military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/20/91)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Friday, 20 June, 1941 In the United States, the center of attention remains the 21 May torpedoing of the American ship Robin Moor. President Roosevelt today terms the sinking an act of piracy. He declares Germany an "international outlaw" and demands full reparations. Roosevelt further forbids the export of all petroleum products to nations other than Britain and her dominions, the American republics, and Egypt. Finland declares a general mobilization, calling up reservists age 45 and under. Major General H.H. "Hap" Arnold is appointed Chief of the US Army Air Forces. The US battleship Texas is sighted by the U-203 operating within what Germany has declared as a combat zone. The sub requests orders from U-Boat Command, and is told to avoid contact. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ R.Goralski, _World War II Almanac, 1931-1945_ J.Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ J.Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ Royal Institute of International Affairs, _Chronology of the Second World War_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ Brig. P.Young, _The World Almanac of World War II_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "...this is more or less what we are accustomed to from Roosevelt." - unidentified German source, referring to the President's statements regarding the Robin Moor