11.6.40 - No. 3. PRESS NOTICE. Mercantile losses due to Enemy action for week ending Sun/Mon., Midnight 2/3rd June, 1940:- The total British tonnage lost during this period was 78,715 tons, hut of this figure 24,000 tons were lost during the combined operations off Dunkirk and are not therefore Mercantile losses in the ordinary sense. The figures for this period are accordingly:- British 11 54,715 tons, u Allied 4 17,913 1! Neutral 3 7,923 II Total 18 80,551 The losses at Dunkirk must he regarded as far less than might have been expected in such an operation when a very large number of vessels was employed under exceptionally hazardous conditions. The following adjustments to previous weekly totals of British tonna ge lost are notified:- 4-1Oth March - add VO -d -p o £ CO i Transfer from Marine toi Enemy action. 8-l4th April - add 17,002 tons ) ) Later confirmation of losses 15-2lst April - add 14,604 tons ) ) in Norwegian ports and waters. 22-28th April - add 10,260 tons representing 10 ships and 42,509 tons. German Ships captured, sunk, etc. No alteration. CONVOYS. Up to Wednesday, 5th June, 23,000 British, Allied and Neutral Ships had been convoyed in British Convoys with a loss of 32 ships, giving a loss ratio of one in 719. Neutral Ships con- voyed totalled 3,163 with a loss of 3? or one in 1,054. ADMIRALTY. . 11/6/40 - No. 4. PRESS NOTICE The Postmaster General announces that the Empire Air Mail services have been temporarily suspended. The' principal countries affected are Malta, Egypt', Palestine, Iraq, India, Ceylon, Burma, Hong Kong, Malaya, Australia, New Zealand, Sudan,East Africa and South Africa, GENERAL POST OFFICE. 11.6.40 - No.5 Speech by Harold Nicolson, Parliamentary Mr. Secretary Ministry of Information, to the at the Luncheon of the English-Speaking Union, on Tuesday f June 11th 1940. "The of all of us" said Mr. Nicolson, "must be thoughts concentrated at this moment upon the terrible ordeal through which our French allies are now passing. The great French battle seems to continue without ceasing and although the Germans have at certain points advanced deep into Northern France, yet the French armies are fighting with magnificent skill and valour and the losses inflicted the enemy both in men and in upon material have been tremendous. We are perhaps a little too ready to interpret the present war of movement in terms of the more static war with which we were familiar between 1915 and 1918 and to regard these rapid spear thrusts at the heart of France as some- thing more decisive and lethal than they in fact may be. The great mass of the French armies are still intact and retain their power of manoeuvre. "It is still too early to say that the French will not be able to redeem the situation and we must never forget that it was General Weygand, who, by a few master-strokes of strategy, plucked victory from the Polish defeat in 1920 and drove the Russian armies in sudden confusion from the very gates of Warsaw, We must all feel at such time that this great battle is not merely a French battle but our battle as well. It is not only that units of several famous British Regiments are fighting side by side with our Allies but it is also that our common cause is being defended by the French armies as fiercely as they are defending the soil of France, It is comforting to think that we are now sending further help from here to our Allies. "It is almost intolerable for those of us who love France almost as a second country to picture the destruction and the fear which is being spread across that smiling landscape and in the loveliest summer that we have ever known. Yet let us take comfort from the fact that although the Germans may succeed for the moment in overpowering by sheer weight of numbers and equipment certain sections of the French line, the French spirit remains indomitable. The civilisation of France is something than her more even liberties, or her material possessions. It represents one of the greatest contributions that any nation has made in history towards the advancement of human intelligence and wisdom. It is as indestruct- ible as the Greek spirit has proved indestructible and it is a vital fluid which unites all France and which renders France capable of rising again from grave disasters and renewing her perpetual I feel that all of us here today would wish to pay a tribute of deep sympathy and unconquerable hope to the French forces and to the magnificent civilian population of France by whom the courage of those forces is so nobly sustained." Mr. Nicolson then proceeded to speak about morale on the Home Front. He pointed out how the Germans with their accustomed thoroughness had for years been studying the art of dislocating the morale of their enemies and of undermining confidence by the creation of uncertainty, A typical German method which had been applied in those countries which they had invaded was to inspire fear in the civilian population. Ho artifice and no inventiveness was spared to increase the terror which they sought to impose. /They 2 They had for instance invented a device which they attached to their aerial bombs which increased by a hundred-fold the scream of the bomb as it descended to earth. They well knew that the actual effect of aerial bombardment nothing to its physical was as moral had the factof of noise effect, and they therefore exploited in such a way as to give the civilians the impression that the bombardment was far more terrible than was in fact the case. There were many antidotes which we could devise to prevent them succeeding in this objective. The first was to impress upon the people that aerial bombardment was not in fact as terrible