Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 December 1941 — Page 1

FORECAST: Partly cloudly tonight and tomorrow; slightly cooler tonight. Lowest temperature about 35 degrees.

Today's News In Five Minutes

THE FAR EASTERN situation—all revolving about

Japan’s intentions—bubbled and boiled like a volcano this afternoon. what Japan would do, and nobody was taking chances. From Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canberra, Batavia came the same story: Full mobilization, emergency orders, readiness for whatever may come. President Roosevelt was back in Washington, ready to meet Kurusu and Nomura again. In the background was one encouraging report: That the Japanese have decided to continue negotiations with the U.S. in the hope of reaching some face-saving settlement.

Back Pedaling

IN LIBYA, the German armies

were in worse shape than ever. The British are savagely cutting up what remains of the Nazi armored divisions,

In Russia

THE MILITARY situation in Russia was confused early this afternoon. Moscow claimed to be

holding, but a late bulletin from

Berlin said that the German armies were within sight of the city “by field glasses.” At Rostov, there was not much doubt that the Russians had succeeded at driving back the Nazis.

THERE WAS a good deal of speculation about Marshal Petain's

trip today in Occupied France to see Herman Goering and possi-

bly Adolf Hitler. It all seemed to be adding to one conclusion, that Vichy was about to enter the “new order."

Auto Gadgets

MOST INTERESTING story out of Washington today came from OPM headquarters. In the near future all we may have in the new car line will be two and four-door sedans and no more convertibles and station wagons "for the duration.” Included in the proposed ban are all the fancy gadgets we've grown accustomed to.

Labor

CHAIRMAN MORSE of Mr. Roosevelt's special fact-finding board told Railroad labor and management today he was going to keep them in continuous day-and-night conferences in order to reach an agreement.

Flanner House

LOCALLY, THE BIG story of the day was the announcement of the Flanner House proposal. The Flanner House is a Negro social service agency, since 1898. The proposal is that the Park Board buys a city block at 16th and Missouri, leases it to

Flanner House for 99 years, the

agency erects a new building and

then turns the remaining property

over to the Park Board for a recreation site for Negro families.

Sports

THE MINOR LEAGUE baseball at Jacksonville to-

executives met at Jacksonville todays. Out of it may come news of interest here. The Indianapolis baseball club is on the block. At the moment, it must be sold or the franchise given another city.

Nobody knew

operating here

Securities Commissioner Maur‘ice’ G. Robinson (above) was appointed chief deputy secretary of state today by Secretary of State James Tucker. He succeeds Fred Shick who resigned recently to take a position with the Union Trust Co. Mr. Robinson will retain his old post with the Securities Commission.

CITY BACKS NEW FLANNER HOUSE

Park Board and Negro Center Take Option on Site for Project.

Plans of Flanner House, Negro center, and the City Park Departnt for the development of one of the largest Negro social service and community centers in the Midwest were made public today. Financed and operated jointly bt the two agencies, the proposed negro

center, which would be located at 16th and Missouri Sts, will cover

more than an entire City block and serve the recreation and social needs of 20,000 Negroes. The project is to consist of a new Flanner House to be erected on the

site, which will replace the present

center at 802 N. West St., and a giant playground and recreation center operated by the Park Depart-

ment. $82,000 Fund Available

The site, on which the City and Flanner House have taken an option, is owned by the Pure Oil Co. The sale price is reported to be $34,650 which is to be paid by the Park Department over a 10-year period. Under the arrangements, Flan-

the area from the City for 99 years for its proposed new building. The structure would be financed from an $82,000 building fund raised by the institution last spring to expand its social service facilities. Park officials were expected to seek City Council's sanction for the purchase tonight. The site for the project, the largest Negro recreation plan ever projected here, has a 365-foot frontage on W. 16th St., 441 feet on W. 15th St., and 390 feet on Missouri St. and a New York Central Railroad spur track, The site was chosen jointly by the Flanner House Board of directors and the Park Board partially on the basis of a detailed survey of Negro social service needs and partly because of its availability at what the Board and City officials deemed a reasonable price.

13 BADLY BURNED IN REFINERY BLAST

Fear Others Trapped in Oklahoma Explosion.

