http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1940/mar40/f17mar40.htm
Americans concerned about Romania
Sunday, March 17, 1940 www.onwar.com
In the United States... An editorial published in The Charlotte News suggests that Romania will be absorbed by Nazi Germany in the same manner as Czechoslovakia. It suggests that Hitler intends the same fate for all of the Balkans as well as Scandinavia, the Low Countries and France.
In Berlin... Dr. Fritz Todt is appointed Reich minister for armaments and munitions.
In Britain... Nottinghamshire miners vote to forgo part of their holidays to boost the war effort.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/month/thismonth/17.htm
March 17th, 1940
UNITED KINGDOM:
Nottinghamshire miners vote to forgo part of their holidays to boost the war effort.
London: Long evening dresses are making a come-back, particularly in restaurants and clubs frequented by young soldiers on their way to France. In contrast to the utilitarian wear of the early war months, luxury fabrics such as chiffon, lace, tulle and taffeta are now favoured for a night out on the town. Far from their wives and girlfriends, the soldiers are happy to find places where partners are provided. The latest new dance, a great favourite among the soldiers and their dancing partners, is “The Blackout Stroll” during which the lights go out and everyone changes partners.
RAF Fighter Command: Collier and 3 trawlers attacked off Scottish coast. Enemy aircraft driven off.
GERMANY: Berlin: Dr. Fritz Todt, an engineer and master road builder, is appointed Minister for Weapons and Munitions, ushering in a new era in the efficient use of German industry and forced labor. Todt caught the attention of Adolf Hitler in 1932 as Todt spoke out about the importance of building new roads to jumpstart a moribund German economy. Once Hitler came to power, Hitler placed Todt in charge of a massive road-building project, the Autobahn. (Jack McKillop)
ATLANTIC OCEAN: MS Argentina left Copenhagen and radioed for the last time on 17 March. She was reported missing thereafter west of Scotland. At 2325 hours on 17 Mar 1940, U-38 torpedoed and sunk an unknown steamer of 5000 GRT west of Scotland. This must have been the Argentina. (Dave Shirlaw)