or as dangerous as it sounded. The second was to impress the public the essential upon need, not merely of calm but also of implicit obedience to the Air Raid Wardens. There was another method by which the Germans sought to destroy confidence and to increase confusion. Namely the method of false rumour. It is a well-known fact that in times of stress and danger even sensible human beings are apt to relieve their anxiety or to fill the gaps in authentic news by speculations as to what may be happening. Mr. Nicolson went on to say that one of the worst forms of unconsidered talk which destroyed public confidence was suspicion. Even in the last war when the art of creating a Fifth Column had not been exploited to the point where Herr Hitler has exploited it, there was a severe epidemic of spy fever. It was one of Herr Hitler’s most deliberate artifices to make every citizen in the country suspect every other citizen. It was perfects true that the ordinary man and woman must exercise vigilance and must be on the look out for any Fifth Column activity. Yet they should do this sensibly and if they had good ground for suspicion they should note very accurately what they had seen and heard and report in precise terms to their local police office. The one thing they should not do was to run about spreading malicious rumours about other people who might in fact be perfectly harmless members of society, The same attitude of tolerant vigilance should be adopted towards enemy aliens in our midst. The situation was too critical to allow the authorities to accord to any enemy alien the benefit of the doubt. Many perfectly innocent people had had to be interned, often people who were avowed enemies of the Nazi system, and who had already suffered terribly in Germany or Austria for their opposition to that system. Yet while recognising that a large scale internment was essential at the moment, do not let us close our mind to ordinary feelings of sympathy for the victims, or their relations, do not let us that if some person had been interned within the last three weeks he or she were necessarily plotting against this country. Let us remember that many of these people had suffered the f ortune of war and that they were as much prisoners of war as those who had been captured upon the battlefield and entitled thereby to the consideration which we accord to enemy prisoners. "I think it is important" added Mr, Nicolson, "that we should remember that the weakest link in the chain of national courage is the lonely and unoccupied person. Those of us who have a definite function to perform are more fortunate since the very rush and pressure of our overwork gives us little time for anxious brooding. But there are many thousands of people who for one reason or another have no definite function and it is for these-people shouldfeel that we most A greater spirit of and kindness in sorry, neighbourliness our streets and villages will do much to comfort and to fortify such lonely or isolated people. Each one of us must remember that we are responsible for our own little area of public morale. The gloomy face or the nervous gestures may spread anxiety among our friends whereas calm resolution will do much to fortify the courage of those who may be weaker or less confident than ourselves". 3 "Above all", concluded Mr. Nicolson "let us fight the insidious microbe of defeatism. Let us remember how in the last war week after week and day after day the flags were hoisted in Germany and the bells rang out to celobrate some new victory. Let us recall how there were moments when we felt that the war would never be brought to its conclusion and that after all these years of weary struggle we should not be accorded that victory which alone would have made the struggle worth while. Let us remember especially those days of the spring of 1918, when for one dark moment it seemed possible that the Germans would achieve a decisive victory before the American forces could arrive, and let us never forget the sudden collapse of the German armies and the panic surrender with which in the autumn of 1918 the great edifice of German power collapsed. The speed of the present war is inevitably quicker than that of the last war and things which seemed to move in slow motion between 1914 and 1918 now flash passed our eyes with such rapidity that we have forgotten one week what happened the week before. But let us remember also that it is not we alone who feel the strain. "We in this country, we of the Anglo Saxon race, are far more solid by temperament than are the Germans. Our overwhelming self- confidence enables us to withstand great trials and fierce tribulations. The german, however, possesses no self-confidence and he seeks to fortify the uncertainty of his nervous temperament by transferring that confidence to some mythical leader, to some man of destiny. Should the myth cease to operate, should the leader for one moment fail to maintain his own legend, then the Germans will have nothing whatsoever to fall back upon because there is nothing but uncertainty in their hearts. It is this which above all gives me unflagging confidence. "I well know that within the next few months we shall have to suffer severe ordeals. But I also know that when the mists of autumn begin to gather that the German people will look forward with terror to the winter that is opening and will know in their hearts that with every week that passes the strength of our armaments, the power of our fleets and our air force will be increasing to a capacity with which they cannot hope to compete. It will then be that the German heart begins to quail, it will then be that there spreads throughout Germany a sense of inevitable doom, it will then be that we have reached the beginning of the end.” MINISTRY OF INFORMATION 11.6.40 - No. 7. DEATH OF MR. NORMAN ROGERS. His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have learnt with profound regret of the death of Mr, Norman Rogers, Canadian Defence Minister, and have conveyed to the Canadian Government their sincere sympathy in this tragic loss, Mr,Roger’s recent visit to this country endeared him to all who came In contact with him, and the Government of the United Kingdom are greatly distressed at the thought that so promising a career should thus have been cut short. DOMINIONS AND COLONIAL OFFICES PRESS SECTION. 