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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 11, 1941)
BLACKOUT 12:30 a. m. to Sunrise, 7:30 a. m. Thirty-sixth Year News Behind The News By Paul Mallon Washington, Dec. 11-The Jap war madness la In Itself defeatist confession. Her rash statesmen would never have taken war ac- '..'lii " ;iii"w.!nn'.ii tion against tha United States if they thought there was the slight est chance they could sur viva their military and economic pre d i c a m ent in China. The theory that they Paul Malloa might have been inspired by a desire to help Hitler is not force ful. Hitler is too far away to do the Japs either harm or good. They were just so near defeat they had to dare everything, in hopes that Hitler could win in Russia and in the world, and extricate them from their diffi culties. Dictatorial statesmen act from personally selfish motives at times. Totalitarian rulers tell their people nothing straight. Hence the Jap diplomatic and military bunglers were particu larly free to gamble tha future of their nation even to a suicidal extent. SNEAKING eoupl of air craft carriers up near Hawaii before declaration of war is one thing, but getting them near enough again will be another. In fact, getting them home again may turn out to be something. The Hawaiian attack was obvi ously demonstration designed mora for a psychological effect than for military damage. TIE composite immed lata opinion In Washington was that the Jap statesmen uninten tionally performed a favor for us. There will be no strikes in this country now. Whatever di vergencies of public opinion may have Impeded this govern ment's purposes against the Nazis, has vanished by action of the Japs. rtt British are getting amply reorganized to crush the Nazi General Rommel in Libya, Continued on Pag Eight) By tha Associated Press (Time is Pacific Standard) CBS reports the broadcast scheduled for Friday night by Charles A. Lindbergh from a Boston America First rally has been cancelled. Tonight, the war 8:58 CBS; 6 NBC-Blue; 7 MBS; 7:48 CBS; 8:30 MBS. (In addition to these listings numerous other warcasts may be expected all programs sub ject to last minute change) MBS 0:30 America Prefer red, BIDU SAYAO; 7:30 All America football selections. Friday, the war 8 a. m., NBC CBS; 8:45 NBC-Red; 8:55 NBC Blue: 8 CBS; 7 MBS; 7:15 NBC- Blue: 8 MBS: 9 MBS; 10:45 NBC; 11 MBS; 12:55 p. m, CBS; 1:45 CBS: 1:55 NBC-Blue; 3 CBS MBS; 3:25 NBC-Red; 3:45 NBC-Blue. (Numerous other warcasts may be expected). SIDE GLANCES BY TRIBUNE REPORTERS Neva Samuels admiring the artistic way in which Ralph Woodford draped blackout cur tains over city hall windows. George Shreeve considering himself doubly lucky for getting day oil on his birthday. r -tli?:atrn Radio Highlights! Med Challenge Without 'No' Vote; Resolutions Signed Washington. Dec. 11. UP) President Roosevelt signed dec larations of war against nazi by officially pitting the nation's of Japan. Without a single dissenting i vote, congress had passed with in an hour and a half the two war resolutions. There was no debate. The only time con sumed was for listening to a six-paragraph message from Mr. Roosevelt, parliamentary form alities and roll calls. Quick Action Asked -Quickly the war resolutions were engrossed and rushed to the chief executive's desk. He had appealed in a special mes sage for speedy action, telling congress that "delay invites great danger." Mr. Roosevelt signed tne German war resolution at 3:05 Oregonians Vote Washington, Dec. 11. VP) Senators Holman and Mc Nary of Oregon voted today to declare war on Germany and Italy. In the house the . Oregon delegation also voted for passage. L . p. m. EST ana tne Italian reso lution at 3:06 p. m. As fast as roll calls could be tallied,' the senate unanimously, and the house without a single "no" vote, accepted the chal lenge of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, axis partners of Japan with whom the nation went to war Monday. Tha senate vote for war against Germany and Italy was unanimous. Rankin "Present The house vote for war with Germany was 393 to 0 and for war with Italy 399 to 0. But in each instance one member voted "present." This was Rep. Jeannette Rankin (R., Mont.), who cast the lone vote against war with Japan and who voted against war with Germany in 1917. Just before the ballot, sen ators listened to a message from President Roosevelt asking the war declaration and saying that "never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty and civilization." Senate galleries were only partly filled during the momen tous action. Lord Halifax, the British ambassador, and Lady Halifax sat in the diplomatic galleries with other represen tatives of the diplomatic corps. G.O.P. Support Pledged Minority Leader McNary (R., Ore.) submitted a unanimous resolution of Republican mem bers pledging support to the president in prosecuting the war to a successful conclusion. At the other end of the cap itol, jammed galleries and a crowded floor waited for the representatives to follow the lead of their senatorial col