davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
New Alliance To Be Signed
(NEA Telephoto)
By JOSEPH w. GREGG limited Press Staff Correspondent


 Paris, Dec. 18-(UP)-Diplomatic observers said today that the Franco Russian treaty probably will be followed soon by the sign- ing of parallel Franco-British alliance, thus completing a security ring around Germany.
 French and British military and political delegates have been dis cussing an agreement since Prime Minister Churchill's visit to Paris last month, but final decisions were put of pending the completion of the French negotiations at Mos COW. Britain signed a 20-year al- liance with Russia in 1942. The seven terms of the Franco Russian past were published last night following the return of Gen. Charles de Gaulle to Paris. They bound France and Russia in 20- year iron alliance, pledged them not to sign separate peace and guaranteed Europe against aggres- sion for the next two decades.
 Apart from it's postwar features, the agreement was expected to bring France considerable early de- liveries of arms and equipment from Russia, increasing as military successes against Germany lessen the strain on Soviet war industries.
 It was believed that the treaty might result even in a considerable degree of standardization between the French and Red armies.
 De Gaulle outlined the treaty to his cabinet in a two and three quarters hour meetiny yesterday, after which a communique was issued praising the pact as an essential element for the future security of France and at the same time vital factor in the internal solidarity of the United Nations" {"
 The treaty will become effective from the time of the exchange of notifications and will remain in force indefinitely if not denounced in it's 18th year by one or the other country.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Society Notes 46O Persons Attend
 Dance At "Y''

The Servicemen and War Workers dance held Saturday night at the Central Y. M. c. A. was attended by more than 460 persons, including 30 servicemen.
 Jock Suffa, chairman, presided over . musical novelty dance, which was won by Jack Thornley, Navy.
 Following the dance a farewell party, sponsored by the Servicemen and War Workers committee, was held at the home of Mr. Suffa on Rowland avenue in honor Of Fran cis Del Principe who vii lenter the service December 21. Del Principe has been treasurer of the dance mittee since its inception April, 1943.
 Those who attended the party were Mir. Suffa, James Del Gobbo, Anne De Bellis. Carl Suffa. Janet Surgener, Eelanor Travisano, Tony Gavronslxi, John Ferrara, George Le Cuyer, Helen Marie Sutor, Anne Urbelis, Jean Marshall, Francis Del Principe, Vincent De Zinna, all on the committee and Herb Smith.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Churchill Drops Address Sunday

London, December 18 - (UP) - Prime Minister Winston Churchill probably will make his third parlia- mentary defense of his policy in Europe at tomorrow's session ot Commons in an effort to quell con- tinued criticism of Britain's pro- gram in Greece, Italy. Poland and other liberated and yet to be liber- ated nations.
 Churchill had been expected to make a radio address yesterday in defense of his program but decided against it at the last moment, pos sibly because he was not in a posi- tion to announce settlement of the Greek crisis.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
EXTRA E:MPLOYES
 EXPEDITE MAIL
Avalanche of Christmas Greetings Hits Local
 Postal Headquarters

Two hundred extra employees were at work for the Waterbury postoffice today sorting and delivering the. tremendous volume" of Christmas mail reported to have come in over the weekend. The lobby of the post office was crowded throughout the morning as local residents sought to obtain stamps and to mail cards and packages.
 Postmaster Charles A. Babin reported about 20 to 50 per cent of the local mail was marked with zone numbers, while about 35 percent of the incoming mail confined the numbers. The postal officials stressed the importance of using the zone numbers, and stated they have aided greatly in getting the mail out on time.
 No delays have resulted either iE parcel post or carrier deliveries, it was reported, with all mail going out on schedule.
 By the middle of the week all $50 of the extra workers secured will be on duty, according to present indi-' cations.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
RED CROSS QUOTA
 POSTED FOR l945

Probate Judge Patrick Healey newly chosen chairman of the local Red Cross has announced that the chapters quota for the War Fund drive scheduled to open March will be $19O,000. Of this amount $50 900 or 26.3 per cent will be retained by the local chapter with $40 900 forwarded to the national chapter
 Mrs. Herman A. Rooster will be chairman of the drive.
 Basil O'Connor, chairman of the national War Fund who has recent ly returned from Red Cross in spection trip in Europe, said from what he had seen in France and Italy and from what he knows about the Pacific, the end of Red cross work is nowhere in sight.
 America Red Cross services on the continent will be increased from now on and for some time after the fighting is over, he said Pralsing the work of Red Cross club and field workers, MT. O'Con- nor said some of these men and women, like the fighting men. have been living in mud and rain and working 16 hours a day.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
RABBI CRITIZES BRITISH POLICIES
 .,
White Paper Responsible for Current Unrest in
 Palestine

