davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-12-29
On Fighting Fronts

This week brought noticeable slowing
OF Greek rout of Italians in Albania but
no proof that II Duces forces are yet
sure OF retaining their unlimited occupa.
tion Of this little Balkan country.
On Monday, Greeks climaxed patient
week-long encircling effort by taking
over strategic coastal town of Chimara,
AS main body of Italians retreated to-
ward Valona, next objective of victors,
one Fascist battalion was reported cap
tured almost intact, along with con-
siderable stores of materiel
Then, as Greek column advanced
cautiously along 30-mile shore highway
between Chimara and
Volono Valona, British Royal Air
Bombed Force reported on Tuesday
it had pumped bombs and
even machine gun fire into airdrome and
dock areas of Valona-hampering use of
these facilities for debarkation of Italian
supplies and troop reinforcements, some
of latter coming by German airplane
transports from Italy.
Battered, too by British bombers were
warehouses, railway terminals and supply
depots at Krionero, south of Valona and
miles closer to Chimara.
Hitting at Valona from another direc-
ton, Greek columns in Tepelini-Klisura
sector were engaged in flercest fighting
of campaign. Commanding one main
highway to Valona and another to Berati,
Durazzo and Tirana, this sector SEEM
ingly has been chosen by Fascist
command as point for most determined
resistance. In bitter cold and SHOWS,
Italian units were holding prepared po-
sitions in Klisura Pass near end of week,
but again Greek strategy of encircling
was promising success against vital Fas-
cist supply line to Berati. Despite pres
ence of Alpine troops at several points,
captured Italian officers admitted their
forces suffering grievously from cold and
meager winter supplies.
On remaining front of this Balkan con-
7ict, Greeks were counting comparable
successes-taking over lake shore town
of Lin on highway between Pogradetz
and Elbasani. Capture of latter, present
objective of Grecian commanders, would
bring them within 80 miles of Tirana,
Albanian capital.
To this consistent recording of Greek
successes against foe that was theoreti-
cally far superior even
Greek press dispatches from Rome
Success offer little contradiction.
Day after day Fascist COM
muniques have virtually admitted their
reverses in terse announcements that
Evening star., 1940-12-29
By Constantine Brown.

the bulk of the Navy (most of her heavy
ships requiring large personneD there
The fact that the navy has substan-
TALLY contributed to the rout of the Ital-
ian armies in Egypt does not mean in
the least that her task is over; quite the
contrary. The British Navy is watching
closely the movements of the Germans
in Spain and must be ready to cooperate
with the land forces in defending the
Rock. 1t must also watch the French
Navy, which at a given moment might
become an enemy feet. Furthermore.
there is always the possibility that the
Italian ships, captained by more daring
officers, might become more aggressive.
All these considerations make it neces-
Sary for at least 10 per cent of His
Majesty's Navy to remain in the Mediter-
ranean, with only feeble balance avail
able for convoy work
The situation was made clear to Presi-
dent Roosevelt and to the State and
other interested departments by the late
Lord Lothian after his arrival from Lon
don, where the Foreign Office and the
Admiralty put their cards On the table
with more frankness than ever before
More Supplies Needed.
In nutshell the situation can be re-
duced to this simple sentence: Unless
effective support is obtained shortly from
the United States, all the sacrifices of
men and goods the British have made so
far must be in vain. All the victories
obtained by the British land forces in
Egypt will have to remain historical re-
membranes for their posterity, to show
that the British could fight even when
the cards were heavily stacked against
them. Their practical effect, however,
will be wiped out by the fact that they
cannot get into the Isles the necessary
supplies to continue the war.
When this situation was presented to
the molders of American policies rumors
OF peace terms reached Washington.
There has been no confirmation of these
terms, but they are worthy of being re-
lated because, even if they are propa-
ganda, they appear likely to attract GER
tain quarters I'm Great Britain. The
rumors from Spain, where Sir Samuel
Hoare is still the chief representative of
the British government, say that Herr
Hitler is suggesting peace based on the
pre-l914 boundaries That is to say that
if Britain were to agree TO such terms
all she would lose would be the colonies
she has taken away from Germany since
the World War. These colonies have
never been real asset to Britain and
are certainly not worth fighting fer.
Germany would take title to Alsace-Lor-
raine from France; Poland would remain
divided as she is at present because that
is how she was in 1914. Czecho-Slovakia
would remain a German protectorate.
since it used to be part of Austria, and
the Reich seemingly is the heir of that
deceased empire. The independence Of
Belgium, France, Holland, Norway Dem
mark, Hungary and Rumania would be
re-established-on paper.
Evening star., 1940-12-29

