military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (12/04/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Saturday, 2 December, 1939 The Finnish frontier defense (a screening force of 13,000 men) has withdrawn in good order up the Karelian isthmus, to the Mannerheim line of fortifications. A counterattack is claimed to have inflicted serious casualties upon the Soviet forces. Fierce fighting continues in and around Petsamo. The Finnish Navy claims that the Russian cruiser Kirov was sunk during a failed naval attack on Hangoe. Helsinki abandons its plans to host the 1940 Olympics, and appeals to the League of Nations. A pro-Finnish demonstration is staged in Rome, and the Vatican denounces the aggression of the USSR. Former president Herbert Hoover urges the recall of the US envoy to Russia. Three further air raids are staged against Helsinki, and Roosevelt condemns the action in the strongest terms. A "moral embargo" on sales of arms to Russia is proposed, on account of the attacks on civilians. Daladier warns Germany that, if similiar attacks are made against France, they will be answered "bomb for bomb." References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "We are accustomed to hunting seals, and though the Russians are bigger, they therefore are easier to hit." - anonymous Finnish sailor.