1940
January 2. The United States protested British interference with mails. ("It cannot admit the right of the British authorities to interfere with American mails on American or other neutral ships on the high seas nor can it admit the right of the British Government to censor mail on ships which have involuntarily entered British ports. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 28, p. 3.)
January 14. The Netherlands canceled army leaves and Belgium mobilized. (Fear German spring offensive. Times, Jan. 15, 1940, p. 1.)
Britain rejected protest of twenty‑one republics of December 23, 1939. (". . . the proposal, involving as it does the abandonment by the belligerents of certain legitimate belligerent rights, is not one which, on any basis of International Law can be imposed upon them by unilateral action, and . . . its adoption requires their specific assent.. . . . Moreover the acceptance of the zone proposals would have to be on the basis that it should not constitute a precedent for a far‑reaching alteration in the existing laws of maritime neutrality. Up to the present it does not appear that means have been found by which the disadvantages of the zone proposal could be eliminated. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 35, p. 200.)
January 20. Winston Churchill, First Lord of British Admiralty, warned European neutrals and asked them to join Allies. ("At present their plight is lamentable and it will become much worse. They bow humbly and in fear to German threats of violence, comforting themselves meanwhile with the thought that the Allies will win, that Britain and France will strictly observe all the rules and conventions and that breaches of these laws are only to be expected from the German side. Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last. All of them hope that the storm will pass before their turn comes to be devoured. "Times, Jan. 21, 1940, p. 30.)
January 23. France rejected protest of twenty‑one republics. (". . . it is the strict right of France and Great Britain to oppose this in good time by a counter‑attack and . . . they cannot be asked to renounce this right." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 35, p. 202. Cf. Dec. 23, 1939, Jan. 14, supra.)
January 24. Prime Minister Chamberlain renewed British pledge to Belgium. (Because of German invasion rumors. Times, Jan. 25, 1940, p. 5. Cf. Nov. 20, 1936, supra.)
January 26. United States‑Japanese commercial treaty expired. (Denounced July 26, 1939, supra. Ibid., Jan. 26, 1940, p. 8.)
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February 1. Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita in statement on foreign policy invited active participation of third powers in the construction of the new order in East Asia. (": . . although there are some who suspect Japan of the intention to eliminate the rights and interests of third powers in China. . . . We are, in fact, anxious to see the development of China's trade with other powers and welcome foreign investments in China as long as they are of a purely economic character. And that I am confident, is also the wish of the new Central Government of China that is about to be established." Ibid., Feb. 1, 1940, p. 12.)
February 6. The United States appointed a minister to Saudi Arabia. ("Whereas 10 years ago there were no more than a score of Americans in the whole extent of the Arabian Peninsula, today Americans number approximately 500, including some 273 Americans in Saudi Arabia alone." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 33, p. 159.)
February 9. Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles sent by President Roosevelt to confer with Britain, France, Germany, and Italy: ("This visit is solely for the purpose of advising the President and the Secretary of State as to present conditions in Europe." Ibid., p. 155.)
February 12. Russia and Germany signed trade treaty. (For increased supplies. Times, Feb. 13, 1940, p. 14. Cf. Aug, 19, 1939, supra.)
February 16. Germany rejected protests of twenty‑one republics. (". . . the German Government cannot recognize the right of the Governments of the American Republics to decide unilaterally upon measures in a manner deviating from the rules hitherto in effect,. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 35, p. 204. Cf. Dec. 23, 1939, Jan. 17, 23, supra.)
February 19. Secretary of State Hull announced that the moral embargo of December 20, 1939, had been extended to Russia. (Ibid., p. 195.)
February 24. German‑Italian trade agreement signed. (Coal shipments to Italy. Times, Feb. 25, 1940, p. 27.)
March 6. France and Italy signed trade agreement. (To increase trade volume. Ibid., Mar. 7, 1940, p. 3.)
March 11. Allies offered full aid to Finland. ("If asked." Ibid., Mar. 12, 1940, p. 1. Cf. Dec. 10, 11, 14, 1939, supra.)
March 12. Russian‑Finnish peace treaty signed at Moscow. ("Being desirous of bringing to an end the hostilities which have broken out between the two states and of creating permanent peaceful relations between them,
"And being convinced that the creation of definite conditions for their mutual security, including guarantees for the security, of the cities of Leningrad and Murmansk and the Murmansk railway, is in the interest of both contracting parties, . . ." Finnish, p. 115.,)
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March 14. Sweden and Norway contemplated a defensive alliance with Finland. ("As a result of an inquiry by the Finnish Government, . . ." Finland, p. 40.)
March 16. The twenty‑one American Republics protested to Britain. (Because of scuttling of the Wakama, German freighter haled by British war vessel. Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 38, p. 306. Cf. Dec. 23, 1939, supra.)
March 19. Prime Minister Chamberlain defended lack of British help to Finland. (". . . except for Field Marshal's [Mannerheim's] intimation in January that he would wish to have 30,000 men in May, no request of any sort for land forces was made to us by the Fins. . . . Germany publicly professed her neutrality; but behind the scenes made every effort to prevent others from saving Finland and from performing the task which she had always declared to be her own. The responsibility for this affair stands squarely and firmly upon the shoulders of Germany and no other country. It was fear of Germany which prevented Norway and Sweden from giving us permission to pass our troops through their countries, the fear of Germany which prevented her from making her appeal to us for help." Commons, Vol. 358, col. 1841-1842.)
March 20. Russia opposed suggested Finnish‑Norwegian‑Swedish alliance,. (". . . for this kind of an alliance would be directed against the Soviet Union–as is revealed by the strongly anti-Soviet speech made on March 14 in the Norwegian Parliament by the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Hambro–and would run a together counter to the Peace Treaty concluded by the U. S. S. R. and Finland on March 12, 1940. Finland, p. 41.)
March 21. Premier Daladier was replaced by Paul Reynaud as French Premier. ("Invitation of President Albert Lebrun." Ibid., Mar. 21, 1940, p. 1.)
March 28. Supreme War Council of Allies resolved on no separate peace. ("In the light of the results achieved by the agreement of December last signed by Sir John Simon and M. Paul Reynaud and desiring to extend the scope of this agreement to all spheres affecting the interests and security of the two nations, Ibid., Mar. 29, 1940, p. 3.)
