Journal Gazette from Mattoon, Illinois • Page 1

Sixty-Seventh Year. No. 269 Entered as second class mail matter at Mattoon. minol MATTOON, ILLINOIS, TUESDAY EVENING DECEMBER 9, 194 All Phone 250 Price 5 Cents 1 rr 1 aw on nn MO BRITISH ASK ASSURANCES JAP BOMBERS RETURN TO AIR RAID ALARMS KEEP MOST OF TERRITORY FROM ALASKA TO MEXICO DARK ALL NIGHT 2 Alarms in I Kforneri PRESIDENT TO TELL NATION OF PLIGHT TONIGHT JAPAN ATTACKS III AREA OF SINGAPORE CANCELS ALL LEAVES AT GREAT LAKES STATION Lake Bluff, ill. INS) Rear Admiral John Downes, commander of the Ninth Naval District, today ordered all leaves cancelled at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

Dowries' order said: "All leaves previously granted are cancelled. All personnel other than recruits in a leave status shall be "directed to Immediately return to AGAINST USE OF GAS London INS Great Britain has formally asked Japan, Finland, Hungary and Rumania for assurances that gas will not be used in the war, it was learned today. (Editors' Note: The British Far Eastern command said Monday it was unable to confirm unsubstan- tiated rumors that Japanese troons MM Two Squadrons of Enemy Planes, Be- lieved to Be Nipponese, Twicle Sweep Past Golden Gate duty. No other leaves will be granted other than the normal recruit leave, except in emergencies." BRITISH RUSH RESERVES TO NORTH MALAYA XT JUpS mdhC iCW JUclIlU- day night, was driven off by Amerl-fnp" nrhpr "fnr At- can interceptors, but the attackers tions against Britain and the United States.) 0 S. WANTS TO USE RED BASES IN FAR EAST TV MUeSlIOn 10 I5e JJ1S- Clgfj With NeW a KUSSian Ambassador BY KINGSBURY SMITH (I.

N. S. Staff Correspondent) Washington The United States government, responsible quarters in Washington disced tpdaj wanfe Soviet Russia to grant theAmer-ican air force the use of air bases in Russian far eastern territory for action against Japan. There are strong indications in official quarters that such Russian support in the war against Japan will be one of the first questions to be" taken up with Maxim Litvinoff, the new Soviet BY INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE. Washington The War Department announced today that all air fields on the continental United States had been ordered on the "alert." Washington The White House today conceded that American losses in the Pacific are heavy "heavier than first reported" but pending a sifting of reports, details will be withheld.

The White House statement wasfnade as the House naval affairs committee announced it will question Secretary of Navy Frank Knox and Admiral Harold Stark, Chief of Naval Operations, Wednesdays the "attack at Pearl Harbor;" New York- Ford Wilkins, C. B. S. correspondent in Manila, reported to his head office today that unverified reports that Tokio, Kobe and Formosa had been bombed, reached Manila. He emphasized there was no confirmation.

Washington Secretary of State Corded Hull today warned the nation to be on guard to the best of its ability against surprise attacks. The secretary, at his press conference, said he thought the country should be on guard against surprise military movements, especially when there are international desperadoes prowling around in the world. BY INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE. Terse warning that a Japanese invasion oi mm Oakland, Cal. (MS) Oakland police and sheriff's offices today broadcast a warning that unidentified planes had been sighted approaching the California coast.

New York (INS) While New Ydr'k breathed easier after cancellation or its nrst air raia alarm nis- tory lis afternoon, a second alarm was sounded -at 2:04 p. m. The first alarm in Manhattan proper lasted only 11 minutes after "enemy" planes, had been reported approacmng tne city lor two nours before the alarm finally was giyen. Newbold Morris, acting mayor, re- portea uiac tne secona alarm loosea "ke the 'real thing, The first alarm had been de scribed variously as a "full dress test" and as "an official air raid alarm." Pursuit planes had scarcely, returned to their base at Mitchel Field th ec0nd alarm BOUnded ln New York Unlike the first air raid warning, the second appeared to have originated with the police department for the air defense command head quarters said their last signal was "all clear" given after the first Inquiries at the air defense head-quarters as to the second alarm brought comments of surprise. Callers were told "we have given no signal since the all clear for the first alarm." Police Commissioner Lewis J.

