military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/17/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Friday, 17 November, 1939 The German panzerschiff Luetzow arrives at the Baltic port of Gdynia concluding her first Atlantic raid. She sank only two merchantmen, both under her previous name, Deutschland. She was renamed on the 15th, to prevent loss of face in the event of her sinking. Other German warships and submarines are operating in the Gulf of Finland, halting Finnish sea trade, in a maneuver believed intended to support the Soviet demands on Finland. Fifteen Finnish ships have been detained. At the third meeting of the Allied Supreme War Council (in London) the Dyle Plan (Plan D) is officially adopted. The plan is hindered by Belgium's refusal to allow even reconnaissance parties to cross her borders, necessary to maintain her neutrality. In addition, steps are taken to integrate the French and British economies. In occupied Czechoslavokia, SS units occupy all universities, and 9 student leaders are executed, following numerous recent riots. The universities will remain closed until 1945, and 1200 students are sent to concentration camps. Ex-President Benes forms the Czech National Committee in Paris. Factions in Tokyo are urging the Japanese government to conclude a Russo- Japanese non-agression pact, despite British and American protests. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "They have not chosen to molest the British Fleet, which has awaited their attack in the Firth of Forth during the last week, and they recoil from the steel front of the French Army along the Maginot Line." - Winston Churchill