11/6/40 - No. 8. NEW ZEALAND DECLARES WAD. Italy’s "Cynical and Cold-blooded Attack". The existence of a state of war with Italy has been proclaimed in New Zealand as from midnight last night, at 10.30 a.m. New Zealand standard time. In a message to the United Kingdom Government, the Government of New Zealand state that they associate themselves in this matter with H.M.Government in Great Britain and with the Government of France. The message adds: "This cynical and cold- blooded attack by Italy at a moment plainly chosen in the belief that it will afford maximum embarrassment to the Allied Arm and in the hope, which we know will be dispelled, that it will result in an easy triumph and prompt gain for Italy, will call forth here, as elsewhere throughout the Commonwealth and in those countries that are banded together to resist aggression, the strongest feeling of indignation. H.M. Government in New Zealand at this moment wish to renew in the fullest measure the assurance of their firm deter- mination, and that of the people of this Dominion, to assist by every means within their power until the menace of ruthless and unprincipled aggression has been finally and completely destroyed. DOMINION AND COLONIAL OFFICE. 11/6/40 - NO. 11 PRESS NOTICE Princess. Juliana and her two daughters the Princesses Beatrix and Ireen have arrived in Canada. They left England in a Dutch warship during last week. The plan to send the young Princesses to a place outside possible any war zone was formed as soon as it was decided to leave the Netherlands. Her Majesty the Queenactuated by the wish to safeguard the future of the dynasty and to assure the further education of the Princesses undisturbed by a repetition of the harrowing experiences through which they have passed already, accordingly requested Prince Bernhard to put his family in a place of safety. The rapid execution of this plan was greatly facilitated by the generous offer of hospitality made to Princess Juliana on the day of her arrival in England by Princess Alice and the Earl of Athlone. who in addition to their family connection had always been great personal friends. For obvious reasons of security the departure of Princess Juliana and the young Princesses could not be made public until their safe arrival in Canada. ISSUED BY FOREIGN OFFICE NEWS DEPT, AT REQUEST OF NETHERLANDS LEGATION 11/6/40 - No. 14. PRESS NOTICE The Government have decided to declare three more towns on the Suffolk and Kent coast evacuation areas, namely, Aldehurgh, Southwold and Hythe. Schools in these places will he open to-morrow (Wednesday) and on Thursday for registration of schoolchildren. In response to appeals from parents whose children were not registered and therefore not evacuated when the move- ment from the South-East Coast took place on 2nd June, the Government have decided that a further opportunity to register will be available to-morrow and on Thursday in the following 19 towns Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Harwich, C-l act on,'Print on and Walton, Southend, 'Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstair.s, Sandwich, Dover, Deal, Folkestone, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester and Sheerness, The date on which this further evacuation from Aldeburgh, Southwold and Hythe and from the other 19 towns will take place will be decided after registration has closed. It will be as early as possible, but adequate notice will be given both to the evacuation areas and to the reception areas. The children will go to the Midlands and South Wales, Since some parents appear to suppose that some of the children registered under the Governments present evacuation scheme may be sent to Canada, Australia or other Empire countries, the Government mash to make it clear that of the perfectly none children at present being moved will be sent outside this country. Any scheme which may arise from the by the Dominions, offers made which are now under consideration by the Government, would be entirely separate, and no child would be sent abroad except at the express wish of the parents. been completed for the evacuation Arrangements,have now of 120,000 registered schoolchildren from Greater London to places of greater safety. Hone of these children will be taken into the eastern counties. They will go west of London, and the great majority will go to Cornwall, Devonshire, Somerset and Wales, This movement will start on Thursday morning and last six days, After today the schools in the London evacuating will be closed for teaching purposes Prom areas 0 tomorrow, (Wednesday) schools used as assembly points will be open, and children and the teachers who will accompany them will attend there daily, complete with kit and food for the day, until their party moves off. Each child will be medically examined the day before he travels. If any parents are still in doubt about what articles their children should have with them, the teachers will advise them. MINISTRY OF HEALTH. WHITEHALL. S.W. 1. 