March 30. Winston Churchill forecast long war. ("The British Empire and the French Republic are now joined together in indissoluble union so that their full purposes maybe accomplished. . . . But the fact is that many of the smaller States of Europe are terrorized. by Nazi violence and brutality into supplying Germany with the material of modern war, and this fact may condemn the whole world to a prolonged ordeal with grievous, unmeasured consequences in many lands." Ibid., Mar. 31, 1940, p. 35.)
Wang Ching-wei government proclaimed in Nanking. ("He came out for national salvation through opposition to communism and conclusion of peace with. Japan. In the face of
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II 233
all manners of pressure and persecution by Chungking, he pursued the path of his conviction, bringing light to his people lost in darkness. Thus has he won the confidence and the following of his nation. His peace and national salvation movement as well as the preparation for a new central government have made rapid headway since the Sixth Kuomintang National Congress which was held in Shanghai in August of last year." Japan, Vol. II, p. 57: "A renascent China has just set out on the road to progress; a new defence is about to commence in East Asia." Ibid., p. 61.)
The United States refused to recognize the Wang Ching‑wei regime. "In the light of what has happened in various parts of China since 1931, the setting up of a new regime at Nanking has the appearance of a further step in a program of one country by armed force to impose its will upon a neighboring country and to block off a large area of the world from normal political and economic relationships with the rest of the world. The developments there seems to be following the pattern of other regimes and systems which have been set up in China under the aegis of an outside power and which in their functioning especially favor the interests of that outside, power and deny to nationals of the United States and other third countries enjoyment of long‑established rights of equal and fair treatment which are legally and justly theirs.
* * * * *
"Twelve years ago the Government of the United States recognized, as did other governments, the National Government of the Republic of China. . The Government of the United States has ample reason for believing that that Government, with capital now at Chungking, has had and still has the allegiance and support of the great majority of the Chinese people. The Government of the United States of course continues to recognize that Government as the Government of China." Statement by Secretary of State Hull, Japan, Vol. II, p. 59.
April 2. Lithuania notified League of her determination to keep Vilna. (Based on peace treaty of July 12, 1920. "In recovering possession of her capital Lithuania vindicated her ancient rights, which never at any time were transferred to Poland." Times; Apr. 3, 1940, p. 15.)
April 8. Britain and France mined Norwegian waters. ("Whatever may be the actual policy which the Norwegian Government, by German threats and pressure, are compelled to follow, the Allied Governments can no longer afford to acquiesce in the present state of affairs, by which Germany obtains from Norway facilities which place the Allies at a dangerous disadvantage.
"They have, therefore, already given notice to the Norwegian Government that they reserve the right to take such measures as they may think necessary to hinder or prevent Germany from obtaining in Norway resources or facilities which for the purpose of war would be to her advantage or to the disadvantage of the Allies." Ibid., Apr. 8, 1940, p. 10. Cf. Norway, p. 45. "These violations are carried out solely because the States concerned
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have the power to do so." Ibid., p. 48. Cf. von Ribbentrop statement, Ibid., pp. 80 f.)
April 9. German troops invaded Denmark and Norway.
"The German Government possesses documentary proof that England and France had jointly decided, if necessary, to carry out their action through the territory of the Northern States against the will of the latter." Norway, p. 55. "Germany has thus preserved the Scandinavian countries and peoples from destruction, and will until the end of the war defend true neutrality in the North.
"I am convinced that this action of the Führer has saved an ancient and respected part of Europe from that certain. ruin and utter destruction to which our English and French enemies are clearly indifferent." Ibid., p. 64.)
Prime Minister Chamberlain announced full Allied aid to Norway. (". . . in view of the German invasion of their country . . ." Times, Apr. 10, 1940, p. 2. Cf. Norway, pp. 61 f.)
Denmark submitted to Germany under protest. ("In these circumstances, which are so grave to our country, I ask all of you inhabitants of the cities and country to maintain an attitude completely correct and dignified, since every inconsiderate act or word can draw in its wake most serious consequences." Times, Apr. 10, 1940, p. 4.)
April 10. Iceland suspended exercise of royal power of King of Denmark. (". . . having regard for the fact that the situation created makes it impossible for His Majesty the King of Iceland to execute the royal power given to him under the constitutional act, . . . having regard for the situation now created, Denmark is not in a position to execute the authority to take charge of the foreign affairs of Iceland granted to it by the provisions of Article VII of the Danish‑Icelandic Union Act, nor can it carry out the fishery inspection within Icelandic territorial waters. . . ." Ibid., Apr. 11, 1940, p. 6.)
The United States froze Norwegian and Danish funds. (Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 46, p. 493.)
Belgium canceled army leaves and reaffirmed neutrality. Times, Apr. 11, 1940, p. 9.)
Belgium rejected Allied "preventive aid" suggested by Britain. ("Belgium has solemnly declared her intention to remain neutral in the present conflict. At any time that she accepted outside aid to maintain this neutrality, she would in so doing be abandoning this neutrality . . . the Government's policy has not [changed] and will not change." Times, Apr. 12, 1940, p. 1.)
April 11. The Netherlands took defense precautions. (". . . as a result of developments in the European war, . . ." Ibid., Apr. 11, 1940, p. 9.)
Winston Churchill said German troop movements on Norway began before British laid mine field. ("The Nazi Government have sought to make out that their invasion of Norway and Denmark was a consequence of our action in closing the Norway corridor." Ibid., Commons, Vol. 359, col. 738. Cf. Norway, p. 70.)
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April 15. Japanese Foreign Minister Arita said Japan desired status quo of The Netherlands Indies. ("With the South Seas region, and especially the Dutch East Indies, Japan is economically bound by an intimate relationship of mutuality in ministering to one another's needs. Similarly other countries of East Asia maintain close economic relations with these regions. That is to say, Japan, those countries, and these regions are contributing to the prosperity of East Asia through mutual aid and interdependence.
"Should the hostilities in Europe be extended to The Netherlands and produce repercussions in the Dutch East Indies, it would not only interfere with the maintenance and furtherance of the above‑named relations of economic interdependence and co‑existence and co‑prosperity, but would also give rise to an undesirable situation from the standpoint of peace and stability in East Asia." Times, Apr. 16, 1940, p. 9. Cf. Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 66, p. 248.)
April 16. Iceland asked to enter into direct relations with the United States. (Cf. Apr. 9, supra. Ibid., Vol. II, No. 43, p. 414.)
April 17. Secretary of State Hull issued formal statement that any change in status quo of the Indies "would be prejudicial to the cause of stability, peace, and security . . . in the entire Pacific area." ("The Netherlands Indies are very important in the international relationships of the whole Pacific Ocean. . . . They are also an important factor in the commerce of the whole world. They produce considerable portions of the world's supplies of important essential commodities such as rubber, tin, quinine, copra, et cetera. Many countries, including the United States, depend substantially upon them for some of these commodities." Ibid., p. 411, Cf. Peace, pp. 515 f.)
April 19. The Netherlands declared state of siege and reaffirmed neutrality. ("As far as is humanly possible we rely on ourselves, but, in addition, we have promises that our neutrality will be respected as long as we actively maintain it. Of this there can be no doubt. Therefore, we do not wish any arrangements. We shun them. The government rejects all suggestions of assistance, whether offered or actually forced on us. The same applies to our overseas territories." Times, Apr. 20, 1940, p. 1.)
Germany dismissed Norwegian envoy. (Because of Norwegian hostility to Germany. Times, Apr. 20, 1940, p. 1. Cf. Norway, pp. 76 f.)
Yugoslavia smashed Nazi plot to overturn the government. (Espionage. Times, Apr. 20, 1940, p. 1.)
April 20. Germany and Rumania signed trade agreement. (Providing Czech arms and planes for the latter. Ibid., Apr. 21, 1940, p. 1. Cf. Mar. 23, Dec. 21,1939, supra.)
April 24. Germany took over direct control of Norway. (King Haakon rejected negotiations with German administration. Ibid., Apr. 25, 1940, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 16, supra. "The Nygaardsvold Government, by its proclamations and its attitude, as well
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as by the military operations which have taken place by its decision, has created a state of war between Norway and Germany. In order to safeguard public order and public life in the parts of Norwegian territory which are under the protection of German troops, I [Hitler] decree: . . ." Norway, p. 78.)
United States established consular representation with Iceland. ("Through an exchange of telegrams. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 44, p. 434. Cf. Apr. 16, supra.)
April 25. Rumania declared a political amnesty. (Restored Iron Guard. Times, Apr. 26, 1940, p. 8. Cf. Apr. 20, supra.)
April 29. President Roosevelt appealed to Premier Mussolini to exert Italian influence for a just and stable peace. ("A further extension of the area of hostilities, which would bring into the war still other nations which have been seeking to maintain their neutrality, would necessarily have far‑reaching and unforeseeable consequences, not only in Europe, but also in the Near and the Far East, in Africa, and in the three Americas. No man can today, predict with assurance, should such a further extension take place, what the ultimate result might be–or foretell what nations, however determined they may today be to remain at peace, might yet eventually find it imperative in their own defense to enter the war." Peace, p. 519.)
May 1. The United States established a provisional consulate in Greenland. ("Since communication between Copenhagen and Greenland has been interrupted, direct consular representation has been deemed advisable by the United States and lay the Greenland authorities." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 45, p. 473. Cf. Apr. 9, supra.)
Premier Mussolini told Ambassador William Phillips Germany could not be beaten. ("Fifteen countries can now be called upon by Germany for every kind of supplies. . . . the blockade of the Allies was therefore completely ineffective." Peace, p. 521.)
May 2. Prime Minister Chamberlain reported on British retreat from, northern Norway. (". . . it has always been possible for the Germans, with their usual disregard for life, even of their own people, to send reinforcements to Norway at a much greater rate than would be open to us with the inadequate landing places we have to rely on. . . . We have no intention of allowing Norway to become merely, a sideshow, but neither are we going to be trapped into such dispersal of our forces as would leave us dangerously weak at a vital center." Commons, Vol. 360, cols. 910, 912. Cf. Norway, pp. 95 ff,)
Premier Mussolini wrote President Roosevelt that the Axis opposed extension of the war. (". . . no peace is possible without the fundamental problems of Italian liberty being settled. . . . Italy, however, has never concerned itself with the relations of the American republics with each other and with the United States (thereby respecting the Monroe Doctrine), and might therefore ask for `reciprocity' with regard to European affairs." Peace, p. 522.)
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May 3. President Roosevelt revealed he had appealed to Italy May 1 not to enter war. (Trying to prevent extension to new areas. Times, May 4, 1940, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 29, supra.)
May 4. The Netherlands arrested suspects. (Fifth columnists. Ibid., May 5, 1940, p. 41.)
May 6. Italy promised not to attack Greece if Italy were at war with Britain, unless Greece were converted to a British base. ("Italy, as a Great Power, has her own claims, which she will put forward in due time, but she is prepared to give the assurance that the claims in question do not concern either Greece or the Balkans generally." Greek, p. 50. )
May 7. The Netherlands completed defense preparations. (Called up two marine reserve classes. Times, May 8, 1940, p. 1.)
Prime Minister Chamberlain reported on British retreat from Trondheim, Norway. ("I believe it was right to make the first attempt and equally right to withdraw the troops when it was clear that plan would not succeed . . . it became clear we could only maintain our force in the Trondheim region by such a concentration of men and materials and aircraft as would have drawn off altogether an undue proportion of our total resources, and in these special circumstances we decided that we could carry on the campaign in Norway, elsewhere, with greater vigour and effect." Ibid., p. 4. Cf. Norway, pp. 110 f. Commons, Vol. 360, col. 1080.)
May 8. Winston Churchill attributed failure in Norway to lack of air parity with Germany. ("If we have decided to speak in this plain manner, it is because of the cataract of unworthy suggestions and of actual falsehoods which have been poured out to the public during the last few days." Commons, Vol. 360, cols. 1357‑1358. Norway, p. 112.)
May 9. British troops occupied Iceland. ("Since the German seizure of Denmark it has become necessary to reckon with the possibility of a sudden German descent on Iceland.
