military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/25/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Saturday, 25 November, 1939 German forces lay mines in Swedish territorial waters, off that nation's southwest coast. Berlin claims that an air attack on a British fleet in the North Sea resulted in four ships hit, while Britain denies any damage. Japan joins the neutral nations who have protested Britain and France's recent announcement that they intend to blockade all German exports. A German U-boat reports the sinking of a British Q-ship disguised as a Netherland freighter. Germany warns that this abuse might endanger neutral shipping. 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 "Even if the sinking of neutral vessels in British waters were due to German action, the British Government's proposed measure not only exceeds the limits of reprisal recongnized under international law but also violates the undertakings the British Government made to the Japanese Government not to interfere in any way with the export of German goods." - Japanese Foreign Office