Battle of the Atlantic

• The Greek steamer Nicolaos M Embiricos (5295t) is sunk when it hits a British defensive mine off the Goodwins 15 miles east of Dover. 1 crewman is lost and the survivors are picked up by the North Goodwin Light vessel and a Dutch boat.
• The Finnish steamer Otava (1290t) is seized by German warships in the Gulf of Bothnia and taken to Swinemünde.

United States, Policy

A modification of the Neutrality Acts passes into law in the United States as the Neutrality Act of 1939. Although by its terms the ban on American ships and citizens in clearly defined war zones is confirmed, it does provide for supply of arms to belligerents on a 'Cash and Carry' basis. Such arms must be ordered from private companies, paid for on the nail and transported to the war zone in the buyer's own ships. Because of British naval strength this means that only the Allies will benefit from this, and that is the intention. Within a few days both the British and the French establish Purchasing Missions in Washington.

This act also establishes the National Munitions Control Board composed of the Secretaries of State, Treasury, War, Navy and Commerce.