davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-07-13

Syria was climaxed by truce as British
besieged Beirut.
Land artillery ana naval batteries
played large part as British units. COM
posed largely of Australians, blasted at
coastal city.
On Wednesday it was announced that
Vichy government had asked IAN imme-
diate silencing of arms" and
French that American Consul General
Eiohf On at Beirut had been desig-
mated as Intermediary. For
two days then there were divergent re-
ports from London, Beirut and Vichy as
to British reaction and true nature of
response for plea of peace.
1t became established on Friday, how
ever, that Vichy had baked at British
terms-said to include surrender of arms
and warships, occupation of Syria by
British troops, and implied recognition
of De Gaulle Free French movement
Evening star., 1941-07-13

Conflicting claims make it difficult to
appraise true results of these forays,
but burden of reports indicate that
R. A. F. inflicted material damage at sew
eral key objectives even If cost was high
in planes and pilots.
Single major retaiatory assault by
Nazi flyers was against Southampton,
South England port.
At sea there was likewise a lull in in
tensive warfare, but of headline i'm
portance to Americans was announce
ment that six Red Gross nurses were
believed lost in sinking of British mer-
chant ship which cleared from Gulf
Coast port on June S. Four other nurses
were reported safe.
And just to round up reports of fight
ing throughout this embarrassed world
japanese sources announced capture of
last Chinese coastal port, Wongkong
and two South American nations. Peru
Evening star., 1941-07-13

against the Germans who fought short
but bitter fight in the Balkans. had they
then destroyed the Rumanian airfields
and damaged the communications be-
tween the German bases in Bulgaria
and Rumania, the aspect of the war
would have changed to the advantage of
the democratic states.
But Stain and the young men who
are at the head of the Russian armies
believed, like the Western European
countries, in defense rather than offense.
The Russian Foreign Office fell for the
sweet songs of Herr Won Ribbentrop
and discounted all warnings of a Ger
man attack against the Soviets. They
believed what Ribbentrop was telling
them, that the next move Of the Nazis
would be in the direction of the Suez
Canal and North Africa. And since
Russia was not attacked, why should she
risk the uncertainties of a major war?
Hitler had promised Stain - after
Britain was defeated by the impassivity
of the other nations-a large slice of
Iran to the Persian Gulf and Stain felt
secure.
Defensive BIunders Studied.
But all these developments ard the
blunders of the defensive" advocates in
Europe have been carefully studied by
our War Plans and Operations Divisions
of the Army and Navy.
The conclusion, is obvious: Desire for
power is poison which can find It's
remedy only in defeat. From every
source of reliable information it is obvi-
Gus that while the Axis Qtaly, Germany
and Japan is keeping a reserved policy
in regard to the various hostile-but
non-military manifestations of this
Government, it intends to transfer the
war to the Western Hemisphere as soon
as the last danger to the rear-Russia-
has been eliminated.
Hitler has adopted the slogan of the
French statesman of the 18th century,
Cardinal Mazarin, who. when taxing the
French people out of existence, told
those who warned him about internal
troubles: Let them threaten and
grumble as long as they are paying"
Hitler is repeating this slogan. He pays
little attention to the closing of con-
sulates, to the Atlantic patrol and to the
freezing of German funds. They mean
nothing to him now. But when the
time comes, all these will be taken into
account for a final reckoning.
The occupation Of Iceland is, however,
an indication that the United States
may decide to beat the Germans to the
draw. The island can be made the
jumping off point for an expeditionary
force. 1t can be made into an impreg-
nable naval and air base from which
American bombers could start a large
scale war of devastation against Ger
many and the occupied territories. 1t
can be made into naval base which
might destroy Hitler's main weapon
against Britain - the plane and sub
marine blockade.
Our own military men look hopefully
to the occupation of the island ''for the
duration" as an indication that it is this
country which will choose to strike first
ut tho time and place chosen by our own
military and naval lsadefs.
Evening star., 1941-07-13
Russian Resistance Slows Up Gemon Formidable Ponze Divisions
BY this step, American Government
completed crescent shaped chain of out.

