[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime”.)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[CougarGA7]

Here is the last installment I have of Elmer Davis on the Winter War until the 18th.

CBS - Elmer Davis Reports on Soviet-Finnish War

[CougarGA7]

Day 3 of the Winter War, December 2, 1939

The Ministry of Education urges all schools throughout the country to stop work, as the classrooms are needed to house refugees.
Photo: SA-KUVA

Finnish workers will take up arms to defend their country against attack

• The Soviet Union signs a mutual assistance pact with the Kuusinen 'Government'.

• The Social Democratic Party and the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) release a joint communiqué declaring that Finnish workers will take up arms to defend their country against attack.

• Petsamo: a Soviet regiment attacks the mine area.

• A counterattack by the Finnish Pennanen Detachment pushes the Russians back. Finnish losses: 13 dead, 38 wounded.

• Karelian Isthmus: confusion caused by rumours that the enemy has got behind the Finnish troops.

• The enemy reaches the Vammelsuu-Kivennapa-Rautu-Taipale line on the Isthmus.

• Ladoga Karelia: IV Army Corps, fighting under Major-General Heiskanen, issues the order for an offensive to retake the area around Suvilahti. The offensive runs out of steam by nightfall.

• In the evening some of the covering force are ordered to withdraw to the main defensive position.

• The Ministry of Education urges all schools throughout the country to stop work, as the classrooms are needed to house refugees.

• The Swedish Government decides that Sweden will not help defend Åland.Sweden will also not give any other direct support to Finland.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1939/dec39/f02dec39.htm

In Geneva... Finland appeals to the League of Nations to mediate in their quarrel with the Soviets.
In the Winter War... There are Soviet landings with naval support near Petsamo and other units of 14th Army are attacking overland nearby. Elsewhere the slow advance of the Soviet forces continues. The Finnish defenses have not yet been reached in most areas.

In Lausanne... In Switzerland, the International Olympic Committee announces the abandonment of the Helsinki Olympic Games, planned for 1940.

In Italy... Pro-Finnish demonstrations take place in Rome.

In the Vatican... The Pope condemns Soviet aggression.

On the Western Front... A French communique reports: “A quiet day on the whole front... the air forces, on both sides, were completely inactive.”

In Britain... Conscription is extended to all men between 19 and 41 years of age, with limited occupational deferments.

In the South Atlantic... The steamer Doric Star (Blue Star Line), homeward bound from New Zealand and Australia, is attacked and sunk by the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee. Meanwhile, off the coast of South Africa, the German liner Watussi is scuttled under shellfire from the battle cruiser HMS Renown.