davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-06-17
; Hurt in Alexandria
As Building CoI|apses
- staff CORRESPONDENT of The Star.

p. staff Correspondent OF Inc star
ALEXANDRIA,, Va, June ia
two-story brick building occupied
nv Chinese launderers in the 1900
block of King street collapsed into
. construction excavation today,
slightly injuring three persons.
C. l.. Philyaw Of Baileys Cross
roads, Va, who was operating a
steam shovel in the bottom of the
excavation, said the side wall of the
brick building collapsed without
warning about HAS am.
r. N. Rust, head of the construc-
ton company which is starting to
build a Goodyear Rubber Co. Of
fee next to the laundry, and two
bricklayers were standing next to
the building when the wall crumpled
and fell. The workers, M K. Nc
Mannamin and G. r. ClarkSon, suf-
fered slight arm injuries.
In the building at the time of the
collapse were Ting Moy, owner of
the laundry; Moy Sing of the 500
block of Ninth street NV, Wash
ington, and Eng Ching. Moy Sing
said through an interpreter that
he had hurt his foot
After the collapse Workmen Ia
bored to brace the sagging front
wall of the building, which began
to crack. Alexandria police roped
off the street adjacent to the pit to
keep back hundreds of spectators.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Oil Action Follows
Protest From Plant

PHILADELPHIA, June II Dr.
Government action to stop a ship
ment of $4,000 gallons of oil to
Japan left the next move of the
Japanese freighter Azuma Maru in
doubt today.
The 3-year old, 6,646-ton vessel
arrived here Sunday, and maritime
circles reported at once she would
load with oil as on a previous visit
early in the year.
The report brought a protest from
Edward Jobbins, general manager
Of the Wilson Martin division of
Wilson & Co., Inc, who said he
didn't believe the shipment should
be permitted in the face of a possible
oil shortage in the Eastern States.
In a telegram to Secretary Ickes,
acting as Federal petroleum CO.
ordinator, Mr.. Jobbins declared that
lack of oil would force him to stop
production of fatty acids needed in
processing important national de-
fense products"
Il object very strongly to working
my head of on Defense" said Mr.
Jobbins, land now facing the threat
of having to close down because of
oils being exported to Japan-an
Axis power, and our potential en-
emy."
Department of Commerce statistics
show that for the half year ended
last March the Japanese were
shipped TOOLS barrels of lubricating
oil from Philadelphia.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
French Take Offensive
In Kuneitro Sector

VICHY, Unoccupied France, June
II (P).-Military dispatches from
Syria today reported French
counterattack had driven the Brit
ish out of the strategic town OF
Merdjayoun, which was captured by
British forces a week ago.
Dispatches from Beirut indicated
the French had taken the offensive
all along the front, pushing as far
south as the Kuneitra sector, which
British and De Gaullist troops took
the first day of the attack, June 7.
Offensive action in the region of
Kissoue and Derra had been reported
earlier by the French.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
British Rush Troops
To Heavy Fighting
In Southern Syria
Merdjoyoun Retoken
In Counterottock,
Viehy Reports
By TIE Associated Press.

BY Ire ASSOCldLBu flcSos
CAIRO, Egypt. June 1.-THE
British and Free French invaders
have sent reinforcements into heavy
fighting in Southern Syria, where
the Vichy forces have launched
strong counterattacks, the British
command announced today.
This fighting was at Merdjayoun
and Kuneitra. each about 40 miles
southwest of Damascus. Vlchy
French troops have continued bitter
resistance at those points in spite of
the advance of other Allied columns
to the outskirts Of Damascus.
CVichy dispatches said the
French counterattack had driven
the British out of Merdjayoun,
captured week ago.
Merdjayoun is only few miles
from the Palestine border.
Heavy Fighting Continues.
Although the Allied forces are
making steady progress on the
coastal sector Tin the drive toward
BEIRUT and have captured several
further positions in the Kissoue area
90 miles south of Damascus. strong
counterattacks by Vichy troops
have been launched at Merdjayoun
and Kuneitra," said the Middle East
command communique.
Allied reinforcements are now
approaching both these places.
where heavy fighting is continuing
British forces are attacking
Aatourz. six miles south-southwest
of the Syrian capital of Damascus
after capturing Madam yesterday,
authoritative British sources re-
ported today.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Finland Gables Thanks
For Debt Deferment

