HISTORY AS IT HAPPENS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 84, 31 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.

Thursday, January 16 Abyssinia was reported to be seething with revolt and the spread of the rebellion had caused the Italians much anxiety, General Nasi led strong forces from Addis Abada to Goja in an attempt to quell disturbances. Abyssinian forces were moving against the Italians with supplies from the Sudan and from the Italian Army. In evidence before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Cordell Hull said: "If Britain were defeated Germany could easily cross the Atlantic unless America was prepared to do what Britain is doing now. If Germany wins, the Atlantic will prove little barrier." Vice-Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham of_the Mediterranean fleet was promoted to Admiral. Friday, January 17 For the second successive night and the fourth time in eight days, British bombers carried out a concentrated attack on Wilhelmshaven. H. L. Stimson in evidence before the Foreign Affairs Committee on the Lease and Lend Bill, said that the United States faces a more critical period than in 1917, and urged prompt approval of the Bill. The Admiralty announced that the cruiser Southampton had been hit during the air raid, took fire, and subsequently had to be sunk by British forces when it was found to be impracticable to tow her to port. The Illustrious returned to port under her own power, Several places in the West of England were bombed, and fires, some serious, were started in Bristol. The R.A.F. forced the Italians to ebandon several air bases east of Akdar. Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19 In a surprise speech at Glasgow Mr. Churchill said, "Before us lie dangers which, if we neglect anything, may be vital. My one aim is to extirpate Hitlerism from Europe, and we will not fail mankind at this turning point. We are still only a partially armed nation, but I hope that at the end of this year or at the beginning of the next, by air and land we will be at no disadvantage in equipment against Germany’s." A very heavy raid was made by a large force of enemy aircraft on Malta. Herbert Morrison, Minister of Home Security, announced that he was taking power to impose compulsory part-time service in all branches of the civil defence forces for men and women between 16 and 60, Monday, January 20 British mobilised forces advanced some miles into Eritrea. The Italians abandoned Kassala. Units of the Mediterranean fleet moved up to join in the bombardment of Tobruk. The R.A.F. caused huge fires on the petrol dumps.

The Thai High Command announced that the navy was engaged in operations to destroy the Indo-China fleet. Tuesday, January 21 The Germans announced that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini met at an unspecified place. When Roosevelt was inaugurated as President of the United States for the third term, he made an outstanding speech on democratic aspirations. Rumours continued to be published concerning the wide revolt and clashes in Rumania. Marshal Petain and M. Laval were reported to have patched up their differences. Wednesday, January 22 British Imperial Forces were reported to be attacking Tobruk, and a Cairo communique stated that operations were proceeding with a successful penetration to a depth of over 5 miles on a broad front, Catania, the base for the German Stukas in Sicily, was raided by the R.A.F, * Japanese foreign policy was declared by Mr. Matusoka to be in accord with the Three-Power-Pact and the creation of "a new order in Greater East Asia." J. P. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador in London, gave evidence on the Aid to Britain Bill, and said that unless Britain gets more ships this year her shipping and food problem will become critical. According to advice from Yugoslavia severe fighting between the Rumanian Army and members of the Iron Guard spread to many parts of the country, and General Antonescu had established a military dictatorship.