4 vessels sunk by submarines
Two United States ships among new victims
By the United Press
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Soldier held in 3 slayings
U.S. trooper arrested in deaths of women
Melbourne, Australia (UP) –
An American soldier, held in connection with the slaying of three women within the last three weeks, will be tried by an American military court.
Melbourne Police Commissioner Alex Duncan announced that a soldier, whose name was withheld, had been arrested in connection with one of the slayings but that no formal charges had been made against him. He is being investigated in connection with the other two.
In each case, a woman was found dead, apparently strangled, with her clothing torn from her shoulders.
The American soldier, arrested by Melbourne detectives, was turned over to U.S. Army authorities and held in custody.
The purses of two of the women contained money and had apparently not been touched. The purse of the third victim was empty.
An Army spokesman said that the case against the soldier under arrest was now being prepared by a court of Army officers. He said the soldier would be charged formally as soon as the case has been prepared and then would be tried by a general court-martial of at least five officers. The military penalty for murder is death by hanging.
It is customary, he explained, for an army abroad to try its own criminal cases, with the approval of local authorities.
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U.S. War Department (May 24, 1942)
Communiqué No. 223
India.
Maj. Gen. Lewis H. Brereton reported to the War Department from India today that the U.S. Army Ferrying Command, operating under his direction, has been engaged for the past several weeks in evacuating casualties and civilians from Burma.
Cooperating with the British Royal Air Force and the China National Aviation Corporation, the Ferrying Command has assisted in bringing out of Burma by air several thousand soldiers and civilians, including Indians, Anglo-Indians, Burmese, Anglo-Burmese and Europeans. Of a total of 8,616 persons evacuated by air from Burma, the U.S. Army Ferrying Command brought out 4,228. In addition to its share of the evacuation work, the Royal Air Force dropped 100,000 pounds of food to refugee parties.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
The Pittsburgh Press (May 24, 1942)
$42-a-month service pay agreed upon
Bill now ready for final action; new scales become permanent
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Quake rocks San Diego
San Diego, California – (May 23)
A sharp earthquake shook the San Diego area today. No damage was reported.
Officer quota doubled
Washington – (May 23)
The War Department announced today that it will accept 3,000 Class-A selectees monthly as volunteers for officer training. This is double the present quota.
217 sinkings to date –
Regret voiced by U-boat chief
Sub continues shelling of U.S. ship, however
By the United Press
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