leagues. In a brief, six-paragraph mes sage to congress, which follow ed declarations of war on this country by the two axis part ners, Mr. Roosevelt asserted that "the forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world now are moving towards this hemis phere." The text of the war message: "On the morning of Decem ber 11, the government of Ger many, pursuing Its course of world conquest, declared war against the United States. "The long-known and the long-expected has thus taken place. The forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world now are moving toward this hemis phere. "Never before has there Msn a greater challenge to life, lib erty and civilization. "Delay Invites great danger. Rapid and united effort by all of the peoples of the world who are determined to remain free will lasuxe a world victory of FORD Full Associated Praaa Accepted Germany and Italy today, there might against the axis partners OF AXIS ENEMIES Berlin, Dee. 11 VP) (Official radio received by AP) Adolf Hitler declared war against the United States today in a historic address before the relchstag. At the same time he announc ed a new military alliance of Japan, Italy and Germany for finish fight with the United States and Britain. The fuehrer disclosed that even while he spoke Germany was giving the . United States charge d'affaires his passport, marking the complete breach of relations. . . This formality took place at 4:20 p. m. (6:20 a. m.. PST). - The relchstag's cheers lasted several minutes when the fuehr er made his declaration. The military pact to make a common war against the United States and Britain pledged Ger many, Italy and Japan mutually to fight "to a victorious end with all available means" and later to "bring about a just order." None of the three Is to sign an armistice with either the United States or Britain "with out complete mutual consent." Rome, Dec. 11 (Official radio received by AP) Germany and Italy declared war today on the United States, arraying the axis' might with Japan's and joining the wars In the east and west into one titanic world struggle. This historic decision was an nounced by Premier Mussolini to tumultuous crowds in a five minute speech from the balcony of Palazzio Veneza. The fascist leader pledged his people victory and told them that President Roosevelt, "through a .series of infinite provocations, betraying with a supreme fraud the population of his country, wanted the war and had prepared for it day by day with diabolical obstinacy." He appeared on his palace balcony at 2:30 p. m. (4:50 a. m., PST). the forces of Justice and of righteousness over the forces of savagery and of barbarism. "Italy also has declared war against the United States. I therefore request the con gress to recognize a state of war between the United States and Germany, and between the United States and Italy." Germany's declaration of war against the United States was taken to the state department shortly before 9 o'clock by Hans Ihomsen, charge d'affaires of the German embassy. He was accompanied by Her bert von Strempel, first secre tary. Secretary of State Hull had not yet arrived and the Germans were instructed to wait. After letting the Germans wait for another ten minutes after he arrived. Secretary Hull sent out word that he was un able to receive them and Thom sen and Von Strempel were es corted to the division of Euro pean affairs, where they pre sented the declaration to Ray Atherton. chief of that division. Manufacturers In the United States are producing military shoes for Russia. MEDFORD, OREGON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, E BOTH OCCUPIED ISM CLAIM 350 Americans Taken Pris oner On Guam Is Word U.S. Sub, Destroyer Sunk Tokyo, Dec. 11... ..(Official Radio Received by AP) Japan ese forces have occupied Agana, the capital of Guam, without losses to themselves, and also have landed on Wake, the Jap anese reported today. An army communique said 350 Americans, Including Capt. George G. McMlllln, Guam's gov ernor, and the island's vice-governor and naval station com mandant, were taken prisoner. Domei reported the landing on Wake island. Destroyer Sunk A naval announcement said a United States destroyer and sub marine were sunk and a trans port damaged in a fierce Japan ese air bombardment yesterday on Cavite and Manila bay, in the Philippines. The war bulletin said that at least 81 United States planea were destroyed in the attacks, 45 of them in air combat, and that - at hard-hit Cavite naval base an arsenal explosion touch ed off large fires. Heavy damage on Nichols field, near Manila, also was re ported. The Japanese acknowl edged only five planes lost three missing and two which were said to have "dived head long into enemy position s" Direct hits on two British gun boats in a Japanese air attack on the Hongkong coast yesterday also were announced by the navy. 88 Planes Destroyed An army recapitulation of planes destroyed since Monday on the Malayan air front, a Brit ish zone of operations, listed 86, including 30 shot down in the air. Of these, it said, five were United