DailyTimeCapsule brief
December 20, 1939
On December 20, 1939, a significant event unfolded as Dr. John Kingdon, head of the University of Newark, made a heartfelt plea for Jewish refugees during a dinner in New York City. This call to action came at a time when the world was witnessing the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, leading to widespread persecution of Jewish individuals. Concurrently, tensions in the labor sector escalated as allegations surfaced against a National Labor Relations Board aide, Witt, who was accused of attempting to entrap a company on behalf of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Additionally, maritime tragedy struck as a luxury ship caught fire and required rescue by a U.S. cruiser, highlighting ongoing naval conflicts. The cruiser managed to save 579 crew members while two others remained missing, in a situation complicated further by diplomatic tensions with Germany, which confirmed its scuttling of the liner Columbus off U.S. shores. These multifaceted events were indicative of a world grappling with the consequences of war and economic strife as the year drew to a close.
Key developments
-
On December 20, 1939, Dr. F. Kingdon, head of the University of Newark, made a heartfelt plea for assistance on behalf of Jewish refugees facing persecution. His remarks were delivered at a dinner organized by the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society. The event aimed to raise awareness and support for displaced individuals during a time of global crisis.
Wikimedia Current Events -
On December 20, 1939, an aide to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was accused by two House members of attempting to manipulate a company in favor of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). This allegation emerged during a discussion regarding a contested election at Inland Steel, where the NLRB modified the employee ballot to eliminate the name of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, affiliated with the CIO. Additionally, NLRB official Phillips faced scrutiny for advising a trial examiner to exclude evidence related to Communism.
Wikimedia Current Events -
On December 20, 1939, the luxury liner Columbus was scuttled and set ablaze by its crew approximately 450 miles east of Cape May, New Jersey, to avoid capture. The U.S. cruiser Tuscaloosa rescued 579 survivors, although two crew members were reported missing. British destroyer Hyperion was nearby, raising diplomatic tensions regarding the sinking and blockade running.
Wikimedia Current Events