theater-Southeast Europe, where an
army of 100000 German troops was re-
ported rolling across Hungary into
Balkan puppet kingdom of Mihai of
Rumania.
Rich in oil and other resources.
Rumania is becoming little more than
source of valued supplies for Nazi war
machine-whether it is now to become
battlefield for Russo -German-T Turkish
clash, or base for German drive to the
east, or merely location of feint to draw
attention from other sectors is question
not yet answered
Thus far, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Bull
garia have resisted pressure to bring
them into closer and more active SYM
pathy with axis diplomacy; in the back
ground has been unfathomable riddle of
Soviet intentions, quite probably a pur-
posely encouraging silence or half-storv
to each interested nation. Historically
jealous OF Black Sea control, Russia to-
day has established partial control of
Danube outlets, presumably stands pre-
pared to maintain such control by force
And near end of week there came an
outbreak of war in far corner of the
world-a reported bonn
Pacific harding of British-noap-
Mystery dated island of Nauru in
Southern Pacific, by war
ship flying flag of Japan. axis partner
with whom Britain is not now officially
at war. Valued for phosphate deposits
Nauru is unfortified atoll, with fewer
than 200 white residents.
Evening star., 1940-12-29
Domestic Front

Words and more words featured this
Nations holiday week, passage of an
other seven days while the history of a
world being remade by force races on.
Provocative and now being given care
full consideration by officials Of new four
man supreme defense agency was pro-
gram submitted to President Roosevelt
on Monday by G. I. o. Chieftain Philip
Murray for utilization of unused capacity
of automobile manufacturing plants for
building of military airplanes. En-
visioned was daily production of 500 ships
when plants in question are adapted to
new purpose, a goal declared nearer at
hand than that Of putting new plants
into operation.
On Friday, though, War Department
announced ALLEGATION of S22, 100000 to
Ford Motor Co. for construction of new
aircraft engine factory and magnesium
casting foundry.
A warning not to expect produc-
tlon miracle in this country was ex-
pressed on Thursday by,
U. 5. Aid Sir Walter Layton, British
To Briton Minister of Supply, who
told his people that peak
OF United States aid will not be forth.
coming before next autumn.
But if American production can con-
tinue on upgrade, another Britisher, Ar.
thur E. Purvis Of Purchasing Commits
sion, said, there need be no fear of
collapse on part of English.
With President scheduled to make
radio report to Nation tonight on "the
present emergency" 200 prominent pro-
fessional men and women called unon
him to speak clearly and boldly" about
world crisis.
I'VE ask you" they said while indorsing
all aid to Britain, Ito make 1t the settled
policy of this country to do everything
that may be necessary to insure the
defeat of the axis powers and thus 10
encourage here and everywhere resist
ance to the plausible but fatal arguments
of appeasement"
The White House, saving its fire, re-
leased the appeal, but declined comment
on it; kept silent also on varied demands
from Capitol Hill that this Government
investigate possibilities of negotiated
peace in Europe
Evening star., 1940-12-29