"It is clear that in the face of an attack on Iceland, even on a very small scale, the Icelandic Government would be unable to prevent their country from fallings completely into German, hands." Times, May 10, 1940, p. 1.)
Germany invaded Belgium, Luxemburg, and The Netherlands. (". . . the German Government was in possession of irrefutable evidence that the Allies were about to attack Germany through Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxemburg, and that this attack had been long in preparation with the knowledge of Belgium and The Netherlands." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 46, p. 486.)
The Netherlands protested violation of neutrality. ("After our country, with scrupulous conscientiousness, had observed strict neutrality all these months. . . ." Ibid., May 10, 1940, p. 1.)
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May 10. Chancellor Hitler told the Reichswehr the decisive hour had come. ("For 300 years it was the aim of the English and French rulers to prevent every real consolidation of Europe and, above all, to hold Germany in weakness and impotency.
"For this purpose France alone has declared war on Germany thirty‑one times in 200 years.
"For decades it has been the aim of British world rulers to keep Germany from unity, to deny the Reich every earthly possession which is necessary to the preservation of a nation of 80,000,000 people." Ibid., May 11, 1940, p. 4.)
Prime Minister Chamberlain resigned. ("I am not now going to make any comment upon the debate in the House of Commons which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, but when it was over, I had no doubt in my mind that some new and drastic action must be taken if confidence was to be restored to the House of Commons and the war carried on with the vigor and energy which are essential to victory. What was that action to be? It was clear that at this critical moment in the war what was needed was the formation of a government which would include members of the Labour and Liberal Oppositions and thus present a united front to the enemy. . . .
"The essential unity could be secured under another Prime Minister, though not myself. . . .
"His Majesty has now entrusted to my rt. hon. colleague, Mr. Winston Churchill, the task of forming a new Administration on a national basis . . ." London Times, May 11, 1940, p. 3.)
The United States froze Belgian, Dutch, and Luxemburg credit. (Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 46, p. 493.)
Belgium protested violation of neutrality. ("Although Germany has not declared war, the German Army has just crossed the frontier of the Kingdom of Belgium and has attacked the Belgian Army with considerable forces. All the facts and all the documents in the possession of the Belgian Government prove that the aggression was premeditated. No complaint was brought to its notice before the act of aggression. Moreover, there was nothing in the relations between the two countries, for the most part good, to suggest that a conflict was likely to arise." Belgium, pp. 100 f.)
May 11. Allied troops landed at Curaçao and Aruba. (". . . to prevent possible German attempts at sabotage in the important oil refineries of these islands." Times, May 12, 1940, p. 1. Cf. May 9, supra.)
Prime Minister Churchill named new cabinet. (Coalition. Ibid., p.1.)
May 13. Prime Minister Churchill said British policy was war by land, sea, and air, and victory at all costs. (". . . for without victory there is no survival. Let that be realized. No survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move forward toward his goal." Commons, Vol. 360, col. 1504.)
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May 14. The Netherlands Government fled to Britain. ("When it became certain that we and our Ministers would be unable to continue to exercise freely the authority of the State, we took the harsh but imperative step of transferring our residence abroad for as long as would be necessary with the firm intention of returning to The Netherlands when possible.
"The government now is in England. It wanted to prevent ever being placed in such a position that it would have to capitulate.. By the steps which we have taken, The Netherlands remains a full member of the community of States and will be in a position to continue cooperation with its allies." Times, May 15, 1940, p. 3.)
President Roosevelt again appealed to Premier Mussolini to stay out of war. (". . . reports reaching me from many sources, to the effect that you may be contemplating early entry into the war, have given me great concern. . . . if this war should extend throughout the world it would pass beyond the control of heads of States, would encompass the destruction of millions of lives and the best of what we call the liberty and culture of civilization. And no man, no matter how omniscient, how powerful, can foretell the result either to himself or his own people." Peace, p. 526. Cf. Apr. 29, supra.)
May 15. The Netherlands Army capitulated. (On advice of the Allies. Times, May 16, 1940, p. 1.)
May 16. President Roosevelt asked new defense appropriations. ("First, to procure the essential equipment of all kinds for a larger and thoroughly rounded‑out Army;
"Second, to replace or modernize all old Army and Navy equipment with the latest type of equipment;
"Third, to increase production facilities for everything needed for the Army and Navy for national defense. We require the ability to turn out quickly infinitely greater supplies;
"Fourth, to speed up to a 24‑hour basis all existing Army and Navy contracts and all new contracts to be awarded. . . .
"Our task is plain. The road we must take is clearly indicated. Our defenses must be invulnerable, our security absolute. But our defense as it was yesterday, or even as it is today, does not provide security against potential developments and dangers of the future.
"Defense cannot be static. Defense must grow and change from day to day. Defense must be dynamic and flexible, an expression of the vital farces of the nation and of its resolute will to meet whatever challenge the future may hold." Bulletin, Vol. II, no. 47, pp. 531 f. Cf. Peace, p. 530.)
Ambassador Kensuke Horinouchi told Secretary of State Hull Japan had no plans nor purpose to attack The Netherlands Indies. (Japan "was entirely satisfied with the situation following the reiteration of the status quo in respect to the Netherlands Indies by each of the four governments interested, and . . . it had no purpose to raise any further controversy in that connection unless perchance the British or French should land troops there to protect them . . ." Ibid., p. 534. Cf. Apr. 15, 17, supra.)
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May 18. Premier Mussolini forecast Italy's entry into the war. (Cf. May 14, supra. "Italy is and intends to remain allied with Germany and . . . Italy cannot remain absent at a moment in which the fate of Europe is at stake." Ibid:, p. 536.)
Chancellor Hitler. proclaimed the re-incorporation of Eupen, Malmedy, and Moresnet. (By decree. Times, May 20, 1940, p. 1.)
May 19. Twenty‑one American Republics protested violation of neutrality in Europe. ("The American Republics in accord with the principles of international law and in application of the resolutions adopted in their inter‑American conferences, consider unjustifiable the ruthless violation by Germany of the neutrality and sovereignty of Belgium, Holland, and Luxemburg." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 48, p. 568. Cf. Apr. 9, May 9, supra.)