OKMULGEE, Okla; Dec. 1 (U. P.).—At least 13 men were burned seriously today in an explosion at the Phillips Petroleum Co. refinery. Approximately 250 men are employed at the plant, and not all of them had been accounted for. It was feared a number of the men working in the plant were trapped by the flames. Three large gasoline tanks exploded and firemen feared a fourth would explode. All of Okmulgee’s fire-fighting equipment was called to assist company firemen.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

Clapper .... 11. Johnson .... 12 Comics .... 19 Millett .... 15 Crossword ... 18 Movies .... 6 Editorials ... 12 Obituaries .... 7

.... 15 7 12

20 SHOPPING DAYS to Christmas

Also GIVE U.S. Defense Savings

BONDS and STAMPS

at STORES * BANKS POST OFFICES

12 6

ner House is to lease a portion of

adequate clothing. Some had

NAZIS REPORT

Reds Hurl Back Germans

Battle Rages On.

BERLIN—Germans claim to be within sight of Moscow’s center, but admit retreat from Rostov in face of numerical superiority of Russians.

MOSCOW—New Soviet counterattack reported driving Germans westward from Tulsa [Tula], southern keypoint of Moscow defenses.

CAIRO—British claim new Libyan gains and destruction of of remaining tanks of the Italian Ariete Division, east of Sidi Rezegh.

VICHY—Marshal Petain meets Reichsmarshal Goering, possibly Adolf Hitler, in occupied France, presumably to agree to details of France's entry into Nazi “new order.”

LONDON — Informed quarters report British ready to declare war on Finland, possibly Hungary and Rumania [Romania]; R. A. F. dumps 150 tons of bombs on Hamburg,

By UNITED PRESS

Germany's armed forces, rallying in a determined push on the Soviet Capital, have driven within sight of Moscow's center, an authorized Nazi spokesman in Berlin announced today. Earlier, the high command had admitted the Germans had been forced to withdraw Saturday from Rostov, key city at the mouth of the Don River in face of heavy Russion superiority in numbers. Meanwhile in a vast new counteroffensive, Moscow radio reports claimed, the Germans were being driven westward from Tula, south-

ern hinge of the Red capital's defenses. Bitter Fighting in Libya

These reports came as the British Near Eastern Command in Cairo reported that a bitter battle against the main Axis tank and infantry

in the Sisi Rezegh sector in Libya, but a British spokesman said the Germans failed in persistent new drives to escape encirclement. Destruction of half the remaining tanks of the Italian Ariete division east of Sidi Rezegh was claimed by the British. During the night, London claimed, the R.A..F. dumped 150 tons of bombs on Hamburg, attacked Emden and made low attacks on enemy shipping off the Dutch coast, scoring a hit on a tanker and several medium sized supply ships, one of which was left sinking. In Hamburg, it was said, “docks and a shipyard was bombed and many large fires were left burning. Berlin said 15 of the invading planes were shot

down. Petain Meets Goering

In addition to the actual fighting, major war news of the day included the meeting somewhere in Occupied France of Gen. Henri Philippe Petain and Vice Premier Jean Francois Darlan with Reichsmarshal Wilhelm Goering. It was believed that Petain would be forced to bring Vichy France into the Nagi “new order” and that Adolf Hitler might be at the conference. Informed quarters in London said Britain is ready to declare war on Finland, and possible Hungary and Rumania.

ported that “during the last two days, the battle of Moscow has developed very much in German’s favor.” “Moscow now is visible to the Germans with good field glasses,” a spokesman said.

On Two Fronts; Libya

forces is raging without a decision

In Berlin, the high command re-

Andaman Sea

British Bases Jap Air Bases Japanese Bases

THAILAND

Sisophon

Possible Japanese Thrusts at Thailand

Possible Japanese Thrusts at Burma Road

Thrusts at Burma Road

PRICE CEILING URGED ON CARS --- Inflation in Industry Has Begun, Dealers Told;

Gadgets Must Go.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (U.P) — Cyrus, McCormick, automobile chieftain for the Office of Price Administration, told auto dealers today that retail price ceilings must be set for new cars because inflation already has started in their industry. The dealers met with OPA representatives as other defense officials revealed that demands for materials in the armament program may require the automobile industry to restrict its production to two and four-door sedans without bridgework, wool upholstery, rubber floor mats and other unnecessary gadgets. Two Formulas Suggested Mr. McCormick said the OPA proposed to set wholesale as well as retail ceilings to prevent any possibility of dealers being “squeezed out.” “If we fail to secure your help we will fail in our assault on inflation,” he said. “The OPA alone can’t do the job. It must have the support of public opinion.” Mr. McCormick proposed two possible formulas, both assuming prior imposition of wholesale ceilings. One, known as the “freight markup” formula, would allow the dealer to mark up the transportation cost by 25 per cent and a markup of 3 per cent: of the list price for delivery and handling charges. The second would allow a 5 per cent addition for handling charge but would allow no markup in freight

cost. “An industry-OPM decision to produce only two and four-door sedans would eliminate from the civilian new-car market for the duration of the emergency station wagons, limousines, town cars, roadsters,

coupes and convertible models.

bridge-

Here is the stage on which the next act of the perennial Far Eastern war may be fought.

