March 1940
Politics:
1st: Statesmen around Europe are struggling to come to terms with the new geopolitical situation this morning as France and Germany announced that they were concluding a peace treaty, following two weeks of tense negotiation. It is understood that Germany has agreed to respect French territorial integrity whilst France acknowledges Axis gains. The fate of the BEF and remaining scattered Belgian units on French soil remains unclear. General Chris Long, the victor of Verdun, who succeeded Premier Skuli Sealand and the beginning of the month, addressed an anxious crowd gathered at la Place de la Concorde last night, stating that he believed that France had won "Peace with honour", a statement which received rapturous applause from the war weary crowd, which included many veterans from the Great War.
Details of the treaty remain secret but it is expected that the two governments will publish those clauses which they wish to be known.
1st: Following the French surrender, the governments of Italy, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania and Turkey each confirmed their membership of the Axis, and declared war on the British Empire. The governments of Germany, Yugoslavia, Rumania and Turkey coupled this with declarations of war on the Kingdom of Bulgaria, which they accused of duplicity, co-operation with the Soviet Union, and efforts to undermine the Turkish state.
2nd: Presidential Address:
My fellow Americans, and people around the world. It is with great sorrow, anguish, and even anger that I speak to you today. Yesterday, the nations of Italy, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania and Turkey declared war on the British Empire. Germany, Yugoslavia, Rumania and Turkey also declared war on tiny Bulgaria. Peace, which seemed so close with the cessation of hostilities between Germany and France, has once again lept into the realm of nigh-impossible. The announcements from Italy and Hungary did not surprise many among those of us who pay attention to the news. Some were not even shocked to hear of the news from Turkey. But, what troubles almost everyone are the decisions made in Yugoslavia and Rumania. Just two months ago, representatives from both those countries met here in the United States in a conference dedicated towards promoting peace through strength. These representatives met in the same room with their compatriots from Bulgaria, and negotiated in good faith with the United States for defensive arms to purportedly secure their borders. Now, we find that they have betrayed not only that good faith, but also their neighbors in Sofia.
I pray that these actions were taken under duress by a few select men, and I call upon the peoples of Rumania and Yugoslavia to throw the warmongers out if they war able. We know that innocent people reside in all countries, and they all deserve protection from war. As such, it gives me no pleasure to announce that effective immediately, the nations of Turkey, Hungary, Italy, and especially Rumania and Turkey will be the subject of an asset freeze here in the United States. In addition, any business here in the United States that continues to do trade of any kind with these nations will find themselves in more than just the standard trouble with the law. These actions come with the approval of both houses of Congress, as we all feel betrayed by people we thought we could call friend. In addition, the United States will continue to allow commerce with the other nations who attended our conference, namely Finland, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, and Bulgaria, all of whom remain committed to only keeping their lawful borders intact. Any attempt to impede vessels of any type of US registry in this commerce will meet with dire consequences. Despite these trying times, I remain firmly convinced that peace is still attainable.
I call upon the new aggressors in Europe to follow the path of the dove, and cease their attacks before more innocent blood is spilt. Until such time as peace reigns supreme again, I hope that people across the globe will join me in praying that all these conflicts will cease. I remain, as ever, Your obedient servant, Matt Frederiksen President, United States
3rd: Sofia, Bulgaria - March 3, 1940 (UPI)
Early today, Tzar Boris the First appeared before a huge crowd of Bulgarian citizens in front of his Sofia palace, and made the following statement.
"Bulgaria has become the target of Axis greed and aggression. No matter the contrived reasons the Germans and their mindless minions fabricate, this is an act of pure aggression and a desire to possess the territory of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, the farmlands of you, our people. Bulgaria is clearly no threat to any of these nations, and has only labored for peace these many months by speaking out in the name of peace, by supporting and participating in the Peace Seminarium in the United States, and by being a staunch member and advocate for the Balkan Defense Alliance since its formation six months ago."