Val- entine later announced that the lrarrm was what is known as yellow a precautionary signal. Washington (INS) President Roosevelt today proclaimed the threat of Tt triple invasion by Germany, Italy and Japan and Issued regulations Involving conduct of nationals of those three nations in the United States. MRS. DAVID PARSE 84; IRONS, VISITS Mrs. David Parse, 1721 Piatt avenue, celebrated her 84th birth- day today by walking to the busi ness section and visiting the office of The Journal-Gazette after doing her ironing.

"I did my washing Monday," Mrs. Parse said, "and my ironing today. It's 'fine to be able to do it, though. I can be thankful that I still am able to take care of myself." SENT TO KUSTER FIEU Two Mattoon young men who were inducted into the U. S.

Army with the November delegation of draftees from the west side of Coles county have been assigned to duty at Kuster Field, Miss. The young men are George Hall, 1504 Charleston avenue, and Charles Maurice Davis, 2817 Prairie avenue. FOREST FIRE OF WAR uStSSmlmfS the northwest might be attempted momen-matter with secretary of state tarily followed on the heels today of night Cordell Hull late Monday Great Britain plans to join with the umt- of successive air raid alerts with screaming ed states in urgfeg Russia tb lend girens keeping San Francisco and most of the ite support to the united front in Ai j.nr i west coast irom AiasKa to mexico uarKeneu throughout the harrowing hours. The mayor of Victoria, B. rushed out an official warning that a flotilla-of swift Jap- anese men-of-war is tian islands, off the tip of Alaska.

He warned that an invasion might be attempted. The y-, 1 -t i Royal Canadian air force was reported stand mff by i wo souaclrons of Spring "Quickie" Attack On Nichols Field, U. S. Air Base BY ROBERT ROBB (I. N.

S. Staff Correspondent) Manila Driven off in one at tempt to raid suburban areas of Manila, the first try at bombing the Philippine cap'ital itself, Jap- anese raiders returned today for a "quickie" bombing attack upon Nichols Field, army air base blasted by Nipponese explosives Monday. lue 1 The first raid, which came. Mon- jetumed at 3:09 a. Manila time, sneaking over the field and dropping their hnmhs.

Thpv wpr streakine- away when the air raid alarm was sounded. Many Leave Manila. Manila was being vo fii or art Vm thrtltcoTirlo rf tacl dents today. Much of the accelera- Hon In the stream of evaeuees was due to Monday night's abortive raid upon the suburbs. Horse jdrawn carriages, buses and battered old autos Jammed main streets leading to the interior of the Island of Luzon.

Meanwhile, authorities sought to confirm reports that t.rnorw hurl lanripd on trnv mbang island, 65 miles south of Manila bav These reports said that Nipponese soldiers gained control of the island and it principal city, also named liii bang. The Cragg island commands one 61 the major sea passages through the Philippine Archipelago between the China sea and the Pacific ocean. While unestimated scores of "wounded packed Manila hospitals grim mementoes of two days of Jap air raids upon military establishments in the Manila area-American army and navy air forces maintained a constant patrol. Fears of another clear night tonight, similar to that which aided the sunrise-crested raiders in. -un leashing their bombs upon Nichols Field and other strategic points early this morning, resulted in add ed precautions.

Estimate Casualties at 350. (Two short wave radio stations and Nichols Field were hit in a new 10-mlnute air raid this morning, but casualties "do not appear to have been laree according to a Brit- jh radio broadcast picked up by C. B. Estimates of dead, injured and damage at the six points attacked Monday and the several objectives of the Nipponese bombers early today were still hazy. However, preliminary estimates placed Clark Field casualties at 200, Davao 100 and Baguio 50.