Rocket Plane Called Success

ROME, Dec. 1 (U. P.)—A pro-pellor-less plane, one of rocket type driven partly by power derived from its exhaust explosions, has made a successful flight be-

announced today. The plane made the flight in two hours 15 minutes 47 seconds at a speed of 109.45 kilometers (70 miles) an hour, it was said.

NAZI RAIDER SUNK BY BRITISH CRUISER

Trapped Refueling Sub South Atlantic.

LONDON, Dec. 1 (U.P.).—A German armed raider was sunk by the 9850 ton British Cruiser Devonshire in the South Atlantic Nov. 22 after a futile attempt to escape behind a smoke screen, the Admirality announced today. No oy were picked up because of the presence of a German submarine, the communique said. The German raider; intercepted by the British cruiser, caught fire after a 10-minute shelling by its

said, and the crew abandoned ship. Soon after the crew had taken to boats the raider’s magazine exploded and the ship sank, it said. It was disclosed that an airplane from the Devonshire first sighted the raider, which apparently had halted to refuel the submarine, and that the Devonshire, racing in, had first determined that the ship was German and then had opened fire on it.

HOURLY TEMPERATURES 6 a.m. ... 48 10 a.m. ... 53

7 a.m. ... 47 11 a.m. ... 54 8 a. m. ... 49 12 (Noon) . 55

9 a.m. ... 52 1 p.m. ... 61

Admits Far Eastern Worry;

Others in Congress

and consistently standing with us.

eight 8-inch- guns, the Admiralty

HERE ARE two messages: The first is to the thousands of fans who supported the TimesLegion Golden Gloves tournament last winter and to the young men: whose skill and sportsmanship gave them such a good show— The $1524.65 which The Indianapolis Times Clothe-A-Child campaign received from your tournament has been spent in full.

IT CLOTHED 153 youngsters— 114 Friday, the first day of the 12th annual Clothe-a-Child campaign, and 39 more Saturday. These children you clothed were ones the Social Service Department of the public schools and social service agencies had listed as “urgent.” In many cases “urgent”

that the youngsters had been forced to stay at home from absent from their classes as long as two weeks.

school because they didn’t Mrs. B— is one of the mothers Her

Mrs. B— had a serious illness which required her to spend several weeks in the hospital.

SHE HAD been back with her husband and children only four days when, two weeks ago today, the coal-oil-stove in their little home exploded. The flames destroyed everything in their kitchen. Their home was saved, but Mr. B— contracted pneumonia carrying water to fight the blaze on that chilly evening. Mrs. B— will have to go back to the hospital

Two Messages—and They Clearly Tell the Whole Story of Clothe-A-Child Campaign

Minister Winston Churchill observed his 67th birthday anniver-

enough of the six-inch guns available to meet initial requirements,

and mount are in production.

disable or sink at long range, light

low silhouette, making the gun a

CHURCHILL WORKS AS

days as other days,” a spokesman

ADVISE PUBLIC, VANNOYS ASKS

Urge Firm Policy.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.(U. P).— Congressional leaders generally today urged a firm policy toward Japan. Senator Frederick VanNuys . Ind.), a non-interventionist, conceded that the situation was critical, but merely asked that the “public should be old what is happening before we go to war.” Senator Elbert D. Thomas “(D. Utah) who is considered one of the Senate’s best-posted members on Oriental affairs, said that if the United States “stands firm” in its demands, it may be able to force an adjustment in the Far East without war. “If the United States will stand firm, there may be enough strength in that firmness to save the situation,” he said in an interview, “because every other nation interested in the whole Pacific area is logically

“That brings so much pressure against Japan that it is the equivalent almost of war, “I believe that the Japanese will see this as the world sees it and that peace in the Orient will be saved by America’s wise leadership."

NEW 6-INCH GUNS T0 DEFEND COASTS

Island Bases Also to Get Improved Weapon.

