Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh ended a twelve-day stay in Germany today without having met Chancellor Hitler despite having sat almost within speaking distance of each other at the Olympic Games.
The American flyer and Mrs. Lindbergh took off quietly for Copenhagen, Denmark, after the Colonel had paid tribute to the progress of Germany's aviation industry.
After his departure, it became known that Colonel Lindbergh and Chancellor Hitler had occupied seats within feet of each other at the ceremonies yesterday. Nobody apparently made any effort to introduce them.
In American diploamatic quarters it was explained "no time coud be found that was convenient to both which to arrange the meeting".
German and American officials disclaimed knowledge of plans for any future meet of the two.
"Germany leads the world in lighter-than-air craft" Colonel Lindbergh commented to friends before his departure. "That, of course, is something we all knew before I came. I was genuinely surprised to find that Germany has thoroughly developed Diesel motors for aviation purposes.
"In this, too, she leads the world. We in America have not begun to develop and exploit Diesel motors as has Germany.
"Germany was in front before and during the war as regards heavier-than-air craft, but she naturally lost the lead on account of post-war conditions. She is coming up fast, however, and sail-planing, too, is a great art in Germany."
Colonel Lindbergh added that in general he was intensely pleased by what he had observed in Germany.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
The Opening Ceremonies of the XIth Olympiad
A gray sky that threatened rain without ever really fulfilling that threat towered today over the Opening Ceremonies of the 11th Olympic Games of modern times. It was not a misfortune, because there stood out in sharper relief all the brilliant coloring of this most picturesque of ceremonies, which comes only once ever four years.
The picture against this gray background was the huge expanse of the world's newest and biggest stadium and the great throng of 110,000 that filled the gray stone benches. In the arena below, the greenest of lawns was cut by the running track of red cinders. At each end wide granite stairways leading to the skyline were broken only by the twin stone clock towers and the unadorned flagpoles.
At one side was an orchestra, reinforced by the drums and bugles of a half-dozen military bands, and above them was a choir of a thousand, all in white. At the other side a line of gray benches was broken by a square, outstanding platform, equipped with microphones for the Caesar of this era, the German Führer, and his entourage. Below that was a little forest of chairs for the Ambassadors and special envoys of nations.
As the ceremonies continued, a little girl in blue, her fair hair bound by a chaplet of flowers, came forward and, making a German curtsey, gave the Führer a bouquet of roses. He touched her hair and evidently spoke gently to her while Count Henri de Baillet-Latour took her by the hand and led her with the notables in frock coats and top hats to the Caesar's dais. The assembly remained standing still, vociferating in a chorus of "heils". The Germans in unison saluted their beloved Führer.
The bands broke into "Deutchland Uber Alles" then into the Nazi anthem, the "Horst-Wessel Song" as the notables took their places. Theodor Lewald, head of the German Olympic Committee gave up his chair of honor to the Italian Crown Prince.
On a flagpole, the Olympic Flag—white with five interlocking circles representing the five continents—was slowly raised. Outside the stadium, guns boomed.
First item on the program was the parade. The Olympic Bell tolled a deep note. The bell is inscribed with the words "I summon the youth of the world." As if to answer the bell's summons, into the stadium marched the athletes. Leading, because their country started the Olympic Games in 776 B. C., were the Greeks. Next, at the head of the German alphabetical list were the Egyptians. Loudest applause went to Austrians who gave the Nazi salute, to goose-stepping Bulgarians (who also rendered the Nazi salute to the delight of the German spectators), to a Swiss flag-bearer who did juggling tricks. English athletes got few cheers.
Next to last, the US team members saluted Realmleader Hitler by placing their straw hats over their hearts( as did the Philippines and China). The Americans were also the only country not lower their flag when passing the Führer. They kept their flag aloft proudly. An official statement published in all the newspapers, however, explained this as due to Army regulations and for public understanding in the matter.
For the Americans, the crowd shouted, whistled, clapped in unison. The American athletes were received somewhat coolly. The audience was notably subdued when they entered. Some European observers noted a noisy whistling that was suggestive of the "Bronx Cheer".
The noise soon died when the German team became visible at the Marathon Gate, where the teams entered. The bands ceased to play the march they had been playing and went in impassioned performances of "Deutschland Uber Ales" and the "Horst-Wessel Song" all over again. The German audience rose in silent attention. They did not wish for the American team to applauded.
As for the attire of the athletes, there was many an ensemble. The Americans looked crip[s in their white flannel trousers, their white shoes, dark blue blazers and straw hats with the national arms on the front of the blue hatband. The Egyptians wore red fezes above similar dress. Australia was in dark green and white. The Belgians were picturesque in all-gray flannels.
The Bermudans and Chinese wore white sun helmets, while the Colombians were clad in gray trousers and bright blue blazers. The Danes marched resplendent in rose and white. The British were bare headed but dressed otherwise in American fashion. So were the French. The Canadians were in red and white and gave the Olympic salute. The Italians wore black shirts over white trousers. The Germans were in all white. The officers in the parade who are to take part in the cavalry competitions all wore their national uniforms.
Germany provided the contingent of athletes. The United States with some 400 athletes, was the second largest, with France, Italy and Great Britain come next in order. Both Haiti and Costa Rica sent a single person apiece who also bore their flag for their respective nations. Honors in marching when wholly to the German, who moved like a great machine.