The crowd outside the palace was estimated to be well over 200,000 people, many carrying weapons, including sabers and muzzle loading rifles. The crowd went into an uproar when Tzar Boris listed the countries whom have declared war on Bulgaria by name. He said, "We should not be surprised at Germany's action here, as they have shown their greed and desire to dominate free nations, such as Poland, in the recent past. Turkey is a long term enemy of Bulgaria, as they still possess Bulgarian lands taken illegally from us 27 years ago, and continue to oppress and torture our people living there. Yugoslavia and Romania however, have degraded themselves to the point of being traitors and cowards. They took an oath in joining the Balkan Alliance to be true and faithful to the four members of the Alliance, yet now grovel at Germany's feet for scrapes, and do the German's bidding without hesitation. Shame on what once were proud and honorable nations." The crowd surged forward in a frenzy, but halted as soon as the Tzar made a motion for them to stop.
The Tzar finished his comments by saying, "As a result of the actions taken by Germany, Yugoslavia, Rumania and Turkey, Bulgaria hereby responds by establishing a declaration of war against those four nations. Bulgarians will not be bullied by these aggressors, nor will we timidly succumb to their threats. Bulgaria will defend its homelands and will not rest until these war mongers are defeated! " With that the crowd surged forward again, unstoppable even by the Tzar, until they had reached their beloved leader and hoisted him upon their shoulders, cheering "Long live Bulgaria!"
No further word was given on the question on most reporters minds as to how Bulgaria intends to withstand this coming onslaught. The only means of friendly access into the country are through Greece or the Black Sea, or the somewhat risky approach by air. It is estimated by some military experts that Bulgarian forces, which are still primarily WWI equipped, are probably 1/20th the size of their neighboring enemies, not counting any reinforcement by German forces.
Pravda, 4th March:
Local Soviets in Moscow and Leningrad factories have organized against the Imperialist war now raging. Their wish is to help their Slavic brothers in Bulgaria in their time of need. The Soviet Government has bowed to their numerous petitions to ship the aid that they donate. Also, several major hospitals in and around Moscow, known to be the best in the world, have donated medical supplies. Therefore, the Politburo has voted to send the urgently needed aid and medical supplies for the inevitable casualties to come. Any attempt to interfere with our efforts will be met with the strongest consequences.
Dublin, 5th March:
In view of the turbulent nature of current events, the war now blazing across Europe, it has been decided by like minded nations that in order to stop this conflict from spreading even further, neutral parties must club together to protect their neutrality. Ireland is a small state, an island not in continental Europe, but a state that holds a strategic position nonetheless.
In light of this, Ireland has concluded a defense pact with the United States of America (another neutral party) in order to ensure security and peace for the citizens of Ireland. As part of this agreement, American troops will be stationed on Irish soil for purely defensive purposes. We hope that other like minded nations will band together as we have to keep out any would be attackers, be they from whatever side of the political spectrum.
Patrick Seamus O'Brien, Prime Minister, Eire
Oslo, 5th March 1940.
The Norwegian government responded with outrage today to strong rumours that Russian aircraft hand not only strayed inside Norwegian airspace, but actually attacked a number of installations there, including bridges. Whilst no casualties have yet been reported, Norway is demanding an apology and appropriate compensation from the Russian government. King Haakon VII ordered the army to prepare for full mobilisation, reminding the Soviet government that Norway remained neutral despite the flagrant aggression she has been engaged in with Sweden's two Scandinavian neighbours over the past few months.
Oslo, 9th March.
After discussions with the Soviet authorities and a detailed investigation, the Norwegian government issued today the following statement: "Our investigations have revealed that though a number of Soviet aircraft had inadvertently crossed into Norwegian airspace, this was not deliberate and no attacks were made against Norwegian territory. Plans have been agreed between our two governments to ensure that no further confusion occurs over the precise location of the Swedish/Norwegian border. Should violations of airspace continue thereafter, then Norway will take serious measures against the Soviet Union."
Copenhagen, 10th March,
A morbid silence has fallen over the city. When the Danish people heard the news that Soviet troops had entered Sweden, they all remembered the promise their government had made to intervene if the Soviets pressed their attack beyond Finland, they all remembered how proud they felt of tiny Denmark standing up to the massive armed might of Russia. Now, though, with war immenent, the pride is replaced with fear. Long before King Christian X's radio announcement of the declaration of war- in a tone as sombre as the nation's mood- Danish reservists had begun putting their affairs in order ready to leave for their units. Few expect to return home.