All these were bombed in the first raid series. There were many rumors of naval battles ln progress near the Archipelago, but no official statement on them was forthcoming. Confirmation was received, however, that, Pan American Airway's veteran Hong J1 if damaged, probably beyond repair, by aJap bomb as the fjflng boat lay In Hong -ong naroor Japanese strategy began to become apparent. The points thus far bombed by the Japanese Davao, Clark Field, Nichols Field. Tuge-garao, Tarlac.

Iba, Baguio all are important American air base or basic supply depots. Coupled with reports of Japanese capture of Guam, and attacks upon the two other American "stepping stones" to the Orientt, this was tak- en by non-official observers to mean that the imperial genetol staff hopes to cut off the Philippines from American mainland support by capturing stop-of points needed by long-range American bombers for mass flighls. 13 SHOPPING DAYS till Christmas Also GIVE U.S.DcfettseSdvinks. BONDS and STAMPS at STORES BANKS POST OFFICES i i xi ese, twice during the night set the siren wail- incf in the Ferrv building in San Francisco and To Give Painful War Facts in Address at O'Clock BY GEORGE DURNO (I. N.

S. Staff Correspondent), Washington President Roosevelt will take command of all radio channels at 9 o'clock, C. 8. tonight to give the nation and the world a blunt appraisal of the American position in the Pacific following the first 48 hours of war with Japan. ft mure complete aocumeniauon of reverses sustained by U.

A "more complete documentation" S. land, air and sea forces ln Hawaii, me ruuippines ana oiner racmc areas was promised by the White House as Mr. Roosevelt apparently determined to give the public painful facts short of revealing military Information to the enemy. Capital on 24-Hour Basis. Official Washington, meanwhile; was on a 24-hour, all-out schedule to bring- about an ultimate and "absolute victory." Congress, unanimously behind the commander-in-chief, cleared decks to jam through money bills aiid tr legislation needed to fur- nisn tne sinews of war.

Tne Treasury Department moved in every direction to blockade Japanese credits and otherwise strangle the Nipponese financially. Secretary of State Hull and his diplomatic corps worked unceasingly to line up Central and South America into a united western heni ispheric front against the savage invaders from Toklo. President Roosevelt plotted his day to devot all possible time to the draft of tonight's momentous half-hour broadcast. Progressive official reports from the far-flung battle front already established by the Japanese kept the address subject to constant revision. It was deemed likely that the President would undertake to set at rest, one way or the other, dls- over-nlght have turned Washington Into a doleful whispering gallery.

i rn a nnf riii nrnicrMarincr era i ifinr White House Secretary Stephen T. Early, in announcing the broadcast, conceded that "losses had e1 heavier than expected." He refused to comment for the time being on reports emanating from Toklo and widespread in congressional cloakrooms that the U. 6. battle fleet had been dealt a smashing blow. One Democratic congressman, John D.

Dingell of Michigan, member of the powerful House ways and House ways and gave voice to lercurrent of dis- means committee, some of the undercurrent satisfaction when he demanded that the army and navy institute im- mediate court martial proceedings agalnst five of the highest ranging officers charged with of, badly crippled outposts. Unwilling to curb their appetites for expansion and realizing that the pinch of economic pressure would increase as time passed, they doubtless judged the opportunity clearer now than it might be later. and hoped to improve the oppor- tunlty by a surprise move. It is hard to see on what, If any, long-term calculations tliey acted. Military confidence that habitually underrates oppositions, militaristic ambition that has only forward gears, nationalistic arrogance that withdrawal or naval DaIKS a wllfarawa1' or nava vuvy ui, uic way oajjaiicac aiiujr has hitherto played the leading role, all may have been factors.

These factors may have had a more decisive influence than any calculations. The pattern of the Japanese plan has not yet fully emerged but Its apparent aims are to secure a grip on Thailand's strategic points be tween Thailand and Japan, while simultaneously forestalling lntervfen- tion in this "inner circle" by pushing back the Anglo-American "outer circle" of actual or potential bases. The further the Japanese can extend this strategic covering zone, the more quickly they may hope to check a counter-offensive. Hence the key importance of the time factor and of 'early results. Report 2 U.S.