At last the Parade was ended and some 5,000 athletes from 52 nations came to rest on the green infield before the Führer, Dr. Lewald, made a 20-minute speech to introduce Herr Hitler, who, dressed in a brown uniform, had arrived an hour before. He addressed Hitler "respectfully and gratefully as the protector of these Olympic Games to be held in this stadium, built according to your will and purpose" invited him to declare them open.
Adolf Hitler stopped chatting with his good friend Cinemactress Leni Riefenstahl, official Olympic photographer, long enough to speak a racial comment. Said he: "In a few minutes, the torch bearer will appear to light the Olympic fire on his tripod, when it will rise, flaming to heaven, for the weeks of this festival. It creates a real and spiritual bond of fire between our German fatherland and the sacred places of Greece founded nearly 4,000 years ago by Nordic immigrants.
"Only so long as sport isn't allowed to become an end is itself but, on the contrary, a moral duty, only so long as it isn't merely an empty pleasure or the desire for thrills, but discipline and devotion to a higher ideal, dare it to be the object of such a festival."
After a pause, De Lewald announced that only the day before, the Olympic Committee decided to make the "Olympic Hymn" used at these games, the hymn for all future meets and expressed thanks to Richard Strauss for having created it.
At the end of Dr. Lewald speech, Herr Hitler stepped forward once more and fullfilled his sole duty of these game saying "I proclaim open the Olympic Games of Berlin, celebrating the XIth Olympiad of the modern era."
Then Trumpets sounded across the arena and 3,000 white pegeons flew into the air. A white clad chorus then sang the "Olympic Hymn". The Hinderburg flew over the stadium trailing the large white Olympic flag behind it.
Atop the staircase at the East gate appeared the last runner of the 3,000 who had relayed the Olympic Flame from Olympia in Greece. This last runner, Fritz Schilgen, scampered down the steps, paddled across the arena, trotted up the west stairs to a platform, dipped his torch. The Olympic Fire flared up from its bowl.
After the ceremony of the Olympic Torch came the Olympic Oath.The 52 flag-bearers formed a semicircle in front of the reviewing stand. German Weightlifter Rudolf Ismayr mounted a tiny rostrum, recited through amplifiers so everyone could hear: "We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations which govern them and desirous of participating in them in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the honor of our country and the glory of sport." A German choir sang Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.
On the bulletin board which will proclaim the results of the competitions appeared the words of Baron de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic games in their present form:"The important thing is not to win but to take part. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought to win."
Then gnarled old Spiridon Loues, Greek shepherd and marathon runner, wearing his national costume, who won the Olympic race in 1896, wobbled out of the ranks to present Herr Hitler with an olive branch. Mr. Loues said to the Chancellor "I present to you this olive branch as a symbol of love and peace. We hope that the nations will ever meet solely in such peaceful competition. Hitler receiving it with obvious emotion, thanked him heartily and shook hands with him. Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" resounded once more and brought the ceremony to a close and the athletes marched slowly out.
As for the performance, written by Dr. Carl Diem, secretary of the Olympic Organization Committee. There had been a request from Baron de Coubertin to include Beethoven's Ninth Symphony which includes a musical setting for Friedrich von Schiller's stirring "Ode to Joy". Dr. Diem went further and wrote a pageant in five acts on the romantic theme of youth.
The first scene opened just after nightfall. No performers appeared at first. There were seen only two great choruses grouped in the shadows. From the tower above Marathon Gate were first heard the trumpets playing the "Welcome Song".
Then entered 3,000 little girls in white dresses and 900 boys in Olympic colors, from whose masses came the faint notes of glass chimes. The children danced finally forming the Olympic flag.
Then the chimes of the Potsdam Church, where Frederick the Great is buried were heard and the two choirs sang a hymn titled "Eternal Olympia" This was composed for the occasion by the German musician Werner Egk.
Following the children, came 2,000 older girls who danced as a chorus to a solo waltz by Talutta. Five hundred more girls from a noted gymnastics school then gave a demonstration of rhythmic dancing until "The Voice of the Mother" summoned them to be serious, and chorus answered in unison.
The next scene showed groups of boys from various nations engaging in games about a series of bonfires until the fires were hurried away, and the boys disappeared at the blast of a trumpet. Then the spotlights were concentrated on the ceremonial steps leading down into the stadium from Marathon Gate.
A group of 1,200 youths descended these stairs carrying silken flags of all nations. Swiss flag bearers gave a demonstration of their art of flag swinging. Then, when the flag bearers all had descended into the stadium, they raised their hands in the Olympic salute and with the chorus sang a hymn.
A sword dance followed in which both dancers died in rhythmic agony. The moral of this scene was supposedly that modern war destroys the visitor and the vanquished. After that 80 girls danced the "Dance of the Mourners".
But this led to the first bars of the 4th and final movement of Beethoven's cherished Ninth Symphony. A voice was heard reciting Schiller's famous poem. A chorus of 1,000 voices joined in. The 6,000 performers who had taken part in the previous scenes streamed into the field, joined hands and embraced. The flags of the nations taking part in the games were raised around the stadium. Lighted torches formed a ring of fire about its outer edge and the searchlights were thrown
onto the 1,200 flags of nations which reappeared on the field as a signal the pageant was over.
