint appeal of the Lord Mayor of London and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh for the Service Libraries and Books Fund, some extremely generous and encouraging donations have been received, including £2,500 from Mrs. Lilian Ibbetson, £l,OOO from Mr. Simon Marks and £5OO from Viscount Wakefield. The Pilgrim Trust has made a grant of £l,OOO towards the administrative expenses of the Fund; and £2,000 a year has been promised by the N.A.A.F.I. for the same purpose. Further donations, are urgently needed for which the development of the work, may be sent to the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House, London, E.C.4-* envelopes being marked "Books*'. Books and periodicals of all descriptions are being received from the Public at the officially authorised receiving depot, Finsbury Barracks, City Road, E.C#l* The War Office, London, S.W. 1. 14th March, 1940. The War Office wishes to clear up any misunderstanding that may have resulted from a recent announcement on the subject of Army Comforts, which might give rise to an erroneous impression that the provision of further comforts is not for the required time being. Local organisations and others who are knitting woollen comforts, are asked to go on with this work, v/hich means so much to the troops, and which will certainly be required in greatly increased volume as the Armies expand. Organisations for collecting comforts are being set up in Counties under the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations. Work individuals should send to these parties and their completed work organisations or direct to the Army Comforts Depot, 12, St. Mary’s Butts, Reading, Although at present the troops overseas have sufficient woollen comforts, these become used up and the Army is constantly increasing. If local organisations stop knitting, a shortage will occur later on when the need for these comforts again arises. All knitted comforts are required, but there is a strong feeling in the B.L.P. that luxuries in the form of chocolates, sweets, etc., should not be sent. Monetary donations will still be welcome and should be sent to the Secretary, Army Comforts Committee, Romney House, Marsham St., - 5.W.1., or the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations, 80 82 Pall Mall, S.W,I. The money received will be spent on requirements needed at the time. The War Office would like to take this opportunity to thank Collecting Organisations and the public for the generous gifts which they have supplied during the past Winter, and which have contributed so much to the comfort of the troops during that period. Arrangements will be announced later regarding the collection, as warmer weather approaches, of woollen comforts from the troops. PRESS NOTICE. List of Prisoners of War. Rank Unteroffizier Boots.manamaat Masch, Gefreiter Masch. Gefreiter Funkgefreiter Maschinenobergefreiter Feldwebel Mech. Obergefreiter WAR OFFICE WHITEHALL S.W 0 1 0 ? Christian Names. Karl Wilhelm Willi Friedrich Heinz Fritz Hermann Otto Surname MISSY POST MOTSCH STEINERT PETZOLD SCHEPFLER WILMS SPROTT - 14/3/40 No.27. Where from Age. Gladback V& Finland 27 Westamen Westfahlen 24 Borne bei Magdeburg 20 Tauseha 21 Oschatz 18 Werden i/Sachsen 23 Erfurt Rheinhausen given as 25.7.1940. - FOR MORNING PAPERS ONLY * 14.3.40 No.28. MR EDEN WITH THE CANADIANS. * Mr* Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, spent four hours with the Ist Canadian Division to-day and was impressed by "the remarkable results achieved" under what he called "active service weather conditionsI'. When he dropped into the mess hall of the Royal Canadian Artillery Field Brigade he made a brief impromptu speech by popular demand* More than seven hundred soldiers were attacking a roast beef and vegetable lunch, but ceased fire to shout: "Speech, Tony"® The Minister mounted a bench and said: "I want to thank you fine soldiers for coming over. I know I say that on behalf of all the people in the United Kingdom, I hear some of you are getting impatient, but remember that all things come to those who wait*” Major General A.G.L. McNaughton conducted Mr*Eden on his tour, and in the party were also Mr. Vincent Massey, High Commissioner for Canada, Major General H.D.G. Crerar, and several officials from the Dominions Office, They braved the unpleasant weather to see the Royal Imperial Regiment at machine-gun drill in the field and the 48th Highlanders from Toronto digging trenches and attacking a wooded copse in speedy Bren gun carriers* They watched the Medical Royal Canadian Army Corps treating wounded and gas victims in a hillside station and the Ist Medium a Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery laying down barrage with heavy guns, Indoors they saw signallers, mechanics, and map readers at work. EMPIRE AFFAIRS. - 14.3.40 No. 29. A GALLANT CADET. The following is issued by Naval Affairs to the "Press for such use as they may wish to make of it. At an interview this afternoon, further information came to light of the behaviour of Cadet B. J. Duval, of the "Domala", which was bombed and set on fire by a ’Nazi’ aeroplane in the English Channel in the early morning of March 2nd while it was still dark. who is is and Duval, seventeen years old, still bandaged lame He his from his injuries* was on first voyage, having joined the "Domala" at the end of January. Having been on watch, he was asleep in his quarters when the first explosion came at about 5*30 a.m. Rushing out on deck he was sent to his boat station, helping to lower it full of Indians when orders came to abandon ship. More