Baltic Sea

The Latvian steamer Latvis (1318t) is seized by German warships. She is later renamed Edith Faulbaums and placed in German service.

Diplomatic Relations

France and Italy conclude a trade agreement providing for an increase in the volume of trade between the two countries.

Finland - Winter War

Day 98

In the Ladoga Karelia, the Soviet 11th Div with tank support launches an offensive against the Finnish-controlled islands in the Pitkäranta sector at 9:00a.m. The offensive is preceded by a 3-hour artillery bombardment in which the Soviet guns used about 10,000 shells. The Russians manage to break through the Pitkäranta section of the blockade encircling the great Kitelä 'motti'. The Finnish counterattack in Vilaniemi is unsuccessful. The Russians also come ashore in Karjaniemi and Niskapohja. In the Sintolanniemi sector of the Isthmus the Russians cross the Vuoksi on a 2-km front. Paimio, Petäjä, Maksima and other islands on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga endure heavy Soviet shelling.

In the evening, the Finnish delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Risto Ryti leaves for Stockholm en route to Moscow. The other members of the delegation were J.K. Paasikivi, Rudolf Walden and Väinö Voionmaa. Photo: SA-KUVA Finnish Delegation Leaves For Moscow

The Soviet Union announces it is ready to open talks with Finland in Moscow, but will not issue a ceasefire until talks are formally begun. In the evening, the Finnish delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Risto Ryti leaves Stockholm for Moscow. Others in the delegation are J. K. Paasikivi, Rudolf Walden and Väinö Voiomaa.

Occupied Poland

The scene of devastation seen on Ordynacka Street in Warsaw, Poland on March 6, 1940. The carcass of a dead horse lies in the street among enormous piles of debris. While Warsaw was under nearly constant bombardment during the invasion, on one day alone, September 25, 1939, about 1,150 bombing sorties were flown by German aircraft against Warsaw, dropping over 550 tons of high explosive and incendiary bombs on the city. (AP Photo) Warsaw, 6 Months Later