During the day Hitler was subjected to continuous ovations. I nthe newly paved square in front of the Chancellory, in the Wilhelmstrausse, thousands stood for hours ot cheer him. Again and again he had to appear on the balcony overlooking the square to wave responses to the frenzied adulation.
Biggest and noisiest in history, the 1936 Olympics are scheduled to last for 16 days. Five thousand athletes from 50 countries will compete in 22 sports, watched by 3,500,000 spectators, recorded by 1,500 reporters. To accommodate all this, Berlin, cheated of the 1916 Olympics by the War, spent $24,000,000 on municipal improvements; a 325-acre Reichssportfeld including four stadiums, an outdoor theatre, basketball courts, pools, a polo field, a gymnasium; and an Olympic Village conveniently close to Staaken Airport which can use it for barracks when the Games are over.
The picture against this gray background was the huge expanse of the world's newest and biggest stadium and the great throng of 110,000 that filled the gray stone benches. In the arena below, the greenest of lawns was cut by the running track of red cinders. At each end wide granite stairways leading to the skyline were broken only by the twin stone clock towers and the unadorned flagpoles.
At one side was an orchestra, reinforced by the drums and bugles of a half-dozen military bands, and above them was a choir of a thousand, all in white. At the other side a line of gray benches was broken by a square, outstanding platform, equipped with microphones for the Caesar of this era, the German Führer, and his entourage. Below that was a little forest of chairs for the Ambassadors and special envoys of nations.
As the ceremonies continued, a little girl in blue, her fair hair bound by a chaplet of flowers, came forward and, making a German curtsey, gave the Führer a bouquet of roses. He touched her hair and evidently spoke gently to her while Count Henri de Baillet-Latour took her by the hand and led her with the notables in frock coats and top hats to the Caesar's dais. The assembly remained standing still, vociferating in a chorus of "heils". The Germans in unison saluted their beloved Führer.The bands broke into "Deutchland Uber Alles" then into the Nazi anthem, the "Horst-Wessel Song" as the notables took their places. Theodor Lewald, head of the German Olympic Committee gave up his chair of honor to the Italian Crown Prince.
On a flagpole, the Olympic Flag—white with five interlocking circles representing the five continents—was slowly raised. Outside the stadium, guns boomed.
First item on the program was the parade. The Olympic Bell tolled a deep note. The bell is inscribed with the words "I summon the youth of the world." As if to answer the bell's summons, into the stadium marched the athletes. Leading, because their country started the Olympic Games in 776 B. C., were the Greeks. Next, at the head of the German alphabetical list were the Egyptians. Loudest applause went to Austrians who gave the Nazi salute, to goose-stepping Bulgarians (who also rendered the Nazi salute to the delight of the German spectators), to a Swiss flag-bearer who did juggling tricks. English athletes got few cheers.
Next to last, the US team members saluted Realmleader Hitler by placing their straw hats over their hearts( as did the Philippines and China). The Americans were also the only country not lower their flag when passing the Führer. They kept their flag aloft proudly. An official statement published in all the newspapers, however, explained this as due to Army regulations and for public understanding in the matter.
For the Americans, the crowd shouted, whistled, clapped in unison. The American athletes were received somewhat coolly. The audience was notably subdued when they entered. Some European observers noted a noisy whistling that was suggestive of the "Bronx Cheer".
The noise soon died when the German team became visible at the Marathon Gate, where the teams entered. The bands ceased to play the march they had been playing and went in impassioned performances of "Deutschland Uber Ales" and the "Horst-Wessel Song" all over again. The German audience rose in silent attention. They did not wish for the American team to applauded.
As for the attire of the athletes, there was many an ensemble. The Americans looked crip[s in their white flannel trousers, their white shoes, dark blue blazers and straw hats with the national arms on the front of the blue hatband. The Egyptians wore red fezes above similar dress. Australia was in dark green and white. The Belgians were picturesque in all-gray flannels.
The Bermudans and Chinese wore white sun helmets, while the Colombians were clad in gray trousers and bright blue blazers. The Danes marched resplendent in rose and white. The British were bare headed but dressed otherwise in American fashion. So were the French. The Canadians were in red and white and gave the Olympic salute. The Italians wore black shirts over white trousers. The Germans were in all white. The officers in the parade who are to take part in the cavalry competitions all wore their national uniforms.
Germany provided the contingent of athletes. The United States with some 400 athletes, was the second largest, with France, Italy and Great Britain come next in order. Both Haiti and Costa Rica sent a single person apiece who also bore their flag for their respective nations. Honors in marching when wholly to the German, who moved like a great machine.
At last the Parade was ended and some 5,000 athletes from 52 nations came to rest on the green infield before the Führer, Dr. Lewald, made a 20-minute speech to introduce Herr Hitler, who, dressed in a brown uniform, had arrived an hour before. He addressed Hitler "respectfully and gratefully as the protector of these Olympic Games to be held in this stadium, built according to your will and purpose" invited him to declare them open.
Adolf Hitler stopped chatting with his good friend Cinemactress Leni Riefenstahl, official Olympic photographer, long enough to speak a racial comment. Said he: "In a few minutes, the torch bearer will appear to light the Olympic fire on his tripod, when it will rise, flaming to heaven, for the weeks of this festival. It creates a real and spiritual bond of fire between our German fatherland and the sacred places of Greece founded nearly 4,000 years ago by Nordic immigrants.