Declaring that modern ciViliza- tion has drawn its strength and ideals from ancient Greece and Palestine, Rabbi Mordecai Glitter called for the "abrogation of the evil White Paper policy now in force in Palestine" at the weekly meeting of the Beth Israel Mems club yesterday on a talk on the historical background of Chanukah.
 Chanukah, the Jewish feast of lights. celebrating the liberation from ancient tyranny, was observed at the Waterbury Hebrew Institute yesterday afternoon with 9 program featuring a play entitled "Chayei Hecholutz" and holiday message from Rabbi Gifter.
 An appeal for the cooperatiorl of the parents in the admin istrative work of the institute was voiced by Moses Koizin. president of the school. Sunday school class es will begin December 3l at 10 a. m. 1t was announced.
 The program was arranged by Sol Brown and J. Miller.
 The Mems Club bond drive, dl- rected by President Murray Gross man, hit the 75,00O mark yester- day as members subscribed to B. 900 more in E. bonds.
 David Babson, scout executive of Mattatuck Council, Boy Scouts, held an informal discussion with mem bers of the club in connection with plan to attract additional scout- CTS to Troop %.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
sl5,OOO DAMAGES
 ASKED BY WIDOW

Damages of $15,OOO for fatal in- juries sustained by Ebert J. Will Hams in an automobile accident Dec .19, 1943 have been claimed by his wife, Mrs. Mary A. Williams of Waterbury as administratic of his estate, in civil action filed in the Winsted superior court. Henry Czapor, manager of the Hotel Win chester in Winsted, is named de- fendant.
 The court writ states the accident victi mwas changing a tire on his car when he was struck by car operated by the defendant. The accident occurred on the Winsted- TorTington road.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
NEW RADIO SERVICE
 SHOP OPENS TODAY
Simon's at 68 Grand Street to Maintain Rec-
 ord of Efficiency

Simon's, one of the best known names in local radio supply and service circles, announces the open ing of another store at 68 Grand street. Morris Simon, manager of the new establishment, has stated that the original store will be re- tained at 535 Watertown avenue under he management of William Abrahams.
 The new establishment bears an all-mcdern front lighted by a large neon sign bearing the company name and at present has large Christmas supply window display. The Grand street shop is 75 by 25 feet within which is contained a large supply of all types of radio supplies, electrical mercmhandise, etc. A complete line of household equipment is to be found there, also
 MT. Simons himself has kept apace constantly with the growth of the radio fieldand has background of 25 years experience and service, the last 10 years being spent in Waterbury. MT. Abrahams asso- ciated with radio for IS years was an instructor in radio service in New York, before coming to Wa tprblrV
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
FINAL CHECK ON
 PENSION MEASURE
Commission Meets Tonight to Discuss Proposed
 Amendments to Plan

Members of the Pension Commis- sion will meet tonight to consider the numerous amendments suggest ed by city employees. Members are hopeful of readjusting the proposed plan considerably before the com pletition of the holidays in prepar- ation for its final form which must be submitted to the Mayor on or be- fore January IS. s
 As reported here three public hearings were conducted last week before general employees, teachers and the combined groups of fire men and policemen.
 At that time the general employees strongly opposed the 65 mandatory retirement age and benefits. Local teachers opposed the contributory rate of 2 percent toward flat $500 annual pension while firemen and policemen, represented by States Atty. Fitzgerald, opposed numerous phases of the proposed bill such as death benefits and service connected disability rates.
 It did not seem likely at this writ ing that many changes will be at- fected by the commission within the proposed bill other than those re- lating to teachers. Possibility is that the commission is more inclined to "pass-on" the responsibilities now that their work has been accom- plished.
 Prospects of contest in the Gen. eral Assembly next year seemed i'm minent if local city employees dc not receive consideration here on requested amendments.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Yonks In Action On Burnno Front

