WAR DIARY

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 20, 21 February 1940, Page 5

WAR DIARY

FROM BAY TO DAY OVERSEAS INCIDENTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CABLES Following is a summary of day to day incidents overseas, culled from the cable news: — February 18 and 19: Sensational am! dramalic rescue by iiie Brilish desiroyer 11.M.5. Cossack. of between. :;00 and iflO Brilish seamen wiio were I -doners on hoard Ihe German "hell ship" Allmarek. These men were from ships sunk in Ihe Allanlic by Dm c.raf Spee which later met her doom ;.i the hands of Brilish cruisers in 11,,, Bailie of Die Diver Plale. Norway and Germany alleges Brilain commuted a breach ol Dm Neutrality laws by rnlering Norwegian lerritorial walers. Nazis very angry al Britain's action and threatens reprisals. Finns in Mamierlieini line hard pressed. Commander calls lor a valiant stand. Another l.'-boat reported sunk by lhe French Navy —Die sixth since February U. Although snow is falling continuously on Lite Western Front patrols on Pclh sides are active, lire having been exchanged. The British Minister of War, Mr Oliver Stanley, in an interview said: "We must light and suffer. A very severe struggle undoubtedly faces Ihe British troops here.” (The Western Front).

Further sinkings of merchant vessels reported. February 20: Prison ship drama creates world interest. Nazis and Norwegians bitter. Americans say that Norway was at fault. Discussing, the capture of the prisoners. lhe New York Herald-Tribune says: "There is a grim humour in Berlin's wild cries of anger, pain and outraged moral virtue. The nation whose governors have made brute force their duty have had, relatively mildly, Die tables turned. . . . No one oulside Germany is profoundly shocked.

British Navy sustains a loss by the lorpedoeing by a U-boat of Die Destroyer Daring. II is feared i->7 officers and ratings are dead. Main defences of the Mannerheim Line still intact. Finns claim successes in the air. Germany informs Norway and Sweden that she regards as a breach of Neutrality any aid they give to Finland. More brutaJily by Nazis in Poland. Fight Professors murdered. French military authorities declare Dm “hell ship” Altniarck violaled international law in concealing the tact that site had prisoners on hoard and was armed with guns. Two German freighters captured by the Royal Navy.