Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Argus (661t) sinks on a mine near Oaze Buoy with the loss of 1 crewman. 34 of her crew are rescued.

The Blitz

In the raid on London a bomb penetrates the Sloane Square Tube Station causing 79 casualties.

Diplomatic Relations

Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov arrives in Germany to discuss German and Soviet mutual spheres of interest. The trip is a disaster. The Soviet delegation is suspicious of its German hosts, and Molotov issues a series of demands to Hitler: the USSR wishes to conquer the whole of Finland, and Moscow is going to 'invite' Bulgaria to sign a non-aggression pact that will permit the establishment of a Soviet naval base near the Dardanelles.

Molotov Meets Hitler in Berlin

Molotov Meets Hitler in Berlin

Hitler is unwilling to sanction the loss of Finland as he needs the country's timber and nickel supplies. In addition, the Führer requires the USSR to declare solidarity with the Tripartite Pact powers if Moscow wants a share of the spoils when the British Empire falls apart. However, it is clear that Soviet and German interests are now incompatible. Molotov returns home empty handed.

Dutch East Indies

Agreements are concluded between the Japanese and the principal oil companies whereby the Japanese are to receive 1,800,000 tons of oil annually from the Dutch East Indies.

Germany, Planning

Hitler issues Directive 18. Although talks are being conducted with the Soviets (Molotov is in Berlin) regarding closer collaboration with the Axis, the planning for the attack on the Soviet Union is to continue as are the preparations for the attack, code named MARITA, on Greece, and FELIX, the advance through Spain to Gibraltar.

Gen Alfred Jodl, head of the operations branch at the German supreme command, sends Hitler detailing the arguments against a German landing in Britain at least for the present time.

Secret War

British Air Intelligence learns from a captured German pilot that a large raid on Coventry or Birmingham by every available bomber in the Luftwaffe is being planned between November 15 and 20. Other information suggest the target will be London.