"Only so long as sport isn't allowed to become an end is itself but, on the contrary, a moral duty, only so long as it isn't merely an empty pleasure or the desire for thrills, but discipline and devotion to a higher ideal, dare it to be the object of such a festival."
After a pause, De Lewald announced that only the day before, the Olympic Committee decided to make the "Olympic Hymn" used at these games, the hymn for all future meets and expressed thanks to Richard Strauss for having created it.
At the end of Dr. Lewald speech, Herr Hitler stepped forward once more and fullfilled his sole duty of these game saying "I proclaim open the Olympic Games of Berlin, celebrating the XIth Olympiad of the modern era."
Then Trumpets sounded across the arena and 3,000 white pegeons flew into the air. A white clad chorus then sang the "Olympic Hymn". The Hinderburg flew over the stadium trailing the large white Olympic flag behind it.
Atop the staircase at the East gate appeared the last runner of the 3,000 who had relayed the Olympic Flame from Olympia in Greece. This last runner, Fritz Schilgen, scampered down the steps, paddled across the arena, trotted up the west stairs to a platform, dipped his torch. The Olympic Fire flared up from its bowl.
After the ceremony of the Olympic Torch came the Olympic Oath.The 52 flag-bearers formed a semicircle in front of the reviewing stand. German Weightlifter Rudolf Ismayr mounted a tiny rostrum, recited through amplifiers so everyone could hear: "We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations which govern them and desirous of participating in them in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the honor of our country and the glory of sport." A German choir sang Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.On the bulletin board which will proclaim the results of the competitions appeared the words of Baron de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic games in their present form:"The important thing is not to win but to take part. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought to win."
Then gnarled old Spiridon Loues, Greek shepherd and marathon runner, wearing his national costume, who won the Olympic race in 1896, wobbled out of the ranks to present Herr Hitler with an olive branch. Mr. Loues said to the Chancellor "I present to you this olive branch as a symbol of love and peace. We hope that the nations will ever meet solely in such peaceful competition. Hitler receiving it with obvious emotion, thanked him heartily and shook hands with him. Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" resounded once more and brought the ceremony to a close and the athletes marched slowly out.
As for the performance, written by Dr. Carl Diem, secretary of the Olympic Organization Committee. There had been a request from Baron de Coubertin to include Beethoven's Ninth Symphony which includes a musical setting for Friedrich von Schiller's stirring "Ode to Joy". Dr. Diem went further and wrote a pageant in five acts on the romantic theme of youth.
The first scene opened just after nightfall. No performers appeared at first. There were seen only two great choruses grouped in the shadows. From the tower above Marathon Gate were first heard the trumpets playing the "Welcome Song".
Then entered 3,000 little girls in white dresses and 900 boys in Olympic colors, from whose masses came the faint notes of glass chimes. The children danced finally forming the Olympic flag.
Then the chimes of the Potsdam Church, where Frederick the Great is buried were heard and the two choirs sang a hymn titled "Eternal Olympia" This was composed for the occasion by the German musician Werner Egk.
Following the children, came 2,000 older girls who danced as a chorus to a solo waltz by Talutta. Five hundred more girls from a noted gymnastics school then gave a demonstration of rhythmic dancing until "The Voice of the Mother" summoned them to be serious, and chorus answered in unison.
The next scene showed groups of boys from various nations engaging in games about a series of bonfires until the fires were hurried away, and the boys disappeared at the blast of a trumpet. Then the spotlights were concentrated on the ceremonial steps leading down into the stadium from Marathon Gate.
A group of 1,200 youths descended these stairs carrying silken flags of all nations. Swiss flag bearers gave a demonstration of their art of flag swinging. Then, when the flag bearers all had descended into the stadium, they raised their hands in the Olympic salute and with the chorus sang a hymn.
A sword dance followed in which both dancers died in rhythmic agony. The moral of this scene was supposedly that modern war destroys the visitor and the vanquished. After that 80 girls danced the "Dance of the Mourners".
But this led to the first bars of the 4th and final movement of Beethoven's cherished Ninth Symphony. A voice was heard reciting Schiller's famous poem. A chorus of 1,000 voices joined in. The 6,000 performers who had taken part in the previous scenes streamed into the field, joined hands and embraced. The flags of the nations taking part in the games were raised around the stadium. Lighted torches formed a ring of fire about its outer edge and the searchlights were thrown
onto the 1,200 flags of nations which reappeared on the field as a signal the pageant was over.During the day Hitler was subjected to continuous ovations. I nthe newly paved square in front of the Chancellory, in the Wilhelmstrausse, thousands stood for hours ot cheer him. Again and again he had to appear on the balcony overlooking the square to wave responses to the frenzied adulation.
Biggest and noisiest in history, the 1936 Olympics are scheduled to last for 16 days. Five thousand athletes from 50 countries will compete in 22 sports, watched by 3,500,000 spectators, recorded by 1,500 reporters. To accommodate all this, Berlin, cheated of the 1916 Olympics by the War, spent $24,000,000 on municipal improvements; a 325-acre Reichssportfeld including four stadiums, an outdoor theatre, basketball courts, pools, a polo field, a gymnasium; and an Olympic Village conveniently close to Staaken Airport which can use it for barracks when the Games are over.
The Olympics open in Berlin
Yesterday, Germany and the rest of the world celebrated the opening of the Olympics. The world took a few hours out of the tension of fascism and civil war to enjoy the opening ceremony in Berlin's Olympic Stadium, built just for this spectacle.
