* From the preview in The International Situation:
The first correspondent of an American press association to visit Smolensk made a report from that city on the central front.
Thus Alvin J. Steinkopf makes his debut here. His story must be an interesting one. His first person report gives the impression he was flown in by the Germans so he could write an eye witness account of the situation in the east.
http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1941/aug41/f12aug41.htm
Germans crusade against Bolshevism
Tuesday, August 12, 1941 www.onwar.com
In Vichy France... Marshal Petain says in a broadcast that Germany is fighting “in defense of civilization” in the war against the Soviet Union. He announces new measures for the suppression of political parties and the creation of a stronger police force and special courts. Admiral Darlan is to be appointed to the Ministry of Defense.
In Washington... The House passes an extension of the draft period from one year to thirty months (and a similar increase for service in the National Guard) after considerable debate. The bill is passed by one vote (203-202) in the House, so it would be incorrect to suggest that American political opinion is strongly in favor of a more aggressive international policy at this point.
From Berlin... Hitler issues Directive 34. Army Group North is ordered to continue its efforts in the direction of Leningrad. Army Group South is to begin the battle for the Crimea, Kharkov and the Donets. Army Group Center is to halt and provide help to the other army groups.
In North Africa... In response to pressure from the Australian government concerning the relief of their troops in Tobruk, Allied naval forces evacuate 5000 Australian troops from Tobruk and land 6000 fresh troops from a Polish Brigade over the course of several nights (August 12-18th). The fast minelayers Abdiel and Latona are prominent in these moves. A cruiser and two destroyers are also employed.
In Newfoundland... Churchill and Roosevelt conclude their meeting at Placentia Bay. It is agreed to send strong warnings to the Japanese and it is understood the America will almost certainly enter the war if Japan attacks British or Dutch possessions in the East Indies or Malaysia. A message is also sent to Stalin, proposing a meeting in Moscow. The conference is most remembered for the agreement later called the Atlantic Charter. This is a statement of principles governing the policies of Britain and the USA and states that all countries have the right to hold free elections and to be free from foreign pressure. The conference also gives British and American staffs an opportunity to get to know each other and to work together.
...........the N.Y.K. “Silk Express” Liner Asama Maru was returning to Japan without touching a United State port because the Unites States had not given general assurances of the inviolability of Japanese ships.
The Asam Maru is carrying a number of American passengers and a large cargo of silk. ..........................
This is the sister ship of the Tatu Maru in prior articles. Sunk in Jan 1944 by USS Atule.