BY this step, American Government
completed crescent shaped chain of OUT
posts stretching from
IT, s. "1okes" Arctic Circle to Equator
Iceland and forming line of de-
fense for entire Atlantic
seaboard of northern half Of this hemi-
sphere. To make this defensive gesture
fully effective, United States Fleet was
ordered to take all necessary steps to
maintain communications between bases
and continental mainland.
Out Of Iceland disclosure developed
several verbal tempests.
First was exchange over fact that
Senator Wheeler, Montana Democrat,
four days earlier had declared publicly
that such a step was planned or under
way. London howled that advance dis
closure had jeopardized lives. British and
American, and Churchill dispatched lex
preston of concern" directly to Roose-
welt.
Following closely, however, was asser.
ton by Senator Taft, Ohio Republican,
that American naval-air bases were
planned or under way in North Ireland
or Scotland. London answered this. too.
by saying that Americans were working
for British government on North Ire
land project and President affirmed this
by pointing to its complete legality.
Another storm ragged over nature OF
necessary steps" which Navy had been
ordered to take for keeping sea lanes
clear, with Secretary Knox implying in
press conference that this would mean
shooting. Called before Senate commit
tee, Knox denied that shooting already
had occurred.
Because important phases of Ameri-
can defense program are ahead of sched-
ule, President Roosevelt
Billions asked Congress on
Eo, Defence Thursday and Friday
for supplemental appro-
priations of s4,770 900 900 for Army, ST.
625 0O0,O00 for Navy, and sl,69S000,000
for Maritime Commission. Most of lat
ter, it was explained, will be devoted to
construction of 566 new merchant ships,
planned for completion by end Of l943.
Congressional approval of War De-
partment recommendation for keeping
draftees in service beyond year and for
removal of restrictions against sending
American troops out of hemisphere was
endangered during week by reaction of
Speaker Rayburn, although President
indicated favor at press conference. 1t
was at this conference, on Tuesday. that
Mr.. Roosevelt also in effect wiped out
hemispherical lines by speaking of de-
fense points outside this half OF the
world.
On Thursday, House passed bill pro-
viding for mandatory deferment from
draft of men above % years of age.
And yoo-hoo heard around the worl7
came from Tennessee when draftee unit
whistled at girls in shorts, within hear
ing of golfing general, and was punishe,,
by 150-mile extra jaunt, part of 1t b.
| foot. Indignant House members focused
attention on incident to point where Wa.
Department ordered general to mare
full report.
Evening star., 1941-07-13
WARS LESSON DEFENSE IS NOT ENOUGH
Iceland Occupation Seen Hint U. S. May Move First
Bv vConsfantine Bro,vn.

whose opinion is shared by the British
general staff-believe that the present
Russian government will not be able to
prevent the eventual advance Of the Ger
mans. The complete collapse of the Mos
COW government, they feel, is only mat
ter of weeks.
The lesson we have learned from the
clash between the two European monsters
is simple and important; no nation can
hope to defeat well-organized military
nation by remaining on the defensive.
If we have decided to preserve our polit-
ical, social and economic system it is
only by attacking the enemy that we can
hope to achieve success.
Lulled in Feeling Of Security.
Here again the studies of our military
observers are instructive From data
gathered in the last few months it seems
clear that if Great Britain and France
had taken the bull by the horns and
decided to attack the Reich either in q
frontal attack against the Siegfried Line
or, what was easier, through mon -bellig-
erent Italy" at the time when the Reich
was heavily engaged in Poland, the whole
aspect of the war would have changed.
The childish demonstration of the French
outside the Maginot Line was too pusil-
luminous to worry the Germans. The
Axis has defeated its opponents one by
one, lulling those left into feeling of
security by assurance that the Reich had
hnStilo intpntinnc CT
the same tune that Herr Hitler is singing
now to the United States whenever he has
the opportunity of expressing himself for
publication in this country.
If there had been any real statesman
ship in Stain and Foreign Minister Molo-
tov or any real understanding of military
operations among members of the juve-
nile Soviet general staff, the U. S. S. R.
would not have been invaded today.
Stain and the other Russian leaders
kept away from contacts with the Amer
lean and British Ambassadors in Moscow,
In fact, when Sir Stafford Cripps, Brit
aims Ambassador to the U. S. S. r., want
ed to communicate some definite infor-
nation about the Germans plans regard
ing Russia and asked to see Premier
Molotov, he was received some ten days
later by third assistant secretary. When
Sir Stafford expressed his desire to see
Molotov personally he was informed that
under the present political set-up it
would be "unwise and unpoliticaI" II any
of the high-ranking members of the
Communist government were to see the
representatives of the democratic powers.
Stain Missed Chance.
What the American and the British
Ambassadors intended to convey to the
heads of the Russian government was
the necessity-for the safety of the U. S.
S. R.--that they attack the Reich when
the Axis powers attacked Yugoslavia
and Greece. The distance from the
Russian air bases to Rumania and to
Yugoslavia was not more than 12O and
400 miles, respectively. The Russians
had concentrated in the Ukraine no less
than 1000 airplanes, bombers and pur-
suit machines. They also had an agree
ment with Yugoslavia to come to her
rescue In the event she was attacked.
Had Stain then launched his ar force
Evening star., 1941-07-13

