Don't Discuss Troop Movements 1941 WWII Censored Cover Australia Melbourne USA

Item Specifics

Country

Australia

Condition

Cover (Postal History)

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
Postal History Item: Cover Origin and Destination: From: FEDERAL CHEMICALS PTY. LTD., Flockhart Street, Abbotsford, N.9, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. To: The National Oil Products Co., First & Essex Streets, Harrison, N.J., U.S.A. Stamps: Australia, 1d (one penny) green, Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Mother) definitive. Australia, 2d (two pence) red, King George VI definitive Total Postage: 3d (three pence). Postmark & Slogan Cancel: Dispatch Postmark: Rectangular machine cancel: MELBOURNE / VICTORIA Date: MAY 24, 1941 (24 MAY 1941). Time: 4.30 AM. Slogan Cancel (to the right of stamps): "DON'T DISCUSS / TROOP / MOVEMENTS!" (A common and important WWII security slogan). Censor Markings: Australian Censor Label (Front & Back): Beige/tan label "3 Opened by Censor". Australian Censor Handstamp (Front): / PASSED BY / CENSOR /V85 Additional Markings: Printed return instruction: "If not claimed within 7 days, please return..." Travel Details: From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. To: Harrison, New Jersey, USA. Dispatch Date: May 24, 1941. Mode of Transport: Likely sea mail. The 3d rate was the standard surface letter rate to the USA. Approximate Travel Distance (Melbourne to Harrison, NJ via sea routes): Approx. 16,500-18,500 km (10,250-11,500 miles). Historical Context for Postmark Date (May 24, 1941): World War II: The global conflict was escalating. The Battle of Crete was ongoing. The German battleship Bismarck was at sea and would be sunk a few days later (May 27). Germany was also in the final preparations for Operation Barbarossa (invasion of the Soviet Union, June 1941). Australia's Involvement: Australia was a key member of the Allied forces. The "DON'T DISCUSS TROOP MOVEMENTS!" slogan cancel was a vital part of the national security effort to prevent inadvertent disclosure of sensitive military information. United States Neutrality (Pre-Pearl Harbor): The United States was still officially neutral but President Roosevelt had declared an "unlimited national emergency" just days later (May 27, 1941), further signaling U.S. commitment to supporting the Allies. The Lend-Lease Act was in effect. Censorship: All international mail from Australia was subject to strict censorship. Federal Chemicals Pty. Ltd. / National Oil Products Co.: This indicates business correspondence between chemical companies in Australia and the USA. This cover is a significant example of commercial correspondence from Australia to the USA during World War II, sent in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. It features distinct Australian censorship markings and a highly relevant wartime security slogan.

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03/05/2019

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Florida, United States

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Worldwide

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