military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (03/03/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Friday, 1 March, 1940 The Soviet ultimatum to Finland expires unanswered. Soviet troops have approached to within a few kilometers of Viipuri, the Mannerheim Line behind them. US Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles arrives in Berlin, with instructions to offer the services of the United States in mediating peace talks with the Allies. Germany's Foreign Minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, informs Welles that Germany will not settle for peace until Britain's power is broken. London announces the suspension of trade negotiations with Italy, and orders the fleet to stop all shipments of German coal to that nation. Italy has turned down British offers of coal exports in exchange for purchase of Italian arms. Former President Herbert Hoover urges Congress to allot $40-50 million for humanitarian aid to Polish civilians. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Such humanitarian assistance embraces no threat of involvement in European wars. As far as I am concerned, I'm prepared to feed women and children and I don't care of what nationality or race they are." - President Herbert Hoover