`New York Times' Coverage of 1932 to 1948 History Revisited: Part 3

Between 1932 and 1948, the New York Times newspaper claimed to always be providing its readers with accurate information about what was going on during the 1932 to 1948 period of world history. But between 1932 and 1948, the New York Times sometimes printed articles that turned out to be historically accurate; and sometimes also printed articles that turned out to be historically inaccurate.

In a July 21, 1940 article, for example the New York Times stated: 

"...If Great Britain can withstand Nazi attempts at conquest in the coming weeks until uncertain weather begins, United States production of all types of material and munitions for modern warfare will be sufficiently increased by spring to give the British tremendous, and perhaps decisive, supply aid, high Administration circles stated today...By May 10 of next year [1941], it will be possible to sell the British enough to meet their needs...With the Nazis threatening Great Britain, this country must spend every cent it can for defense as quickly as possible..."

And in a September 4, 1940 article, the New York Times stated:

"...Fifty United States destroyers were coming to help Great Britain...The British fleet at one stroke acquired fifty 1,200-ton destroyers as an offset to the 30 lost since the beginning of hostilities.

"These destroyers are badly needed at this stage of the war...The most open indication yet of Anglo-American cooperation...It provides timely reinforcement of the British Navy in the task of maintaining control of the Atlantic..."

But in a November 1, 1940 article, headlined "Nehru Seized In India For Pacifist Speech," the New York Times stated:

"Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, former president of the Indian Congress party, was arrested near Allahabad this evening after a meeting with Mohandas K. Gandhi.

"He was one of two men chosen by Mr. Gandhi to make anti-war speeches as part of the plan of limited civil disobedience...Pandit Nehru was arrested under the Defense of India Rules, charged with delivering an objectionable speech at Gorakhpur recently..."

Then, in a November 18, 1940 article, headlined "First Drafted Men Enter Army Today," the New York Times reported that "the Army will get its first drafted men tomorrow, two months and two days after President Roosevelt signed the Selective Service and Training Bill..."

Yet in a November 27, 1940 article, the New York Times noted:

"Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura...said today there was no issue between Japan and the United States that could not be solved without recourse to war...`There are few--if any--Japanese who want war with the United States.'...He said he viewed any possible United States embargo upon Japan as 'dangerous'..."

But in a February 16, 1941 article by Dean Dinwoody, headlined "Lease-Lend Bill Extends Wide Power Of President," the New York Times stated:

"Under the Constitution, the President has two great powers legislation cannot affect...:

"To conduct the foreign relations of the United States;

"To act as Commander-in-Chief...

"The latter power places in the President the supreme command over all the country's military forces and the sole authority to direct and employ these forces in time of peace and war. This authority of the President, however, is dependent upon the exercise by Congress of its complementary constitutional powers `to raise and support armies,' and `to provide and maintain a navy.'

"The constitutional power of the President to conduct foreign relations also is an exclusive power...which the administration is utilizing in support of its lease-lend bill..." (end of part 3)