Myitkyina, Burma, Dec. 18-(UP) American Doughboys and artil- lerymen, successors to Brig. Gen Frank Merrills famed "Marauders. have gone into action on the Burma front, it was announced today, experimenting a new Allied jungle drive within 120 miles of Mandalay.
 The new combat unit, the only American ground force now fight ing on the Asiatic mainland, got it's first battle test on Dec. g when it lead Chinese column into the Japanese-held village of Tonkwa, 12O miles northeast of Mandalay.
 Known as the Mars task force, the Tanks marched almost 200 miles over jungle and mountain trails in 25 days to aid the 22nd Chinese division in the assault on Tonkwa.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
LEGISLATORS HOLD
 CAUCUS TOMORROW

State Chairman Adrian w. Maher of the Democratic Party has an- nounced that a caucus of represen- tatives-elect will be held tomorrow afternoon at l o'clock in the Old Senate Chamber. A minoritv leader will be chosen for the house and ap- plication for appointments to vari- ous committees will be filed.
 Representative Daniel J. Mahaney if interested, is conceded to have the best chance of being elected minority leader. He will be starting on hi seighth successive term, meaning. 16 years. in January. He has been an outstanding member of various committees, particularly on War Veterans legislation. There is considerable sentiment for the pop ular Dan, but from present indi- cations it is not believed that he will accept.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
MONACAN TO CAST VOTE FOR ED. R.

Mayor John s. Monagan today left for Hartford to participate in the electoral voting relative to the recent presidential election. Mayor Monagan had been named a Demo- cratic elector at the convention. The voting was scheduled for noon.
 Following his participation the Mayor was scheduled to proceed to Boston to seek certification of the city'S tax anticipation notes, in amount of $800,0OO. The notes re- gently were purchased, as loan col lateral, by the First National Bank Of New York on bid of 40.
 Later this week the city's execu- tive together with Controller Neil F. Malcney will proceed to New York to negotiate final terms of the loan.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Hitler Quit Last August
By HUBERT UXKULL limited Press Staff COrreSp0ndent)


 Stockholm, Dec. IS - (U.P)-Thc Free German Press Bureau claimed today that the first authentic report of the Hitler crisis which forced the Fuehrer from military leader ship had been obtained through the indiscreet talk of his former adju- tant, SA Chief Group Leader Fritz Bruckner, who drank too much al Berlin dinner party.
 The report said Heinrich Himm- Ter minister of interior and Gestapo Chief, Propaganda Minister Dr. Jo- sci Goebbels and Field Marshal General Karl Won Rundstedt had forced Hitler to abdicate as supreme war lord and "leave the war to gen. erals"
 It claimed the abdication dated back to the end of August or the beginning of September when the battle of France obviously was lost and Allied armies were threatening Germany.
 Brueckner's account of what hap pened according to the free Ger man press, follows:
 k Himmler, Goebbels and Won Rundstedt drove to Hitler's Ober- salzberg Villa with strong armed escort while an entire SS Division surrounded the estate and blocked all approaches.
 For an hour Hitler refused to see his visitors but finally gave in and the conference was held in a large reception hall.
 Won Rundstedt spoke first, eX- planning that the war could be continued only if Hitler desisted from interfering in military mat l ters.
 When Hitler hared up in anger and threatned to hang him, Himm- Ter intervened and said:
 With all respect for the Fuehrer, the continuation of the war is the most important of all considerations and the SS fully supports military leaders demands"
 Hitler then turned to GoebbelS and said contemptuously:
 And you?"
 Goebbels declared that neither the armed forces, nor the SS nor the party" were wavering in their love, reverence and loyalty for the Fuehrer and said nothing should be changd outwardly. He said Hitler should continue to represent the Reich but that waving aside expert and well-founded advice of the gen. erals must cease once and for all.'
 The conference lasted six hours, interrupted frequently by Hitler's angry shrieks, and crying and hyS- terical fits accompanied by carpet chewing which was reported to have prompted Won Rundstedt later to remark:
 Rather 10 carpets than one more defeat"
 Filters physician was called twice to give him calming injections.
 The Fuehrer expressed concern hat his withdrawal from military affairs would weaken the people morale but Goebbels assured him he would be kept before the people receiving foreign diplomats and above all tackling the huge problem of postwar reconstruction in Ger many.
 Only about two dozen persons re- lportedly were informed of the changes. Hitler, it was said still was asked for advice on important queS- tions but was prevented from speak ing publicly in view of the risks in- volved in his habit of improvisation.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
DRAFT OFFICIALS
 CONFER ON RULES