Appreciation for allowing post
ponement of Finlands current food
loan payment was expressed to
President Roosevelt yesterday in a
cablegram from Risto Ryti, Presi-
dent of the Finnish Republic.
Il wish to express to Your Ex-
cellency and to the United States
on behalf of Finland and in my own
name" Mr.. Ryti said. most sincere
heartfelt gratitude for this further
generous proof of sympathy which
Finland highly appreciates"
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Mrs. Roosevelt Advises Girls
On How to Protect Selves
Murder Of Miss Strieff Shows Need
For Increased Police Funds, She Says

Don't be so trusting that you ac-
cept any one who seems friendly at
his face value without anything
more than your own judgment as
a criterion.
Don't 60 out alone with men until
you have an opportunity to meet
them in some way that gives as
surance as to their character.
If girl drinks at all, she should
be extremely careful and it is wise
never to take even one drink In a
group or with an individual that
you don't know all about.
Should you have to go home alone,
ride as far as you can on the street
car or bus and then walk rapidly
to your destination.
Mrs. Roosevelt remarked that she
had seen in prison men who were
outwardly attractive but were per-
1see MRS. ROOSEVELT. Fg. A-3D
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Italy Freezes American Funds;
Germany to Follow Suit
Reich Will Block
Accounts, Berlin
Radio Says
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
BERLIN, June 17.-Germany an
nounced officially today that she
will take the necessary measures"
effective Immediately to counter
United States action in freezing
German funds in America.
The Government of the United
States of America" the announce
ment said, by executive order of
the President, dated June IA,
blocked assets of German subjects
in the United States. Accordingly,
by order of the German govern
ment, necessary measures, effective
Immediately, will be carried out
with reference to the assets of sub
jects of the United States within
the German Reich"
(The German radio said that
there was no information imme-
(See BERLIN, Page ADD
Evening star., 1941-06-17
.AIcoa Official Denies
|ckes' Charge Firm
Has Hindered Defense
Output Doubled, Shortly
To Treble, He Asserts;
Power Refusal Cited
By the Associated Press.

Flatly denying charges Of Secre-
tary of the Interior Ickes, I. w.
Wilson. production vice president,
testified today that the aluminium
Co. (of America) has done every
thing within its power, and more
to aid the Presidents defense pro-
gram.
Mr. Ickes charged yesterday that
the huge firm sought to control
aluminium production regardless OF
consequences to the United States"
and through ''recalcitrance" and
obstruction" was retarding the de-
fense program.
Appearing before the special Sem
ate Defense Investigation Commit
tee, Mr.. Wilson testified that the
Aluminium Co. has already doubled
and will shortly treble its 1888 out
put; " is spending over $780,
100000 of its own money to advance
defense has repeatedly offered
to put all OF its technical resources
at the Governments command"
If a shortage of aluminium exists
for airplanes and other vital defense
needs, Mr.. Wilson said that the
Aluminium Co. could not be blamed.
He said that the company had fur
niShed more of the metal than its
own estimates and that Secretary
'Ickes had denied its requests for
additional electric power at Bonne-
vile Dam.
The witness took particular OBJ
lection TO Secretary Ickes' statement
yesterday that when the story of
this war comes to be written, it
may have to be written that it was
lost because of the recalcitrance OF
the Aluminium Co. of America"
Mr.. Wilson said Secretary Ickes
may know how wars are lost, but
you gentlemen know that wars are
won by using as quickly as possible
every available resource for the pro-
duction of war materials"
Monopoly Charges Denied.
Regarding repeated suggestions
that the huge company lis a mo-
nopoly and is party to agreements
with various foreign companies, or
foreign agencies, under which it is
claimed production of aluminium
has been restricted in this country"
Mr.. Wilson said, AL of the principal
officers of the company have vigor-
ously denied such charges"
Mr. Wilson emphatically denied
that the aluminium company was re-
sponsible for mistakes of Govern
ment agencies in their estimates.
Mr.. Ickes told the committee the
o. P. M. underestimated the alum
mum shortage.
o. P. M. estimates now call for
See ALUMINIUM, Page ADD
Evening star., 1941-06-17
By MIRIAM OTTENBEKG.