their forces are "counterattacking"
always at some point further from the
Greek frontier.
In North Africa, Fascist fortunes like
wise were dark
Methodically and grimly, assorted and
toughened British infantry units planted
themselves firmly on three sides of Ital-
ian-Libyan port of Bardia, while British
fleet stood few miles off shore and leisure
ly dumped heavy shells into enemy city.
Behind dried river bed, omen of dan
gerously increasing shortage of food and
water supplies, an estimated 10000 Ital-
ian troops patroled barbed-wire obstacles
hoping for aid, wondering when siege
will give way to assault, repeatedly were
ordered to hold Bardia or die"
By Friday military analysts were as
serting that town could be taken at will
of British command-credited latter with
avoiding direct assault on theory that
surrender or capture at small loss is
inevitable.
Only from air were Italians offering
anything in nature of counter -offense,
with squadrons of bomb
Africon ers several times blast
Compoion ing at British columns.
In reply, latter sent r.
A. F. against Fascist air bases as far
west at Derna, Bengasi, and even Tripoh.
Both sides claimed extensive plane cas-
ualties in these exchanges.
Occasional vigor of Italian effort in
air was reflected in another report from
Mediterranean sector during week, A. P.
correspondent writing from Malta, Brit
aims junior Gibraltar of Mussolini's mare
nostrum, said that 2o3 Fascist bombing
attacks had been made on island since
last June. Principal toll, he added, has
been l60 homes Of civilians, one church
and 3Q0-year- fort.
Closest to official italian apology for
psign came during week in long report
by Marshal Rodolfo GRAHAM, COM
mander in North Africa In brief, wide
British superiority in motorized equip
ment was blamed for Fascist reverses
To combat these, GRAHAM said he had
been waiting weeks for tanks and other
mechanical materiel to reach him from
Italy-blocked presumably by British
control of Mediterranean.
In Western Europe, Christmas truce
was biggest news of week, but over it
hung shadow of possible Nazi invasion
effort against British Isles.
AS Hitler himself paid holiday visit
RI Soctor pritieI1 Io,1bIod heorL,
patrols, directing particular vigilance at
famed chalk cliffs of Dover-onIy few
miles from Nazi-held French coast Even
Evening star., 1940-12-29
Review of Sixty-Ninth Week of War
By John G.. Henry.


there sufficient to observe against
day warfare from the skies so for period
fell Britain
Not quiet other of this
British haraed Italian Albania relentless
Egyptian forces ghened their cobrake
beleaguered
America
vet
Evening star., 1940-12-29

uniformed Britishers were forced to dis
play credentials when accosted at barri-
cades on coastal highways.
From behind German long range rifles
pointed at Dover. Field Marshal Won
Brauchitsch warned on Christmas eve
that his troops were burning with the
desire at last to meet the English" add
ing that 1.-The ocean can protect England
only so long as it suits U.S."
For two and half hours on Friday
these big German guns tossed shells
across Channel at Dover, but nothing
followed baUage.
Countering not only with long-range
artillery, but with bombs, British sent
r. A. F. attackers against Boulogne,
Calais, Dunkerque, Flushing, Bordeaux.
Moving inland, flyers also hammered at
Rhineland industrial centers of Mann
helm and Ludwigshaven. Immediate and
most vulnerable targets, British air
strategists claimed, are transportation
and power centers of Reich.
For their part Nazi bombers staged
a mass attack on Monday night on
Manchester, another of
Bottle England's crowded indus
Of Brjtoin trial cities. Led by wave
of planes dropping flares
over entire area of city, tides of German
attackers crossed and recrossed through
entire night. Northward, a single Nazi
dive-bomber was credited with partial
destruction of aluminium factory at Fort
William Scotland
Evening star., 1940-12-29

Russia? nations
the
August 1882 Freed threat
at Allies Britain,
not woong Japan sought her tapor.
Evening star., 1940-12-29

LESLIE HORE-BELISHA.
Britain's former aDdr secretary
declares shipments OF United
States cotton to Russia are reach
ing Germany. A. p. Photo.
lands and preparatory to supplying
them with arms she must give them
confidence and courage.
Evening star., 1940-08-04
Nozi Air General Warns
Britain of Air Invasion

BERLIN, Aug. 3 (P-A German
general of aviation talked threaten
ingly today of an invasion of Eng
land, not across the tossing chan
mel, but with great aerial armadas
striking simultaneously in an en-
veioping and paralyzing movement
from the skies.
The pounding of the British Isles
by German bombers week after
week represents nothing more than
mere pin pricks" set against what
is to come, said Gen. Karl Schweick-
hard.
Our possible positions of takeoff
from bases in Scandinavia, from the
North Sea coast and from the
coasts of France" he added, guar
antee the development of England
from many sides, with simultaneous
arrival of our aircraft at every OBJ
jective with the heaviest possible
bomb loads"
The general, writing In the pub
| lcation. schlesichs zeitung, asserted
Evening star., 1940-08-04
japanese
Continued From First Page.)

