Battle of the Atlantic

A 'Special Service Vessel' or decoy ship, the Williamette, is sunk by a U-boat west of Ireland.

France

The French government decides to move from Bordeaux to Vichy.

France, Politics

Gen Charles de Gaulle is recognized by Britain as 'Leader of all free Frenchmen'.

German Propaganda

The German government 'White Book' is published containing details of Allied plans to 'invade' the Low Countries.

Japan

Japan declares the South Seas as an area where it has a special interest, broadening an assumed sphere of influence. Foreign Minister Arita says, "The countries of East Asia and the regions of the South Seas are geographically, historically, racially, and economically very closey related.... The uniting of all those regions in a single sphere on a basis of common existence, insuring thereby the stability of that sphere, is a national conclusion."

Marshal Italo Balbo, Governor of Libya, dies in the air above Tobruk. He was on a reconnaissance flight when his SM-79 is mistakenly shot down by Italian anti-aircraft fire.

With so much of the Far East at war in 1940, the question was; 'is the U.S. next?'

North Africa

Marshal Italo Balbo, Italy's celebrated aviator and Governor-General of Libya, is killed by 'friendly' antiaircraft fire while flying over Tobruk during a British air raid. Marshal Graziani is appointed to replace him.

Western Front

The German forces begin to occupy the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, the only British territory which they will conquer.