On this day

June 20, 1941

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

Notable Births

1941Stephen Frears, English actor, director, and producer^[†]

Sir Stephen Arthur Frears is a British director and producer of film and television, often depicting real-life stories as well as projects that explore social class through sharply-drawn characters. He has received numerous accolades including three BAFTA Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award as well as nominations for two Academy Awards. In 2008, The Daily Telegraph named Frears among the 100 most influential people in British culture. In 2009, he received the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. He received a knighthood in 2023 for his contributions to the film and television industries.

1941Ulf Merbold, German physicist and astronaut^[†]

Ulf Dietrich Merbold is a German physicist and astronaut who flew to space three times, becoming the first West German citizen in space and the first non-American to fly on a NASA spacecraft. Merbold flew on two Space Shuttle missions and on a Russian mission to the space station Mir, spending a total of 49 days in space.

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Headlines from June 20, 1941

U.S.-VICHY BREAK FORECAST IN PARIS; Nazi-Controlled Press Says Washington Plans to Seize French Possessions

By the United Press

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Front Page 1 -- No Title

By Unknown Author

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Demobilizing of Red Army Said to Be German Demand; Demobilization of Red Army Is Reported To Be One German Demand Upon Russia

By C.l. Sulzbergerspecial Broadcast To the New York Times

expect USSR to accede

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COMMITTEE VOTES SHARP RATE RISES FOR INCOME TAXES; Starting Individual Surtax of 5% Would Double Burden on Upper Middle Brackets COMPANY SURTAXES SET With a Higher Excess Profits Levy, Corporations Would Pay $1,225,000,000 More COMMITTEE VOTES SHARP TAX RISES

By Henry N. Dorrisspecial To the New York Times

tentatively adopts surtax schedule beginning at 5%; will increase burden on lower and middle income groups; table

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ALLIES CLOSING IN; French Fiercely Resist 'Final' British Drive on Syrian Capital AUSTRALIANS NEAR BEIRUT Fighting Way Up Coast Road -- Vichy Pocket Reduced in South Despite Air Aid ALLIES CLOSING IN TO TAKE DAMASCUS

By Ray Brockspecial Broadcast To the New York Times

French resist fiercely as Allies close in on Damascus; Brit break French counter-drive; Australians near Beirut; French pocket cut in south despite air aid; Brit bolster forces; French claim they still hold Mezze; both capitals threatened

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RUBBER RATIONING IS ORDERED BY 0PM; Consumption, Including Tires, to Be Cut 25%, With Ban on Price Rises

By Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Plans for rationing rubber were announced by the Office of Production Management tonight, in an effort to reduce the present record consumption rate by about 25 per cent.

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Ten Months' Supply on Hand; RUBBER RATIONING IS ORDERED BY OPM

By the Associated Press

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Counting crude and finished goods, the rubber industry has about a ten-months supply available, spokesmen for the industry said at Akron, Ohio.

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DROPS 8-HOUR DAY ON PANAMA WORKS; Roosevelt Also Orders Speed-Up on Defense Projects in Alaska and Puerto Rico

By Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES

Roosevelt suspends 8-hr day for defense construction workers

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NAZIS ACCUSE AIDES; Lay Spying to Officers of U.S. -- Order Closing of American Express BANS EFFECTIVE JULY 15 Also Cover Consuls in Lands Occupied by Axis -- Ouster of Italian Agents Here Seen REICH AND ITALY EXPEL U.S. CONSULS

By Telephone To the New York Times

Germany asks U S withdrawal from Germany and occupied areas; co reaction

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Roosevelt, Honored by Oxford, Says We Would Fight to Be Free; ROOSEVELT GETS AN OXFORD HONOR

By W.a. MacDonaldspecial To the New York Times

commencement; honorary degrees listed; Roosevelt receives Oxford Univ honorary degree in absentia at special convocation; message; Halifax officiates; s; text; Conant repts on 1940 gifts; Overseers Bd election; list; Alumni Assn elects drs

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Air-Raid Wardens Start Enrolling in City Today; 64,000 Volunteers to Form Civilian Defense System Like London's -- Mayor Demands 'Disciplined Force, Not a Clambake' AIR-RAID WARDENS TO ENROLL TODAY

By Unknown Author

air-raid warden enrollment plans; Valentine explains zoning; duties and enrollment centers listed; facsimile of blank

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$1,000,000 REFUND FOR BRITISH SOUGHT FROM VISCOSE SALE; U.S. Treasury Feels Success of Offering Warrants Cut in Underwriting Profit COMMISSIONS HELD HIGH Officials of Federal Agencies Investigating -- Bankers Withhold Comment $1,000,000 REFUND FOR BRITISH SOUGHT

By Unknown Author

U S Treas reptd seeking refund to Brit Treas from comms and profits on stock sale

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