Subject: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 08:39:14 -0700 From: Jussi Jalonen Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if 1.1. Vilnius dispute, March 1938 A short exchange of gunfire on the disputed Polish-Lithuanian border in Wilno/Vilnius region results in a death of one Polish soldier. Anti-Lithuanian demonstrations break out all over Poland, as citizens demand a retaliatory action against "the despots of Kowno". Britain and France plead Polish foreign minister Jozef Beck to use restraint. Polish government presents Lithuania with an ultimatum demanding an establishment of normal diplomatic relations between the two states. Lithuanians are warned that Polish demands are not a matter of discussion. A fourty-eight hours time limit is given for responding the ultimatum. Situation grows more tense, as Polish marshal Rydz-Smigly arrives in Wilno to mobilize Polish forces. Polish navy leaves Gdynia, heading to blockade the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda. Under intense pressure, Lithuanian government believes that ultimatum is a prelude to an Anschluss of Lithuania by Poland. Lithuanian president Antanas Smetona orders a mobilization of armed forces. Polish ultimatum is handed over to the Lithuanian parliament Seimas for a final decision. In a narrow vote, Seimas decides not to comply with the ultimatum. The firm response is handed to Polish ambassadour in Estonia. "Lithuania shall not renounce its legal claims over Vilnius region, recognized in the treaties of Moscow and Suvalkai. Lithuania shall not establish diplomatic relations with any foreign power that has violated these treaties. Lithuanian foreign policy will not be dictated by Poland". Polish government declines to comment the answer. While the rest of the world follows the German annexation of Austria, an uneasy silence descends over the Polish-Lithuanian border. Both sides keep mustering more troops on the border, with Polish air force regularly violating Lithuanian airspace. Potential conflict manages to catch the attention of Berlin. Adolf Hitler orders OKW to prepare for the occupation of Klaipeda/Memel area immediately in the event of conflict. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon3.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 193.166.145.69 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> Bytes: 3820 X-Wren-Trace: eKaDq6qz9L717Lj7+7Dw9pS+v6avrailt6vno6by7r/67rfx/qji/P/p9Po= Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 04:10:16 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.36 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon3 959685733 10.0.2.36 (Tue, 30 May 2000 04:22:13 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 04:22:13 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:225257 1.2. Polish-Lithuanian war, April 1938 Accidental border crossing by Polish KOP unit results in another shootout, leaving twelve Polish and five Lithuanian soldiers dead. Poland declares war on Lithuania in March 29, and at 4:30 AM Polish forces tear down the border barriers and race to an attack. Polish air force bombs Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys, causing major civilian casualties. In a hopeless situation, general Stasys Rakstiks, commander-in-chief of Lithuanian armed forces, organizes a quick and improvised defence. The ferocity of Polish attack catches the world by surprise. Emergency meetings between French and British governments fail to reach an accord about mutual position on the conflict. Even Hitler is baffled by the turn of events and is forced to postpone the occupation of Memel. USSR reacts quickly, fearing that Germany may try to use the conflict as an excuse to meddle in the Baltic affairs. USSR proposes military consultations to Latvia, Estonia and Finland; Soviet emissary Boris Yartsev is dispatched to Helsinki to negotiate with Finnish government about the possible military cooperation. The conflict begins to draw wider attention when Lithuanians, against all odds, succeed in repulsing the Polish invasion. After two weeks of bloody fight, Polish attack is halted and general Rastiks manages to start a limited counteroffensive in the direction of Vilnius. World begins to show sympathy for the Lithuanian cause; western newspapers praise the Lithuanian bravery, comparing Polish invasion with previous Italian and German aggressions. Lithuanian government presents an appeal to the League of Nations, requesting material and humanitarian assistance and sanctions against Poland, in accordance with the article 16 of the League. Prime secretary Joseph Avenol notices a chance to boost the battered dignity of the League and decides to press the Lithuanian appeal through. General Assembly votes about the matter in April 17. Latvia, Estonia and Great Britain decline to vote; France and Rumania alone support Poland, voting against the sanctions; USSR condemns the Polish aggression, alongside with Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Denmark and several other nations. In the final decision, Poland is expelled from the League of Nations. Moral opposition against Poland is a cold comfort for Lithuanians, as the Polish superiority in material and numbers begins to overwhelm them in the battlefield. Another major Polish offensive starts in April 21, totally breaking the Lithuanian defences. In a few days, Kaunas is besieged from east and south. Forced to the wall and faced with an immediate defeat, Lithuania opts for peace. Estonian government delivers the Lithuanian peace initiative to Polish ambassadour in Tallinn, where the negotiations begin in April 25. After another violent air raid against Kaunas in April 27, Lithuania accepts the harsh terms, including the recognization of Polish supremacy over Wilno and Suwalki and an immediate re-establishment of diplomatic relations. Armistice is signed in April 28. With the debacle of the lost war, demonstrations against Smetona regime break out all over Lithuania. Faced with a growing opposition, both president Smetona and PM Tubelis are forced to resign. The former premier Augustinas Voldemaras returns from his exile in France and is elected president by Seimas. Coalition government is formed from Christian Democrats and Populists, with general Rastiks in charge. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon3.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 195.197.52.20 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> Bytes: 3297 X-Wren-Trace: eK+KoqO6/bf85bHy8rn5/523tq+mpKGsvqLuqq/757b157739qHv8+38+w== Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2000 03:58:40 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.16 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon3 960289855 10.0.2.16 (Tue, 06 Jun 2000 04:10:55 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2000 04:10:55 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:227451 Interlude, May 1938 - March 1939 Polish-Lithuanian conflict has rocked the Baltic region. As the aggressor state, Poland has faced international condemnation and become politically isolated. Public outrage against Western Powers and USSR has its reflections on politics, and Poland begins to tilt towards the direction of Germany. The following summer witnesses an even closer rapprochement between Poland and Germany, as both powers exercise joint pressure on Czechoslovakia. Baltic states have totally lost faith in Western Powers as the guaranteers of status quo. USSR, however, has scored certain diplomatic victories. Negotiations between Soviet foreign comissary Litvinov and Latvian defence minister J. Balodis have succesfully established a Soviet-Latvian military cooperation, allowing Soviet navy and air force to use Latvian ports and airbases in the event of renewed conflict. Similar approaches towards Estonia have failed, with Tallinn government holding on to its neutrality. Negotiations with Finland have been a small success. Following the advice of marshal Mannerheim, Finnish government has agreed to a joint defence plan with USSR. The island of Suursaari is fortified as a safeguard for Leningrad; special terms allow USSR to maintain military forces in the island during a crisis situation. Soviet moves on the Baltic have placed Germany in a quandary. As the summer of 1938 slips by, focus of attention moves temporarily on Czechoslovakia. For a short time continental Europe feels the threat of another World War. The crisis is solved by the treaty of Munich in September. As Czechoslovakia ceases to exist in the following months, USSR becomes more and more convinced of the German threat and starts preparing for a conflict. Another round of military negotiations between USSR and Baltic states begins. Litvinov also tries to pursue collective security arrangements with Western Powers, but to no avail. Meanwhile, German-Polish alliance begins to gain form. First diplomatic contacts in the summer of 1938 establish a mutual understanding about Czechoslovakian question, allowing Poland to annex Cieszyn region. German-Polish relations enter a really cordial stage as both sides reach an accord about the Polish corridor in March 1939. Pointing to the increased Soviet activity on Baltic and the Soviet behaviour during the Polish- Lithuanian conflict, von Ribbentrop manages to persuade Polish foreign minister Jozef Beck to a deal. As an exchange of economic aid and political support, Polish government guarantees German transit rights through the Polish corridor and recognizes German interests on Danzig and Memel. Lithuania and Latvia view the German-Polish cooperation as a threat and look for USSR in order to maintain a balance of power in the Baltic. Estonia holds on to its neutrality tighter than ever. Finland tries to fit its perceived Nordic context with the new defence arrangements with USSR. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon3.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 194.86.149.76 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <2c961360.7c1d7e6a@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <394187C9.4CB6@isn.net> <147542a4.161dc27c@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> Bytes: 3026 X-Wren-Trace: eElsREVcG1EaA1cUFF8fGXtRUElAQkdKWEQITEkdAVASAVEeCVgIHgsfGw== Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 01:41:13 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.55 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon3 960800027 10.0.2.55 (Mon, 12 Jun 2000 01:53:47 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 01:53:47 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:229189 2.1. The Gathering Storm March - September 1939 The spring of 1939 witnesses the ultimate failure of Soviet foreign policy, as the Western Powers turn a deaf ear to Litvinov's proposals of collective security arrangements. At the same time, the threat of German aggression in Baltic becomes even more imminent as Wehrmacht officers are invited to observe Polish military exercises in April. USSR becomes completely