Questions of whether Jewish athletes would be treated fairly have been around since Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Power ascended to power in early 1933. The United States debated whether to boycott the games three years ago. President Roosevelt dismissed this and demanded that the United States participate in the games. He remarked that it was traditional that the United States was beyond external influence. He would not allow the German political differences to influence the participation of American athletes in the greatest sporting spectacle of the Globe. Many doubts and questions still linger for much of the world.
There have been reports and photos of signs informing Jews of prohibitions. These signs were not to be seen throughout Germany. The Nazi authorities may have taken them down for an International audience that does not favor the Nazi beliefs against Jews and the International Jewry itself.
Questions of whether Jewish athletes would be treated fairly have been around since Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Power ascended to power in early 1933. The United States debated whether to boycott the games three years ago. President Roosevelt dismissed this and demanded that the United States participate in the games. He remarked that it was traditional that the United States was beyond external influence. He would not allow the German political differences to influence the participation of American athletes in the greatest sporting spectacle of the Globe. Many doubts and questions still linger for much of the world.
There have been reports and photos of signs informing Jews of prohibitions. These signs were not to be seen throughout Germany. The Nazi authorities may have taken them down for an International audience that does not favor the Nazi beliefs against Jews and the International Jewry itself.
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Tokyo to host 1940 Olympics
The Japanese public was woken today when at 6 AM, there was a radio announcement to inform them Tokyo had been selected to host the next Olympics in 1940. The result gives the Japanese enormous pleasure. The Japanese people have become one of the world's most sport-minded people in the last twenty years.
Yesterday, the International Olympic Committee voted to award the 12th Olympic Games to Tokyo. The runner up was Helskinki, Finland.
The Mayor of Tokyo will launch an elaborate program of municipal festivities to express the citizens' joy and incidentally whip up enthusiasm for the great effort to give Tokyo the latest and finest equipment.
Potential champions are already training. last night, despite temperature of 96°F and a humidity correspondingly high, a crowd of youths were practicing not just track events but javelin and discus throwing as well.
Plans for enlarging sports accommodations at a cost of ¥10,000,000 already exist as blueprints. The existing track and field stadium will be enlarged so that it will seat 120,000. A new playing field, seating 50,000 will be built, and a swimming pool accommodating 30,000 spectators is to be provided.
An entirely new Equestrian Track will be constructed in a Tokyo suburb in addition to a new indoor arena for boxing and wrestling. The yachting contests will be held off Yokohama and a new regatta course is being prepared there. A purely native addition will be a display of Japanese fencing, wrestling and archery.
An Olympic Village will be constructed in Tanagawa, thirty minutes from the city.
The Games are scheduled to run from July 20th through August 4th, 1940. The 11th Olympics open today in Berlin.
Yesterday, the International Olympic Committee voted to award the 12th Olympic Games to Tokyo. The runner up was Helskinki, Finland.
The Mayor of Tokyo will launch an elaborate program of municipal festivities to express the citizens' joy and incidentally whip up enthusiasm for the great effort to give Tokyo the latest and finest equipment.
Potential champions are already training. last night, despite temperature of 96°F and a humidity correspondingly high, a crowd of youths were practicing not just track events but javelin and discus throwing as well.
Plans for enlarging sports accommodations at a cost of ¥10,000,000 already exist as blueprints. The existing track and field stadium will be enlarged so that it will seat 120,000. A new playing field, seating 50,000 will be built, and a swimming pool accommodating 30,000 spectators is to be provided.
An entirely new Equestrian Track will be constructed in a Tokyo suburb in addition to a new indoor arena for boxing and wrestling. The yachting contests will be held off Yokohama and a new regatta course is being prepared there. A purely native addition will be a display of Japanese fencing, wrestling and archery.
An Olympic Village will be constructed in Tanagawa, thirty minutes from the city.
The Games are scheduled to run from July 20th through August 4th, 1940. The 11th Olympics open today in Berlin.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Italy & Germany for Franco
Italy and Germany have both voiced support for General Franco and his Fascist forces. Each will be shipping arms to the rebels to help with their struggle against the Republican government and the Monarchy.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Another Government in Spain
Swiftly changing governmental hands, José Giral y Pereira has also been asked to form a government by President Azaña within hours of asking Diego Martínez y Barrio to do the same. Yesterday, July 19th, Martínez y Barrio was unable to make any progress in the formation of a government. The President therefore, decided that time was not something they had on their side as rebellion continues.One of Giral y Pereira's first orders as head of government was to issue arms to the general populace.
Seville, one of the most important cities in the south, is unsuccessfully defended by local police troops and a poorly armed workers' militia. While the heaviest weapons police possess are machine guns, the rebel General Queipo de Llano sends in artillery and heavily armed troops. Seville falls to the rebels.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Prime Minister Quiroga resigns
General Franco arrived in Tetuán, Spanish Morocco in Northern Africa, where he will lead the rebels in their revolt against the Spanish government.
Prime Minister Casares Quiroga resigns as chief of the Republican government. President Azaña is left scrambling. Diego Martínez y Barrio has been asked to fill the position. He will no doubt establish a government as best he can.
