military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/11/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Sunday, 12 November, 1939 Britain and France respond to the Low Countries' offer to mediate negotiations. Both express reserved willingness to negotiate; but in Britain, First Sea Lord Churchill broadcasts, calling Hitler "a cornered maniac" and "that evil man over there." Mobilization in Belgium and the Netherlands continues. The USSR and Finland exchange hostile diplomatic statements; the Finns threaten to withdraw their negotiators unless the Soviets compromise, while the USSR berated Finnish stubborness, and took the opportunity to condemn the USA and Great Britain for encouraging the Finns. Mussolini orders another increase in the Italian Army, some 5000 NCO's and 18,000 enlisted men being added. Britain withdraws its troops from Northern China for duty in Europe, hinting that she leaves it to other powers (the USA) to look after her interests there. The move is interpreted as an improvement in Anglo- Japanese relations. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "If we are conquered, all will be enslaved and the United States will be left single-handed to guard the rights of man." - Winston Churchill