WASHINGTON, Deo. 1 (U. P)~— The War Department disclosed today that seacoast and island base defenses are being strengthened with new and powerful six-inch guns. The new guns, according to Brig. Gen. G. M. Barnes, Chief of Ordnance Research, will be provided with streamlined armor plate “hoods” to protect crews against shell fire and aerial bombs. Gen. Barnes said that there are

and that the new safe-shelter hood He said that the improved gun is “very accurate and its projectiles, weighing more than 100 pounds, can

or medium class warships.” He said that the hood provides a

difficult target to hit either from the air or surface.

USUAL ON BIRTHDAY

LONDON, Dec. 1 (U.P)--Prime

sary yesterday, “busy as usual.” Mr. Churchill is as busy Sun-

F. D. R. Returns From Georgia and Takes Hand in New Far Eastern Crisis; Hull Again See Two Envoys.

MANILA-Authorities reportedly take “emergency steps” following secret meeting of United States Army and naval commanders. SHANGHAI—British declare ‘state of emergency for Straits Settlement and federated Malay. states; mobilize all armed forces for instant service. TOKYO—Japanese Cabinet discusses Japanese--American relations amid reports Washington conversations to be continued two weeks; new bombings reported against southern Chinese bases and troops. SHANGHAI—U. S. consular officials warn Americans to evacuate occupied China.

CANBERRA—Australian ministers deliberate Pacific “situation” in special War Cabinet session.

By JOE ALEX MORRIS United Press Foreign News Editor

Allied powers took unprecedented military and naval precautions in the Far East today in apparent fear o imminent Japanese thrust to the south. Events moved rapidly in Washington where Secretary of State Cordell Hull conferred for an hour and five minutes with Japan’s two envoys. While they were in Mr. Hull's office, President Roosevelt arrived back in the Capital after his dash from Warm Springs, Ga., and prepared to deal first hand with the momentous problems arising from the tension in the Pacific. He conferred with Mr. Hull for an hour.

Tokyo Newspapers Gloomy

Tokyo newspapers took a gloomy view of increasing tension in the Pacific, asserting that negotiations at Washington faced great difficulties and that Japan was making preparations for eventualities despite earlier reports that the Cabinet wanted to continue conversations for at least two weeks. Japanese nationals were reported leaving Thailand. Great Britain put virtually all strategic sectors from Hongkong to Burma, Singapore and Austrlia on an emergency war basis, ordered defense forces mobilized for instant action and reinforced vital areas adjacent to Thailand and Japanese-held Indo-China. . The United States Naval and Army staffs at Manila were reported to have decided on emergency steps following a secret, joint meeting. The Dutch East Indies mobilized full air force strength

kin

following British reports that Japanese warships were within striking distance of Borneo.

‘Bayonets Fixed’ Thai Papers Say

Thailand newspapers commenting on army and air maneuvers under Japanese direction in Indo-China charged that “already bayonets are fixed” against the Thai borders. Britain named Admiral Sir Tom Phillips as new naval commander-in-chief in the Far East and it was reported that British naval reinforcements, apparently including the new 35,000-ton battleship Prince of Wales, were in Far Eastern waters. Perhaps the most striking precautionary measures were

taken in the British sectors immediately adjacent to Japa-

nese-held territory. British forces at Hongkong were reported sent to war positions, Australia was described officially as a “war station” and a state of emergency was. ordered in Singapore and the Malaya areas. Two Envoys in Sober Mood In Washington the Japanese envoys said they had dis-

cussed with Mr. Hull “some subordinate phases” of the situation. They left the State Department in a very sober

mood.

Special Envoy Saburo Kurusus said at one point that there would be a further talk “If I'm instructed to that effect.” But a little later he said he “expected” to continue the talks and that today’s conference was “not to be regarded as the end of the talks.” Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura said he was “always hopeful and optimistic,” adding: “I believe it is wise statesmanship to save the situation. It is my duty and, my responsibility, and it must be that way. " The President's dash back to the Capital from Warm Springs—where he stayed only 24 hours—was attributed by the White House to dispatches: quoting the Japanese mier; Gen. Hideki Tojo, as saying on Saturday that United

States and British interests in the Far East should be

purged. Prior to conferring with Mr. Hull, Kursu told reporters

that Tojo was “badly misquoted” and that he had sent

for a text of the Premier's rémarks, which he said were

made in a 10-minute radio address.