Prime Minister Churchill promised victory in the coming battle of Britain. ("I have received from the chiefs of the French Republic, and in particular from its indomitable Prime Minister, M. Reynaud, the most sacred pledges that, whatever happens, they will fight to the end, be it bitter or be it glorious. Nay, if we fight to the end, it can only be glorious," Times, May 20, 1940, p. 4.)
May 22. Prime Minister Churchill was voted supreme power to draft labor, property, and money. (To reorganize and nationalize war industries and mobilize and redistribute labor power. Commons, Vol. 361, col. 185.)
Rumania called up reservists. (Training. Times, May 23 1940, p. 6.)
May 26. President Roosevelt in third appeal to Premier Mussolini offered his good offices to obtain readjustments for Italy from Britain and France. ("Events have been marching swiftly but I still believe that political long range vision favors the limitation of the war to its present areas. . . . The people of the United States are greatly concerned by the indications of the past few days which would seem to show that there was an increasing possibility of the extension of the European War to the Mediterranean area. . . . I would take this action in the belief that I am thereby rendering a constructive service at this critical moment with the hope that the cause of peace might thereby be furthered." Peace, pp. 536 f.)
May 28. Belgian Army, under King Leopold surrendered. Times, May 29, p. 1.
May 29. Premier Mussolini rejected President Roosevelt's offer. ("The Duce was not disposed to engage in any negotiations which indeed would not be in accordance with the spirit of Fascism . . . the Duce was responsible for the `fulfillment of an engagement–of words given' . . ." Peace, p. 538.)
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May 30. Britain began evacuating Dunkirk. (Times, May 31, 1940, p. 1.)
President Roosevelt made fourth appeal to Premier Mussolini to avoid war. ("If the war in Europe is now extended through the entrance of Italy into the war, direct interests of the Government of the United States will be immediately and prejudicially affected. . . . Through the extension of the war to the Mediterranean region and the inevitable destruction of life and property resulting therefrom, the legitimate interests of the American people will be gravely curtailed and such a possibility cannot be viewed with equanimity by their Government.
"An extension of the war into the Mediterranean region will almost unquestionably likewise involve a further extension, of the war area in the Near East and in other regions of the world . . . the further extension of the war as a result of Italian participation would at once result in an increase in the rearmament program of the United States itself and in a redoubling of the efforts of the Government of the United States to facilitate in every practical way the securing within the United States by the, Allied Powers of all the supplies and materiel which they may require." Peace, p. 539.)
May 3l. President Roosevelt asked Congress for "acceleration and development of our military and naval needs as measured in both machines and men." (". . . the almost incredible events of the then past two weeks in the European conflict had necessitated another enlargement of our military program. . . ." Congressional Record [Bound], Vol. 86, Pt. 7, p. 7282.)
June 1. Premier Mussolini rejected peace appeal. (". . . already the decision to enter the war had been made. . . . He desires to fulfill on his part his engagements with Germany and does not believe that an enlargement of the Mediterranean war will necessarily be brought about by the intervention of Italy." Peace, p. 544.)
June 3. Norway sued for armistice partitioning Norway. (". . . the Government was bound more and more to come to see that it would not be practically possible to regain for Norwegian control the whole of the rest of Norway in the immediate future, . . ." Norway, p. 123.)
June 4. Prime Minister Churchill, in the House of Commons, reported on the evacuation from Dunkirk. ("I asked the House a week ago to suspend its judgment because the facts were not clear, but I do not feel that any reason now exists why we should not form our own opinions upon this pitiful episode. . . .
". . . even if . . . this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle . . ." Commons, Vol. 361, cols. 793, 800.)
June 6. Foreign Minister Daladier was dropped from Reynaud cabinet. (Premier Reynaud took that portfolio. Times, June 7, 1940, p. 1.)
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June 7. Italy ordered ships to neutral ports. (As a move toward war. Ibid., June 8, 1940, p 1. Cf. May 18, supra.)
Norwegian Government fled to Britain. (". . . the German forces succeeded in securing a foothold in Norway and gradually subjugating the greater part of the country. . . ." Norway, p. 119.)
June 8. Rumania called up five more classes of reservists. (Preparedness measure anticipating Italy's entry into war. Times, June 9, 1940, p. 28. Cf. May 22, supra.)
June 9. Norwegian high command ordered army to cease hostilities at midnight. ("But the hard necessity of war has forced the Allied governments to gather all their strength for the struggle on other fronts and they need all their men and all material on these fronts.
"Under these conditions it is impossible to continue in this country against a superior power as formidable as Germany. Our defensive forces, which fought two months with spirit and courage, are without necessary war materials, particularly ammunition and fighter planes, and no longer are able to obtain them.
"A continued struggle would only lead to complete destruction of those parts of the country that still are free." Ibid., June 11, 1940, p. 9. Cf. May 2, 7, 8, supra.)
June 10. Italy declared war on Britain and France. (". . . Italy considers herself at war with France [and Great Britain]." Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 553. "Mussolini replied that he was doing nothing but fulfilling the pledges that he had given to Hitler." Times, June 11, 1940, p. 12. "We take the field against the plutocratic and reactionary democracies who always have blocked the march and frequently plotted against the existence of the Italian people. . . .
"If today we have decided to take the risks and sacrifices of war, it is because the honor, interests, and future firmly impose it, since a great people is truly such if it considers its obligations sacred and does not avoid the supreme trials that determine the course of history.
"We are taking up arms, after having solved the problem of our continental frontiers, to solve our maritime frontiers. We want to break the territorial and military chains that confine us in our sea, because a country of 45,000,000 souls is not truly free if it has not free access to the ocean.
"This gigantic conflict is only a phase of the logical development of our revolution. It is the conflict of poor, numerous peoples who labor against starvers who ferociously cling to a monopoly of all riches and all gold on earth.
"It is a conflict of fruitful, useful peoples against peoples who are in a decline. It is a conflict between two ages, two ideas.