 Local draft board officials will meet tonight at 5 p. m. with Cmdr. William B. Pape of state headquar- ters in a conference scheduled to clarify for policy the recent work or fight" directive issued by national headquarters and relative to men 26 to 38 years.
 Official notices of the newest di- rectives have been received here during the past week and tonight's meeting, one spokesman said, would be for purposes of interpretating of the latest rules.
 Under the recent directives men in the age group mentioned. who since Dec. 12 have changed from essen tial to non-essential occupation, will be subject to immediate service classification.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
.U. S.-Britoin
 DiscussionOn
BY R. H. SHACKFORD

United Press Staff Correspondent
 Washington, Dec. 18-(UP)-The United States and Great Britain be- gan cabinet level' discussions here today in search of a formula fol creating greater political stability ir liberated Europe.
 British Minister of State Richard K. La' and Secretary of State Ed ward R. Stettinius, Jr., were expect. ed to have an early discussion oi many of the problems which have placed new strain on Anglo-Am can relations during the past two weeks. British Ambassador Viscount Halifax was expected to participate in the talks.
 Primarily Laws mission to Wash ington revolveS around more food fuel, clothing and medicine for the liberated countries. But it will have political significance, too, because the two western Allieo recognize that hunger, cold and disease contribute to political disorder, as has already been demonstrated in Italy, Greece and Belgium.
 Law, one of Prime Minister Win ston Churchill's ace trouble shoot. CTS, brought with him staff of ex- perts to confer with their American counterparts. The talks will start Stettinius off on what promises tc be busy and significant week ir the field of fore n affairs. These events are in prospect:
 l. A United States statement or it's policy toward Poland. Prime Minister Winston Churchill ha. challenged this country to state it! policy with precision in view o, his candid support of Russias de. mands for eastern Polish territory Stettinius may pass this to tht White House because of possible domestic political repercussions.
 ?. Resumption of reorganization of the State Department. This de bends upon Senate confirmation O the six men Stettinius has chosel to assist him.
 3. Analysis of the new Franco Soviet treaty. Release of the tex of this 20-year pact in Paris las night calls for some official com ment on its significance. The Am erican people are especially anxiou to know whether this country con siders it consistent with the pro posed world security organization plans formulated at Dumbartol Oaks.
 There was no immediate officia comment on the new treaty whicl moves France far along the roat to her old place as 8 world power But observers quickly compared i with the 20-year British-Sov treaty signed in 1942 for differences
 The British-Soviet treaty includet clause under which both partie agreed to keep it in force until the, recognized that it had been super seded by proposals for common action to preserve peace" the Franco-Soviet treaty contains n such provision, but the preambl pledges the signatories ito cola borate in order to create an inter national system of security.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18

Religious instructions for gram mar school pupils of St. Francis parish will be held Thursday after noon at .2:30 o'clock, in the paro- chial school. There will be no in- structions on Saturday morning, owing to the holiday season.
 Religious instructions for the high school pupils will be held Thursday evening at 2 o'clock, fol- lowed by 0. Y. O. meeting.
 It was announced at all the Masses yesterday that confessions for Christmas will only be heard on Saturday afternoon and eve- ming there will positively be no confessions on Sunday afternoon or evening, Sunday being Christ mas eve. All confessions are to be on Saturday only.
 St. Francis Holy Name 45 Tour nament will play their regular game of cards tonight, in the base ment of the school.
 Miss Marguerite Tierney, chair man of the New Years Eve party for Washington Park Community Club members and their friends to be held at the Community House, Sunday evening, December 31. is calling a meeting of her commit tee for Tuesday evening, in the Community House at 8 o'clock. Tickets will be vaailable at to- morrow evenings meeting. All members are asked to be on hand.
 Washington Hill is greatly honor ed in the fact, that Mrs. Anne Marie O'Connor Quinn, was one of the ladies who blew the whistle Saturday morning in the Svocill's Bond Drive Campaign = having purchased a 5000 bond, backing up her husband who is a member of the U. s. ,Coastguard. Here $ wishing the best to the O'Connor- Quinn family, who are residents of Sylvan avenue.
 The ninth session of the Ear benders "45" tournament came, to close with the following scores: :: Grimes, l9 vS. Murphy, 23; Fitz- maurice, 20 vs. Cuddy, 9; O'Don- nell. 2 vs. Reynolds, 20.
 The scores for the season to date are: Grimes 197; Cuddy 196: ODonnell 196: Fitznaurice l92: Reynolds 183; Murphy I'll.
 There will be no card playing next Sunday the 24th of Dec, Christmas eve.
 The schedule for the following Sunday, Dec. 31st, will be Grimes vs. Reynolds; Fitzmaurice vs. ODonnen; Murphy vs. Cuddy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
BALDWIN APPEALS
 TO WAR WORKERS

