From Berlin...
Hitler issues Directive No. 6. Its message is simple: "Should it become evident in the near future that England and, under her influence, France also, are not disposed to bring the war to an end, I have decided, without further loss of time to go over to the offensive." The offensive is to be directed across the Low Countries and is intended to defeat strong sections of the French and British armies when these arrive to help the Dutch and the Belgians. The ground taken is to provide protection for the Ruhr and to give bases for the air war against Britain. The aims of the plan are, therefore, limited when compared with the Schlieffen Plan of 1914 or with the scheme which is actually adopted in May 1940. There is no mention of completely defeating France. This order is a further blow to the autonomy of the German army. Their view is that, although it lies within Hitler's authority as head of state and Commander in Chief of the Wehrmacht to order an attack to be prepared as soon as possible, the army should be asked where and how this attack should take place. Even Keitel argues against Hitler on this issue.
Keitel
In Paris...
Thirty-five of the 46 Communist deputies in the French parliament are arrested for agitating against the war.
In Britain...
War conditions have allegedly brought food profiteering, with tenpenny steaks quadrupled in price.
In Finland...
Finland calls up military reservists in response to Soviet pressure for border revisions.
In the North Atlantic...
The US cargo ship, City of Flint, is captured by the German pocket battleship Deutschland. The Germans search the ship and seize it when contraband supplies for Britain are found on board, under the Prize Rules for war at sea. The ship, with a prize crew, heads for the Soviet port of Murmansk. This incident influences American public opinion in favor of modifying the Neutrality Act, currently being debated in Congress.
In China...
There is a Chinese victory at Changsha.
Hitler issues Directive No. 6. Its message is simple: "Should it become evident in the near future that England and, under her influence, France also, are not disposed to bring the war to an end, I have decided, without further loss of time to go over to the offensive." The offensive is to be directed across the Low Countries and is intended to defeat strong sections of the French and British armies when these arrive to help the Dutch and the Belgians. The ground taken is to provide protection for the Ruhr and to give bases for the air war against Britain. The aims of the plan are, therefore, limited when compared with the Schlieffen Plan of 1914 or with the scheme which is actually adopted in May 1940. There is no mention of completely defeating France. This order is a further blow to the autonomy of the German army. Their view is that, although it lies within Hitler's authority as head of state and Commander in Chief of the Wehrmacht to order an attack to be prepared as soon as possible, the army should be asked where and how this attack should take place. Even Keitel argues against Hitler on this issue.
Keitel
In Paris...
Thirty-five of the 46 Communist deputies in the French parliament are arrested for agitating against the war.
In Britain...
War conditions have allegedly brought food profiteering, with tenpenny steaks quadrupled in price.
In Finland...
Finland calls up military reservists in response to Soviet pressure for border revisions.
In the North Atlantic...
The US cargo ship, City of Flint, is captured by the German pocket battleship Deutschland. The Germans search the ship and seize it when contraband supplies for Britain are found on board, under the Prize Rules for war at sea. The ship, with a prize crew, heads for the Soviet port of Murmansk. This incident influences American public opinion in favor of modifying the Neutrality Act, currently being debated in Congress.
In China...
There is a Chinese victory at Changsha.