Island Bases Have Been Taken Nnt Confirmed Toklo (Via Official Japanese wireless)-- (INS) Japan's Imperial headquarters announced today that Nipponese troops now are attacking in the area of Singapore, Britain's mighty Tar Eastern fortress; (Editors' Note A British com munique Issued at Singapore said there was "absolutely no truth" In this Japanese claim.) i A new war communiue issued by Imperial headquarters said: Japanese warships Monday aft- way isiana (American? ana ei lire to hangars and fuel depots. Japanese troops now are attack ing the Singapore area. Raid Malaya. "Air units are carrying out daring raids on British air bases Malaya. A number or-British planes have teen The naval section of the impe rial headquarters claimed that In the raids on American air bases in the Philippines Monday, 25 Amen- can pianes were snot aown una i were destroy ea on uie grouna.

i announcement said "five Japanese planes are missing. "During the night," this com munique added, "further raids were carried out on military objectives. All Japanese planes returned to their bases undamaged. An official announcement also Said Japanese wcuvseajjang-. kok, capital of Thailand, ana mat the first contingents began enter ing the city shortly after 9 p.

m. Monday, These new claims were put for ward after the Japanese government radio claimed an "annihilating mow had been struck against tne united States naval fleet in tne racmc. An official Japanese announcer said at least 11 American navai tinlta had been put out or action two battleships ana a minesweeper gunk and lour otner capital snips and four "large cruisers" cnppiea. Asserting these losses were suf fered in the Japanese attacxs on. Hawaii, the Toklo broadcaster saw: "In other words the Pacific fleet of the Unitea states in we iirsi day of hostilities sunerea an anm- filiating blow ana lis pian to carry out operations in tne western pa cific has been completely irusuat- (Editors' Note A British radio broadcast picked; up by c.

a. saia: The Japanese version oi josses American lighting as Hawaii is rem iniscent -of the exaggeratea uer- man ciaima on mc ivumum wnt The official radio also broadcast claims that seaDorne Japanese forces "completely occupieu a 1 1 American Island, navai Daseo oi Guam ana waxe in wie soum r- clfic. The hlgn commanq, nowever, has not yet ciaimea capiuio ui these two strategic lsianas. KELLY IN COMMAND OF CHICAGO DEFENSE Chicago INS Mayor Edward J. Kelly today toon commana oi um- CBKOS ClVUlttU ucicuoc luiio wi I 1 guard against enemy sabotage and the possibility oi a aireci aiiacn oy the Japanese.

At a special meeting with the 100 members oi tne unicago lk- lense Commission, Mayor iiy ui- rected'that a volunteer aeiense war den be assignea to eacn city Stressing the necessity of pre venting sabotage at an cosus. no said: "A war such as this brings sab- A. 1 1.. tag to the nomes we musi iiguk in our bacK yaras as weu as our front, These waraens musi uuw A. block and' vrv nersou ai uu ivhats going on ana wnai.M-.eu aboutr ISmds for 1,000 more policemen end 800 more tu-emen win oo re- ouested Of the city uouncu.

WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION 1113 Prairie avenue, 5 rooms, eemi-modern, "Pelance property. FridayDec. 19, at 3 p. in' front of The National Bank of Mattoon. Executor of the Estate of Augusta Pelance.

-13-15 FRED GARDNER. Auctioneer latn uh uiugaiutc Hong Kong (INS) All the mainland defenses of Ilong Kong are being successfully, maintained, it was officially an- Bounced tonight, after an earlier communique told of the vir- tual "annihilation" of a Jap-anese platoon during inland skirmishes. BY S. A. WTKES N.

S. Staff Correspondent) Singapore-British reinforcements were rushed to northern Malaya to-" day after the Japanese landed more forces there for a renewed offensive against Singapore. ine ariasn rar Eastern nign command, admitting the Japanese had succeeded ln landing additional troops, said the area still was the scene of severe and fighting. Predict AU-Out Jap Effort. A war communique predicted an all-out Japanese effort to gain control of northern Malaya, but said British military dispositions were designed to meet this thrust.

