Yesterday     Tomorrow

February 13th, 1940 (TUESDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM:
The present owners of Britain's railways will continue to run them during the war - but under strict government control. MPs were assured tonight that the private interests of the various companies which have been unprofitable in recent years will not be allowed to impede the war effort.
A proposal by the Labour Party for the nationalisation of all forms of inland and coastal transport was then defeated in a Commons vote. While controlling railway fares and charges, the government will now guarantee the companies against financial losses. Railway company shares have risen sharply in the past few weeks.
Boom defence vessel HMS Barwell launched.

Destroyer HMS Pytchley launched.

FINLAND: Finnish Foreign Minister Väinö Tanner is again at Stockholm. He is told by the Swedish Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson and Foreign Minister Christian Günther that Sweden would not send troops to help Finland. Also any British and French requests to allow their troops to cross Swedish territory on their way to Finland would be refused.

The Soviet tanks expand the Soviet breach of Mannerheim line at the Lähde sector.

GIBRALTAR: U.S. freighter SS Exford, detained at Gibraltar by British authorities since 5 February, is released. 

JAPAN:   The government cancels their arbitration treaty with the Netherlands. 

ATLANTIC OCEAN: MS Chastine Maersk sunk by U-25 at 61.30N, 02.00E .

SS Norna torpedoed and sunk by U-53. The ship went missing after leaving Gibraltar.

Top of Page

Yesterday      Tomorrow

Home