military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (08/22/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Thursday, 22 August, 1940 Heavy coastal batteries on the Channel coast bombard a British convoy for over an hour, but score no hits. The batteries later switch fire to Dover, and the fire is returned by a British 14" gun nearby. At Hitler's urging, Mussolini orders that no further preparations for war with Greece be made. Greece continues its mobilization efforts, and consults with British representatives. German bombers conduct their first night raid on London. De Gaulle warns that the Vichy government is in the process of transferring some 800 aircraft of the French African forces to Germany. French Foreign Minister Baudoin claims that Britain's refusal to lift the blockade of Europe forces France to do what it can to circumvent the interdiction. Isolationists senators filibuster the Burke-Wadsworth Selective Service Bill. The Konoye government recalls some 40 Japanese ambassadors, including the ambassador to Washington, D.C. The move is seen as a purge. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "The French Government will not bow to this prohibition. It must do all in its power to spare the country from hunger." - Foreign Minister Paul Baudoin.