HISTORY AS IT HAPPENS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 82, 17 January 1941, Page 2

HISTORY AS IT HAPPENS

In this section weekly will appear a day by day record of the events of history in the making. As some time elapses in the publication of "The Listener" this diary is one week retrospective.

Wednesday, January 1 Thousands of telegrams had been received by President Roosevelt since his speech, 99 per cent. being favourable. Some isolationist sentiment was expressed by Senator Wheeler and other Congressmen. The German and Italian newspapers virulently attacked Mr. Roosevelt, saying that he had practically declared war on the Axis. The Japanese Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, reiterated Japan’s loyalty to the ‘Axis and determination to proceed vigorously with the Greater East Asia programme, Thursday, January 2 Italians were reported to be trying to establish a defence line from Valona to Elbasan. * The British and United States Governments were considering a plan for U.S, merchant vessels to take over. British routes to release British ships for urgent service in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Marshal Graziani was reported to be planning defences for Tobruk, and building fortifications. Reports continued to be received from the people rescued from the raiders as to how their ships came to be sunk. It was learned that the Turakina fought for 2% hours and that the Rangitane was sunk by shell-fire and time-bomb after being stopped by searchlight at 4 a.m. Reports continued to be published of a breakdown in negotiations between Vichy and Berlin. Eire appealed to Britain for help in solving petrol difficulties, ~ General Smuts in a broadcast from South Africa said: "A year with a black beginning ends on a cheerier note. Hitler’s position has definitely deteriotated, and Italy is in mortal difficulties, Germany will probably seek a decision by invasion this year." Friday, January 3 A Cairo communique said that the Italian garrison at Bardia showed no sign of activity and was allowing General Wavell to continue preparations without interference. Cardiff suffered an intense and prolonged bombing. Twenty thousand incendiary bombs were dropped on Bremen in attacks lasting over three nights and great fires were « caused, Bombs were dropped on several towns .in Eire and the Irish Government pro- _ tested to Berlin. The British meat ration was reduced to 1/6 per head. A detailed analysis of British and enemy losses in air warfare during 1940 showed that 2,993 German aeroplanes

were shot down over Britain at the cost of 847 British fighters. Italy ‘lost 416 machines, costing 75 R.A.F. ’planes. Saturday and Sunday January 4 and 5 At dawn on Saturday Australian troops, supported by tanks, made a direct assault on the Bardia area, after intensive preparatory bombing by the R.A.F. and the Navy. By the evening the troops with great dash, penetrated the defences to a depth of two miles on a 9-mile front and suffered very slight casualties. Over 8000 prisoners were taken. There were reports of daring raids into German-occupied France by parties of fifty British soldiers riding motor cycles armed with machine guns. They were landed from trawlers and penetrated far inland, terrorising Germans and bolstering up French morale. Survivors among the crews and passengers taken captive by the raider stated the leakages of information about shipping movements helped the raiders. Harry L. Hopkins, formerly Secretary for Commerce, was appointed by President Roosevelt as his personal representative in Britain until a new ambassador is appointed. Monday, January 6 The surrender of Bardia was announced. Over 25,000 prisoners were taken, including a Corps Commander and four senior generals. A vast amount of war material was secured. All correspondents on the Western Desert extolled in the highest terms the resource and courage. of the Australians. Military strategists commented on the loss of prestige suffered by Mussolini. British mechanised forces set out for Tobruk. A warm welcome was given in Sydney to victims rescued from the raider. The Australian Minister of the Navy, Mr. Hughes, announced that he was seeking New Zealand’s co-operation in a drive against "fifth column" activity as there have been suggestions that the leakage in information had come from New Zealand. .... Tuesday, January 7 Advanced British units reached Tobruk and it was estimated that Marshal Graziani had lost a third of his army and half his equipment. The Australian casualties numbered about 600. President Roosevelt at the opening of Congress announced the determination of the United States to make sure of victory for Britain by supplying her with millions of dollars worth of arms irrespective of whether or not they could be paid for at once. The U.S. would not be deterred by threats from the dictators. He stated the four essential human requirements to be freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from ted and freedom from fear.