States built Brewster Buffalo fighter planes. The Japanese said 25 of their nationals were found interned in Guam and were released while the landing force still continued "mopping up operations." A navy communique said a 3,000-ton United States tanker was captured in the Guam at tack. It declared that the Japanese, striking by sea from all sides of the island, gained their first foothold at dawn yesterday, when a naval landing party reached short at Port Apra, on the west coast of the Island, 1,500 airline miles east of Manila. The port is little more than five miles from Agana, the capital. Domei reported that a landing on Wake followed repeated Jap anese aerial attacks. Barracks and warehouses were said to have been smashed and set ablaze. The news agency report ed that seven United States planes were downed in a single day's dogfights In the skies over the island. DEFENSE COORDINATORS WILL ATTEND MEETING Salem, Dec. 11-UP) All county defense coordinators In Oregon were asked by Gover nor Charles A. Sprague today to attend a meeting here Monday morning to coordinate defense plans and to discuss policies. No Weather Reports At the request of military authorities and with approval st the chief of the U. S. weather bureau in Washing ton, D. C, the distribution of Washington and Oregon state and local forecasts and pub lished weather data has been discontinued until further notice according to an an nouncement released today by the local weather bureau at the Medford municipal air-oort. mm IF . Three Jap Naval Ships Sunk In Island Invasion Attempts BLACKOUT RULES Failure of Jackson . County Citizens To Cooperate In Defense Effort Seen. Blackout period for Jack son county will be the same tonight aa It was last night, from 12:30 to sunrise, tha Jackson County Council of Defense waa notified thla afternoon. The blackout area here extends to the California border. The nightly blackouts In Jack son county assumed more seri ous aspects today as authorities began to show Impatience with citizens who have not yet fully realized tha necessity of abiding by all defense regulations. There was considerable talk today about arrests and prosecutions of those who continue to Ignore defense orders. A list is being made each night of homeb, business places and advertising signs that re main illuminated during the blackout period. The public was warned again to stay off the streets and high ways during blackouts except ing In cases of absolute neces sity. Joy Riders Halted A dozen or so youthful auto ists driving around the city and valley early today, after the blackout hour, were stopped by Deputy Sheriffs and other offic ers and sent home with a warn ing that prosecution would fol low any further violation. Names of all drivers and their car li cense numbers were taken. The sheriffs office said the youths were actuated by curios ity and wanted to see what a blackout looked like. Two groups drove up from Ashland to see how thorough this city was blacked out The autolsta were warned that blue cellophane covering of lenses did not mean a thing, un less the lights were shielded. Blue light can be seen from the air the same as any other color, the sheriff's office said. Green was said to be the most visible of all colors. County Defense Council Instructions for Public ' ' ti I means ef Instructing the poblte efflclallr regarding . defense requirements, tha Jackson Connty Council of Defense lesuee tha follow ing statement todayi BlACKOt'T "The effectiveness ef a blackout system depends en the knowledge and the eooperaUve sptrtt of tha people at large. All concerned must realise fullT that planning and adnnoe preparauon contribute most to tha erfeetlvenoes of a blackout, . ''Ships crews and peeeengnrs are Instructed and required to practice well beforehand what they must do and where they muet go when danger threatens. The head of every household should act similarly with regard far those for whom ha la responsible during air raids and black out periods. "During blackout perloda all occupied room In tha house win have to be darkened and Ughta permanently turned out In ethers, with elec tric bulbs rcmoTod so that they cannot be turned on through careleee nees where windows are not covered. All lights near an outside door muet be aereened so that no light la vlalble when the door la opened. Pro vis ion must be mode to darken every window, sky ught, (lass door and ex terior opening wherever lights are used during blackout periods or wher ever there is a poeelblllty of such use. Dee dark Dllnde, window shades, thick curtains, special screens or other heavy material over such windows, sky lights, etc. Any material which allows a glow to be seen outside will not do. Outside garden or porch Ught bulbs must be removed so lights cannot be turned on by mletake. "All stores and factorlea should take similar steps to see that all lighting Is esunfulahed or so obscured as to be In vlalble from outside. "la order to make effective a possible necessary blackout la east of air raids during the tuna between duak and tha nightly blackout periods, all lights which