11/6/40 - NO. 15 MILK POLICY In the House of Commons to-day Mr. Robert Boothby, Parliamentary Secretary to - the Ministry of Food under the following statement:- . The Government fully recognises the paramount importance of milk in the diet of the peop' afthis country and regards it as essential to maintain milk production at a level which will ensure a continuance of adequate supplies for those who need it most. The cost of producing milk, like the cost of producing other foods, has increased under war conditions, To meet these increased costs the producer was guaranteed, a price for every gallon of milk sold during the summer months which substantially exceeds the price he received a year ago, The costs of distribution have also risen since the outbreak of of war, but in spite these two factors the consumer to-day, after nine months of is paying the same price for milk as he paid in June of war, last year. The disparity between revenue and costs was reduced by a Government subsidy during the first three months of this year and more lately by increasing the price of milk used in manufacture. This expedient, however, will not produce sufficient revenue to bridge the gap which already exists and my Noble Friend has been forced to find another solution. The Ministry of Pood has recently completed a detailed investigation into the costs of distributing milk and my Noble Friend is satisfied that these costs have increased since the outbreak of war. The milk distributors have, therefore, been informed that an increased margin will, be allowed for the period up to the 30th September next. In the interval my Noble Friend is arranging for an exhaustive enquiry into the present system of distribution with a view to bringing about a substantial reduction in the cost. Pending the result of the enquiry my Noble Friend decided that there was no alternative but to increase the retail price of milk by Ad, per gallon from 1st July, but he was not prepared to do this until he had made satisfactory arrangements to avoid hardship to those members of the community, namely expectant and nursing mothers and young children, to whom milk is an indispensable food. A comprehensive national scheme is now in course of preparation which it is hoped to bring into operation on Ist July or on the earliest possible date thereafter under which one pint of milk will be available daily at the much reduced price of 2d, pint for the expectant per or nursing mother and to children under school in every household which desires to age take advantage of the scheme. The scheme will also make provision for the supply of milk free of charge to those households which cannot afford to buy it. For this purpose a simple criterion of need will be necessary in order to prevent abuse, but there is no intention of instituting a detailed enquiry in the form of a "means test" as thatterm is commonly understood. The scheme will be administered under the central authority of the Ministry of Pood through local officers. The details of the machinery are now being worked out in consultation with the Departments concerned and with the milk retailers who have agreed to distribute all milk under the scheme at a reduced charge. The scheme will take the place of the arrangements in force in certain areas under the scheme put forward by the Ministry of Health shortly before the outbreak of the Milk-in-Schools war, but mil in no way affect scheme which the Governmenthopes will now be more universally adopted and taken advantage of by a higher proportion of parents for the benefit of their children. The scheme will not affect the power of Local Authority to supply additional quantity of milk under its a an own arrangements to any person on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, My Noble Friend is certain that the Cheap Milk Scheme will commend itself generally and that he may rely upon the co-operation of all those engaged in this great national industry in maiding it a success for the real and lasting benefit of the people of this country. MINISTRY OF FOOD 11/6/40 - No.16. SOUTH AFRICA IS PREPARED. South Africa declared war on Italy this afternoon. The Union of South Africa is closely affected by Italy’s intervention in the war. Beyond the Union’s northern borders a belt of British Colonies stretches onwards to the borders of Abyssinia and Italian Somaliland. Their interests are also those of the Union, and General Smuts has repeatedly given explicit assurances that the Union will stand by them in the hour of danger, ”It is our privilege and our duty to do leading European so as the community in this sub-continent", he told Parliament early in February. These British communities are largely peopled from the Union, and are virtually the Union’s outposts. South Africa’s defence policy has taken into account the danger of enemy air "bases being established north of the equator for attacks on the Union, and timely steps have been taken to co-ordinate the Dominion’s defence policy with that of its British neighbours. It is the Union Governments declared policy to extend operations, if necessary, as far as Kenya and Tanganyika* General Smuts informed Parliament two months ago that he had taken early steps, in co-operation with the Governments concerned, to have a survey made of the defence position in the north* Surveys were also made to find out what land routes were practicable for the movement of troops should movement by sea be precluded. Recently Lt.Gen. Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in the Near East, visited Gape Town, and in the words of the Prime Minister: "We had the advantage of a very full discussion and an exchange of ideas on the whole situation as it affects us here’ 1 . Union Nationals, both English and Afrikaans speaking, have volunteered in large numbers for service anywhere in Africa* Three weeks ago a number of units were mobilised for full-time service. DOMINION & COLONIAL OFFICE. 11/6/40 - No.17. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE MORNING PAPERS OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12TH, 1940 OR BROADCAST BEFORE 0700 ON THAT DAY. TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE EXACT TERMS IN WHICH IT IS GIVEN HERE. The King has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Mr. Edward Allis Keeling, recently His Majesty's Consul-General at Tangier and formerly His Majesty's Minister at Caracas, to he His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at La Paz. FOREIGN OFFICE NEWS DEPARTMENT. 11/6/40 - NO. 19 PRESS NOTICE 5.800 TONS ITALIAN STEAMER SEIZED The 5,827 tons Italian cargo steamer "Sistians," it is officially announced, has been seized in Table Bay by the South African Defence Authorities, Round Up of Italians Immediately after South Africa's declaration of war on Italy, police swooped on Italian suspects in the Union, and 50 men were rounded up in Johannesburg alone. In Capetown a crowd collected outside the Italian Consulate and tore down the Italian Coat of Arms, Members of the Italian Legation are making preparations to leave the Union, DOMINIONS AND COLONIAL OFFICE PRESS SECTION 11/6/40 - No.20. PRESS NOTICE FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IN LINCOLNSHIRE The existence of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed to-day amongst cattle at Braceby, Lincoln and parts of Kesteven. An. Order has been issued,and is now in force, prohibiting the movement except by licence - of all cattle, - sheep, pigs, goats and deer within approximately 15 miles of the infected premises. The area subject to restrictions lies within the Counties of Lincoln, parts of Kesteven and Holland, Rutland, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. 11/6/40 - No.21. AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND MILITARY SERVICE MEN REQUIRED TO REGISTER ON 15TH JUNE AND 22ND JUNE, 1940. The men required to register on 15th June will be those who were born in the year 1911, and those required to register on the 22nd June will be men not already registered by that date who were born between Ist January, 1910, and the 22nd June, 1920, both dates inclusive. The effect of these registrations will be to register the following new classes of men:- ( a ) 15th June registerations. The 1911 class (i.e. men born during the year 1911). (b) 22nd June registrations-, (i) the 1910 class ( i.e. men born during the year 1910) and (ii) Men reaching the age of 20, between the 26th May, 1940 and 22nd. June, 1940, both dates inclusive. The ages of reservation for certain of the more important classes of workers in the agricultural and market gardening group of occupations (working principal; bailiff, steward, foreman; carter, horseman, ploughman; agricultural machine attendant, tractor driver, threshing machine attendant), have very recently been reduced to 18 and it will not, therefore, be necessary to submit applications for postponement of calling up for military service in such cases. Other agricultural workers and horticultural workers engaged on food production are reserved at the age of 21 and above, and applications in such cases may be made in respect of men who reach the age of 20 between the 26th May, 1940, and 22nd June, 1940, both dates inclusive. As the 15th June registration will not include any men in the 20 year old class practically all the men in the agricultural and horticultural groups of occupations who are required to register on that date will be reserved and it follows that the number of applications resulting from this registration should be very small. Applications for postponement must be sent to the County War Agricultural Executive Committee as soon as the men have registered. The application must be made on form lb S* 100 A, and as the latest date for receipt of applications by the Committee is 28th June in respect of the 15th June registration, and the 5th July for the 22nd June regis- tration, employers should apply at once to their War Agricultural Executive Committee for the requisite application form. Where doubt exists as to whether a worker is covered by the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, the employer should consult the local Employment Exchangee The period of postponement granted will not exceed six months, and no postponement will be sanctioned except where the man is in a "key" position on the farm and it has been found impossible to obtain a substitute or to make other arrangements. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. 