"Now the die is cast and our will has burned our ships behind us." Ibid., p. 4. Cf. Clement Attlee's statement: "There is no quarrel between the Italians and the British and French peoples . . .because Mussolini thinks he sees a chance of securing some spoils at the expense of the western democracies now
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II 243
that they are at grips with the brute force of Germany. . . . Signor Mussolini uses the argument of the jackal which accents the possibility of getting some scrap from another beast's kill. This is the ignoble role that Signor Mussolini has chosen for the great Italian people which has made such a splendid contribution to European civilization in the past. . . . The two dictators have united to destroy democracy, and democracy will answer the challenge. From across the Atlantic has came an answer from another great democracy." Times, June 12, 1940, p. 6.)
Italy assured Greece of continued peaceful relations. (". . . it was Italy's firm intention that peace should not be disturbed in the Balkans." Greek, p. 55. "I [Mussolini] solemnly declare that Italy has no intentions of dragging into the conflict other nations who are her neighbors by sea or by land. Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt should take note of these words." Ibid., p. 56.)
France appealed to the United States for help. (". . . before it is too late." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 51, p. 638. Cf. Peace, p. 550.)
President Roosevelt promised to "extend to the opponents of force the material resources of this Nation and, at the same time, we will harness and speed up the use of those resources in order that we ourselves in the Americas may have equipment and training equal to the task of any emergency and every defense." (". . . the hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor." Ibid., pp. 548 f.)
June 12. Britain ordered complete blockade of Italy. ("Italy by her, actions has associated herself with Germany in the present was and thereby made herself a party to the method of waging war adopted by Germany." Times, June 13, 1940, p. 5.)
Anglo‑Thailand nonaggression treaty signed. (Mutual guarantee. Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 61, pp. 170 f.)
Egypt broke diplomatic relations with Italy. ("The Chamber will continue to support the government in its stand with the Allies, who are fighting for justice and liberty." Times, June 13, 1940, p. 1.)
Russia accused Lithuania of military alliance against her. (Latvia, p. 112.)
June 13. President Roosevelt promised redoubled help for France and the Allies. (". . . because of our faith in and our support of the ideals for which the Allies are fighting.
"The magnificent resistance of the French and British armies has profoundly impressed the American people." Peace, p. 551.)
June 14. German troops entered Paris. (Declared an unfortified town. Times, June 15, 1941, p. 1.)
France again appealed to the United States for help. (Cf. June 10) "Our divisions are decimated. Generals are commanding battalions. The Reichswehr has just entered Paris. We are going to attempt to withdraw our exhausted forces in order to fight new battles. It is doubtful, since they are at grips with an
244 EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
enemy which is constantly throwing in fresh troops, that this can be accomplished. . . . France can continue the struggle only if American intervention reverses the situation by making an Allied victory certain.
"The only chance of saving the French nation, vanguard of democracies, and through her to save England, by whose side France could then remain with her powerful navy, is to throw into the balance, this very day the weight of American power . . . if you cannot give to France in the hours to come the certainty that the United States will come into the war within a very short time, the fate of the world will change. Then you will see France go under like a drowning man and disappear after having cast a last look towards the land of liberty from which she awaited salvation." Peace, pp. 551 f.)
Spanish troops took over international zone at Morocco. (To guarantee its neutrality. Times, June 15, 1940, p. 1.)
Britain, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands signed monetary accord. (For currency union. Ibid., p. 2.)
Wang Ching‑wei regime in China demanded withdrawal of British, French, and Italian troops. (". . . the request is made in order to maintain peace and order and protect the lives and property of the Chinese in the areas concerned." Ibid., June 14, 1940, p. 7.)
June 15. Russian troops marched into Lithuania. (After acceptance of ultimatum by Lithuania. Ibid., June 16, 1940, p. 1.)
President Roosevelt promised France material aid. (". . . so long as the French people continue in defense of their liberty which constitutes the cause of popular institutions, throughout the world, . . ." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 51, p. 639. Cf. Peace, p. 553.)
June 16. Russia delivered ultimatum to Latvia. (". . . To achieve the honest and loyal execution of the Latvian‑Soviet Pact of Mutual Assistance." Latvia, p. 107.)
Marshal Henri Pétain replaced Premier Reynaud. (The utter refused to surrender to Germany. Times, June 17, 1940, p. 1.)
Britain offered union of empires to France. (". . .with the object of assisting France and supporting her to the utmost in the hours of stress through which she was passing, as also in the hope of encouraging the French Government to continue their resistance, . . ." Ibid., June 28, 1940, p. 9.)
June 17. Russia announced Esthonia and Latvia had agreed, to free passage of Russian troops and to formation of new governments. (Following ultimatums. "On the basis of factual data at the disposal of the Soviet Government, and also on the basis of an exchange of views lately held in Moscow between Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the U. S. S. R., Molotov and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Merkys, the Soviet Government considers as an established fact that the Latvian Government not only did not cancel the military alliance with Esthonia created prior to conclusion of the Soviet‑Latvian mutual-assistance pact and directed against the U. S. S. R., but extended
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II 245
it by drawing Lithuania also into this alliance, and by attempts to draw Finland into it also. . . . Latvia jointly with the other Baltic States engaged in activizing and extending the military alliance, which was proved by such acts as convocation of two secret conferences of the three Baltic States in December, 1939, and March 1940, for formal conclusion of an enlarged military alliance with Esthonia and Lithuania; intensification of connections of the general staffs of Latvia, Esthonia, and Lithuania effected in secret from the U. S. S. R., and the founding in February 1940, of a special publication of the Baltic military entente, Revue Baltique, issued in the English, French, and German languages. . . . The government considers that such a situation cannot be tolerated any longer." Ibid., June 17; .,1940, p. 6. Cf. Latvia, p. 122.)
France asked armistice terms of Germany. Marshal Pétain sued for peace with honor. (Condition to surrender. Times, June 18., 1940, p. 1. Cf. Rice; p. 5.)
Britain determined to fight on alone. ("What has happened in France makes, no difference to British faith and purpose. We have become the sole champions now in arms to defend the world cause." Times, June 18, 1940, p. 9. Cf. Ibid., June 26, 1940, p. 6.)
The United States froze French assets. (Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 52, p. 682.)
The United States notified Germany and Italy it would not recognize any transfer of any geographic regions of the Western Hemisphere. (". . . in accordance with its traditional policy." Ibid., p. 681. Cf. Peace, p. 555.)
