military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (12/12/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Tuesday, 12 December, 1939 The USSR refuses the League of Nations demand to cease hostilities and submit to mediation of its dispute with Finland. In Finland, several major operations begin. North of Lake Ladoga, the Battle of Tolvaajaervi commences, as does the Battle of Kitela. Further north, Finnish troops mass to counterattack the Soviet drive intended to cut Finland at its "waist." The German liner Bremen arrives safely in Bremerhaven, having recently left Murmansk. She avoided a near scrape with a British submarine, which was driven off by aircraft. Four more merchantmen are sunk, and Germany claims that Britain is deliberately concealing the true losses to her merchant fleet. Italy demands free passage for its ships in the Mediterranean. Japanese General Hiroshi Oshima speaks of German secret weapons, and favorably assesses the German position in the war. Major General Amei Oba hints at possible chemical warfare in the Western Front, mentioning that "the Frankfort dyeing industry is employing 1400 doctors and chemists in special researches." The Allies declare a financial entente, stabilizing their currency "until six months after peace is concluded." -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Italy intends to expand in Africa, so there is no risk of conflict between Germany and Italy." - Gen. Hiroshi Oshima