Another day with the world at War – the situation in Holland leads the news for this February 27, 1941.
Six civilians were killed and a number wounded today in clashes between the police and “disturbers of the peace,” it was officially announced last night. A brief German announcement stated that these deaths had occurred in police actions during which “the ringleaders of nightly attacks against the police patrol and a secret Jewish organization were uncovered.” “During the act of restoring order six disturbers of the peace were killed and a number more or less severely injured. Arrest Great Number “A great number of persons responsible for the disturbances or having participated there in were arrested.” Strikes and riots brought the imposition of a German military administration upon all the province of north Holland and the people were warned that violations of result in 15-year sentences and even the death penalty. Strikers in Amsterdam were ordered back to work by Thursday, all parades, demonstrations and assemblies on the streets were forbidden.
The strikes started among municipal workers and then spread to private concerns. These demonstrations were among a series which broke out after recent clashes in Amsterdam in which various factions, including Dutch Nazis, were involved. The German authorities blamed Jews for the disorders. (Gentiles were withdrawn from the Waterloo Square district of Amsterdam February 10, leaving the area, inhabited by about 50,000 Jews, practically a ghetto).
Meanwhile, A heavy and successful attack was made by aircraft of the bomber command on industrial objectives at Cologne. Many heavy bombs were dropped, as well as incendiaries. Targets on both sides of the Rhine were hit and a large number of fires were seen. “Attacks were also made during the night by aircraft of the bomber and coastal commands on ports in enemy-occupied territory. At Boulogne and Flushing fires were started in the docks area.
“Four of our aircraft are missing from these operations. Two of our fighters are from patrol operations yesterday.” IV “During the day–and especially since noon – a number of enemy aircraft flying singly have crossed the Channel east coast as far north as the Humber. The attacks included several by machine-gun fire, but in these damage and casualties were exceedingly small. “Bombs have been dropped at a number of points and at two of these- one in Lincolnshire, the other in the West Country–some damage was caused by fire. in East Anglia- almost “the only “Elsewhere – mainly points damage done was to a small number of houses, some of which were demolished.
The number of persons killed or seriously injured in these attacks was not heavy.”
And finally, from Capitol Hill – More than a dozen members of the senate locked in bitter conflict over the “lease-lend” bill today as opposition forces claimed gradually increasing strength and administration leaders worked to close debate Saturday and begin consideration of some 25 amendments Monday. As the debate continued in the senate before packed galleries leaders of both factions were engaged in cloakroom activity to line up uncommitted members for or against the bill and major amendments.
Highlights of the day included: Charges by Senator Danaher, Republican, Connecticut, that Wendell Willkie, at a private dinner in New York shortly before his nomination, personally pledged an all-out aid to Britain policy “and even guaranteed that Britain would not lose” to obtain influential backing. Demand by Senator Tydings, Democrat, Maryland, that supporters of the bill answer declarations of opponents that the measure would permit the President to give Britain a large part of the United States navy. Prediction of Senator Wheeler, Democrat, Montana, leader of the non interventionists, that, if the bill is enacted, the President would order United States convoys for American shipments to Britain. Proposal by Senator Lodge, Republican, Massachusetts, that the bill be laid aside temporarily to permit passage of a simple resolution for aid to Britain. Declaration by Senator Brown, Democrat, Michigan, that the “lease-lend” bill provides the best means of avoiding involvement in the European war and that he will stake his vote for the bill on the President’s pledges to keep this nation at peace.
And that’s just a little of what happened, this February 27, 1941 as reported by NBC’s News Of The World.