President Roosevelt inquired of France as to the disposition of the French fleet. ([Secretary of State Hull in a telegram to the Ambassador near the French Government at Bordeaux] ". . . the views of this Government with regard to the disposition of the French fleet have been made very clear to the French Government on previous occasions . . . the French Government will permanently lose the friendship and good‑will of the Government of the United States." Ibid., pp. 553 f.)
June 18. France assured the United States Germany would never get the French fleet. (Cf. June 17, supra. ". . . it might be sent overseas or it might be sunk." Peace, p. 554. )
Bulgaria demanded Dobruja and outlet to Aegean sea. (Wanted scrapping of Treaty of Neuilly. Ibid., p. 9.)
General Charles de Gaulle appealed for French soldiers, engineers, skilled workmen to join him. ("Whatever happens the flame of French resistance must not be extinguished." [Unofficial translation.] Rice, p. 135.)
Note of the United States to Germany and Italy concerning European possessions in the Western Hemisphere. ("The Government of the United States feels it desirable, . . . to inform Your Excellency that in accordance with its traditional policy relating to the Western Hemisphere, the United States would not recognize any transfer, and would not acquiesce in any attempt to transfer, any geographic region of the Western Hemisphere from one non‑American power to another non‑American power." Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 52, pp. 681‑682.)
246 EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
June 19. Japan opposed change in status quo
in Indochina. (Because of geography and close economic interests. Times, June 19,
1940, pp 1, 8. Cf. Apr. 15, supra.)
General de Gaulle called for continuous overseas resistance.
(Cf. June 18, supra. "Every Frenchman who still bears arms has the
absolute duty to continue resistance." [Unofficial translation.] Rice, p.
136.)
Britain and Japan signed accord on Tientsin. (On law and order
and currency. Times, June
20, 1940, p. 6. Cf. July 24,
1939, supra.)
Polish and Belgian governments in exile transferred to London.
(Because of French peace proposals. Ibid., June 19, 1940, p. 1.)
June 20. France asked Italy for armistice. (Ibid., June 21, 1940, p. 1.)
Japan demanded embargo on arms
to China from French Indochina. (Because of European situation. Ibid.,
June 20, 1940, p. 6.)
June 21. King Carol of Rumania assumed
dictatorial powers. (". . . To guide the moral and material life of the
nation . . ." Ibid., June 22,
1940, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 20, 25, supra.)
June 22. Franco‑German armistice signed
at Compiègne. (To stop German drive. Ibid., June 23, 1940, p. 1. "I have, asked our adversaries to put an
end to hostilities. . . . I took this decision, hard to the heart of a soldier,
because the military situation imposed it. Since June 13 the demand for an
armistice was inevitable. . . . The inferiority of our material was
even greater than that of our effectives. . . . Weaker also than twenty‑two
years ago, we also had fewer friends. Too few children, too few arms, too few
allies, these are the causes of our defeat. "–Pétain [Unofficial
Translation] Rice, p. 6.)
June 24. General de Gaulle repeated his call
of June 18. ("Honor, good sense, the interest of the fatherland demand
free French continue to fight where they are and as they can." Ibid.,
pp. 139 f.)
France gave up her defense sector in Shanghai to Japan. (Times,
June 25, 1940, p. 6. Cf. June 17, supra.)
Franco‑Italian armistice signed. (To end hostilities. Ibid.,
June 26, 1940, p. 5.
Cf. Rice, pp. 19‑25.)
France determined to maintain independence at home. ("The
government considered that it was its duty to remain in France and share the
fate of all Frenchmen and that France could recover only through reflection of
order and labor." Times, June 25, 1940, p,
4. Cf. Rice, pp. 7‑10.)
Norwegian Government rejected proposal of a State Council of
Norway. ("Neither is it possible to get such a consent made in a
constitutional manner, since there exists no legal assembly which has the right
to act on behalf of the Norwegian Storting. And any such agreement is in open
conflict with the Norwegian Constitution.
"The Constitution lays it down in its first paragraph that
the Kingdom of Norway is a free, independent, indivisible, and
EVENTS LEASING UP TO WORLD WAR II 247
inalienable kingdom It prescribes in its last paragraph that no change may ever be made in the Constitution which conflicts with its spirit. Independence is the greatest and highest principle in the Constitution and everyone who undertakes anything contrary to this principle infringes the Constitution. The Constitution also expressly lays it down that anyone who in any way impedes the Storting's freedom of decision makes himself guilty of treason against the Fatherland, so that even decisions of the Storting made under duress must be regarded as illegal.
"A reconstruction of the
Government in Norway such as is proposed cannot therefore be valid and can have
no effect upon the position either of the King or of the Government." Norway, p. 126.)
June 25. Prime Minister Churchill said Britain
had consented to French armistice. (". . . in view of all they [France]
had suffered . . . provided that the French Fleet is dispatched to British
ports and remains there while the negotiations are conducted. . . .
many solemn assurances were given that the Fleet would never be allowed to fall
into German hands. It was therefore, `with grief and amazement', to quote the
words of the Government statement which we issued on Sunday, that I read
Article 8 of the Armistice
terms.
"This article, to which the French Government have subscribed,
says that the French Fleet excepting that part left free for the safeguarding
of French interests in the Colonial Empire, shall be collected in ports to be
specified and there demobilized and disarmed under German or Italian control.
From this text it is clear that the French war vessels under this Armistice,
pass into German or Italian control while fully armed." Commons, Vol.
362, cols. 303, 304.)
June 26. Russian ultimatum to Rumania.
("In 1918, taking advantage
of Russia's military weakness, Rumania forcibly wrested from the Soviet Union
part of its territory–Bessarabia–and thus broke the age‑old unity of
Bessarabia, populated chiefly by Ukrainians, with the Ukrainian Soviet
Republic.
The Soviet Union never reconciled itself to the forcible wresting
of Bessarabia, which the U. S. S. R. Government more than once openly declared
for the whole world to hear.
"Now, when the military weakness of the U. S. S. R. has become
a thing of the past, while the present international situation demands the
speediest solution of outstanding issues inherited from the past in order to
lay at last the foundations of a durable peace between countries, the Soviet
Union considers it necessary and timely in the interests of the restoration of
justice to take up jointly with Rumania the immediate settlement of the question
of the restoration of Bessarabia to the Soviet Union.
