Sunday, October 29, 1939 - Chinese defectors aid Japan

[Bootie]

From Tokyo... Reflecting the rising number of Chinese defections to the Japanese, the US military attache reports that there are 100,000 armed Chinese serving as Huang Hsieh Chun (Imperial Assisting Troops).

From Berlin... OKH issues a revision to Fall Gelb (Operation Yellow) with the main thrust shifted slightly south and less strength being sent against Holland. There is an ongoing debate as to how it should be modified further. Also, German warships and U-boats are given permission to attack passenger ships in convoys.

In Latvia... The first contingent of Soviet troops begin occupation of bases allotted by the Latvian-Soviet agreement.

In Paris... An official French communique reports all quiet generally during the day.

On the Western Front... An increasing number of British heavy artillery is moved into position.

 

[Louis]

From Berlin... OKH issues a revision to Fall Gelb (Operation Yellow) with the main thrust shifted slightly south and less strength being sent against Holland. There is an ongoing debate as to how it should be modified further.

Some generals considered the plan too risky while others criticize its lack of innovation.
In particular, General Gerd Von Runstedt, commander of Army Group A, is executed by the fiercest criticism.
Von Runstedt, supported by his deputy, Von Manstein, Fall Gelb argues that No. 2 is based on outdated concepts of maneuver warfare and has not adequately reflected the lessons of Blitzkrieg.
Von Runstedt asks his Army Group A will be strengthened at the expense of Army Group B, which will operate in the north, in order to make a break from the front and depth to penetrate the Panzer divisions.
Of course, the positions of Runstedt oppose most of the OKW, which end up accepting the No. 2 Fall Gelb as an interim plan.
However, Von Runstedt not give up: Fall Gelb will continue to be revised during the following months and spur himself to his second, Von Manstein, to conduct its own version.