China

A Japanese-sponsored puppet government comprising Chinese Nationalists is established in Nanking. The Japanese have been able to persuade Wang Jing-wei, formerly a respected Nationalist politician, to lead this body.

The Reformed Kuomintang government is recognized by Germany and Italy. The United States refuses to recognize the Japanese puppet Chinese government: 'In the light of what has been happening in various parts of China since 1931, the setting up of a new regime at Nanking has the appearance of a further step in a program of one country by armed force to impose its will upon a neighboring country and to block off a large area of the world from normal political and economic relationships with the rest of the world.'

Germany, Home Front

Hitler declares that as far as necessary arms shipments to Russia would receive priority over deliveries to the German army. This remains in effect until Apr 14 when he orders 'punctual delivery to Russia only till the spring of 1941'.