"The Government of the U. S. S. R. considers that the question
of the restoration of Bessarabia is organically bound with the question of
transfer to the Soviet Union of that part of Bukovina of which the population
in its overwhelming majority is bound to the Soviet Ukraine by the unity of
historic destinies as well as by unity of la age and national
composition." Times, June
29, 1940, p. 8. Cf. June 21, supra.)
248 EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
June 27. The Norwegian Presidential Board of the Storting determined to nominate a National Council. ("Since the King and his Government are outside Norway and are therefore prevented from carrying out the functions imposed upon them by the Constitution. . . " Norway, p. 130.)
June 28. Rumania transferred Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to Russia. ("To preserve the possibility of avoiding serious consequences which would result from the application of force and the outbreak of hostilities in this part of Europe, . . ." Times, June 29, 1940, p. 8.)
French announced truce in Syria. (Ibid., p. 1.)
Britain recognized General Charles de Gaulle as leader of Free French. (To fight Germany. Ibid., p. 9. Cf. Rice, p. 140.)
June 29. Foreign Minister Arita said Japan was the stabilizing force for the new order in East Asia and the South Seas. ("All mankind longs for peace, but peace cannot endure, unless nations have their proper places. Since this is difficult in the present stage of human progress, the next best thing is for peoples who are related geographically, racially, culturally, and economically to form spheres of their own. . . .
"The countries of East Asia and the regions of the South Seas are geographically, historically, racially, and economically very closely related. They are destined to cooperate and minister to each other's needs for their common well‑being and prosperity.
"The uniting of all these regions in a single sphere on a basis of common existence, insuring thereby the stability of that sphere; is a national conclusion." Times, June 30, 1940, pp. 1, 25. Cf. April 15, May 16, supra. Cf. Japan, Vol. II, p. 93.)
July 1. Germany, rejected American note of June 18. (". . . The German Reich . . . has given no occasion whatever for the assumption that it intends to acquire such possessions, . . . the nonintervention in the affairs of the American Continent by European nations which is demanded by the Monroe Doctrine can in principle be legally valid only on condition that the American nations for their part do not interfere in the affairs of the European Continent." Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 54, p. 3. Cf. Peace, pp. 560 f.)
Rumania renounced British guarantee. (Cf. .Apr. 11, 1939, supra. At German request. Times, July 2, 1940, p. 1.) .
Secretary of State Hull explained the Monroe Doctrine. ("It never has resembled, and it does not today resemble, policies which appear to be arising in other geographical areas of the world, which are alleged to be similar to the Monroe Doctrine, but which, instead of resting on the sole policies of self‑defense and of respect for existing sovereignties, as does the Monroe Doctrine, would in reality seem to be only the pretext for the carrying out of conquest by the sword, of military occupation, and of complete economic and political domination by certain powers of other free and independent peoples." Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 54, p. 4.)
EVENTS LEADING UP T0 WORLD WAR II 249
Germany asked the United States to withdraw diplomatic missions from Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxemburg by July 15. (Political questions would be handled through Berlin. Times, July 3, 1940, p. 3.)
Italy threatened to take action against Greece. (Italy "possessed proofs that British warships were using Greek territorial waters for the purpose of attack against the naval forces of Italy. This was an intolerable state of things . . ." Greek, p. 61.)
July 3. Britain sank or seized, part of French fleet at Oran. ("It is impossible for us now to allow your fine ships to fall into the power of our German or Italian enemies. We are determined to fight to the end, and if we win, as we think we shall, we shall never forget that France was our ally and that our interests are the same as hers find that our common enemy is Germany.
"And we solemnly declare that we shall restore her territory to France. For this purpose, we must make sure that the best ships of the French Navy are not used against us by the common foe." [British demands on French.] Times, July 5, 1940, p. 4. ". . . an armistice was signed which was bound to place the French Fleet as effectively in the power of Germany and its Italian following as that portion of the French Fleet which was placed in our power when many of them, being unable to reach French ports, came into the harbors of Portsmouth and Plymouth about ten days ago." Ibid., p. 4.)
King Haakon of Norway refused to consent to a National Council. (Cf. June 23, supra. "I cannot see that the Presidential Board of the Storting has any constitutional basis whatsoever for modifying the lawful decisions of the Storting which have hitherto been taken. It is on the contrary quite evident that the whole of the proposed arrangement conflicts with the Constitution.
"I cannot see that I should be acting in the interests of the country by submitting to the demand addressed to me by the Presidential Board, . . ." Norway, p. 134.)
July 5. French Government broke off diplomatic relations with Britain. (Because of attack on French ships at Oran. Times, July 6, 1940, p. 1.)
Pro‑Axis regime set up in Rumania. (Appointed by, King Carol. Ibid., July 5, 1940, p, l.. Cf. June 21, July 1, supra.)
July 9. French warships demilitarized at Alexandria. (By agreement with British. Ibid., July 10, 1940, p. 1.)
July 10. French Parliament voted away its own power. ("The Government must have all the power to decide, undertake, negotiate, and save what can be saved, destroy what must be destroyed, reconstruct what must be reconstructed.
"The Government consequently asks Parliament, meeting in National Assembly, to give its full confidence to Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain, President of the Council, to promulgate under his signature the responsibility and fundamental laws of a French State." Ibid., July 11, 1940, p. 4. Cf. Rice, p. 39.)
250 EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
President Roosevelt asked Congress for additional appropriations for defense. ("Again today, in less than 2 months' time, the changes in the world situation are so great and so profound that I must come once again to the Congress to advise concerning new threats, new needs, and the imperative necessity of meeting them. . . .
"In broad outline our immediate objectives are as follows:
"First. To carry forward the naval expansion program designed to build up the Navy to meet any possible combination of hostile naval forces.
"Second. To complete the total equipment for a land force of approximately 1,200,000 men, though of course this total of men would not be in the Army in time of peace.
"Third. To procure reserve stocks of tanks, guns, artillery, ammunition, etc., for another 800,000 men or a total of 2,000,000 men if a mobilization of such a force should become necessary.