which the japanese had made ar
rests of British subjects-arrests
which were declared in Toxic to
have been made because of the ex-
istence of spy ring in Japan-but
authoritative British sources in
sisted impassively that, nevertheless,
London's action was not at all re-
prisal
If there were strong similarities
between the two incidents, it was
said. it was just pure coincidence
Still, Lord Halifax was under
stood to have told the protesting
Ambassador that the arrests were
made for just such reasons of ''in-
ternal legal consideration" as the
japanese had advanced to justify
their seizure of the Britons.
Shigemitsu was said to have
spoken of the possible unfortunate
effect" on British-Japanese rela-
tions.
I'VE are fabbergasted," said a
spokesman at the japanese En-
bassy.
Makihara and Tanabe were in
point of fact very pro- British and
very sympathetic to Britain" he
added.
I'VE cannot possibly imagine any,
thing on their part to invite suspi-
cion or give the impression that
they infringed on the regulations of
this country.
I'VE hope everything can be
settled satisfactorily.
No Warning From Japan.
Only two days ago British in
formant had said that unless the
nine Britons still in custody in ia
pan were released something might
be done-something without warn
ing. he added-because the japanese
had given no warning of their ac-
ton.
At that time, an authoritative
source had said badly, although pri-
vately, that British-Japanese rela-
tions might grow so "impressively
worse" that the Japanese might at
tempt some sort of military pres
sure against Britain.
Japan, he added, was not likely
to take the full step to total war,
since that might involve Russia or
the United States, but she might
try to drive the British from the
colony of Hong Kong.
This turnabout in Japanese
British affairs had followed by only
about three weeks an apparent ef-
fort to smooth things over between
the two powers.
That was Britain's agreement, in
difference to japanese wishes, to
suspend for three months the move
ment of munitions to China both
from Hong Kong and over the
Burma road, London expressing a
simultaneous desire to try to help
Japan and China find q peace.
But only yesterday fresh evidence
Evening star., 1940-08-04
100, 900 Influenza Cases
In Puerto Rico Denied

A report from San Juan, Puerto
Rico, last week that 100000 cases of
inf:Ienza had been reported on the
island was denied yesterday by the
Puerto Rican Trade Council. which
referred TO a message concerning the
extent of the disease from Gov.
William D. Leahy to the Interior
Department.
Gov. Leahy stated, the council re-
ported, that an epidemic of influ-
enza in mild form started in June"
and that "a total of s9,925 cases to
date in the entire island with only
200 deaths had been reported. The
maximum number of cases reported
at one time was 5,262 on July 13.
The Governor said that the island
commissioner of health was "of the
opinion the epidemic is under con-
troll and approaching it's end"
Evening star., 1940-08-04

Edward {. Potter, 80,
Symphony Patron,
Dies in Montana
Ex-Composers' Club Head
Steel Executive, Changed
lndustry's Methods

Edward Clement Potter, 30, re-
tired steel executive, former presi-
dent of the Washington Composers
Club, and long an active supporter
of the National Symphony Orches-
ira, died yesterday at his ranch in
Greenough, Mont, according to word
received here last night by friends
Mr.. Potter, who maintained a
home here at 2745 Brandywine
street NV, and dude ranch" at
Greenough, had gone West about a
week ago for his health.
For many years he had thrown
his financial and moral support be-
hind the National Symphony, and
in addition devoted much of his
time to civic affairs, being a former
president of the Forest Hills Citi-
zens' Association.
Mr.. Potter was composer of
some note, having written an or
chestral suite, the grand opera
"Ishtar," and symphonic poem
entitled "The Hairy Ape"
He was manager and vice presi-
dent OF the Southern works of the
Illinois Steel Co. and was credited
with having revolutionized Ameri-
can blast furnace methods by a
material reduction in the consump-
ton of fuel per ton of iron pro-
duced.
Born in Chicago, he attended high
school there, and later Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology. He
was member of the American In
stitute of Mining and Metallurgical
Engineers, the British Iron and
Steel Institute, Society of American
Military Engineers. fellow of the
American Geographical Society, the
Arts Club of Washington and past
president of Harmony Lodge, No. II,
F. A. A. M.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs.
Dorothy Benedict and Mrs. Betty
Bishop, and a son, Orrin w. Potter.
Evening star., 1940-08-04
Ex-Uti|ity Official Gets
5-Year Term, $4,000
Fine inS. f. Cease
Former Union Electric Co.
Aide Convicted of
Perjury in Hearing
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
ST. LOUIS, Aug. s. Frank j.
Boehm, former vice president of
the Union Electric Co. of Missouri,
convicted week ago of perjury in
connection with testimony given
before examiners of the Securities
g. Exchange Commission, was SEN
fenced today by Federal Judge
George H. Moore to five years in
prison, and fined $4,000
The charges against the 50-year-
old former utility executive grew
out of an S. E. G. hearing into
business and political practices of
Union Electric. He was found guilty
on two of five counts, and could
have been sent to prison for 10
years had not the court allowed
the maximum five-year sentences
under each to run concurrently.
An appeal was noted Immediately.
and Boehm was freed under $4,000
bond.
He was accused of testifying
falsely that he had padded his
expense accounts or knew that
others were padded; that there was
company "slush fund" into which
klckoacks from company lawyers
were placed, and that he had made
political contributions in behalf of
the company to candidates for pub
lie Office.
At his trial, the Government
traced the growth of a s579 900
"slush fund" and distribution of
approximately $4,000 to politicians
In Missouri and Illinois.
Evening star., 1940-08-04
WiNkie to See Leaders
OF 10 Midwest States