bombs were dropped as the boat was lowered, and Duval stated he heard one or two bursts of machine gun fire* The and the boat sea was rough, was swamped, throwing its occupants into the water* Duval, left on board, was then joined by the second officer and several others. Together they got one of the life-saving rafts over the ship’s side, lowered them­ selves down to it, and cut it adrift. The raft floated away to leeward with Duval and nine others holding on to the lifelines. It was bitterly cold, with the sea breaking over the raft. The men dropped off one by one, until only Duval and the second officer were left. The boy, who was wearing a mackintosh over his life jacket, managed to clamber on to the raft, and tried to drag after him the second officer, who was in difficulties and on the verge of slipping away*. But the officer’s weight was beyond Duval’s strength, so he took off the belt of his mackintosh, passed it round his officer rand held him up until he himself lost consciousness* Duval remained insensible until he found himself on board a warship over an hour later. The second officer was drowned; in imminent but Duval, danger of being washed off the raft,, did his best to save the officer’s life at the risk of his own* He was still limping when interviewed today, but has every intention of going to sea again as soon as he has recovered and can get a ship* 14.3.40 No.30. PRESS NOTICE. Lieutenant. A.T. Dennis, RAN. (retired), has been awarded a Greenwich Hosnital tension of£3o a year in the the death of Lieutenant B. R.N. (retired), on the 16th January, 1940, and Mr; A,W; Chief Officer of Coastguard, R.N. (retired), a Greenwich Hospital tension of £25 a year in the vacancy created by the death of Mr* J. Donovan, Chief Officer of Coastguard, vacancy caused by Wallis, R.N. (retired), on the 31st January, 1940. ADMIRALTY, S.W.I, - MINISTRY OF FOOD ANNOUNCEMENT. 14/3/40 No.31. EGG STORAGE. The Ministry of Food have had under considera­tion Arrangements for the cold storage and pickling of eggs by producer organisations, wholesalers, and retailers engaged in the trade.. In this connect egg ion, the Ministry announce that in the event of the introduction of price control of home-produced cold stored or pickled eggs next autumn or winter, due consideration will be given in fixing the maximum prices average Spring price of home-produced eggs and to the to the costs of storage. MINISTRY OF FOOD.. - 14.3.40 No.33. FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE ( EVENING) March Paris, Thursday, 14. The following official cotnmunique was issued this evening by the French G-.H.Q. : Local activity of advanced, parties especially West of the Vosges, FOREIGN PRESS REVIEW WARDAILY SURVEY OF WORLD COMMENT ON THE THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TELEGRAPHIC REPORTS RECEIVED BYCOMPILED FROM l5th March, 1940 53 No. SWITZERLAND: DIFFICULTIES OF HELP FOR FINLAND. The difficulties in the of Allied armed assistance for way Finland are emphasised in a section of today's Swiss Press. the Radical Democratic organ, states: "The The NATIONAIjZEITUNG, western Powers did much and much more would have been done had Finland Sweden facilitated it. It is easy to asked for aid and Norway and be wise after the event but the fact is that the sending of an been extremely difficult an Expeditionary corps to Finland would, have proceeding. What an outcry there would have been had the Allies even to force a or attempted, way through Norway Sweden or transports had been sunk by German mines or submarines on the distant Murmansk coast. It is undoubted that the Western Powers meant their offer seriously but there is doubt whether it would have brought them ary nearer to victory in the long run. " The TRIBUNE DE GENEVA states: "Finland will inevitably be drawn into the sphere of the Soviet's influence. She not only knows now by she cannot reckon with the bitter experience that solidarity of the Northern nations but she also knows that Germany, who hitherto supported the Finns in their struggle for independence, cynically sacrificed her to her hereditary oppressor. "Since Germany is likely to emerge too exhausted for further adventures the Soviets have nothing to fear from German imperialism, Russian adventures in the Balkans are certain to encounter Italian opposition. Red Army cadres are cracking everywhere and need a long period to re-organise. Everything leads to the inference that Stalin will rest on his laurels and try to prolong the war until Germany is exhausted." SWEDEN: SUPPORT FOR DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE PROPOSAL. Scandinavian defensive alliance receives a The proposal for a fair f s measure of support in today Swedish Press. DAGENS NYHETER, referring to the proposal, considers that the experience of the Finnish War shows that the Scandinavian States must hold together if they are to retain their independence. Observator, writing in ABTONBLADET, analyses the Finnish military position and considers that Finland was compelled to accept the -peace the terms in view of the Russian landing west of Viborg, impossibility of accepting Allied help because communications by way of Petsamo were far too unce: tain and the risk of a German landing in Finland. "The Finnish people must look to the future and create a bigger political combination," adds this paper, which goes on to commend the proposal for a defensive alliance of the Northern States. NYA DAGLIGT ALLSHANDA considers that previous mistakes must not be repeated, and also sup-ports proposals for a Scandinavian defensive Alliance.