are not at an times rendered In vlalble by use of proper covering on windows, sky lights, etc, should be turned out at duak unleea It Is poaeible to turn them out within five minutes. Illuminated bill boards or elens are Included m this precaution - 1941. Second War : ir President Roosevelt today signed declarations of war against Germany and Italy in answer to formal declarations by the two countries, partners of Japan. The president Is shown above sign ing the declaration of war last - Monday against Japaa aa Senator Charles L. McNary (It.) Oregon (right), and other mem bers of congress look on. S.P. PRESIDENT San Francisco, Dee. 11. (fP) Armand T. Mercler, vice presi dent of the Southern Pacific railroad, waa appointed presi dent of the $2,000,000,000 con cern today, succeeding the late Angus D. McDonald. . The action of the- railroad's board of directors came on Mer cier's 60th birthday. He resides at nearby Palo Alto, McDonald died November 18. in in 24 Years PORTLAND PASSES STRICT RULES FOR . Portland, Dec. 11. V-Violations of blackout regulations in. Portland can bring fines up to 8500, Jail aentences of aix months, or both, under an ordi nance passed by the council yesterday. The ordinance provided that unauthorized vehicles, including streetcars and busses, not be operated during blackouts. . Motor vehicles must be oper ated at not more than 20 miles an hour,, with dimmed exterior and no interior lights. They must . not . run without lights. however. Th proper ear light dim ming for authorized vehicles as recommended by Governor Sprague to Portland police calls for blacking out the entire head light lense except for a hori zontal strip one-half inch wide and three Inches long In the bottom half of th lens, th opening to be covered by blue or green celloohane. Tauugnts .ire to b blacked out except for a one-halt Inch square, the opening to be covered by blue or green cellophane. Albany, Dee. 11 (JPt Fail ure to comply with blackout requirements of the Linn county defense council will cost the : violator within the city limits I of Albany up to 8100 or a 80 day jail sentence It municipal 'authorities choose to invoke a new law. I Th council Wednesday night passed an ordinance requiring everyone within Its Jurisdiction j to observe rules of th defense I council. 1 Get the Habit bally mtet ef tha Was lis ara tba ones who profit meet, ot the habit of reading theee Ads. I'ee them yourself ana you will Una It profitable. The? com to Utila joa will aat mlis tba money. NO. 226. I U.S. AIR EORCES TAKE HEAVY TOLL IN PACIFIC WAR Light Cruiser and Destroyer Downed by Wake Island Defenders Says Stimson. Washington, Dee. 11 ) Tha navy announced today that four separate attacks on Wake island had been repulsed by defending United States forces in the past 48 hours and that on light cruiser and on de stroyer of Japanese forces had been sunk. A resumption of the attacks was expected, tha navy said, and an attempting at landing by the Japanese also was be lieved In prospect. The navy's ' a nnouncement came after Secretary of War Stimson had made known tha sinking by army bombers of -the Japanese battleship Haruna. 'Heavy Attack Tha navy issued this eom- munlque: 'The marine garrison on Wake Island has been subject to four separata attacks In the last 48 hours by enemy aircraft and one by light naval units. "Despite the loss of Dart of the defending planes, and the) damage to material and per sonnel, the defending garrison succeeded 1n sinking on light cruiser and on destroyer of tha enemy forces by air action. ' A resumption of the attack and a probable landing attempt Is expected. The marina garri son Is continuing to resist Tha above report is based on infor mation received up until noon December 11." Wake Island is en of chain of Island stepping stones to the far east originally de veloped principally for trans pacific Clipper flights. MANIUtlENSE Manila, Dec. 11 4:4S p. m. local time, 8:48 a. m. E.S.T.V UP) Japanese forces which landed on th coasts of Luzon island are being disposed of and mopped up by United Stat and Philippines troops, a U. 8. army spokesman declared today. Th spokesman earlier today announced a successful bomber attack which left a 20,000-ton Japanese battleship "blazing fiercely" and tha repulse by Filipino soldiers of a light Japa nese attack about 110 mile northwest of Manila. The spokesman said ther had been no further develop ments after an attempted land ing had been repulsed on th Llngayen area. "Enemy detachment that landed on th Luzon coast ar being disposed of," ha said. "Mopping up operations ara proceeding. "Our scout planes took to tha sir during the noon air raid and war reported to have kept a formation of Japanese) bombers away from Manila. Th enemy aircraft ara reported to bar turned back and last war seem headed In a westerly direction. Th situation Is completely In hand," th spokesman said. London, Dee. 11. PV Hugh Dalton, minister of economic warfare, said today that tha Japanese war would be "far from a walkover" and estimated Japan had sufficient oil to fight major war for 14 month. . as e