Prime Minister Casares Quiroga resigns as chief of the Republican government. President Azaña is left scrambling. Diego Martínez y Barrio has been asked to fill the position. He will no doubt establish a government as best he can.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Rebels take Southern Spain
In high good humor the Moroccan rebels launched their invasion of Spain proper. A troopship loaded with Legionnaires put in at Algeciras near Gibraltar. A rebel torpedo boat shelled the undecided garrison at La Linea, which thereupon joined the revolt. But when La Linea citizens, watching black Moorish troops march into barracks, refused to disperse, the Moors mowed them down with machine guns, blasted them with hand grenades, left La Linea's streets littered with dead. In thousands of commandeered cars, the rebels pushed north, fanning out along the railroads leading toward Madrid.
Manifestoed General Franco from Morocco: "Spain is saved! The Provinces of Andalusia, Valencia, Valladolid, Burgos, Aragon, the Canaries and the Balearic Islands, with their garrisons and civil forces, have joined enthusiastically with us. Only Madrid made an exception in sending its planes to bombard cities and towns without defense, killing women and children. . . . We will demand accounts from them as well as from those still on the fence. . . ."
Spain, however, was by no means saved for General Franco. What he needed most were Madrid and Barcelona. In both cities rebel regiments were shelled into surrender by loyal artillery and planes. The loyal Warship Cervantes sent shells whistling into Cádiz where a body of rebel troops had landed. Loyalists were further heartened by a report that General Franco had lost courage and radioed for a seaplane in which to flee.
The Government's arming of a "Red militia" of workers was what definitely took this week's revolt out of the traditional formula of Latin coups d'état and put it into the class of Russia's revolution of 1917. Last week 6,000 tough Asturian miners marched down from the North to Madrid's assistance, as the Army rebels marched up from the South. Declared the Spanish Government: "Spanish citizens! The movement in insurrection has been subjugated absolutely and it is necessary not to lose the fight."
Further Details of the Uprising in Morocco
In this sultry, tense atmosphere, some Socialists last week leaned out of their headquarters windows in the North African garrison town of Melilla in Spanish Morocco and brashly booed a regiment of the famed Spanish Foreign Legion, marching home from drill. The Legionnaires broke ranks, threw the Socialists out their own windows. At this a huge revolt, carefully planned, erupted into plain view and silence descended on Spain.
General Francisco Franco Bahamonde deserted his post on the Canary Islands, hastened to Melilla, took charge of some 20,000 rebellious Legionnaires, regulars and Moorish native troops. Within a day the rebels controlled all Spanish Morocco, a 200-mile strip of coast across from Gibraltar. When they began broadcasting from the Ceuta radio station, pretending to be the Seville station, announcing the surrender of Madrid to the rebels, sympathetic Army garrisons throughout European Spain joined the revolt. They were defeated in Barcelona and Seville but seized the southern ports of Cádiz and Málaga for a landing by the Moroccan rebels, skirmished in Burgos, Pamplona, Valladolid and Zaragoza. Government planes soared over strongholds dropping, first bombs, then leaflets urging soldiers to rebel against their rebellious officers.
Monday, July 17, 2006
General Franco declares Spain in a "state of war"
The Spanish Foreign Legion continues to rebel in Spanish Morocco on Northern Africa. They hold the territory.
Rebels made considerable headway in Spain itself today. Fighting erupted in Spain and Pamplona, Zaragoza, Oviedo, Salamanca, Segovia, Ávila and Cadiz rest in rebel hands tonight.
General Francisco Franco, from the Canary Islands, made a pronouncement over the radio, that Spain was in a "state of war". His pronunciamiento came within hours of the uprising in Morocco which only strengthens the belief that he is leading this revolt despite his geographic misplacement.
What set it off was the brutal murder early last week of the leader of the Spanish monarchists, able, eloquent Deputy José Calvo Sotelo, onetime Minister of Finance under the late Dictator Primo de Rivera. Calvo had just notified the Government that he planned to interpellate it next day on the riots. Assault Guardsmen called on Calvo with a warrant, took him off in their police car, dumped his body, shot, mangled and bashed, at Madrid's Municipal Cemetery.
Premier Santiago Casares Quiroga promptly suspended Parliament for eight days, and all the Monarchist Deputies swore never to return. Unwisely the Government refused to allow Calvo's body to lie in state anywhere, barred a mob of 30,000 Rightists from the cemetery where he was being buried. When the crowd gave the Fascist shout, "Up Spain!" Assault Guardsmen fired, killed five, wounded three. Forehanded, President Manuel Azaña ordered the Army and Civil Guards mobilized in quarters, ordered a roundup of Rightist leaders, jammed them into jails. Talkative Rightists had begun telling about a great Army revolt that was due any day and that was to have set up José Calvo Sotelo as President of Spain.
Rebels made considerable headway in Spain itself today. Fighting erupted in Spain and Pamplona, Zaragoza, Oviedo, Salamanca, Segovia, Ávila and Cadiz rest in rebel hands tonight.
General Francisco Franco, from the Canary Islands, made a pronouncement over the radio, that Spain was in a "state of war". His pronunciamiento came within hours of the uprising in Morocco which only strengthens the belief that he is leading this revolt despite his geographic misplacement.
What set it off was the brutal murder early last week of the leader of the Spanish monarchists, able, eloquent Deputy José Calvo Sotelo, onetime Minister of Finance under the late Dictator Primo de Rivera. Calvo had just notified the Government that he planned to interpellate it next day on the riots. Assault Guardsmen called on Calvo with a warrant, took him off in their police car, dumped his body, shot, mangled and bashed, at Madrid's Municipal Cemetery.