disillusioned both with Germany and the Western Powers. At the 18th Communist Party Congress in March, Stalin openly accuses Britain and France of exposing USSR to Nazi aggression. In a preparation for conflict, USSR unilaterally guarantees Latvia and Estonia against any foreign aggression - a de facto extension of the Soviet sphere of influence. Latvia accepts the guarantees, but Estonia declines to recognize them. Baltic states become the ground for an increasing Soviet-German rivalry. As Germany prepares for the final showdown with USSR, Baltic exports of food and raw materials gain importance. The main goal of German diplomacy is to nullify the increased Soviet influence in Baltic area, close the Gulf of Finland and prevent the chance that USSR could circumvent the blockade via Baltic ports. Germany occupies the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda/Memel in March, forcing Voldemaras government to swallow the humiliation. Ribbentrop offers non-aggression pacts to Latvia, Estonia and Finland in April, but fails to gain them acceptance. Pro-Soviet Latvian general Bajodis considers the mutual defence arrangements with USSR more important, Estonia holds tight on to its neutrality and Finnish government declines to sign the proposed treaty "because the others are not going to, either." As the indian summer of 1939 fades away, stormclouds begin to gather above Baltic. Soviet Baltic fleet demonstrates its power in manoeuvres in Latvia, while Germany concentrates even more troops in Eastern Prussia. Polish commitment to Germany becomes obvious in August, when Poland joins the Antikomintern-pact. Behind the scenes, OKW and Polish high command start to make plans for the final action against USSR. The first goal of Axis is, however, to secure their left flank by occupying the Baltic republics and Finland. Caught in the middle, Baltic states wait in agony for the inevitable. Lithuania is totally alone, fearing that another Polish invasion will totally erase it from the map. Latvia is confident of Soviet support but feels nonetheless threatened. Estonia is more than ever committed to its neutrality, disregarding all Soviet proposals of guarantees. Finland alone feels secure with its geographic position, but is still having problems with its new defence policy. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon4.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 130.232.202.238 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <06935c0a.d5eade0c@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <394187C9.4CB6@isn.net> <147542a4.161dc27c@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <2c961360.7c1d7e6a@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com> Bytes: 1149 X-Wren-Trace: eJy5kZCJzoTP1oLBwYrKzK6EhZyVl5KfjZHdmZzI1I/D1I7OwJLbwsLTysrK Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 03:05:36 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.5 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon4 961063656 10.0.2.5 (Thu, 15 Jun 2000 03:07:36 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 03:07:36 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:229949 2.2. The Final Decision OKW - TOP SECRET STUDIE B - Invasion of the Baltic republics and Finland August 15, 1940 Recent developments have made necessary to prepare for the occupation of Latvia, Estonia and Finland. The main purposes of this operation are to 1) prevent USSR from establishing a military presence on Baltic 2) secure our supply lines in Baltic, especially food shipments from Estonia and iron ore shipments from Sweden 3) acquire forward bases for future operations against USSR. Invasions are to presented as peaceful interventions, intended to protect the countries from Soviet subversion. Ultimatums will be delivered to all three governments when the action begins. All resistance must be crushed. Invasions of Latvia, Estonia and Finland are to be carried out simultaneously. Surprise is the key element. The action will commence in September 1. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon4.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 130.232.202.238 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <0d8c4e8a.e83dcfbe@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <394187C9.4CB6@isn.net> <147542a4.161dc27c@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <2c961360.7c1d7e6a@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com> <06935c0a.d5eade0c@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> Bytes: 3024 X-Wren-Trace: eCQBKSgxdjx3bjp5eTJydBY8PSQtLyonNSllISRwbDd7bDZ2eCpjenprcnJy Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 04:15:51 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.5 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon4 961067871 10.0.2.5 (Thu, 15 Jun 2000 04:17:51 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 04:17:51 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:229960 3.1. Invasion of the Baltic republics September, 1939 The Baltic action begins at 3:00 AM in September 1, when a German invasion force of one division lands in the Latvian ports of Liepaja/Libau and Ventspils/Windau. German paratroopers capture the coastal batteries in Pitrags, securing the straits of Irbe. An ultimatum is delivered to the Latvian government, demanding an immediate surrender. Caught by surprise, Latvian government fails to react quick enough. Foreign minister Vilhelms Munters proposes capitulation in order to avoid a national suicide. General Bajodis is still