and that fighting might continue indef-
nitely.
French naval units were reported to
have left Beirut during this period to
take refuge in Turkish port of Alex
andretta. but pressure from Berlin is
believed responsible for Vichy delay over
armistice and ferrying Of French REIN
forcements to Syria in German transport
planes was reported.
Active participation of Nazi facilities
In this conflict probably would be major
influence and might be fatal to British
hopes of maintaining defense of Suez
area. Truce was hopeful turn, therefore.
With main German air strength con-
centrated on eastern front, British air
force continued night and day
R. A. F. blasting at industrial cities Of
Busy Reich and Naz-heid ports
from Holland through Bel
gium and France.
Evening star., 1941-07-13

The occupation Of Iceland by United
States Marines brings this country di-
rectly into the zone of operations of the
belligerents for the first time since the
outbreak of the second World War and
is viewed in some quarters as the be-
ginning of Americas offensive against
the Axis.
There is no doubt that the primary
motive which prompted the admins
tration to act was the desire to prevent
the Germans from attacking the British
force in Iceland and to establish a COM
paratively safe shipping lane for ships
carrying arms and planes to Great
Britain. But there is more impor-
tant military reason for the physical
occupation of the island.
The War Plans and Operations Divi-
sions of the Army and Navy naturally
have been studying Hitlers campaigns
with the utmost care, especially the at
tack against Russia. There have been
many explanations for the collapse of
Western European countries under the
blows of the Nazi divisions, even though
at times the forces opposing Germany
were superior numerically. But we have
accepted the general theory that the
overwhelming number of German air.
planes and mechanical forces has de-
feated the foremost European military
nations.
Attack on Russia Revelation.
The attack on Russia was revelation.
There was a country which, for the last
Is years has been preparing herself
militarily on the basis of intense mech
anization of forces. Russia was run by
a dictator. Hence it did not suffer from
parliamentary and public opinion in
f1uences in the development of her
armies. The Russian technicians de-
cided that the future battles would be
fought by steel monsters and airplanes.
And they went ahead and constructed
as many tanks and airplanes as their
fast-groWing industry and availability of
raw materials permitted them.
The Russians were the first to devise
the supertank. In fact Germans learned
the technique of building those monsters
from the Soviets at time-before Hit
ler-when the Reich was not permitted
to build either tanks or military air
planes or heavy guns.
The Russians were the first to de-
velop the parachute army and the
transport airplane which besides carry
Ing men also was able to carry in the
fuselage light tank with a complete
crew. Our observers saw these planes
IN Siberia dropping tank and crew be-
hind imaginary enemy lines without
actually making landing.
All of these remarkable technical de-
velopments were originated by the Rus
slams, and Hitler merely copied them
later. The Russians were certainly not
lacking in man power. While in trained
troops they could not boast more than
100000 men, the supply of reserves is
almost inexhaustible. Yet the Germans,
as soon as they made up their minds that
the U. S. S. r. must be put out of action
as . military power, succeeded beyond
belief. At the time of this writing the
Eight Is still on. But our military experts
Evening star., 1941-07-13
On Fighting Fronts

