December 30, 1939; Russian Troops Poised For Major Drive:

THIS WAS REPORTED DECEMBER 30, 1939:

"Green" Conscripts

Recalled From
Karelian Front

By LYNN HKINZERLING

HELSINKI. Dec. 30 (AP)— The war's first major battle was imminent today, many military experts believed, as veteran Red troops, replaced callow conscripts under cover of a continuous artillery bombardment of Finland's Karelian isthmus defenses.

Cannon Rake Woods
With Soviet Russian cannon raking the woods in front of the Mannerhieim line, Finnish officers said experienced soldiers were relieving in some sections the youngsters whom the Finns have beaten back since the since the war started November 30.

Belief that Russia was preparing for a general drive was bolstered by reports that Gen. K. A. Meretskoff had been removed as commander of  the campaign against Finland.

 

 

Hitler Predicts Bitter Warfare

And Ultimate Victory in 1940

Declares Germany Armed to Maximum and

Will Force England to Her Knees;
Cites Smashing Coups of 1939

By PIERRE J. HUSS •.•

BERLIN, Dec. 30 (INS)-Predictions of bitter warfare in 1940, culminating in a German victory, were contained today in New Year proclamations

To the German defense' services and Nazi party by Chancellor Hitler and his highest aides. •

Reich Victories
Stressing that 1939 brought, smashing victories 'for the Reich Hitler declared the nation is facing the 1940 struggle united within, economically prepared and "militarily armed to a maximum degree for the most decisive year in German history."

In addition to Hitler, Feild Marshal William Hermann Goering, Grand Admiral Erich Raeder and Gen. Walther von Brauchitsch. commander-ln-chief of the German army, issued proclamations.

Expressing his confidence in the result of the war, the Fuehrer stated: "May the year 1940 tiring n decision. Whatever comes, victory will be ours."

Outlining Germany's war aims, he continued: "Germany and Europe must be free once and for all from coercion and permanent threats emanating from 'England." This time we must definitely knock the weapons out of the hands of war mongers and war makers...

"Green" Conscripts

Recalled From
Karelian Front

By LYNN HKINZERLING

HELSINKI. Dec. 30 (AP)— The war's first major battle was imminent today, many military experts believed, as veteran Red troops, replaced callow conscripts under cover of a continuous artillery bombardment of Finland's Karelian isthmus defenses.
Cannon Rake Woods
With Soviet Russian cannon raking the woods in front of the Mannerhieim line, Finnish officers said experienced soldiers were relieving in some sections the youngsters whom the Finns have beaten back since the since the war started November 30.
Belief that Russia was preparing for a general drive was bolstered by reports that Gen. K. A. Meretskoff had been removed as commander of  the campaign against Finland.