DES MONIES, Iowa. Aug. 3 (P.-
In this home city of Henry A. WAL
lace, Wendell Willkie will receive
flrst-hand advice on the farm prob
lem from Republican Governors,
party chiefs and agricultural leaders
OF 10 Midwestern States Monday.
The participants are expected to
include five Governors, Stassen of
Minnesota, Rather of Kansas, Bush
field of South Dakota, He'll of Wis
consin and Wilson of Iowa and four
gubernatorial nominee Dwight
Green of Illinois, Dwight Griswold
of Nebraska, Jack Patterson of
North Dakotaa~and-~Gl Glen~R. Hills
of Indiana. -~ -
Scene of the Monday morning
session will be the Governors Office
in the Iowa State House, where
President Roosevelt and Alfred M.
Landon met in the drought confer
ence of 1886.
Mr., Willkie is scheduled to speak
briefly here about 1890 Monday
afternoon from the State House
steps.
The nominee spoke kindly of the
present Federal farm program May
II in a Des Moines address five
weeks before he was nominated.
i do not know the answer to the
farm problem and, frankly. I have
not met any one who does have the
answer" he said. The Republican
party, when elected this fall, should
not abandon the present program
until it has a better one to Offer
Evening star., 1940-08-04
Defense Commission Aims
To Keep Prices Moderate

Miss Harriet Elliott, National De-
fense Commission consumer adviser.
told a press conference yesterday
that efforts would be made to stag
ger Army and Navy purchases
under the defense program to pre-
vent undue increases in consumer
prices.
Miss Elliott said that while there
had been slight general price in
crease in recent weeks, it was moth
ing to cause alarm. She declared
her division felt that drastic price
increases were not inevitable and
said conferences with retailers dis
closed a general desire to keep the
price situation balanced.
Her statement was made on the
basis of report submitted by the
Consumer Advisers Conference, rep
resenting 100 national organiza tlons
which met at the Willard Hotel
Thursday and Friday. Among its
recommendation was one that the
representatives seek to acauaint the
public with causes for increases.
Evening star., 1940-08-04

Germany had much the better of
it in the air, citing Englands
greater vulnerability" and the fact
that her endangered area was COM
pressed more closely, compared to
German industrial plants spread
over broad territory"
For many days, German strategy
apparently has been centered not
only in crippling British industrial
plants, but in choking Britain's
harbors.
During the day, the high COM
against the British at sea. 1t de-
clared that three armed British
merchantmen. totaling 5000 tons,
had been sunk by bombers yester-
day and that a single Nazi subma-
rine in a long cruise had sunk seven
armed merchantmen aggregating
56,l08 tons.
German Score for July.
At the same time, this was the
German score against the British
claimed for the month of July:
Three hundred and fifty British
planes shot down; 100000 tons of
merchant shipping, and war vessels
totaling $4,000 tons, sunk; $4,000
tons of merchant shipping and war
vessels totaling $1,000 tons badly
damaged
The German wireless reported
that British planes attempted to
attack Copenhagen this morning
but were repulsed.
British planes were declared to
have dropped bombs on non mill
tary targets" in Northern and West
ern Germany and it was said Off
cially that in Western Germany
apartment houses were destroyed
and "a number of civilians killed"
In the village of Ehra, the high
command added, a farmers family
of four, including two children
l and 2 years old, we're killed.