Premier Santiago Casares Quiroga promptly suspended Parliament for eight days, and all the Monarchist Deputies swore never to return. Unwisely the Government refused to allow Calvo's body to lie in state anywhere, barred a mob of 30,000 Rightists from the cemetery where he was being buried. When the crowd gave the Fascist shout, "Up Spain!" Assault Guardsmen fired, killed five, wounded three. Forehanded, President Manuel Azaña ordered the Army and Civil Guards mobilized in quarters, ordered a roundup of Rightist leaders, jammed them into jails. Talkative Rightists had begun telling about a great Army revolt that was due any day and that was to have set up José Calvo Sotelo as President of Spain.
Violence erupts in Morocco
Spanish Legionnaires posted in Spanish-held Morocco rose up earlier today in a wave a violence. The Spanish Foreign Legion posted in Africa have imprisoned General Gomez and murdered General Manuel Morales, sources report. Rebellion and fighting continue throughout Spanish Morocco.
General Fancisco Franco, whom some believe is involved in the Army uprising in Spanish Morocco is in the Canary Islands.
Spain itself has been having deep political and economic problems.
General Fancisco Franco, whom some believe is involved in the Army uprising in Spanish Morocco is in the Canary Islands.
Spain itself has been having deep political and economic problems.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Great Britain unconcerned with Rhineland
Great Britain seems to be fairly unconcerned with Germany's military moving back into the Rhineland. Lord Lothian stated that is was no more than the Germans walking into their own backyard.
Thus far there have been no rallies or protests by the public against the German action. Also, it appears the House of Commons is pro-German. However, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin noted that the House is really just afraid of war. With the worldwide depression, Great Britain lacks the resources to engage in a war with Germany.
Thus far there have been no rallies or protests by the public against the German action. Also, it appears the House of Commons is pro-German. However, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin noted that the House is really just afraid of war. With the worldwide depression, Great Britain lacks the resources to engage in a war with Germany.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
France is Bankrupt
Today, Wilfrid Baumgartner, the director of the Mouvement général des fonds, reported to the government that France for all intents and purposes was bankrupt.
France has been struggling financially since the end of last year. The franc has slid so much in the past few months that the government is nearly depleted. The country is in dire need as so many other countries in the world today, of a line of credit to stay afloat.
This development rules out and action France might take against Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland and its repeated violations of the Treaty of Versailles.
France has been struggling financially since the end of last year. The franc has slid so much in the past few months that the government is nearly depleted. The country is in dire need as so many other countries in the world today, of a line of credit to stay afloat.
This development rules out and action France might take against Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland and its repeated violations of the Treaty of Versailles.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Hitler moves troops into the Rhineland
Earlier today, Hitler ordered troops to enter the Rhineland. The Rhineland is an western area in Germany that borders France.
Just as much of the German violations of the Treaty of Versailles, it has met little in the way of opposition. In fact, the Western Powers have done nothing.
Poland has proposed putting the Franco-Polish Military Alliance into action but nothing has come of it.
Early this morning, nineteen German infantry battalions and a handful of planes entered the Rhineland and made the River Rhine by 11 AM local time.
French troops have congregated on the Franco-German border but none have crossed the border itself.
Just as much of the German violations of the Treaty of Versailles, it has met little in the way of opposition. In fact, the Western Powers have done nothing.
Poland has proposed putting the Franco-Polish Military Alliance into action but nothing has come of it.
Early this morning, nineteen German infantry battalions and a handful of planes entered the Rhineland and made the River Rhine by 11 AM local time.
French troops have congregated on the Franco-German border but none have crossed the border itself.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Police order to arrest Anti-Semitic Instigators
Despite the rise in Anti-Semitic rhetoric and passions on continental Europe, cooler heads prevail in England. Yesterday, London police were ordered to arrest any Anti-Semitic agitators. This effectively destroys any chance for ferment of Anti-Semitic feelings in England. It would also make it increasingly difficult for these nationalist groups to prosper in jolly old England.
Friday, February 17, 2006
House passes Neutrality Extension
Only twenty minutes of debate on each side was allowed in the House. Questions and amendments were prohibited under the specific gag rule. The vote was 353 to 27.
In the Senate, the act has been delayed. Chairman Pittman of the Foreign Relations Committee attempted to obtain consideration of the resolution today, but finally agreed to put it off until 11 AM tomorrow. Senators McNary and Vandenberg asked for postponement due to the absence of Neautrality Act opponents Clark and Nye.
Memebers of both Houses have explained that haste is necessary because of the arms embargo provisions of the existing law expire on February 29th.
During the twenty minutes allotted, seven Representatives shared the time to debate against the resolution. Representative Maas of Minnesota called the measure a "dangerous bill".
Representative Robison of Kentucky "as a sincere advocate of peace" protested against the passage of the resolution. He said that it would delegate the war-making power to the President, and urged that it be kept in the hands of Congress "where it belongs".
After this, the House will allow ten days to consideration of the Navy and Army Appropriation Bills.
In the Senate, the act has been delayed. Chairman Pittman of the Foreign Relations Committee attempted to obtain consideration of the resolution today, but finally agreed to put it off until 11 AM tomorrow. Senators McNary and Vandenberg asked for postponement due to the absence of Neautrality Act opponents Clark and Nye.