A later special communique said there was "absolutely no truth" ln Japanese and German reporti that a Japanese landing had been effected further south in Malaya or that a direct landing attempt had been launched against Singapore. (Japan's imperial headquarters said Nipponese troops have launched an attack ln the area of Singapore Itself.) A new war bulletin, issued after Japanese planes subjected the great RlnBnn hasi. -nfhor Vow- "Fighting, in north Malaya has been severe and Js still confused. "British reinforcements should reach the area during today. The Japanese have succeeded to- making additional landings.

"Fighting for control of the Kota Bahrii airdrome was particularly severe and -lasted throughout the night." Another communique said "prearranged reinforcement and reconnaissance plans between Australia, the Philippine Islands and the Netherlands East Indies have been fully implemented." FRANK HARWOOD DIES NEAR JANESVILLE pttial Th. j.urn.l.o..tt. Janesville, 83, died early today at his home east of Janesville. He had been ln ill health since he suffered a heat stroke Aug. 4.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Farmlngtori church. Burial will be at Shiloh cemetery. Mr. Harwood was born in Indiana May 2, 1859, a son of Mr. and Mrs.

Ephratm Harwood. He came to Illinois when young, and spent most of his life ln this, vicinity. He married Miss 'Allle Best more than 65 years ago. Surviving art his wife, two sons, Ross of Lerna and Lieut. Col.

Otto Harwood of Manila, P. sister, Mrs.i Llllle Swisher of Charleston, and a brother, Jess Harwood of Charleston. War Interrupts Huss Series on Germany As a result' of the sudden war situation, the aeries of articles by Pierre J. Huss on "In-. side Germany Today" will te delayed temporarily.

The' second of. the series, as well as following article, will appear as soon as possible. brought the realities of credulous populace of Twice during the night, StersS of the constant fear under which European cities exist, th i prmini-nf lights luc.Kutl"eixIJ 1 liU; ul i on lne great Day Dridges anu ilkminatiop in the city were snapped suddenly off. OregonianfT were shdeke Oreconiang "were shocked jnto the realities'of another threat- T1e coast guard Sta tion at Florence in the mid- lurkincr near the Aleu- nlanes. believed Janan- war to its stunned, in 650,000.

ARMSTRONG CALLS IIKflrl llrrlMAlX ws swsf.v Chicago (INS) CoL Paul G. stronfc Illinois -draft board Arm-head. suvuo, uuiuu uiu outuu ucao. tav siimmonwi tnHncr ntatj draft officials "for Thursday night Chicago to lay plans for an ex- Pted" widening of the draft law scope- The drait officials at their meeting will study all means of calling nn more mAnnowpr tn mopt. war H.

reconsideration of all cases was ex, tQ foUow flnd locftl anIt heads gald lt wa8 very wobable that the release granted prospective draftees over years i age win db rescenaea oy cnange in me national arais law. It was held possible that the ffilnlmum draft age be changed 2l to 18 years. landed on tiny Lubang Island which commands a major 1 sea lane 65 miles sputh of Manila have not been confirmed. Meanwhile, Toklo boasted great progress In its land-sea-air blitzkrieg an attack by troops In the die of the night called on mands. The session will be held be-civilian defense authorities hind closed doors, it was announced, in Western Lanp conntv to An immediate reclassification and ee Pacific.