confident on Soviet support and is willing to fight. President Karlis Ulmanis decides to follow Bajodis' advice. At the same time, Germans demand Lithuanian government to allow Wehrmacth a free passage through Lithuanian territory. General Rastiks urges Voldemaras to accept the demands, and in the same evening another Wehrmacht division enters Lithuania with the consent of Voldemaras regime. Railway crossing in Siauliai is occupied and Germans continue towards Riga. The attack against Riga begins in the third day, as German battlehip Schleswig-Holstein shells the port and Luftwaffe raids the city center. Another force of German paratroopers seizes the airport. Latvian government relocates to Cesis. In the east, Polish forces occupy Daugavpils and Rezekne, isolating Latvia from USSR. Situation is chaotic, and with no supreme command, Latvian army and volunteer units manage to make only random, uncoordinated resistance against the invaders. Riga surrenders to Germans at 10:00 AM in September 4. In a less than a week, Germans have captured most of Latvia with minimal losses. All attempts of resistance are brutally crushed; in Jekabpils, a general disorder results in the massacre of hundred civilians. Covering the retreat of the government and the main army, few Latvian military units still carry on the defence in Livonia. Both the government and the last military units cross the Estonian border in September 5 and continue their flight to Soviet side two days later. German war machine continues with its conquests. Estonian government is presented with a similar ultimatum. When the first German bomber appears over Tallinn at 8:00 PM in September 1, Estonian government decides to comply to the German demands. In the following morning, while fighting still continues in Latvia, a Wehrmacht division lands in Tallinn and German warplanes begin to arrive to the local airport. German general von Falkenhorst is welcomed by the Estonian commander-in-chief Jan Laidoneer. Estonia proves to be no obstacle to German forces, who continue their action in the direction of Finland. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon3.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 130.232.202.238 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <2082bde4.f0be93c5@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <394187C9.4CB6@isn.net> <147542a4.161dc27c@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <2c961360.7c1d7e6a@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com> <06935c0a.d5eade0c@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> <0d8c4e8a.e83dcfbe@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> Bytes: 3443 X-Wren-Trace: eM/qwsPandechdGSktmZn/3X1s/GxMHM3sKOys+bh9yQh92dk8GIkZGAmZmZ Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 04:48:27 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.5 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon3 961070467 10.0.2.5 (Thu, 15 Jun 2000 05:01:07 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 05:01:07 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:229967 3.2. Finnish Campaign September - October, 1939 Finland answers to the German ultimatum in a firm and bitter tone. "Germany has dishonorably broken the old brotherhood of arms with Finland. Finland will not kneel to aggression. We shall defend our territory to the bitter end." Marshal Mannerheim rallies the Finnish armed forces to a quick defence against the unexpected attack. Action against Finland stretches German logistics to limits. German invasion force of one division manages to capture both Turku and Hanko in September 3, but the troop transport Danzig is damaged and cruiser Karlsruhe sunk by Finnish coastal battery fire. Attempt to land in Helsinki in the next morning ends in disaster for the Kriegsmarine. Gustaffsvärd witnesses the greatest naval battle ever fought in Baltic since Svensksund 1790. Finnish navy sells itself dearly, wasting three German panzerkreuzers. Lützow is hit by a battery fire, Blücher sunk by the Finnish cruiser Ilmarinen and Königsberg torpedoed by the Finnish submarine Iku-Turso. German landing on Finnish capital is decisively delayed, allowing the government to relocate from Helsinki to the town of Vaasa. At the morning of September 5, the last remaining Finnish warships - three light cruisers, two mineships and four submarines - are ordered to retreat towards the naval base of Suursaari. The second wave of German invasion force hits the Finnish shores. Operating from Estonia, Luftwaffe directs a violent air raid against Helsinki, but suffers heavy losses from the defending Finnish air force. On the west coast, German paratroopers capture the port of Rauma. An all-out panic strikes as civilians are evacuated from Helsinki. Destroying roads and communication lines, Finnish army withdraws to inland, heading for north. Germans capture Helsinki in September 8. After the first week, Germans have secured most of the southern Finland, although several Finnish paramilitary volunteer units still carry on a fierce resistance. Remains of the Finnish navy manage to reach Suursaari, which has been occupied by the Soviet forces. In a desperate attempt of assistance, Soviet forces enter the eastern Finland, occupying Karelian Isthmus and the city of Viipuri. Over 100'000 refugees make the escape to the Soviet buffer zone. A larger group of 350'000 people flee over the Gulf of Bothnia to Sweden. The Swedish port of Uumaja becomes overcrowded with Finnish refugees. Germans capture