11/6/40 - No 23 EVACUEES AND RATION BOOKS People who are moving from their normal homes to other parts of the country should make certain that their take their Ration Books with them, and also that they first collect any pages of coupons deposited with their retailers. On arrival at their new homes they must take their Ration Books and pages of coupons to the Local Pood Office* Parents or others in charge of children who are being evacuated should see that this is done. In some places new Ration Books may he delivered at addresses from which the owners have recently moved. The Ration Books should he re-addressed, if the new addresses are known, and posted. No envelope or stamp is necessary. Poster parents in reception areas who receive ration hooks for children previously living with them hut since evacuated elsewhere should forward the hooks either to the childrens new address, or if that is not known, to the parent’s address. If the new addresses are not known, the Ration Books should he handed hack to the postman with "Gone away" written on them. MINISTRY OF FOOD. 11/6/40. - No. 24. TRADING WITH THE ENEMY - ITALY. The Treasury and Board of Trade point out that persons and concerns resident or carrying on business in, or controlled from, Italy and other Italian territories, are now "enemy" within the meaning of the Trading with the Enemy Act 1939. It is accordingly an offence to have any intercourse or dealings direct or indirect with or for the benefit of any such person or concern, or with any person or concern acting as an agent for the enemy. Under the Trading with the Enemy (Custodian) Order, no person without permission may transfer or deal with any property of any enemy. Returns are required to be made to the Custodian of Enemy Property, C/o The Public Trustee, Sardinia Street, Kingsway, any property (including VAC.2., of shares, stocks, etc. in Companies) held, or managed by or on behalf of an enemy, British and of any monev (not being money payable to the Anglo-Italian Clearing Office) payable to or for the benefit of an enemy, e.g., bank balances, debts, profits, interest, etc. Such money must be paid to the Custodian within fourteen days. Persons holding cheques drawn by those now enemy on United Kingdom banks, should consult their bankers who will receive official directions for making payment in approved, cases. The Controller of the Anglo-Italian Clearing office announces that under the provision of section 8 of the Trading with the Enemy Act 1939? the operations of Debts Clearing the Offices Act 1934 and of the Treasury Orders made thereunder in relation to the Anglo-Italian Clearing Office, continue in effect so far regards payments of all debts to which the orders apply as i.e. debts in respect of the price of Italian goods imported into the United Kingdom. These will continue to be made in the ordinary way to the Bank of England for the account of the Anglo-Italian Clearing Office. Clearing Office receipts will continue to be a good discharge as regards the amount paid. Receipts will be issued as early as practicable but some delay may be inevitable. Under the provisions of the above mentioned sections, however, no funds will he distributed by the Anglo-Italian Clearing Office to creditors in the United Kingdom; the funds now held and to be collected by the Clearing Office will be hold in reserve. BOARD OF TRADE. 11/6/40 - No 26 WAR OFFICE COMMUNIQUE The War Office issue the following communique. At 4.50 a.m. to-day a raid by about 10 hostile aircraft was carried out on Malta. Further raids followed during the morning. Casualties were slight and little damage was done. One enemy plane was destroyed. WAR OFFICE AIR MINISTRY No.875. 11/6/40 - No. 28. AIR MINISTRY COMMUNIQUE The Air Ministry announces During the last twenty four hours, medium and heavy bombers of the R.A.F. have continued operations on the enemy's lines of communications leading towards Rouen and the Seine. Columns of armoured fighting vehicles and mechanical transport were attacked and damage was done to railways, roads and bridges. By night, our heavy bombers continued their attacks on important crossings of the Meuse. They also again attacked military objectives in Western Germany. One of our aircraft is missing. A coastal command aircraft on reconnaissance over Norway bombed and set on fire two oil tankers and a refinery at Thamshavn. Our aircraft operating from France have been engaged in repeated day and night bombing and reconnaissance operations over the fighting zone's. Four of our medium bombers are missing, R.A.F. fighters based in France have carried out a large number of protective patrols against enemy formations, sometimes ten times their own strength. In these/at least five enemy aircraft were shot down., Seven of our fighters are missing. 11/6/40 - No. 29. MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICES FOR JAM Within the next few days, the Minister of Food will make an Order prescribing maximum retail prices for the principal varieties of jam. This Order will require all jam manufactured in the United Kingdom to conform to the full standard, or to the fresh fruit fruit standard, established by the Food Manufacturers’ Federation. The maximum prices will be as follows. 1 lb. jars 2 lb. jars 7 lb. jars each each each Strawberry 10id 1/8 Black Currant 9fd 1/6 §$* Raspheryy 9 1/5 5/4 Gooseberry 8cL l/2i 4/7 Plum 7 do 1/1 4/2 Strawberry & Gooseberry 9 d* 1/5 5/4 1 Raspberry & Gooseberry 8|d 1/4 5/0? Gooseberry & Strawberry 8 Id 1/4 5/0l Gooseberry & Raspberry 8|d 1/3 4/ioi Allowance on returned jars id. |d* 53* It is intimated for the information of fruit growers and jam manufacturers that the above maximum prices have been fixed to enable fruit purchases to be carried out on a price level which will be reasonably remunerative to growers. The following figures indicate the price levels on which the Ministry’s calculation have been based. These fruit prices, however, are not prescribed maxima, and it is open to growers to obtain any better terms that manufacturers may be willing to offer. Strawberries U7/6 per cwt* u ti Black Currants 56/6 it it Raspberries 38/6 11 it Gooseberries 22/- St St Plums 8/- MINISTRY OF FOOD. 11/6/40 - No.30. PRESS NOTICE. A meeting of the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Supply was held in the Ministry of Supply at 4.30p.m. this afternoon. The Minister of Supply presided. The subjects considered included the question of Controlled Factories, and problems arising in this connection. A survey was also made of the Area Machinery for the production of munitions and its relation to the new Local Labour Supply Committees of the Ministry of Labour, The question of passes for Trade Union Officials to enter Controlled Establishments was also discussed. MINISTRY OF SUPPLY, AIR MINISTRY BULLETIN 876. 