Would Add Strength. Use of Russian air bases, it Is felt, "would greatly aid the American air force to thet Far East hv deliv ering knock-out blows to Japan. with the use of such bases, Amer- ftomYSsS the Nippon empire with far greater bomb loads than otherwise would be possible. After dropping their deadly cargoes on Japan, the Amer- lean nlanes. it is Domted out.

could ny on to Russian bases and refuel ratner man Deing compeuea re. turn to their own bases. oranting of such assistance to tne unitea stares is regarded in Washington as a test of the Soviets' friendship and willingness to reciprocate for the aid which the United States rendered Russia in its hour of peril. Watch Europe. Meanwhile, American officials are anXiousV watching Germany for a surprise new move in Europe.

nrevaJls in official appreneiunon picvaua ui wiuviim rtormanw ond Ttniw mow. declare war against the United states at any moment, and follow up the declaration with a new blow, possibly lthMediterraneaa It also is considered possible that Hitler mav attemnt toin Russia Hitler may attempt to win Russia over with a peace offer. PTJNCHBOARD "FAN" GETS 3 TEARS ON PROBATION Springfield, Fit- man, former Springfield post ftffice clerk who admitted embezzling 299 in postal funds "to play the punchboards" Is at liberty on pro- batlon. pleaded to cnarge WM pUt on probation j.or three years by Federai judge Charles G. Briggle.

Hit Vy ar flCCuS lllOnC'V It will cost money to defeat Japan. Your government calls on you to help now. Buy defense bonds or stamps today. Buy them every day, if you can. But buy them on a regular basis.

Bonds cost as little as $18.75, stamps come as low as 10 cents. Defense bonds and stamps can be bought at alt banks and post of-i fices, and stamps can also be purchased at retail stores. The Journal-Gaxette Urges all Americans to support their government with their dollars. iiaiiaaaaiaiaiaaaaaiiita Japan May Learn Age-Old Lesson on Counter-Offensives Hart yu miming ui uupaneae paru- chute troops. Ilighways were blocked, cars searched, or- Uerett tO proceed Without lin-lifa nX A.

Brig. Gen. WUham Ord Ryan, head of the Fourth Interceptor. Squadron, and Capt. Kilpatrick, chief, of staff of the 12th naval district, agreed that two squadrons of planes.

twice Swept from the Pacific past the Golden Gate and Its forts. They said there were no "friendly planes" supposed to be In the air at that time. However, in Washington, until (EDITORS' NOTE Capt. B. Hart declares that the sudden Japanese" attack on United States and British possessions in the Pacific was motivated by the pinch of economic pressure and unwillingness to curb appetites for expansion.) BY CAPT.

B. II. LIDDELL HART (Noted British Military Expert and Analyst) (Written Expressly for I. N. London The spread of war into the Pacific now rings the globe; 6.Wv,, like a gigantic forest fire.

At least lt would look that way to an); observer, from Mars. To future historians, this" planet may look more like an epidemic of insanity. By Japan's action, the title World War II is fulfilled ln fact as well as ln name to an extent that may make the last war seem like a limited affair. The Japs have chosen toke the offensive against both America and Brltain. They may find, that the outcome will prove repetition of the age-old lesson that counter-offensive is more deadly than an offensive.

It is easy to guess the Immediate calculation whereupon the Japanese, precipitated the conflict and embarked on the offensive. early today. Gen. George C. Mar- Bangkok.

'capture of the United shall, army chief of staff, persisted states hlSiQda of Quam an(J Wato in saying, "we cannot confirm the ln paciflCf dfestructlon of presence of any hostile 100 planes Honolulu While naval planes swarmed over Guam, sinking of 11 United States the coast hunting the two Invading war vessels and the bombing of squadrons of mystery planes be- Midway Island, United States 1s-lieved to a smoke iand possession ln mid-Pacific, with screen of official silence continued resultant fires to hangars and oil to cloak activities of the "avenging" stocks. All these claims were ununited States fleet reported battling confirmed, off the Hawaiian and Philippine Is- lands. LET ME HELP YOU Japanese bombers again pounded sell a farm, having eold the forte And airfields Burroundlng a 40 acre and a 100 acre farm last Manila bay. The London Dally Tel.weelc- Joseph O. render, phone fgraeh "P01 v100 170 by an air attack on Iba, coastal ELKS CLINIC town 70 miles northwest of Manila.

Methodist Memorial Hospital, 9 a ttiat Klprjoa lorcea have Wednesday, Dec. 10. 12-9 a..