Concerned about the safety of
girls coming here for defense jobs.
Mrs. Roosevelt, after the murder of
a young War Department employe,
today suggested various methods by
which girls might protect them
selves. ....
She also told her press conference
that the growing number of un-
solved murders here should make
every one urge that the police get
what funds they need to augment
their force.
Her suggestions to young women
follow:
Be careful whom you 60 out with.
Don't 60 out with people you don't
know and never saw before.
Either come home at an early
hour or be escorted home by some
one you know. or travel in a group.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Long War in Prospect,
Stimson Saysin Urging
ST. Lawrence Seaway
U. S. Would Reop Defense
Benefits From 4-Yeur
Construction, He Asserts
BY the Associated Press.

bS lDe hsoDlldlcu Eltees
Secretary of War Stimson, rec
ommending construction of a pro-
posed s285 100000 St. Lawrence sea-
way for defense-aid purposes, sug-
gested the possibility today that the
current war might last more than
four years.
Testifying before the House Rivers
and Harbors Committee. Mr.. Stim-
son said one OF the benefits of the
proposed waterway would be that 1t
would afford a protected route part
of the way for the shipment OF
munitions to Great Britain.
Chairman Mansfield questioned
Mr.. Stimson directly whether he
though the present emergency would
last long enough for the United
States to reap the national defense
benefits of the project. which would
take about four years to build.
In my opinion" Mr.. Stimson re-
piled, 1T is necessary TO prepare
for very long emergency. We all
hope it will be briefer, but it is not
safe to act on such hope in such
a situation as confronts us today"
a Long War" Seen.
Asked to predict the possible
length of the war should the United
States enter it, Mr.. Stimson de-
clined to hazard guess" but told
the committee, you face the pros
pect of a long war"
-rI,a Conratoru cold that o1thOlIoh
construction would be undertaken
with due regard to priorities which
are of immediate Importance, even
so, there is very strong chance of
the emergency lasting long enough
for this country to reap benefits of
this seaWay."
Mr.. Stimson said at the outset that
as Secretary of State on July l8.
1882, he signed the original treaty
with Canada for the seaway project.
Three Benefits" Listed.
After asserting that it was esti-
mated that the construction could
be completed in less than four years,
compared with an original estimate
of 10 years, the Secretary of War
listed these three benefits" of the
project Ito this country at this time
of emergency:
/. Increased shipbuilding by using
Great Lakes facilities.
q Munitions could be transported
to Britain over route much better
protected than those now available
from New York or other Atlantic
ports
3. Development of 2,200.0 horse
power of electric energy lis very
important matter at this time of
strain"
Evening star., 1941-06-17
WelIeS Denies Break,
Purochutist Troining
Opened to SeIectees
By the Associated Press.

by lDe AssOClhlcu
Selective service trainees will be
permitted to volunteer as parachute
troops after their 13-week training
period at infantry replacement CEN
tiers, the War Department an
nounced today.
Previously parachute service was
restricted to Regular Army soldiers.
The 502d Infantry Parachute Bat
talon, to be organized July l at
Fort Benning, Ga, which was the
second of four parachute units au-
thorized, will be the first opened to
trainees. It's formation will increase
the ranks of parachutists to about
1000 men. Other battalions will be
organized this fall.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
u. ). 10 Decide Soon
On Robin Moor Case,
WeNes Indicates
Embassy Official Here
From BroziI; Cape Town
Report Is Awaited
BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND
American treighter Robin Moor,
first American ship to be Utctirt
OF direct belligerent action in
present WGr, lUaS sunk deliber-
ately by German submarine in
South Atlantic on May 21, EleUen
men from one liteboat tOere taken
to Brazil by Brazilian rescue ship
last Ueek. Remainder OF 46 pas
senoerS and creU members az
riued at Capeto,Un on British ship
yesterday after hope for them
Dirtudlly abandoned. United
States holds Nnsis Diolated inter
national agreement and laWs Of
humanity in sinking Robin Moor
without assuring safety OF those
aboard her.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Economic Conflict
May Lead to War;
Goydo Warns
BY the Associated Press.


ROME, June 1.-THE Italian gov
ernment, freezing American credits
in Italy, today blocked all payments
from Italy on private debts to Amer
leans under a decree published in
the Official Gazette in repriSal for
the freezing of Italian credits in the
United States.
Fascist spokesmen estimated the
freezing actions to be better than
two to one in Italy's favor, II Gior-
male dItalian estimating American
investments in Italy at sl45 900 900
against Italian investments of from
$50 900, 900 to s65 900, 900 in America
The decree ordered Italian in
dividuals and firms to report all
American credits against them
within 20 days.
Earlier Virginio Gayda, authorita-
fcno DoNEE Dana A2l
Evening star., 1941-06-17
By GARNETT d. HORNER.