11/6/40 - No.33. AIR MINISTRY MEWS SERVICE R.A.F. BOMBERS' HARASSING ATTACKS. Attacking in strength along the full extent of the German offensive in Northern France, bomber squadrons of the R.A.F. throughout yesterday (Monday) and last night kept up a series of vigorous assaults on enemy positions from the channel coast to the German frontier. In the daylight hours of Monday strong forces of medium bombers concentrated on the right wing of the German offensive, harassing mechanised columns on the roads east of Rouen and hampering the enemy's advance towards the lower Seine. A Henschel 1926, circling Dieppe, was attacked by one of our bombers and, after exploding in mid air, was seen to crash in flames. With nightfall, the heavy bomber squadrons went into action. Ranging from Abbeville to Luxemburg, they carried out a strong offensive against railways and roads, marshalling yards and aerodromes, that lasted until the early hours of Tuesday morning. In the eastern sphere of operations, a long convoy of motor vehicles on the move at Fischbach, near Luxemburg, was heavily bombed scattered; and railway line the at Liart, an important junction due westof Charleville, was wrecked by a direct hit, and in a later attack on the same objective, a marshalling yard was struck and fires were started, Bombs dropped on a nearby aerodrome, where night flying was in progress, set hangars arid buildings alight and made craters in the landing area. A main road bridge across the Lleuse, between Charleville and Sedan, and a railway bridge at Givet, attacked by the of parachute flares,, A salvo of were light high explosive bombs at north east of tore that fell across a railway Bertrix, Sedan, up the metals and started a fire that was still burning when the aircraft left the target some time later. Further west, road junctions in and around Laon and La Fere, used by enemy reinforcements for the thrust towards Soissons, were systematically bombed by sections of aircraft in turns At Laon, bombs straddled the which included the target area railway as well as roads. Fires were started in the town, while bomb craters and the debris from demolished buildings caused road block at At La a points. many Fere, the raiders down low to bomb the main exits of the came town, and here again railways were hit and wreckage was set alight by incendiary bombs. Another section of bombers dropped bombs along the Soissons-Chaumy road, and one heavy salvo, falling short of the road, landed among a battery of A.A. guns. Other forces of heavy bombers were meanwhile attacking key points in the rear of the enemy’s advance towards the lower Seine. Road exits from and Poix, Fleury, Grand Villiers were bombed, the railway junction at Abbeville was attacked and buildings at the, northern entrance of Amiens demolished and blocked the main were roads. In an Forges, bombs that fell on the main street wrecked houses on either attack on side, and a column of vehicles, disorganised by the bombing, was thrown into confusion by low level machine gun attacks. Bomber crews operating in this area reported that smoke from the burning woods and buildings filled the surrounding valleys. The aerodrome at Bethune was raided in the early hours of this (Tuesday) morning, and. number of high explosive bombs dropped At a was across a lighted flare-path. Douai aerodrome also attacked by of bombers within an was one our which, diving to 300 feet of the ground, opened fire with both front and rear turrets- Over gun 1000 rounds were fired. One aircraft the ground set fire and another enemy on was on badly damaged. AIR AFFAIRS. 11/6/40 - No 34 ITALIAN NATIONALS. Italian nationals in this country are reminded that, in view of the outbreak of war between this country and Italy, they have become subject to the provisions of Articles 6a and 9A of the Aliens Order 1920, Italians should report immediately to the nearest police station of the district in which they are registered. The police will explain the restrictions to which Italians are now subject. These restrictions impose limitations on freedom of travel and prohibit the possession of certain articles such as cameras, motor vehicles and wireless sets. In London Italians whose names begin with the letters A. to F inclusive should report on Thursday, those whose names begin with the letters G to M on Friday, and N to Z on Saturday. HOME OFFICE. 11/6/40. No. 3 6. OFFICIAL ADMIRALTY COMMUNIQUE The German official news agency report that “violent encounters took place last night off the East coast of England between German motor torpedo boats and British destroyers" presumably refers to an attempt by enemy motor torpedo boats on a British convoy during Sunday night. Such an attack did take place, hut convoy and its escort proceeded on its way unharmed, It is not known whether damage was inflicted on the enemy* No encounters took place last night between our forces and enemy motor torpedo boats. Admiralty, S.W. URGENT NEWS A.M.BULLETIN NO.857 ROYAL AIR FORCE AWARD NO.50. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the undermentioned award in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:- AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Plying Officer Leslie Bedford CLISBY (Now reported missing) One day in April s 1940, this officer was the pilot of one of three Hurricanes which attacked nine Messerschraitt 109's, one of which he shot down. The following day he destroyed another Messerschraitt 109. In May, 1940, this officer was engaged in six combats against the enemy in which he shot down eight enemy aircraft. Plying Officer Clisby has displayed great courage on all occasions. NOTE ON CAREER Plying Officer Clisby was born at McLaren Vale, South Australia, in 1914, and was educated at Nailsworth Technical College, South Australia, and Adelaide Business College. He enlisted in the R.A.F. in 1935, was promoted corporal in February, 1937?,and commissioned in August the same year. He was promoted Flying Officer in 1939. He was posted as missing in May this year. Press and Publicity Branch, Air Ministry, King Charles Street, London, S.W.1. 11th June, 1940. URGENT NEWS A.M.BULLETIN NO. 874 ROYAL AIR FORCE AWARDS NO.54 The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the undermentioned awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flight Lieutenant Charles Edward Ramsay TAIT. Flight Lieutenant Tait successfully delivered an attack on an enemy mechanised column, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and machine gun fire. This officer has completed many missions by day and night, displaying the highest courage, leadership and determination. Flying Officer Thomas Bernard FITZGERALD. Flying Officer Fitzgerald carried out a successful and daring low flying attack against the enemy at Sedan. During a second raid a few days later, he was wounded but succeeded in effecting a forced landing and saving the lives of his crew. Flying Officer David Leslie Russell HALLIDAY Flying Officer Halliday as pilot of an aircraft successfully carried out a bombing attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Whilst returning to his base, ' his aircraft was attacked by nine Messerschmitt 109 s. In spite of the enemy's superior number Flying Officer Halliday displayed great skill in taking avoiding action and it was entirely due to his determination, skill and courage that he managed to bring his aircraft safely back to his base. This officer has consistently shown the grecatos urage and devotion to duty. Awarded the Distinguished Medal, Sergeant Charles David PERRY* May, 1940, during a low flying attack against In the enemy, Sergeant Perry was seriously wounded in the thigh and stomach? .by two bullets* He showed great courage and stamina in piloting his aircraft to the vicinity of his base and then, finding himself about to faint, he made a forced landing. NOTES ON CAREERS Flight Lieutenant Tait (24) was born at Dundee and educated at Stancliffe Hall House School, Matlock, and College, Edinburgh, He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1934 and was granted a short service commission in the R„A F„ C in 1935* Flying Officer Fitzgerald (21) comes from Timaru, N.Z., and went to the Rectory High School there* He serVed in the R.N.Z. Air Force and was granted a commission in the R.A e F, in 1938* -2- Plying Officer Halliday (26) v/as born at St*&3l>©iY.E, Herts, and educated at Hastings Grammar School and Pelsted. In 1933 be enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals but secured his discharge and joined the R.A.F. as a pupil pilot. Sergeant Perry (30) a native of Daventry whose home is now at Wallingford, Berks, was a bus conductor when he joined the R„A,F. as an apprentice in 1927* Is now a pilot metal rigger * Press and Publicity Branch, Air Ministry, King Charles Street, London, S.W.I. Ilth June, 1940 11/6/40 - No.39 FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE (EVENING) During the day the battle has reached its greatest violence the whole front. It is clear that the to force on fighting enemy seeks a decision. West of the Oise he redoubled his efforts to cross the Seine between Rouen and Vernon. Covering himself by emissions of artificial cloud, he attempted to throw his pontoon bridges over the river and to bring his tanks over on to the south bank on floats of boats. Our troops, ceaselessly counter-attacking, are doing their utmost to contain the enemy. On the east of the Oise, the enemy divisions engaged on the Ourcq from La Ferte Hi lon to Fere-en-Tardenois renewed their attacks with the support of numerous tanks. They only found before them our rear-guard, as the main body of our divisions had retreated in order to mass their men to make their resistance south of the Marne, Further to the east, the enemy brought into action masses of heavy tanks in the valleys of the Vesle and of the Ardre in order to outflank Rheims from the west and south-west, The in this area has been extremely violent. In pressure Champagne the enemy brought during the night fresh divisions south of the Aisne. Fighting was resumed from dawn on the whole course of the Retourne, the crossing of which has been dearly disputed. Our troops made severed counter-attacks south of Attigny and serious losses were inflicted on the enemy. Between the Aisne and the ileuse all the enemy's assaults have been repulsed. Our squadrons have carried out bombardments on the landing grounds of Mannheim, Neustadt, Frankf ur t-amr*Main and on the smelting works at Volklinger, A formation of naval aircraft have bombed and set fire to the Heinckel works near Rostock, A.M. No. 877 11.6.40 - No.40. MR MINISTRY COMMUNIQUE. During this afternoon (Tuesday) aircraft of the Coastal Command of the R.A.F. successfully attacked an enemy naval force in Trondheim harbour. Two enemy cruisers and a transport were hit with bombs, and other bombs were seen to fall among the warships many * Our aircraft encountered severe opposition from fighters enemy and anti-aircraft gunfire. Two of our aircraft failed to return.