Bulgaria, 11th March:
Today the Bulgarian coastal city of Varna surrendered to Rumanian forces. After days of shelling by Rumanian artillery and naval guns, the city having been surrounded for a week, its defenders gave in. The city lies in ruin after the pounding taken from days of Rumanian bombardment. Few buildings remain undamaged and many casualties, both military and civilian, lie in the cities streets.
This is one of the many battlefields around Bulgaria in the aftermath of the four nation invasion of Bulgaria. The invaders, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Turkey and their leader, Germany, have crossed into Bulgaria from the southeast, north and west of the country. Major fighting involving Yugoslavian, German and Rumania forces is reported in the mountains just to the west of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, but the Bulgarian army is well dug-in and holding its defensive line there.
Reports of chaotic battlefields along the Turkish-Bulgarian border in the SE and near the northern Bulgarian city of Ruse are also coming in daily. The city of Ruse was overwhelmed on the first day's fighting by the Rumanians.
The Bulgarian government released the following statement. "Today's surrender in Varna demonstrates the viciousness of the enemies aggression on our neutral and peace-loving nation. Days of heavy artillery and naval shelling were taking a very heavy toll on innocent civilians, and the city commander chose to spare more civilian lives rather than hold the city. A cease fire request was proposed earlier in the week by the Bulgarian government, but was met with a harsh enemy response. Bulgaria will continue to resist the invaders of our country, and will eventually seek to retaliate for the devastation leveled upon our beloved city of Varna."
Belgrade, 30th March:
Weeks of unrest at poor management of the war against Bulgaria by Yugoslavia's allies came to a head early this morning, when Serb military units stationed in the capital surrounded the government buildings and seized the national radio station. At 10am an announcement was made: army officers hostile to the Axis and loyal to the monarchy have declared the bloody and hugely unpopular war against Bulgaria to be illegal and asked that country and the United Kingdom to come to an agreement with the Belgrade government.
Several score officers and politicians loyal to the pro-Axis regime are reported to have been killed, otherwise the coup has been fairly peaceful in Belgrade. Reports from the frontlines are confused, but early indications seem to show the bulk of units arresting officers still loyal to the old government. News from other regions is more varied, with divisions raised in Croatia ignoring orders from the general headquarters in the capital.
Manoeuvers:
2nd March: First BEF units begin embarking at Dunkerque
8th March: Remaining BEF forces in France surrender and accept internment. Most heavy equipment is left behind.
27th March: Following heavy losses, Axis forces fighting in Bulgaria are still not victorious. Bulgaria's well-equipped army, ironically using many arms bought from Germany, one of her assailants, repulsed the main Rumanian and Turkish attacks, and at one point forward elements moved close to the Rumanian capital, before being withdrawn to defend the homeland. The attack from Yugoslavia faced heavy resistance and even with German support made slow progress towards Sofia, Bulgaria's capital and main city. Dissent is widespread around the three new belligerent powers- Germany promised them quick victories, but all they have delivered is young men in coffins.
Cairo, 30th March 1940: As the month of March comes to a close all remains quiet in the Western Desert. After a slow advance into Egypt following their declaration of war, the Italian commander in North Africa proposed a truce, which his British counterpart accepted. The two armies now face off in a system of trenches running vaguely southeast from the vicinity of Sidi Barrani well over 100 miles into the desert. Sketchy reports are coming in of operations up to 150 miles inland, but these as yet do not appear to have affected the course of the battle. Losses in the small amount of fighting which took place prior to the truce were understandably light; Italian casualties are estimated at roughly 10,000 whilst the official figures for British losses stand somewhat under 2,000. Losses of tanks are believed to be equally low but equal at around 30 destroyed or damaged each. In the air the Italians are believed to have bought a degree of air superiority for marginally higher losses. The future of the campaign is hard to judge. The Italians have no doubt used the time bought with the truce to bring forward their reserves and stockpiles of supplies- but the British have no wasted the time either. With large reinforcements reported to be en-route from home as well as the Dominions, the desperation which forced General O'Connor to place Egyptian troops into the frontline will hopefully not return.
Naval Encounters:
2nd-8th March: Large Luftwaffe forces based in Belgium and Holland interdicted the evacuation from Dunkerque. More than half of the transports failed to reach safe ports in Britain, and several of their Royal Navy escorts were sunk. Against this the RAF claimed to have destroyed three hundred enemy aircraft over the Channel for the loss of less than a hundred of their own.