Six veterans of overseas duty ac- companied Governor Raymond F. Baldwin Saturday on tour of the Scovill Manufacturing Company and participated in a program broadcast over WTIC from the manufactur- ing concern. The servicemen told of "rationing" of ammunition on the front lines and stressed the import ance of accelerating production.
 Included in the group were Pri- vate First Class John Karsowski, Private First Class Fred Sparks Private EuripiSiS Jamoulis, Private First Class Vincent Romano, Corp oral Joseph H. Rostochar and Cap tain Samuel B. Hunting.
 Governor Baldwin and the serv- icemen are scheduled to participate in similar program at New Bri- tain plant next week.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Word Stores
 Face Seizure

Washington, Dec. 18-(UP)-The government prepared today to order drastic action, either through sanc- tions or seizure, against Montgom- cry Ward & Company properties in seven states unless the firm meets the midnight deadline for comply ing with War Labor Board direc- tiveS on wages and maintenance of union membership.
 In statement outlining the gov- ernments determination for a showdown, VILE public member Frank P. Graham last night charg- ed that the company's long defi- ance of the VILE was as menacing to national war policies as the Unit ed iMne Workers four ''reprehenS- ible" coal strikes in 1943.
 Montgomery Wards defiance of the government, with its already epidemic possibilities for defiance by corporations and strikes by unions, again forces patient and reluctant government to meet the issue in a most critical hour Gra- ham said.
 The VILE, in two hearings which Montgomery Ward representatives declined to attend, last week order ed the mail order firm to accept by midnight tonight its directives as affecting stores in Detroit, Chica- go (printing and display factory) Jamaica, N. Y.; Denver, St. Paul, Minn., San Rafael, Calif., and Port land, Ore. Employees at the Detroit plant, represented by the united re- tail, wholesale and department stores employees (CIO), already are on strike because of the firms re- fusal to comply with the WLB or ders.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Bong Shoots Down 10th Jap Plane

A Blue Network Correspondent in the Philippines reported today that Mapor Richard I. Bong, Poplar, Wis, top-ranking Anglo-American combat ace, shot down his 10th Japanese plane in the Pacific.
 The dispatch said Bong had bag ged two enemy planes since he was awarded the congressional medal of honor by General Douglas MacAr- thur last week. At that time Bong had s8 planes to his credit.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
CITY BOARDS PLAN
 REGULAR MEETINGS


 Various board meetings will be held this week headed by A meet ing or the aldermanic board to- night. It is expected that the re- cent liquor ordinance requested by local package stores limiting the number of outlets here will be pre- sented for hearing. It is anticipat- ed that the proposal will meet with majority opposition.
 A meeting of the works board will be held tomorrow night with a meeting of the finance board sched- uled for Thursday. It Is expected that numerous transfers will be pre- sented before the latter board at that time, to clear the end of year purchases of departments.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-18
Soldier Nobbed, AWOL IS Months

Brockton, Mass, Dec. 18-UP)- Pvt. Alphonse iBngle, 2l, was held by Army authorities in Boston to- day after being found in his sister s apartment here where police said he hid for l8-months while allegedly AWOL from a unit now overseas.
 Bingle will be court-martialed police said, and federal complaint sought against his war worker-sis- ter. Mrs. Malvina Strollo, 30, on 8 charge of harboring deserter
 Mrs. Strollo told military and city police who found Bingle asleep in the apartment yesterday that her brother hoo not been outside since July 194S when he allegedly failed tr return after 8 leave from Caml Mvles Standish at Taunton.