Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Ionian (3114t) from convoy FS-43 sinks on a mine 1-1/2 miles from Newarp Light Vessel. The mine was laid by U-20 on the 22nd. The British sloop Hastings rescues the entire crew.

Diplomatic Relations

• The Soviet Union breaks off diplomatic relations with Finland, ignoring the Finns' last-minute offer to withdraw their border troops unilaterally. The approach of war can only be described as a failure for the Finnish government. They have no outside help, they are not well armed and the Soviets have no other worries for the moment. It should have been obvious that the Soviets meant business and that the correct interpretation of their willingness to negotiate was a desire to avoid war and not a sign of weakness.
• Spain secretly agrees to allow German use of Spanish ports and agrees to cooperation. Publicly they ratify a friendship pact.