Decision on United States action
in the sinking of the Robin Moor
by a German submarine will be
made soon on the basis OF detailed
eyewitness accounts from II sur
vivors in Brazil and cabled sum-
mary of the evidence from the 35
other survivors who were landed
yesterday by British rescue ship
at Capetown. South Africa. Under
secretary of State Welles said today.
He reiterated this country's con-
tention that deliberate sinking of
the American merchantmen by the
Nazi submarine without assuring the
safety of her crew and passengers
they were saved by chance after the
submarine prevented radio appeals
for help y violated international
agreement and the laws of humanity.
Philip Williams. third secretary
of the United States Embassy at
Rio de Janiero. arrived here by
plane today with dispositions made
by the IL Robin Moor survivors who
reached Recife, Brazil, last week
aboard Brazilian rescue ship.
Consul to Cable Report.
Mr.. Welles said the American
Consul at Cape Town had been in
structed to take dispositions from the
IS other crew members and passen-
gers who reached there yesterday
and promptly cable summary of
their evidence to Washington.
This summary and the detailed
dispositions brought here by Mr..
Williams, and now under study, will
form a sufficient basis for the Gov
ernment TO reach a conclusion on
the case. Mr.. Welles said. He indi-
Gated this would be announced with
in two or three days.
1t remained a matter of conjecture
whether any stronger action than
strong diplomatic protest to Ger
many and demand for assurances
against a similar incident would be
taken Possible courses of action
include arming of American mer-
chantmen, which has been predicted
in congressional circles.
Sinking Pictures Taken.
There was considerable interest in
what might be shown by pictures
taken of the Robin Moors destruc-
ton by some of the survivors who
reached Brazil. The pictures were
brought here by Mr.. Williams before
they were developed.
There was special qualification
over the rescue of Chief Officer
Melvin Mundy, the man who board
ed the submarine and talked to its
commander before the Robin Moor
was sunk Mundy identified the
submarine as without question
German" and told how he pleaded
in vain to have the Robin Moor
spared. For the purposes of a dip
lomatic protest, his deposition was
considered invaluable.
The evidence of the other sur
vivors was regarded as bearing out
the United States contention that
the submarine made no attempt to
provide for the safety Of the ships
company according to information
al law, but left passengers and crew
to their fate in four lifeboats hum
dreds of miles from land. The sub
marine captain, survivors said, had
promised to summon help by radio,
but thus far no proof has devel-
oped that he did. The rescue ships
said no radio calls for help had
been received.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Surprise British Libyon Drive
Penetrotes to Fort Copuzzo;
Counterottocks Beaten Back
Axis Reinforcements
Are Rushed From
Tobruk Siege
b the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
CAIRO, Egypt, June 1T.-Brlt1sh
troops in surprise movement
''made an initial penetration as far
as Fort Capuzzo," Just across the
Egyptian border in Libya. and then
beat back determined Axis counter
attacks by reinforcements hurried
there from the Tobruk area" the
Middle East command announced
today.
The war bulletin said heavy losses
were inflicted on the German and
Italian troops who repeatedly as
sauited the imperial forces.
Fort Capuzzo is opposite Salum,
where fierce fighting appeared de-
veloping into a major battle follow
ing the start of the British offensive.
In East Africa, the imperial COM
nand said British forces captured
an Italian rearguard position west
of Lake Lakemti. in Southern Ethi-
opia taking 200 prisoners, 4 guns
and 20 machine guns. In the Assab
area. six Fascist officers and 180
men we're reported captured.
Operations developing"
British sources described the i'm
perial offensive in North Africa as
'still a local one for the moment"
but that the operations were de-
veloping.
In bringing up reinforcements
from Tobruk. 80 miles away, the
Axis commanders had to draw of
part of their forces encircling that
British-held port. "a German mil
itary spokesman said last night the
apparent purpose of the British Of
fensive was to relieve the beleag-
uered Tobruk garrisono
(The German official news
agency, D.N.B., said that up to
noon today the British had lost
100 armored motor units and
that the situation was develop
Ing favorably for the Germans
and Italians. The Berlin radio,
heard in London, said British
tank losses totaled the strength
of regiment.
The Nazi high command was
less specific. but said that the
British tank losses were in
creased considerably and that
fighting was continuing with
the use of strong forces on both
sides" 1t asserted that Axis
airmen were effectively blasting
the British forces.
The Italian high command
declared. the British had sus-
tanned considerable losses in men
and machines and II planesJ
Swift Flanking Thrusts.
Reports from the front indicated
the British were employing the tao
tics which proved so successful
against the Italians last winter
lashing out at Axis communication
lines with swift flanking thrusts by
mechanical units.
One such unit was said to have
stabbed 40 miles into Libya yester-
day to rout an Italian column near
Gambut. 1t was believed here that
German troops also had been driven
from some of their positions IN
Halfaya (Hellf1re) Pass.
Whether THESE operations Wele
the beginning of full-scale of1en-
slve was not clear, but it appeared
to observers that Gen. Sir Archibald
p. Wavell might at last be ready for
showdown with the forces the
Nazis have been building up IN
North Africa.
South African airmen were said to
be taking part in the operations,
ranging ahead Of British armored
units and blasting at Axis defenses.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Friendly British Join
Bunker Hill Celebration
BY the Associated Press.

