1941
January 4. French Indochina was granted dominion status. (By decree. Times, Jan. 4. 1941, p. 2.)
January 6. President Roosevelt recommended to Congress lend‑lease for the Allies and enunciated the "Four Freedoms." ("I also ask this Congress for authority and for funds sufficient to manufacture additional munitions and war supplies of many kinds, to be turned over to those nations which are now in actual war with aggressor nations.
"Our most useful and immediate role is to act as an arsenal for them as well as for ourselves. They do not need manpower, but they do need billions of dollars worth of the weapons of defense.
"The time is near when they will not be able to pay for them all in ready cash. We cannot, and we will not, tell them that they must surrender, merely because of present inability to pay for the weapons which we know they must have.
"I do not recommend that we make them a loan of dollars with which to pay for these weapons–a loan to be repaid in dollars.
"I recommend that we make it possible for those nations to continue to obtain war materials in the United States, fitting their orders into our own program. Nearly all their materiel would, if the time ever came, be useful for our own defense.
"Taking counsel of expert military and naval authorities, considering what is best for our own security, we are free to decide how much should be kept here and how much should be sent abroad to our friends who by their determined and heroic resistance are giving us time in which to make ready our own defense.
"For what we send abroad, we shall be repaid within a reasonable time following the close of hostilities, in similar materials, or, at our option, in other goods of many kinds, which they can produce and which we need." (Congressional Record [Bound], Vol. 87, Pt. 1, pp. 44‑47.)
The British Minister Without Portfolio, Arthur Greenwood, was assigned the task of study of reconstruction and war problems. ("The object will be to find practical solutions for the immediate problem of a transition from w to peace and also to outline and presently to amplify a policy for the years immediately following the war which will command the support of the nation as a whole and enable unit action to proceed in peace as in war." Times, Jan. 7, 1941, p. 15.)
January 10. German‑Russian agreements on barter and border matters signed at Moscow. ("The agreement regulates the trade turnover between the U. S. S. R. and Germany until Aug. 1,
267
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1942. It provides for an amount of mutual deliveries considerably exceeding the level of the first year of operation of the agreement. . . . settling all problems connected with migration. . . . on the State frontier of the U. S. S. R. and Germany in the sector from the River Igorka to the Baltic Sea in connection with the admission of the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic into the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics, which took place Aug. 3, 1940." Ibid., Jan. 11, 1941, p. 8. Cf. Aug. 19, Sept. 28, 1939, Feb. 12, June 16, July 21, Aug. 25, 1940, Supra.)
January 15. Secretary of State Hull advocated H. R. 1776 (lend-lease bill) before House Committee on Foreign Affairs. ("The present bill sets up machinery which will enable us to make the most effective use of our resources for our own needs and for the needs of those whom, in our own self‑defense, we are determined thus to aid. The great problem of democracy is to organize and to use its strength with sufficient speed and completeness. The proposed legislation is an essential measure for that purpose. This bill will make it possible for us to allocate our resources in ways best calculated to provide for the security of this nation and of this continent in the complex and many‑sided conditions of danger with which we are, and are likely to be, confronted. Above all, it will enable us to do all these things in the speediest possible manner. And, overwhelmingly, speed is our greatest need today." Bulletin, Vol. V, No., 82, p. 89. Cf. Peace, p. 618.)
January 16. Secretary of War Stimson testified for the lend‑lease bill. ("Instead of being able leisurely to pick and choose and deliberately to arm ourselves, relying upon the then existing stability on the other side of the Atlantic, we are not only compelled to arm ourselves entirely by our own efforts but to do so at the very time when it is imperative that our American industry and plants should be working at top speed to furnish vital weapons of defense to Great Britain in order that she may meet the crisis which is confronting her this spring and summer, and thus preserve her fleet as a bulwark in the Atlantic Ocean." Times, Jan., 17, 1941, p. 7.)
January 17. Secretary of the Navy Knox testified for the lend‑lease bill. ("The struggle now going on is, fundamentally, an attempt by Germany to seize control of the sea from Great Britain. That is the reason why, from a military viewpoint, the war has so vital an interest to the United States. . . . If Germany becomes free to move across the ocean for the conquest of new territories, she most probably will move first into South America, to get hold of that great storehouse of national wealth. If the United States does not wish to face the consequences of the establishment in South America of aggressive military power, we should now prevent Germany from overturning the British sea power which holds the Nazis in Europe. . . . We need time to build ships and to train their crews. We need time to build up our outlying bases so that we can operate our fleets as a screen for our continent. . . . We need time to train our armies, to accumulate war stores, to gear our industry for defense. Only Great Britain
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and its fleet can give us that time. And they. need our help to survive.
"If we fully organize the mental and material resources of the American people, we can give Britain that help and simultaneously can build a strong military defense for ourselves. The cost to us in money, effort, and sacrifice will be great‑but that cost will be far greater even in the immediate future should we now stand aside and let Britain fall." Ibid., Jan. 18, 1941, p. 4.)
January 19. Chancellor Hitler and Premier Mussolini conferred. (". . . comprehensive exchange of views relative to the situation . . . resulted in complete agreement of mutual opinions on all questions." Ibid., Jan. 21, 1941, p. 1.)
January 21. The United States lifted the "moral embargo" on exports to Russia. ("All of the articles and materials covered by what has generally been referred to as the `moral embargo' are included in the list of articles and materials now subject to the export‑license system." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 83, p: 107. Cf. Feb. 19, 1940, supra.)
January 24. Marshal Pétain designated a National Council of 188. (To advise the Chief of State privately on specific matters. Times, Jan. 25, 1941, p. 6.)
January 27. Marshal Pétain decreed all high officials should be personally responsible to the Chief of State. ("Responsibility is made effective by engaging the man who accepts it to the extent of his liberty, his property, and his life." Ibid., Jan. 28, 1941, p. 10.)
Ambassador Grew telegraphed from Tokyo: (paraphrase) "A member of the Embassy was told by my . . . colleague that from many quarters, including a Japanese one, he had heard a surprise mass attack on Pearl Harbor was planned by the Japanese military forces, in case of `trouble' between Japan and the United States; that the attack would involve the use of all the Japanese military facilities. My colleague said that he was prompted to pass this on because it had come to him from many, sources, although the plan seemed fantastic." Japan, Vol. II, p. 133.
January 30. Chancellor Hitler promised a historic year for the new European order. ("On land the number of our divisions has been mightily increased and their pay increased. War experiences have been evaluated by men and officers. Work has been done and work continues unceasingly. Equipment has been improved and our enemies shall see how it was improved.
"On the seas the U‑boat war will begin in the spring, and they will see that there, too, we have not slept. And the Air Force will also put in an appearance, and all the armed forces together will force a decision one way or another. Our production in all fields has been greatly increased. What others plan is reality to us. The German people stands behind its leaders, believing in their armed forces and ready to endure what destiny demands of it." Times, Jan. 31, 1941, p. 2.)
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January 31. French Indochinese‑Thai armistice signed at Saigon. (Japanese mediation. Ibid., Jan. 31, 1941, p. 8.)
Under Secretary Summer Welles recommended lend‑lease. (". . . in my judgment, the course which is least fraught with danger, and which is most likely to make it possible for the American people to stay out of war, is for this country to increase its production of armaments to such an extent as to make it possible for us to make available to Great Britain on an ever‑increasing scale the armaments which she requires in order successfully to continue her war of self‑defense." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 84, p. 127.)
The Regional Conference of the River Plate approved a draft convention suspending most‑favored‑nation treatment for products among Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (". . . conceding preferential treatment to the products of Bolivia and Paraguay, providing at the same time that special concessions granted for Bolivian and Paraguayan products shall not be extended to the signatory countries or to third parties . . ." Times, Feb. 1, 1941; . p. 18) and a resolution recommending study of a customs union. ("'Whereas, The interests of the countries participating in the Regional Conference of the River Plate can be conciliated in a manner that will benefit them all within an economic and commercial organization; and
"Whereas, It is indispensable to have access to permanent, markets of great consuming, capacity in order that the development of agrarian and manufacturing industries may rest on stable bases that permit production on a large scale under favorable economic conditions; and
"Whereas a permanent market of great consuming capacity can be easily achieved by combining the markets of countries participating in this conference, . . ." Ibid., p. 18.)
February 6. The Conference of the River Plate set up permanent regional headquarters in Buenos Aires. (To direct regional economic relations. Ibid., Feb. 7, 1941, p. 4.)
February 10. Britain severed diplomatic relations with Rumania. (". . . the essential development is that the German High Command is building up in Rumania all the elements of an expeditionary force and has concentrated at various points large, supplies of munitions and oil fuel.
"Rumanian territory is thus being used by Germany as a military base in furtherance of her plans for prosecuting the war. These measures are being taken without a word of dissent from the Rumanian Government." Ibid., Feb. 11, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Oct. 8, Nov. 23, 1940, supra.)
February 12. Italy asked that United States consulates at Palermo and Naples be moved to Rome. (To a place not on sea coast. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 249. Cf. Jan. 19. supra.)
General Franco and Premier Mussolini conferred. (". . . on all problems interesting the two governments at the present historic moment." Times, Feb. 13, 1941, p. 1.)
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February 13. King Alfonso XIII of Spain renounced his throne in favor of his son Juan. (". . . it would be to deny reality if I did not take into account the fact that Spanish opinion–that of those who have struggled and who have triumphed–is anxious for the constitution of a new Spain which is tied closely and fecundly with the spirit of the glorious past and with the eagerness to endow our people with the necessary capacity to realize their transcending mission in the future. . . .
"Not by my will, but due to the inexorable law of circumstances, perhaps my person would be an obstacle among those with whom I have lived and who followed, surely and with good faith, a different road.
"To some I would appear as a return to a policy that did not know how to avert, or could not avert, our tragedy and the causes which provoked it.
"For others I would be a motive of remorse and embarrassment.
"My duty is to remove these possible obstacles. . . ." Ibid., Feb. 14, 1941, p. 6.)
General Franco met Marshal Pétain. (To discuss matters relating to the prosecution of the war. Ibid., p. 1.)
February 14. Chancellor Hitler conferred with Yugoslavs. (Demanded they adhere to Axis pact, permit transit of troops and munitions, grant economic cooperation and passivity to German occupation of Bulgaria. Ibid., Feb. 15, 1941, p. 2. ". . . concerning questions of mutual interest . . ." Ibid., p. 1.)
February 16. Britain mined Singapore waters. (To strengthen defenses there because of concern over Far Eastern situation. Ibid., Feb. 17, 1941, p. 1.)
February 17. Turkish‑Bulgarian nonaggression pact signed. (". . . having reached happy results after exchanges of views several times in the past, herewith determine the meaning of their respective foreign policies affecting their mutual interests and aims and thus safeguard the unspoiled confidence and friendship existing between the two neighboring countries;
"To give proof of their pact of friendship which provides that there shall be inviolate peace and sincere and eternal friendship between the Turkish Republic and the Kingdom of Bulgaria;
"Desiring to continue their policy of confidence toward each other, which policy assures the security of peace and quiet in the Balkans in a most difficult moment through mutual consideration for their security; . . ." Ibid., Feb. 18, 1941, p. 4.)
February 25. Foreign Minister Matsuoka said the white race must cede Oceania to the Asiatics. ("This region has sufficient natural resources to support from 600,000,000 to 800,000,000 people. I believe we have a natural right to migrate there." Ibid., p. 1.)
March 1. Bulgaria adhered to Axis pact. ("Upon invitation of the German government." . . . Ibid., Mar. 2, 1941, p. 38. Cf. Feb. 14, supra.)
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March 4. The United States froze Bulgarian assets. (Cf. Mar. 1,. supra. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 251.)
March 6. Britain severed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. ("From, the nature of the German military movements in Bulgaria it is clear that the German aim is to menace and, if necessary, attack Great Britain's ally, Greece.
"By their agreement with the German Government the Bulgarian Government have facilitated the realization of this German aim and, apart from other measures which they have taken, they have gone so far as to proceed in connection with it to a large measure of mobilization. His Majesty's Government can only conclude from this that the Bulgarian Government, so far from only desiring to maintain neutrality in the present conflict, are now prepared actively to collaborate with Germany." Times,, Mar. 6, 1941, p. 2.)
The United States asked closing of Italian consulates at Newark, N. J., and Detroit, Mich., and information as to movements of military, and naval personnel. (Cf. Feb. 12, supra. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 249.)
March 8. Japanese Ambassador, Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura disparaged the view that Japan was intent on military conquest unless compelled by the policy of increasing embargoes of the United States.
("The Ambassador sought to play down the view that such military conquest was really in the mind of his Government and he then said that embargoes by this country were of increasing concern, and that he did not believe there would be any further military movements unless the policy of increasing embargoes by this country should force his Government, in the minds of those in control, to take further military action. To this I replied that. this is a matter entirely in the hands of his Government for the reason that his Government took the initiative in military expansion and seizures of territory of other countries, and thereby creating an increasingly deep concern on the part of my own and other countries as to the full extent of Japanese conquest by force which was contemplated; that any country, has not been at fault and none of the nations engaged in conquest have, pretended seriously to charge it with any action of omission or commission in relation to the present movement of world conquest by force on the part of some three nations, including Japan . . . I proceeded to comment on Japan's line of activities and utterances by saying that his country and most other countries only proclaim and practice policies of peaceful international relationships, political, economic, social, and cultural." Peace, pp. 623, 626.)
March 9. Britain rejected plan to feed the small democracies. ("Nothing has since occurred to alter the view of His Majesty's Government that it is the responsibility of the German Government to see to the material welfare of the countries they have overrun, nor to weaken their conviction that no form of relief can be devised which would not directly or indirectly assist the enemy's war effort." Times, Mar. 10, 1941, p. 6.)
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March 11. Lend‑Lease Act approved by President Roosevelt to extend lend‑lease aid to countries whose defense is vital to that of the United States. (55 Stat., Pt. I, p. 31.)
Thailand and Indochina signed peace treaty. (Because of Japanese mediation. Times, Mar. 12, 1941, p. 10.)
March, 12. Thailand and Russia exchanged notes establishing diplomatic relations. (Forerunner to commercial relations. Ibid., Mar. 13, 1941, p. 6.)
March 13. The United States froze Hungarian assets. (Ibid., Mar. 14, 1941, p. 6.)
Germany, demanded Yugoslavia join the Axis. (Wanted access to Greece. Ibid., p. 1. Cf. Feb. 14, supra.)
March 15. President Roosevelt promised increasing aid to Allies for a total victory. ("The light of democracy must be kept burning. To the perpetuation of this light, each must do his own share. The single effort of one individual may seem very small. But there are 130 million individuals over here. There are many more millions in Britain and elsewhere bravely shielding the great flame of democracy from the black‑out of barbarism. It is not enough for us merely to trim the wick or polish the glass. The time has come when we must provide the fuel in ever increasing amounts to keep the flame alight." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 90, p. 279. Cf. Peace, pp. 634 f. Cf. Jan. 6, 15, 16, 17, 25, 31, supra.)
March 16. Chancellor Hitler again predicted British defeat. ("The world is not here for a few people, and an order based eternally on the distinction between the haves and the have‑nots does not exist any more because the have‑nots have determined to lay claims to their portion of God's earth." Times, Mar. 17, 1941, p. 4.)
March 19. Great Lakes‑St. Lawrence agreement signed. (". . . for the cooperative development and utilization of the water in the Great Lakes‑St. Lawrence River Basin for navigation and power. . . . the construction of this project is regarded as directly associated with both the power‑supply and ship‑building phases of our national defense program, including the plan for defense of the Western Hemisphere and the determination to supply all possible aid to Great Britain, the members of the British Commonwealth, and their allies." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 91, p. 304. Cf. Aug. 18, 1940, supra.)
March 20. Under Secretary Welles confirmed report of impending German attack on Russia to the Soviet Ambassador, Constantine A. Oumansky. (He "had additional information." Peace, p. 638.)
March 21. Three Yugoslav Cabinet officials resigned. (Because of German demands. Times, Mar. 22, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Mar. 13, supra.)
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March 24. Turkey and Russia issued communiqué promising each other to be neutral if either should be attacked by a third party. (". . . because statements have been published in parts of the foreign press to the effect that Russia might take advantage of difficulties in which Turkey might find herself in case of her being obliged to enter the war, and might attack Turkey." Times, Mar. 25, 1941, p, 5.)
March 25. Yugoslavia adhered to Axis pact. (". . . in the agreement between the Axis powers and the Royal Yugoslav Government the Axis power governments during this war will not direct a demand to Yugoslavia to permit the march or transportation of troops through the Yugoslav State or territory." Ibid., Mar. 26, 1941, p. 3.
"On this day on which Yugoslavia joins the tripartite pact she is doing so with the intention of assuring her peaceful future in cooperation with Germany, Italy, and Japan. Insofar as she is contributing her part to the organization of the new Europe, she is fulfilling the highest duty as much to herself as to the European community." Ibid., p. 1. Cf. Mar. 13, supra.).
March 27. British‑American naval‑air base agreement signed. ("Whereas the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of Newfoundland, are desirous at this time of further effectuating the declarations made on their behalf by His Excellency the Most Honourable the Marquess of Lothian, C. H., His Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, in his communication of the 2d September 1940, to the Secretary of State of the United States of America, a copy of which is set out in Annex I hereto and made a part hereof;
"And whereas it is agreed that leases in respect of the naval and air bases to be leased to the United States of America in Newfoundland, Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Trinidad, and British Guiana, respectively; shall forthwith be executed substantially in the forms of the leases set out in Annex ,II hereto, which are hereby approved, and that a similar lease in respect of a base in the Bahamas shall be executed as soon as possible;
"And whereas it is desired to determine by common agreement certain matters relating to the lease of the said bases as provided in the communication of the 2d September 1940, and the reply thereto of the same date from the Honourable Cordell Hull, Secretary of State of the United States, set out in Annex I and made a part hereof;
"And whereas it is desired that this agreement shall be fulfilled in a spirit of good neighbourliness between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom, and that details of its practical application shall be arranged by friendly cooperation; . . ." Cf. Aug. 20, Sept. 2, 1940, supra. (65 Stat., Pt. 2, p. 1560.)
Anti-Nazi coup d'état in Yugoslavia, (King Peter II assumed power with aid of General Dusan Simovitch. "In these serious days the people of Yugoslavia felt concern at the manner in which public affairs were being handled. This lack of confidence in the state of affairs created during the last few days was manifested
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with such vigor that public order was endangered. The present changes came about under the pressure of this public anxiety. There are no other reasons for the change since the accession to power of King Peter II who at once formed a Government of national union representing the views of the Serb, Croat, and Slovene peoples." Ibid., p. 349, Cf. footnote, ibid. Cf. Mar. 25, supra.)
The United States appropriated $7,000,000,000 for lend‑lease. (Public, No. 23, 77th Cong., 55 Stat., Pt. I p. 53.)
Prime Minister Churchill promised British help to the new Yugoslav Government (". . . to defend the freedom and integrity of their country." Times, Mar. 28, 1941, p. 8) and said "the defeat of Hitler and of Hitlerism is a sufficient war aim and will open the door to every worthy peace aim." ("Everyone knows what we are fighting about, but if you try to set forth in a catalogue what will be the exact settlement of affairs in a period which is unforeseeable, you will find that the moment you leave the area of pious platitude you will descend into the arena of heated controversy, and that would militate against efforts which we are making, and we could not, in justice to our country, take such a step." Ibid., p. 8.)
April 3. Yugoslavia ordered final mobilization. (Because of failure of Italian peace move and departure of German and Italian legations. Ibid., April 4, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Mar. 27, supra.)
April 3‑4. The United States rejected German and Italian protests over the taking possession of the steamships Pauline Friedrich and Arauca. (". . . the plain provisions of our statutes . . . made it a felony for the master or any other person in charge or command of a vessel, foreign or domestic, or for any member of the crew or other person, within the territorial waters of the United States, willfully to cause or permit the destruction or injury of such a vessel or to tamper with its motive power or instrumentalities of navigation; and . . . authorize the authorities of this Government to take possession and control of any vessel and to remove therefrom the officers and crew when such action is deemed to be necessary to protect the vessel from damage or injury or to prevent damage or injury to any harbor or waters of the United States."' Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 93, p. 419.)
April 4. Pro‑Nazi military coup d'état in Iraq. (Said to have been provoked by continuous intervention Times, Apr. 5, 1941, p. 2.)
The United States asked withdrawal of Italian naval attaché ("I have the honor to state that various facts and circumstances have come to the attention of the Government. of the United States connecting Admiral Alberto Lais, Naval Attaché of the Royal Italian Embassy, with the commission by certain persons of acts in violation of the laws of the United States.
"The President has reached the conclusion that the continued presence of Admiral Lais as Naval Attach of the Embassy would no longer be agreeable to this Government." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 93, pp. 420 f.)
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April 5. Yugoslav‑Russian treaty of friendship and nonaggression signed at Moscow. (". . . inspired by friendship existing between the two countries and convinced that preservation of peace forms their common interest, . . ." Times, Apr. 6, 1941, p. 1.)
April 6. Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria attacked Yugoslavia. ("During the night of March 27 Yugoslavia . . . passed immediately over to the enemies of the Axis. The Italian Government followed with great attention and the greatest calm the events that led Yugoslavia to unite herself with Great Britain and Greece and become, like Greece, a base of operations for the British forces in Europe.
"In the light of this fact the Italian Government has decided to move with its military, naval, and aerial forces in close collaboration with those of Germany." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, pp. 554 f. Cf. "I [Hitler] have repeatedly warned of the attempt by the British to land troops in Southeastern Europe, and I have said that this constitutes a threat to the German Reich. Unfortunately this warning went unheeded by the Yugoslav nation. I have further tried, always with the same patience, to convince Yugoslav statesmen of the absolute necessity for their cooperation with the German Reich for restoration of lasting peace and order within Yugoslavia." Times, Apr. 6, 1941, p. 26. Cf. Mar. 27, Apr. 3, supra.)
Official Yugoslav statement. ("The real reason for the German aggression is that Germany wanted Yugoslavia to depart from its position of neutrality she adopted in the European conflict since the beginning of the war. Unjustly attacked, Yugoslavia in defending herself against an aggressor is faithful to her history and national traditions and firmly resolved to defend her national independence, territorial integrity, and national honor. In answer to German allegations regarding the causes of this aggression, it is replied . . . that Germany is the aggressor State and Yugoslavia has done nothing against Germany." Times, Apr. 7, p. 5.)
"Germany attacked Greece. ("The Reich Government can no longer close their eyes to the fact that Greece is making common cause with Britain and must therefore be regarded as Germany's enemy in the present war with all the consequences that this entails." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 554.)
Message of King George of Greece to his people. ("Greeks! A new enemy this morning insulted the honour of our country. With no warning, . . . German troops attacked our frontiers. Our heroic army, . . . is already defending it with its blood. Greeks! The Greek people, who have proved to the world that they rank honour above everything else, will defend it against this new enemy to the end." Times, Apr. 7, p. 4.)
April 7. Britain severed diplomatic relations with Hungary. ("Hungary has become a base of operations against the Allies." Ibid., Apr. 8, 1941, p. 7. Cf. Nov. 20, 1940, supra.)
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April 8. Italy requested the withdrawal of American military attaché. (Cf. Apr. 4, supra. Bulletin, Vol. IV. No. 94, p. 453.)
Vice President Henry. A. Wallace said America must assume responsibility for the peace. ("We of the United States can no more evade shouldering our responsibility than a boy of eighteen can avoid becoming a man by wearing short pants. . . . Peace will bring world‑wide chaos unless the United States furnishes positive leadership." Times, Apr. 9, 1941, p. 18.)
April 9. United States‑Danish agreement on defense of Greenland by the United States signed. ("Whereas: One. After the invasion and occupation of Denmark on April 9, 1940, by foreign military forces, the United Greenland Councils at their meeting at Godhavn on May 3, 1940, adopted in the name of the people of Greenland a resolution reiterating their oath of allegiance to King Christian X of Denmark and expressing the hope that, for as long as Greenland remains cut off from the mother country, the Government of the United States of America will continue to hold in mind the exposed position of the Danish flag in Greenland, of the native Greenland and Danish population, and of established public order; and,
"Two. The Governments of all of the American Republics have agreed that the status of regions in the Western Hemisphere belonging to European powers is a subject of deep concern to the American Nations, and that the course of military events in Europe and the changes resulting from them may create the grave danger that European territorial. possessions in America may be converted into, strategic centers of aggression against nations of the American Continent; and
"Three. Defense of Greenland against attack by a non‑American power is essential to the preservation of the peace and security of the American Continent and is a subject of vital concern to the United States of America and also to the Kingdom of Denmark; and
"Four. Although the, sovereignty of Denmark over Greenland is fully recognized, the present circumstances for the tine being prevent the Government in Denmark from exercising its powers in respect of Greenland . . ." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 94, p. 445. Cf. Peace, pp. 642 f. Cf. May 1, 1940, supra.)
April 10. Hungary attacked Yugoslavia. (". . . in view of the participation of Bulgaria and Hungary in the attack against Yugoslavia perpetrated by the Axis powers." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 133, p. 555. Cf. Nov. 20, 1940, Apr. 6, supra.)
President Roosevelt modified the Red Sea combat zone. (Sec. 3 (c) of, Public Res. 54 approved Nov. 4, 1939. "The President may from time to time modify or extend any proclamation issued under the authority of this section, and when the conditions which shall have caused him to issue any such proclamation shall have ceased to exist . . ." Ibid., Vol. IV, No. 94, p. 450.)
Senate Joint Resolution 7 passed, affirming and approving nonrecognition of the transfer of any geographic region in the Western Hemisphere from one non‑American power to another non-American power. ("Whereas our traditional policy has been to
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consider any attempt on the part of non‑American powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to the peace and safety not only of this country but of other American republics, . . ." 55 Stat., Pt. I, p. 133.)
April 12. Denmark repudiated agreement of April 9. (". . . without authorization from here, and contrary to the constitution, . . ." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 95, p. 471.)
April 13. Japanese‑Russian five‑year neutrality pact signed at Moscow with joint declaration regarding the frontiers of the Japanese protectorate of Manchukuo. (". . . guided by a desire to strengthen peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries, . . ." Times, Apr. 14, 1941, p. 8. Cf. Japan, Vol. II, p. 186.)
April 14. The United States continued to recognize Henrik Kauffmann as Minister of Denmark after his purported recall. (". . . you consider this action to have been taken under duress and to be invalid both from the point of view of Danish and of generally recognized common law, in view of the existing occupation of Denmark by German military forces.
"My Government considers it to be the fact that the Government in Denmark in this respect is acting under duress, . . ." (Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 95, p. 471. Cf. Apr. 12, supra.)
April 15. Bulgaria severed diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia. (". . . in view of the unwarranted and unprovoked attacks on her territory" by Yugoslav air forces and foreign elements operating from Yugoslav bases. Times, Apr. 16, 1941, p. 3. Cf. Apr. 6, supra.)
April 16. The United States presented four fundamental principles as foundation for international relations. "1. Respect for the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of each and all nations. 2. Support of the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries. 3. Support of the principle of equality, including equality of commercial opportunity. 4. Non-disturbance of the status quo in the Pacific except as the status quo may be altered by peaceful means.' " (For basis of informal, exploratory discussions with Japan. Peace, p. 730. Cf. Japan, Vol. II, p. 407.)
April 17. Yugoslav Army surrendered. (Capitulation. Times, Apr. 18, 1941, p. 1.)
April 19. Britain sent troops to Iraq. (Under clause IV of the Anglo-Iraqi treaty: ". . . in the event of an imminent menace of war the contracting parties will immediately confer together on the necessary measures for defense.
"The aid of the King of Iraq in event of war or imminent menace of war, will consist in furnishing to His Britannic Majesty, on Iraq territory, all facilities and assistance in his power, including the use of roads, rivers, ports, airdromes, and means of communications." Ibid., Apr. 20, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 4, supra.)
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April 20. President Roosevelt announced an exchange of defense articles with Canada. (". . . measures by which the most prompt and effective utilization might be made of the productive facilities of North America for the purposes both of local and hemisphere defense and of the assistance which in addition to their own programs both Canada and the United States are rendering to Great Britain and the other democracies.''' Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 96, p. 494. Cf. Aug. 18, 1940, supra.)
April 21. Greece signed armistice with Germany. ("The armistice that has been signed with the Germans without authority appears to have been precipitated by exhaustion from an unequalled victorious struggle of six months and more. It is the result of crushing pressure exerted on our gallant army." Times, Apr. 24, 1941, p. 3. Cf. Ibid., p. 4.)
April 22. Two thousand American troops arrived in Philippines. (Reinforcements. Ibid., Apr. 23, 1941, p. 13. Cf. Jan. 27, Feb. 25, supra.)
April 23. Greece severed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. (After Bulgarian troops had occupied Thrace. Ibid., Apr. 24, 1941, p. 4,)
Greece surrendered to Germany and Italy. ("The High Command of the Greek Army in Epirus and Macedonia represented by General Tsolakoglou turns to the Italian High Command of Armed Forces in Albania and the High Command of German Forces in Greece to ask that unconditional surrender of the Greek Army in Epirus and Macedonia be accepted." Ibid., p. 4.)
April 24. Bulgaria declared state of war in those areas of Greece and Yugoslavia occupied by Bulgarian troops. (Cf. Apr. 15, 23, supra. Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 96, p. 555.)
Australian detachments reinforced. Singapore. (To strengthen defenses against surprise from land or sea. Times, Apr. 25, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Feb. 16, supra.)
April 26. China and the United States signed a monetary stabilization accord. ("This is a cooperative agreement between friendly nations that are working together in many ways to preserve the basic freedoms. Apart from the obvious purposes of stabilizing the relationship between the currencies concerned, it will be an important factor in fostering the welfare of the participating countries." Ibid., Apr. 26, 1941, p. 7.)
The Inter‑American Financial and Economic Advisory Committee passed resolution recognizing right of the republics to requisition foreign flag vessels in their ports. ("Whereas,
"Subparagraph (D) of Article 2, Resolution IV, on economic cooperation, of the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the American Republics at Panama, in 1939 charged the Inter-American Financial and Economic Advisory Committee with studying and proposing to the Governments the most effective measures for mutual cooperation to lessen or offset dislocations in the trade of the American republics resulting from the present war;
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"The commerce of the American republics has normally been carried on in large measure in merchant vessels of non-American polders, many of which are not available for such trade because of the increasing rate of destruction of the means of maritime transportation by the belligerent nations, the consequent increased diversion of such vessels to other trades, and the prolonged stationing by their owners of a large number of such vessels in American ports interrupting their normal commercial activities; and
"The resulting shipping shortage has prejudiced and is prejudicing the commerce of and among the American republics, creating a very grave problem for the fundamental right of the nations of the Americas to preserve the trade which is essential. to their normal existence;
"Some of the American republics have already been forced to take steps with a view to remedying this situation; and
"Bearing in mind the recommendations of the Inter-American Neutrality Committee, which were adopted by Resolution I of the Second Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics at Habana in July 1940 . . ." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 97, p. 531.)
May 1. Britain withdrew from Greece. (When it became obvious that the resistance of the Greek army to German invasion was at an end, the Government of Greece requested that the entire contingent which had been sent to its help should be withdrawn from Greece. Times, May 1, 1941, pp. 1, 4.)
May 2. British began fighting in Iraq. (Iraq Government held British reinforcements violated pact. Ibid., May 2, 1941, p. 1. ) Occupied oil fields. (Ibid., May 3., 1941, p. 2. Cf. Apr. 19, supra.)
May 3. Germany and Italy divided and annexed Slovenia. By decree. ("Contemporary history in all parts of the globe, which this war has confirmed, demonstrates the impossibility for very Small nations to lead an autonomous life. They are fatally destined too enter into the sphere of influence of this or that great neighboring power." Ibid., May 4, 1941, p. 43.)
May 6. Emperor Hailie Selassie regained Ethiopian throne. (Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 100, p. 635. Cf. Times, May 7, 1941, p. 5. Cf. May 2, 1936, supra.)
Secretary of War Stimson advocated use of Navy to convoy to Britain. ("The world is facing so great a crisis that all of our efforts must be turned toward the defense of our nation's safety. . . . our own self‑defense requires that limits should be put to lawless aggression on the ocean. The President has said that we must not allow the steps which we have already taken to become ineffective." Ibid., p. 14.)
May 9. French Indochinese-Thai peace treaty signed at Tokyo with Japanese guarantee of new borders. (Japanese mediation. Ibid., May 9, 1941, p. 8. Cf. Jan. 31, supra.)
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Russia withdrew recognition from German‑occupied states of Belgium, Norway, and Yugoslavia. (Patching up differences with Germany. Ibid., May 10, 1941, p. 1.)
May 10. Flight of Rudolph Hess to Scotland. (Ibid., May 13, 1941, p. 1.)
May 12. Yugoslavia protested the creation of the "Independent State of Croatia." ("It is, of course, a cardinal principle of international law that military occupation of territory in the course of hostilities does not change the juridical status of the territory thus occupied and that occupation by enemy armies provides no legal basis for the establishment of a new juridical status within. such territory." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 102, p. 682. Cf. May 3, supra.)
Japan presented a proposal for a general settlement between the United States and Japan. (". . . it is the sincere desire of both Governments that the incidents which led to the deterioration of amicable sentiment among our peoples should be prevented from recurrence and corrected in their unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.
"It is our present hope that, by a joint effort, our nations may establish a just peace in the Pacific; and by the rapid consummation of an entente cordiale [amicable understanding], arrest, if not dispel, the tragic confusion that now threatens to engulf civilization." Peace, p. 657.)
Russia recognized rebel government of Iraq. (To improve relations with Germany and avert German attack on Ukraine and Caucasus. Times, May 13. 1941, p. 2. Cf. Apr. 19, Supra.)
May 13. Prime Minister Robert G. Menzies of Australia told America the war was America's business. (". . . for parliamentary liberty and the ordered rights of self-government are our joint and several heritage. . . . it is essential for the world not only that tyranny should be defeated but that it should be defeated quickly before the scars made by it are too deep and too lasting. . . ." Ibid., May 14, 1941, p. 6.)
May 14. France accepted new German terms for economic collaboration. (Ibid., May 15, 1941, p. 1. "France can, surmount her defeat and save her rank as a European and colonial power in the world." [Unofficial translation.] Rice, p. 68.)
Germany proclaimed the northern part of the Red Sea a zone of military operations. (Result of war developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. Times, May 14, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 10, supra.)
May 15. President Roosevelt rebuked France for collaboration amounting to an alliance. ("The people of the United States can hardly believe that the present Government of France could be brought to lend itself to a plan of voluntary alliance, implied or otherwise, which would apparently deliver up France and its colonial empire, including French African colonies and their Atlantic coasts, with the menace which that involves to the peace and safety of the Western Hemisphere." Ibid., May 16, 1941, pp. 1, 4.)
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May 16. Iceland severed union with Denmark. (Because the latter was unable to exercise governmental functions under the law of 1918 and the former did not wish to prolong the treaty. Ibid., May 20, 1941, p. 11. Cf. Apr. 24, May 9, 1940, supra.)
Iraq and Russia exchanged notes to establish diplomatic and consular relations. (Ibid., May 18, 1941, p. 6. Cf. May 12, supra.)
May 18. Italy planned to restore Croatian monarchy. ("By virtue of further. agreements entered into with representatives of the so‑called `Independent State of Croatia' that `state,' previously established on Yugoslav territory by the military authorities of occupation, has been declared by the Italian Government to be a hereditary monarchy under Italian protection, thus establishing in effect if not in name an annexation of these territories by the Italian Government." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 102, p. 683. Cf. May 12, supra.)
May 21. Germany requested that foreign diplomatic agents evacuate Paris by June 10. (Paris area was regarded as "an extended zone of operations." Times, May 22, 1941, p. 1.)
S. S. Robin Moor sunk by German submarine. (Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 716.)
May 22. Britain warned France of the danger of collaboration with Germany. ("If the Vichy government, in pursuance of their declared policy of collaboration with the enemy, take action or permit action detrimental to our conduct of the war or designed to assist the enemy's war effort, we shall naturally hold ourselves free to attack the enemy wherever he may be found, and in so doing we shall no longer feel bound to draw any distinction between occupied and unoccupied territory in the execution of our military plans." Times, May 23, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Oct. 21, 1940, May 14, supra.)
May 23. Admiral Darlan tells why France chose collaboration freely. (For "ameliorations of the consequences of defeat and of the conditions of the armistice. . . . It is necessary for her to choose between life and death. The Marshal and the Government have chosen life." Ibid., May 24, 1941, p. 4. Cf., Rice, p. 69. )
May 27. President Roosevelt proclaimed unlimited national emergency. (". . . what started as a European war has developed, as the Nazis always intended it should develop, into a world war for world‑domination.
"Adolf Hitler never considered the domination of Europe as an end in itself. European conquest was but a step toward ultimate goals in all the other continents. It is unmistakably apparent to all of us that, unless the advance of Hitlerism is forcibly checked now, the Western Hemisphere will be within range of the Nazi weapons of destruction. . . The war is approaching the brink of the Western Hemisphere itself. It is coming very close to home." 55 Stat., Pt. II, p. 1647.)
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May 29. The United States arranged to train British flyers. (To operate American planes sent abroad under lend‑lease. Times, May 30, 1941, p. 5.)
Foreign Secretary Eden said international social security was Britain's prime policy after the war. ("For irrespective of the nature of the political settlement, Continental Europe will end this war starved and bankrupt of all foods and raw materials which she was accustomed to obtain from the rest of the world.
"She will have no means, unaided, of breaking the vicious circle. She can export few goods until she has first received the necessary raw materials. Wasteful wartime cultivations in many lands will leave agriculture almost as weak as industry. Thus Europe will face vast problems of general demobilization with a general lack of the necessary means to put men to work." Ibid., May 30, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Mar. 25, supra.)
May 31. British-Iraqi armistice signed at Baghdad. ("The hostilities for which there is no longer any reason, will be ended as soon as the commission has received assurances that the complete independence of the country and the honor of the Army mil be guaranteed." Ibid., June 1, 1941, p. 1. Cf. May 2, supra.)
June 2. Chancellor Hitler met Premier Mussolini at Brenner. (To discuss "the political situation." Ibid., June 3, 1941, p. 1.)
United States announced policy on French possessions in the Western Hemisphere. (In answer to suggestion for their acquisition. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 720.)
June 5. Secretary of State Hull condemned French collaboration with Nazis. ("Such action would not only be yielding priceless rights and interests beyond the requirements of a harsh armistice but it would at once place France in substantial political and military subservience and would also make her, in part, the instrument of aggression against many other peoples and nations. This could only be utterly inimical to the just rights of other countries, to say nothing of its ultimate effects on the liberties, the true interests, and the welfare of the people of France." Ibid., No. 102, p. 682. Cf. Peace, p. 674. Cf. May 15, supra.)
June 6. United States authorized acquisition of idle foreign merchant ships. (Under Public Law 101 and Executive Order No. 8771 for urgent needs of commerce and national defense. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 102, p. 701.)
June 8. British and Free French troops entered French Syria and Lebanon. (Cf. May 22, supra. ". . . with the object of eliminating German personnel and influence from certain areas in which they are securing a dominating position through continued infiltration." Times, June 9, 1941, p. 2.)
June 10. Admiral Darlan urged French to conquer their illusions and consent to sacrifices. ("For France not to fulfill loyally the armistice conditions and thereby give the conqueror reason to denounce her would be tantamount to suicide for France and the empire. . . . The signature of a definite peace remains
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difficult as long as the major problems that are the basis for present conflict are unsolved . . . the government's duty is to act so as to create an atmosphere favorable to the establishment of an honorable peace, . . . If that atmosphere cannot be created, I fear a disastrous peace for France. That fear is not founded on impression; it is founded on certainty. . . . that path is the sole path of salvation for your country." Ibid., June 11, 1941, p. 10. Cf. Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 203, p. 718.)
Secretary of State Hull reassured Portugal as to its islands in the Atlantic. (Because of protest of May 30. Ibid., p. 718.)
June 12. Russian‑Japanese trade treaty signed. (To stimulate trade. Ibid., June 12, 1941, p. 10.)
Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Free France resolved to fight until victory. ("There can be no settled peace and prosperity so long as free peoples are coerced by violence into submission to domination by Germany or her associates or live under the threat of such coercion; . . ." Ibid., June 13, 1941, p. 4.)
June 13. Secretary of State Hull said the French people and those of the United States had a common interest in preventing the former becoming cobelligerents of Hitler. ("The general adoption of Hitlerism would set the world back five to ten centuries." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 716.)
June 14. President Roosevelt ordered Axis funds in the United States frozen. ("In view of the unlimited national emergency declared by the President, . . . The Executive Order is designed, among other things, to prevent the use of the financial facilities of the United States in ways harmful to national defense and other American interests, to prevent the liquidation in the United States of assets looted by duress or conquest, and to curb subversive activities in the United States." Ibid., p. 718. See also Vol. 6, Federal Register, p. 2897.)
June 15. Croatia signed agreement with Axis respecting its interests. ("Croatia gives its full adherence to the principles and reasons which inspire the rulers of Italy, Germany, and Japan in constituting a united front for creation of a new order in the European and Asiatic world." Times, June 16, 1941, p. 3. Cf. May 12, 18, supra.)
June 16. United States requested withdrawal of German and Italian consular staffs by July 10. ("It has come to the knowledge of this Government that agencies of the German Reich in this country, including German consular establishments, have been engaged in activities wholly outside the scope of their legitimate duties. These activities have been of an improper and unwarranted character. They render the continued presence in the United States of those agencies and consular establishments inimical to the welfare of this country." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 104, p. 743. Cf. May 21, supra.)
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June 17. United States and Canada set up Joint Economic Committees. (". . . to study and to report to their respective governments on the possibilities of (1) effecting a more economic, more efficient, and more coordinated utilization of the combined resources of the two countries in the production of defense requirements (to the extent that this is not now being done) and (2) reducing the probable post-war economic dislocation consequent upon the changes which the economy in each country is presently undergoing." Ibid., p. 747. Cf. Aug. 18, 1940, Mar. 19, Apr. 20, supra.)
June 18. German‑Turkish ten-year friendship pact signed at Ankara. (". . . inspired by a desire to place relations between the two countries on a basis of mutual confidence and sincere friendship, . . ." Times, Tune 19, 1941, p. 4.)
Japan discontinued negotiations with the Netherland Indies for economic agreement. ("The reply of the Netherlands of June 6 is not only very unsatisfactory but asserts in connection with the question of the acquisition of essential materials and goods, to which Japan attaches importance, that their quantities may be decreased at any time to suit their own convenience." Ibid., June 19, 1941, p. 8.)
June 19. Germany and Italy requested withdrawal of United States consular staffs from territories under their control by July 15. (Retaliation. Cf. June 16, supra. ". . . the attitude and activities of American consular officers in Italy have given rise to grave developments." Ibid., June 20, 1941, p. 6. ". . . the conduct of American consular authorities and the American Travel Agency, the American Express Company, for a long time occasioned heavy objections, . . ." Ibid., p. 8.)
June 20. President Roosevelt denounced the sinking of the S. S. Robin Moor by Germany. ("The total disregard shown for the most elementary principles of international law and of humanity brands the sinking of the Robin Moor as the act of an international outlaw." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 104, p. 741. Cf. Peace, p. 675.)
The United States ordered Italian consulates closed. (". . . it is obvious that the continued functioning of Italian consular establishments in territory of the United States would serve no desirable purpose." Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 104, p. 743. Cf. June 16, supra.)
June 21. Uruguay proposed to treat American Republics engaged in war as non-belligerents. (". . . to give new content and definition to the policy of inter-American solidarity." Ibid., Vol. V, No. 106, p. 8.)
Secretary of State Hull presented a counterproposal to Japan. (Cf. May 12, supra. For a "joint, declaration for the resumption of traditional friendly relations." Peace, p. 677.)
June 22. Germany invaded Russia. (". . . the German Ambassador in Moscow, on behalf of his Government made the statement to me as People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs to the effect that the
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German Government had decided to launch war against the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in connection with the concentration of Red Army units near the eastern Government frontier." [Russian statement.] Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. "Waiting would be a crime against Germany.
"For weeks the Russians have been committing frontier violations. Russian planes have been crossing the frontier again and again to prove that they are the masters. On the night of June 17 and again on June 18 there was large patrol activity." [German statement.] Times, June 22, 1941, p. l. "Now that the attack on the Soviet Union has already been committed, the Soviet Government has ordered our troops to repulse the predatory assault and to drive German troops from the territory of our country." [Russian statement.] Ibid., June 23, 1941, p. 10. Cf. Ibid., p. 6, and Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop's statement Ibid., p. 4. Cf. Mar. 20, supra.)
Russia attacked Finland. ("Citizens, centuries have shown that on the site on which fate has placed this nation, permanent peace cannot be achieved. The pressure of the East is always upon us." [Finnish statement.] Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. "Immediately after the outbreak of war between Germany and the Soviet Union four days ago, the integrity of our frontiers was violated on numerous occasions by the Soviet Union, in consequence of which we presented energetic protests, but without any result. . . . . When the Finnish Parliament, on March 21, was discussing the documents relating to the Peace Treaty, the Soviet Government presented in Moscow a strong protest against the project, declaring wholly without cause that it was in conflict with the Peace Treaty. . . .
Italy declared war on Russia. (Cf. June 2, supra. Times, June 23, 1941, p. 5.)
Rumanians entered Bessarabia. (". . . to liberate and recover Rumanian national patrimony overrun, without justification by the unprovoked aggression of Communist Russia." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. Cf. June 28, 1940, supra.)
Slovakia severed diplomatic relations with Russia. (Axis tie. Times, June 23, 1941, p. 5. Cf. Nov. 24, 1940, supra.)
Prime Minister Churchill pledged British aid to Russia. ("Any man or State who fights against Nazism will. have our aid. Any man or State who marches with Hitler is our foe. This applies not only to organized States but to all representatives of that vile race of Quislings who make themselves the tools and agents of the Nazi regime. against their fellow countrymen and against. the lands of their births. These Quislings, like the Nazi leaders themselves, if not disposed of by their fellow countrymen, which would save trouble, will be delivered by us on the morrow of victory to the justice of the Allied tribunals. That is our policy and that is our declaration." Ibid., p. 8.)
June 24. President Roosevelt released Russian credits and promised American aid. (Policy of giving material assistance to any country fighting Germany. Ibid., June 25, 1941, p. 1.)
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June 25. President Roosevelt refused to apply neutrality statute to Russia. (To aid Russia by keeping Vladivostok open. Ibid., June 26, 1941, p. 1.)
Sweden granted passage of one division of German troops from Norway to Finland. ("Our chief interest is to maintain our liberty and stay outside of the conflict, and the government came to the conclusion that the only way to do so was to accept the German-Finnish demand." Ibid., p. 5.)
June 26. Finland announced a state of war with Russia. "To reduce this pressure, destroy the eternal menace, and secure a happy and peaceful life for coming, generations, we now embark upon our defensive battle." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. "Since the Moscow treaty and up to the new aggression launched against Finland in June 1941, the attitude of Russia toward Finland made it fully clear that the Russian policy tends to the enslaving of Finland. The final aim of Russian policy has always been the destruction of Finland's independence." Times, June 29, 1941, p. 17.)
Helsinki bombed by Soviet planes. (President Ryti declared that in this fight "we are not alone; Great Germany, . . had decided to wage war against the Soviet and other nations have joined Germany. Russia in this task is facing a united front stretching from the White Sea to the Black Sea." Times, June 27, pp. 1, 4; cf. also Finland, pp. 100‑105, and Times, June 29, p. 17.)
Soviets denounced Finland. (Moscow broadcast denounced Finland, adding, "The Finnish militarists have flagrantly violated the Soviet-Finnish peace treaty. The rulers of Finland have begun military operations against our country . . . The Soviet Union has fulfilled the peace treaty conscientiously. But the rulers of Finland, under orders from Hitler, have plunged the long-suffering Finnish people into a war against the Soviet Union. Scoring the most elementary of international laws and the vital interests of their own people, the Finnish warmongers have again launched a campaign against the Soviet Union. . . . The ignoble rulers of Finland have not learned any lesson from the campaign of the winter of 1939 and 1940. They are asking for another, a final, lesson, and that lesson the Finnish perpetrators of fascism will get." Times, June 27, p. 4.)
Soviet press denounced Finns. (Pravda "bitterly denounced the `treachery of Finland's puppet government in violating the Soviet‑Finnish pact and entering the war'." Times, June 29, p. 17.)
June 27. Denmark severed diplomatic relations with Russia. (Expressed its disapproval of Russia. Ibid., June 28, 1941, p. 2. Cf. June 22, supra: Russian invasion of Finland.)
Hungary declared war on Russia. (". . . because of the aerial attacks." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556.)
June 28. Albania announced state of war with Russia. (Italian protectorate. Ibid., p. 556.)
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June 30. France severed diplomatic relations with Russia. ("The French Governmen