WAR DIARY

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 18, 16 February 1940, Page 4

WAR DIARY

FROM DAY TO DAY OVERSEAS INCIDENTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM TIIE CABLES Following is a summary of day to day incidents overseas, culled from the cable news:February 14: Europe again in grip of ice causing dislocation of transport and hundreds of deaths due to hardship and disease.

Premier of Victoria (Australia) seeks dissolution of Slate Parliament. German freighter Wakama (3771 tons) believed scuttled near Rio de Janeiro. Rea's on for Turkish seizure of Krupps yards on February 9 disclosed when plot to seal submarine revealed. American correspondent in Germany states shortage of supplies in Germany due lo blockade extremely acute —only barest necessities available Japanese Foreign Office terminating Japanese-Netherlands • treaty. Finnish defenders of Mannerheim Line withstanding worst bombardment since 1915. Russians being held back in spite of artillery action and increased manpower. Russia demands help from Baltic States against Finland. Italy hurriedly fortifying German and Yugo-Slav frontiers. Ritter weather holds up activity on Western Front. February 15: German freighter Wolfsburg (6201 tons) sunk by British cruiser near Rio de Janeiro. Scuttling of Wakama confirmed. Nazis warn Turks that force of 500.000 men may he rushed to Caucasus lo protect- Russian oilfields. Trade agreement between Russia fird Bulgaria ratified. intense cold prevents activity other (ban usual patrols on Western Front. British reconnaisance flights carried out over Germany.. All planes return safely. Berlin ridicules New Zealand soldiers as “poor country lads.” Finnish lines still intact in spite of terrific shelling. Soviet losses reported to be heavy. Russians reported to he massing on > Finnish frontier for a fresh drive. Britain requires another 10.000 met for naval patrol work.