BY the ASSOClkteu EAeSs'
BOSTON, June 17.-With hags
and flies and drums IN century-old
streets, Boston celebrated the 166th
anniversary of the Battle of Bunker
Hill today. but Britons were no
longer objects of animosity, for
British sailors and British marines
mingled among the throngs of
parade spectators In old Charles
town.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
NO in 4,800 Words

CHICAGO, June II (P).-DefenSe
Attorney W. W. Smith propounded
a hypothetical question to an alien
ist in murder trial. The question
took 4,s00 words and covered 16
pages.
The answer was No"
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Gen. Ernest Kinds Dies;
World War Artillery Chief
BY the Associated Press.


SAN ANTONIO, June 17.-Maj.
Gen. Ernest Kinds, retired, Gen.
Pershing's chief of artillery in the
A. E. F, died today at the station
hospital, Fort Sam Houston. He
was rs years old
The accuracy of American artil-
lery was credited in secret reports
of German observers, uncovered
after the World War, with being an
outstanding factor in bringing about
the defeat of Germany. Gen. Kinds
commanded every piece of artillery
used by the United States in that
conflict.
Funeral services will be held
Thursday morning, with burial in
the national cemetery at Fort Sam
Houston with full military honors.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Germun U-Bouts Claim
5 Armed Merchantmen
q, the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
BERLIN, June l7.-German sub
marines sank five armed merchant
men aggregating 81 1888 tons in the
North and mid-Atlantic, the high
command announced today.
The Germans said the U-boats
picked the ships out OF strongly
protected conveys.
A German outpost boat, returning
to her base. reported shooting down
one British plane and damaging
another in a fight with three which
attacked her in the North Sea.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
U. S. Embassy Bombing
Probed by japanese
By the Associated Press.

SHANGHAI, June ia Japa-
nese naval spokesman said today the
Japanese bombing Of American
property Sunday ut Chungking, pro-
visional capital Of China, was "un-
intentional" and is under investiga-
ton.
The United States Embassy in
Toxic yesterday protested to Japan
the bombing, which inflicted damage
In the American safety zone ut
Chungkins.
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Noted Polish Athlete Slain

LONDON, June II P.-Janusz
Kusocinski, Polish runner, who won
the 1882 Olympic 10,000-meter run
at Los Angeles, was reported today
by the Polish News Agency here to
have been murdered by the Ges-
tapo" somewhere In Poland.
Evening star., 1941-06-17

The United States moved close to
break in diplomatic relations with
Germany today in an aggressive
campaign to stamp out Axis propa-
ganda and other subversive activi-
ties at the source.
Latest step in the Government
offensive-the order for the closing
of all German consulateS and three
Nazi propaganda agencies operating
in this country and removal OF all
their German employees from Amer
ican territory by July l0-brought
general approval on Capitol Hill.
Senator McCarran, Democrat, of
Nevada called it move toward
complete severance of diplomatic
relations, however, and told report
ers he was sorry that such an
order was made" because he feared
it might push the Nation closer to
war.
Welles Denies Break.
Pointing out that yesterdays order
did not affect the German Embassy
staff here, Undersecretary of State
Summer Welles said that it did not
mean a diplomatic break.
There was no effort, however, to
discount the gravity of the situa-
ton. In a formal note to the Ger
(See CONSULATES, Page A-4J
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Summary of Todoy's Star

All Club members arriving for en-
campment here. Page B-1
Ten motorists fined for unnecessary
horn blowing. Page B-1
Evening star., 1941-06-17
Closing Of Consulates
Brings u. 5. Near
Break With Nazis
Order to ExpeI Germon
Propoeondists Given
General Approval
BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND-
American ConSulnteS still are
operating in Germany and NG2i-
occupied countries ercept Poland
aud Czecho- SIoUdkia. although
diplomatic officials haze been
forced out OF most occupied ter
ritory. In apparent reprisal Jor
closing of tpo United States Con-
Sulates in Italy, italian Consul
lateS at Detroit and NetCark tDere
ordered closed some time ago.
Italy is not inuolUed in current
action.