Berlin began the past week with its
customary claims of startling and spec
tacular successes, speaking somewhat
specifically of gains in Bucovina and
Bessarabia, but less definitely of holes
being punched at unnamed points in
Stain Line.
Dealing in large figures only, Nazi
headquarters listed 4S5 Soviet planes de-
stroyed over week end as compared with
Berlin indicated. with more than 1000
Russian planes lost in two weeks, 300,-
600 prisoners taken, and most terrible"
Red atrocities uncovered in Ukraine
Not to be outhgured, Moscow on Mon
cay declared German offensive had been
stopped along entire 1,100-mile front,
with Red counter attacks under way
at five distinct points In 16 days, Mos
COW said, Nazis had lost nearly 100000
men in dead and wounded.
In attempting to make choice between
contradictory versions, there was one
difference favoring that
Contradictory from Moscow, namely,
Communicates that Russian commune
ques named places
where fighting was in progress, while
German pronouncements were pointedly
vague.
This distinction became even more
noticeable in Tuesdays communiques as
Moscow claimed precise successes along
600-mile central front, particularly at
bloodied Dnieper and Dnestr River banks.
Between these two natural battle lines,
running generally north and south, Nazi
Luftwaffe hammered at key city of
Zhitomir, but of land action Berlin
sources complained only that Red de-
tenders were using foul tactics of let
ting German units pass concealed case
mates for purposes of cutting them down
in rear, and that other Bolos played dead
until unwary invaders were entrapped.
1t was on Tuesday, too that first Bal
tic Sea engagement of this war was re-
ported, with Russians claiming destruc-
ton of two German minelayers and rout-
ing of Nazi cruiser.
Berlin continued evasive on Wednes-
day, after claiming successes in Estonia
and Finland dismissing rest of struggle
by saying, The fights continue success
full on the entire eastern 'front.'
Moscow claimed a decisive victory in
North Russia with two motorized Ger
Evening star., 1941-07-13
RUSSIAS UKRAINIANS ARE A PROUD PEOPLE
Their Treasury Of Resources Is HhIeFs Goal

guage and culture had refuge across
the frontier in Gancia, and from this
haven ideas of resistance to czarist op-
preston spread through the Russian
Ukraine. AS relations between the
czarist and Hapsburg empires grew tense
over Balkan rivalries. the Austrian gov
ernment encouraged the ideal of an in
dependent Ukraine, just as Russian
agents were sowing disloyalty among
discontented elements in Austria Hun
gary. Then came the great war which
smashed both the czarist and Hapsburg
empires reducing all Eastern Europe to
temporary chaos.
The Ukrainians tried to plead their
case before the Versailles Conference.
but their claims were obscured BY the
Allied aim of building up . strong Po-
land and an enlarged Rumaria as bull
warks against the new threat OF Soviet
Russia. So a large block Of Urain-
ians was placed under Polish rule.
while smaller segments went TO Ru-
mania and Czecho-Slovakia, another
Versailles creation. The old Polish
Ukrainian feud was resumed with most
unhappy consequences.
Became Soviet State.
The bulk of the Ukrainians remained
under the rule of Moscow, now trans
formed into Soviet Russia. Theoretically.
Ukrainian prospects looked bright, be-
cause the Communist regime promised
a federation of Soviet Republics, with
full regard for the language and culture
of each, coupled with large measure
of self-government. This would have
satisfied the demands of all Ukrainians
independent Ukrainian state. However,
in practice, those Soviet promises proved
illusory. Local self-government turned
out to be a sham, while ruthless Com
munization more than offset cultural
tolerance somewhat above the minimum
allowed under the Cars There is cer-
tainly discomfort in the Ukraine today,
though the iron censorship OF Moscow
makes it impossible to say how much.
or what proportion is due to nationalistic
or economic causes.
What we do know is that the Ukraine
Is a veritable treasure-house of natural
resources. Russians call it their bread
basket and sugar bowl. A large proper.
ton of the wheat. maize, beet sugar.
vegetables and fruits in the Soviet Union
Is grown In the Ukraine.
Equally important IS the Ukraine's
mineral wealth. 1t produces rs per cent
of the coal mined In Soviet Russia, and
more than so per cent of its iron and
steel Furthermore, since the deposits
of coal, iron and manganese ore in the
Ukraine occur close together, they form
the natural basis for heavy industry,
which has been greatly developed. Large
industrial cities dot parts OF the Ukraine.
while mammoth hydroelectric install
lations supplement coal with waterpower.
Furthermore, the Ukraine is the gateway
to the Caucasus region lying just east
ward, where there are some of the richest
and most extensive oil fields in the
world. Finally, the ports on the Black
Sea handle all the water-borne com.
meres Of Southern Russia and ass ~
natural links with the outer world.
Evening star., 1941-07-13
On Domestic Front

Most spectacular Of domestic develop
ments during week was President Roose-
velt's announcement on Monday that
naval forces that day had been landed
in Iceland as part of action to "forestall
any pincers movement undertaken by
Germany against the Western Hemi-
sphere Coupled with this action was
sending of substantial forces to Trinidad
and British Guiana, Middle Atlantic
bases now being maintained by this
Government.
Eventually, Mr.. Roosevelt said, Amer
lean forces would replace estimated 60
900 British troops which have been
OCCUPYING Iceland for past Is months.
Evening star., 1941-07-13

