[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]

[Lancey Howard]

In the headline story the New York Times correspondent describes finding a Russian New Testament in the snow, along with "family photos and other personal treasures" near a site where "several old Russian families" lived. "One of their houses was blown up and set afire by an incendiary bomb". Etc.

Now proceed to the section of the story under the subtitle "Bombs' Damage Freakish" and read the strained excuse-making for the Russian aviators who have a "propensity" to "hit working class areas, hospitals, orphanages, and the like". According to the New York Times story it's "ironical" (sic) because the purpose of the Russian war on Finland is "freeing the workers".

Even if the Soviet aviator flying over a Finnish city is the most devoted friend of the working class, he cannot tell the difference between the "exploiter" and the "proletarian" on the ground.

And besides, the Finns have some pretty good anti-aircraft weapons and this forces the Russian bombers to fly higher, making them less accurate. So, see? It's the Finns' own fault.

Even 70 years ago the NY Times was as much an active agent for communism as it is today.

[CougarGA7]

Day 27 of the Winter War, December 26, 1939

Northern Karelia: the North Karelian Group completes its offensive in the Pielisjärvi sector after two days, having forced the opposing Russian regiment back across the border.
Photo: SA-KUVA

Uruguay to aid Finland

• Eastern Isthmus: at Taipale, the Russian troops which have overrun Kelja successfully repulse Finnish attempts at counterattack.

• Northern Karelia: the North Karelian Group completes its offensive in the Pielisjärvi sector after two days, having forced the opposing Russian regiment back across the border.

• South coast: the enemy bombs Kotka - four people are killed.

• Ladoga Karelia: the railway junction at Elisenvaara in the municipality of Kurkijoki is subjected to intensive bombing. One of the bombs kills 29 civilians who had taken refuge in a sewage ditch.

• Abroad: Uruguay announces it is to send material aid to Finland.

• Mexico also promises to send Finland whatever assistance it can afford.

• Abroad: in a speech at the Vatican, Pope Pius XII condemns the Soviet attack on Finland.