Vaasa in September 15 and Tampere three days later. Tampere is totally abandoned, with most of the industrial installations totally destroyed by the fleeing Finnish forces. Last regular Finnish military units leave the country in the first week of October. About 160'000 Finnish soldiers cross the border to Sweden, 15'000 make the journey to Norway 45'000 escape to the Soviet side. Many units move underground, beginning a desperate guerrilla warfare against the invaders. Finnish government-in-exile is formed in Stockholm. "Finland has not surrendered. I shall not sheath my sword until the last nazi hooligan is driven to sea", marshal Mannerheim declares. My, Pierwsza Brygada, Strzelecka Gromada, Na stos, Rzucilismy swoj zycia los, Na stos, na stos * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free! Path: rQdQ!supernews.com!sn-inject-01!WReNclone!WReNphoon3.POSTED!WReN!not-for-mail X-Originating-Host: 153.1.6.42 Organization: http://www.remarq.com: The World's Usenet/Discussions Start Here Subject: Re: Baltic Eclipse, 1938-1940 From: Jussi Jalonen Newsgroups: soc.history.what-if Message-ID: <27b1ed28.602838a1@usw-ex0105-035.remarq.com> References: <011d2e2c.29a32829@usw-ex0105-038.remarq.com> <01dbbf40.34be4013@usw-ex0105-036.remarq.com> <00680e62.5017aad0@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <394187C9.4CB6@isn.net> <147542a4.161dc27c@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com> <2c961360.7c1d7e6a@usw-ex0107-055.remarq.com> <06935c0a.d5eade0c@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> <0d8c4e8a.e83dcfbe@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> <2082bde4.f0be93c5@usw-ex0101-005.remarq.com> Bytes: 3598 X-Wren-Trace: ePrf9/bvqOKpsOSnp+ysqsji4/rz8fT56/e7//qusu+msuu1ovS7pg== Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2000 02:50:40 -0700 NNTP-Posting-Host: 10.0.2.35 X-Complaints-To: wrenabuse@remarq.com X-Trace: WReNphoon3 963569081 10.0.2.35 (Fri, 14 Jul 2000 03:04:41 PDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2000 03:04:41 PDT Xref: rQdQ soc.history.what-if:238669 3.3. Initial Reactions October-November 1939 As the Baltic sea turns to Mare Nostrum of the Third Reich, the rest of the world pays little attention. Great Britain is reluctant to engage itself in the conflict, for the simple reason that the political composition of the Baltic area has little influence on Britain's security. Certain elements in the government, including Laurence Collier and Frank Ashton-Gwatkin, criticize the continuing appeasement policy, pointing to the commercial and military grip that Germany has established over the Baltic region. For the most part, noth British government and public ignore the German aggression. French attitudes show, if possible, even more indifference. Most people share the sentiments expressed by Action Francaise: "To die for Daugavpils?". Surprisingly, Sweden has intervened the Finnish campaign and, with the consent of the Finnish government, occupied Åland islands. Finnish government-in-exile has been granted residence in Stockholm, and Finnish military units that have crossed the border have joined in Swedish army as the 1st Finnish Corps. German pressure against Sweden in the question of Åland bears no result, although the fear of German reprisals still manages to prevent Sweden from cutting her iron ore exports to Germany. Estonia has become a German protectorate, and Lithuanian government has allowed Wehrmacht a free passage through its territory. Latvia has been occupied and placed under direct German military administration. Poland has temporarily lost its determination, mostly because the German invasion of Baltic states has been carried out without preliminary consultations with Polish high command. Rydz-Smigly's decision to occupy Rezekne and Daugavpils has correspondingly not been linked to German operation, but instead carried out to prevent Latvian refugees from swarming to Polish territory. All through the conflict, Poland has maintained nonbelligerency and de jure neutrality. German attack has also given Beck second thoughts about the feasibility of continued cooperation, which would eventually place Poland in a dangerous position as Germany's breastplate. Beck makes it clear to Ribbentrop that Poland considers its alliance with Germany stricktly defensive. Furthermore, Beck declares that German presence in Baltic states has rendered Polish-German defence arrangements considerably less practical, provoking possible Soviet aggression. Berlin is baffled by the new shift of opinion in Warsaw. USSR is struck by surprise and terror, as it totally loses its foothold on Baltic without a chance to respond effectively. Diplomatic relations with Germany are severed immediately, but Stalin declines to take any direct offensive action against Germany. Soviet forces maintain presence in Suursaari, Karelian buffer zone and Soviet-Baltic borders, face to face with German troops, in a cold, phony war. A peculiar situation emerges, as both USSR and Germany find themselves in no position to take any kind of an action against each other. Both the logistic setbacks of Wehrmacht and political problems with Poland have posed an obstacle for Germany's plans against Soviet Union. USSR, on the other hand, welcomes the relief and starts to prepare its own move against Germany. Starting October, Red Army begins to concentrate its forces on the Baltic borders. ----------------------------------------------------------- Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com