military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (02/09/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Friday, 9 February, 1940 Strong Soviet attacks in the Summa sector continue to press the Finnish defenders of the Mannerheim Line. Other attacks are focused against the Taipale and Punnusjoki sectors. Several hundred British volunteers arrive to aid the Finns. President Roosevelt sends Under-Secretary of State Sumner Welles on a visit to western Europe, with planned visits to London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Turkey dismisses 80 German technicians and workmen employed in Turkish defense industries, including the Golden Horn shipyards and the Kirikkale explosives factory. Sources claim that the move is an attempt to prevent Nazi sabotage of these vital industries. General von Manstein is appointed commander of the 38th Corps, having previously been Chief of Staff to von Rundstedt's Army Group A. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "It can hardly be doubted, therefore, that my replacement was due to a desire on the part of O.K.H. to be rid of an importunate nuisance who had ventured to put up an operation plan at variance with its own." - Gen. Erich von Manstein, _Lost Victories_ (O.K.H. = Oberkommando des Heeres, or Army High Command)