Memebers of both Houses have explained that haste is necessary because of the arms embargo provisions of the existing law expire on February 29th.
During the twenty minutes allotted, seven Representatives shared the time to debate against the resolution. Representative Maas of Minnesota called the measure a "dangerous bill".
Representative Robison of Kentucky "as a sincere advocate of peace" protested against the passage of the resolution. He said that it would delegate the war-making power to the President, and urged that it be kept in the hands of Congress "where it belongs".
After this, the House will allow ten days to consideration of the Navy and Army Appropriation Bills.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Neutrality Act Extension to go back to Congress
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously recommended to the Senate today the extension, with only minor modifications, of the existing Neutrality Act until May 1, 1937. The move was made with the intent of shelving further neutrality discussion at this session of Congress.
Representative Kloeb of Ohio introduced a parallel measure in the House, and said he would ask the Foreign Affairs Committee to report it favorably as soon as possible. It is apparent the administration is working to push the extension through congress before the February 29th expiration.
Secretary Hull also noted that the administration would not oppose the dropping of its own neutrality proposal.
Senator Clark opposes the plan of putting consideration of a permanent neutrality policy over to the next session of Congress. He plans to amend the Pittman continuing resolution so that the present temporary plan would extended for only a matter of 60 days.
He noted that just because its an election year and members are involved in their respective campaigns, for action to be deferred.
Senator Johnson also has commented that many people are mistaken about the virtue of the neutrality act. He believes that the act would likely involved the nation in another war rather than keep us out.
Representative Kloeb of Ohio introduced a parallel measure in the House, and said he would ask the Foreign Affairs Committee to report it favorably as soon as possible. It is apparent the administration is working to push the extension through congress before the February 29th expiration.
Secretary Hull also noted that the administration would not oppose the dropping of its own neutrality proposal.
Senator Clark opposes the plan of putting consideration of a permanent neutrality policy over to the next session of Congress. He plans to amend the Pittman continuing resolution so that the present temporary plan would extended for only a matter of 60 days.
He noted that just because its an election year and members are involved in their respective campaigns, for action to be deferred.
Senator Johnson also has commented that many people are mistaken about the virtue of the neutrality act. He believes that the act would likely involved the nation in another war rather than keep us out.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
War could cost $10 Billion a year, War Department estimates
The United States War Department released an estimate of costs should the US become involed in another war. Colonel Charles T. Harris, director of the planning branch of the War Department spoke about this last night.
Colonel Harris predicted that if war should erupt, the plans which have been prepared by the War Department would enable the mobilization of industry much more efficiently and rapidly, and with far less profiteering than was case in the World War.
Of course he did say that it would be necessary to gurantee the industry "a modest, fair profit" in undertaking tasks the costs of shich could not be accurately estimated in advance.
Among the necessary industrial controls he listed the powers of price fixing, of assigning priorities, the power of the commander, the power to requisition, the power to license industries, and the power to conserve necessary materials and avoid waste. Of the last power he said "It is necessary to cut the cuff a man's trousers to save materials, we'll do so."
Colonel Harris estimated that approximately half of the War Department's expenditure would be primarily commercial purposes such as food and clothing and half for munitions and explosives. He said that the department's experts had already surveyed 20,000 manufacturers and allocated war tasks to 12,000.
Although the United States is unquestionably the most favored nation in the world in the amount and variety of its raw materials, it would be seriously lacking in many strategic materials, such as manganese, tin, nickel, chromium, quinine and hemp, he said.
"In these days, when there's talk of embargoes, sanctions, neutrality acts, that's worth thinking about," he remarked.
Captain W.S. Bruberg of the Ordinance Department said that since the World War the US has assumed "the practically undisputed leadership in ordinance design throughout the world," although it was forced to rely on its allies for most of the ordinance designs in the World War.
Colonel Harris predicted that if war should erupt, the plans which have been prepared by the War Department would enable the mobilization of industry much more efficiently and rapidly, and with far less profiteering than was case in the World War.
Of course he did say that it would be necessary to gurantee the industry "a modest, fair profit" in undertaking tasks the costs of shich could not be accurately estimated in advance.
Among the necessary industrial controls he listed the powers of price fixing, of assigning priorities, the power of the commander, the power to requisition, the power to license industries, and the power to conserve necessary materials and avoid waste. Of the last power he said "It is necessary to cut the cuff a man's trousers to save materials, we'll do so."
Colonel Harris estimated that approximately half of the War Department's expenditure would be primarily commercial purposes such as food and clothing and half for munitions and explosives. He said that the department's experts had already surveyed 20,000 manufacturers and allocated war tasks to 12,000.
Although the United States is unquestionably the most favored nation in the world in the amount and variety of its raw materials, it would be seriously lacking in many strategic materials, such as manganese, tin, nickel, chromium, quinine and hemp, he said.
"In these days, when there's talk of embargoes, sanctions, neutrality acts, that's worth thinking about," he remarked.
Captain W.S. Bruberg of the Ordinance Department said that since the World War the US has assumed "the practically undisputed leadership in ordinance design throughout the world," although it was forced to rely on its allies for most of the ordinance designs in the World War.
Monday, October 3, 2005
Italian forces have crossed the Mareb River
This morning at 5 local time, Italian troops in Eritrea crossed the Mareb River into Abyssinia. There was no declaration of war from either nation. More as this story develops.
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