military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (12/01/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Friday, 1 December, 1939 The Finnish cabinet of Premier Almo Cajander resigns despite a Parliamentary vote of confidence. The new government is expected to seek a truce with the USSR. The Soviets have reportedly demanded a complete surrender by 3 A.M. today, but promise that they do not intend to "destroy Finland." Helsinki is raided three times by Russian bombers, with 200 estimated dead. In Moscow, a Finnish government is formed under the leadership of Finnish Communist Otto Kuusinen, and immediately accedes to Soviet demands. Soviet forces have reported occupied Petsamo in the north, are nearing Suojaervi north of Lake Ladoga, and are engaged in combat in the Karelian Isthmus. Landing parties have captured the islands of Hogland and Seiskari. The Finnish fleet has left port. President Roosevelt appeals for a halt to the bombing of cities. Finland's Scandinavian neighbors express outrage, but reaffirm their neutrality. Italy and the Balkan states voice concern about Soviet intentions further south, and P.M. Chamberlain declares Britain's "deep regret" over the attack. The French Chamber of Deputies votes to grant Premier Edouard Daladier's governmetn an extension of their full decree powers for the duration of the war. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "If resort is had to this form of inhuman barbarism during the period of the tragic conflagration with which the world is now confronted, hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings who are not even remotely participating in hostilities will lose their lives." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt.