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Diary Of WW2 — Day 191

Mar 09, 12:00 PM

Although Soviet forces have established a bridgehead on the northwest shore of Viipuri Bay, Finnish defences along the rest of the Karelian Isthmus remain intact. Despite this, Finland is grave danger of being completely overcome by the huge Soviet offensive attacking them.

When Britain and France undertake to send troops and planes to fight the Soviets (if the Finns make a formal request for help), Admiral Raeder warns Hitler that the two allies might use this as an excuse to occupy Norway and Sweden. His advice is to invade of Norway at the earliest time to forestall any such manoeuvre.

The “Coal Ships Affair” is settled. An agreement is reached that the British will release the coal ships they have arrested and Italy will use an overland route to get coal from Germany in future.

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