Soviet Peace Pact Ratified by Finns by Vote of 145 to 3 – 2-3
The International Situation – 3
http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1940/mar40/f16mar40.htm
Luftwaffe strikes Scapa Flow
Saturday, March 16, 1940 www.onwar.com
In Britain... There is a German air raid by 32 bombers (2 are lost) on the British fleet base at Scapa Flow. One cruiser, HMS Norfolk, is slightly damaged. There are 7 naval casualties. The raid is more notable for causing the first civilian casualties in Britain. A German aircraft fleeing the battle released 19 bombs wounding seven civilians and killing James Isbister, aged 27.
In Rome... US envoy and Under-Secretary of State, Sumner Welles, holds talks with Mussolini, Count Ciano, the foreign minister, and King Victor Emmanuel III on the last stop of his mission to discuss conditions for mediation or peace talks in Europe. He receives a cordial but non-committal welcome.
In Argentina... The government deports the German crew of the Admiral Graf Spee into the interior and forbids them to wear their uniforms.