Loss Of the Ukraine would be body
nomic life in almost every way. Con-
versely, the conquest of the Ukraine
would give Germany access to most of
the foodstuffs and mineral products
which she so badly needs.
That is the immediate issue involved
in the titantic battles now raging on
Russia's western borders. But behind
the campaign itself lies the destiny of q
country and people with long history
and profound aspirations. 1t is this
larger Ukrainian question which eventu-
ally will come up for solution.
This vast region in Southern Russia
Is generally considered in its economic
aspects. Relatively little is said of its
history or the character of its inhabit-
ants. Yet these are factors Of great
importance which should be included
in any basic discussion of the problem.
The Ukraine is more than geographic
cal expression. The native population,
often called Little Russians, are physi-
the Great Russians to the northward.
They have an ancient culture and
language which differs from Great Rus
sian as much as Dutch does from
German. This Ukrainian stock runs
clear across East-Central Europe. Resting
on the Black Sea as its southern base, it
stretches eastward to the Don River,
with scattered outposts still farther to
the southeast as far as the Caucasus
Mountain wall. Its northern boundary
is the belt of swamp and scrub which
extends across the mid-Russian plains
and separates the open prairies of the
south from the forest country of the
north.
Pride Selves on History and Culture.
The Ukrainian stock extends beyond
the historic boundaries of Russia we'll
into Southern Poland and even across
the Carpathians into Northern Hungary.
Taken together. these Ukrainian-speak-
ing people number about 10000 900 and
inhabit an, area of fully 100000 square
miles. That is territory as large as
our New England and Middle Atlantic
States. with Ohio thrown in for good
measure.
The Ukrainians pride themselves on
their history and culture. Indeed, they
believe themselves to be the truer Rus
sian race and culture type, deeming the
Muscovite Great Russians q half Finnish
or Mongol blend which has lost many
vital characteristics of the parent Rus
sian stock. A glance at Russian history
lends some arguments for such con-
tentions.
In the early Middle Ages, when the
Great Russians were rude colonists
wrestling with still ruder Finnish tribes
amid the gloom of the vast northern
forests, a genuine state was growing up
Evening star., 1941-07-13

man regiments badly shattered, and re-
ported Nazi column aimed at Leningrad
under heavy artillery fire as its progress
was halted. Heaviest fighting. however,
was said to be around Polotsk, just ahead
of Stain Line and one of points at which
German advance in 1918 halted South
ward, Moscow said German-Rumanian
units had been thrown back across River
Prut, BeSSarabian line.
From Axis-friendly Vichy came story
of shake-up in Finnish h-German-R -Ruman-
ian commands as climax of these con-
tinuing days of Nazi failure to speed it's
march for Moscow
That this failure is a positive one was
reflected further on Thursday when
Soviet communique told Of
Germons smashing German motorized
Slowed division between Lepel and
Borisov, well outside Stain
Line and athwart most direct route to
Moscow. Nowhere did Reds admit re-
verses and from Berlin came only asser-
tions that operations were progressing
relentlessly" Finally acknowledging
stories of Nazi failures, German spokes-
man promised that there would be IAN
entirely different picture" when the Ber-
lin high command chooses to reveal the
facts.
But on Friday, DNB, official German
news agency, conceded that eastward
drive had been stalled. AS explanation,
however, Berlin complained that high
ways were clogged by wrecked Russian
tanks and vehicles. Returning to big
figures, Nazi agency said l91 Soviet
planes and 375 trucks had been destroyed
in single day. while Luftwaffe pounded
again at Zhitomir. Confirming the STALL
ing, Moscow said entire front was in
active except for reciprocal air engage
ments.
In pointing his main drive along the
Borisov- Moscow line, Hitler is following
course taken by Napoleon in 1872.
Launching his invasion on June "a of
that year, only two days later in season
than was chosen by Hitler, French En-
peror led 100000 men into Moscow, but
destruction of food supplies left him
facing bleak prospects. An improbable
month in Moscow was followed by deci-
sion to retreat into Prussia, but blis-
tering summer had turned to ravaging
winter by this time, with disastrous
results so we'll known to historians.
Meanwhile French British war in