Balkans, Politics

In a meeting in Berlin Antonescu agrees to join the Axis powers. There are also talks on preparation for a German attack on Greece by the forces based in Rumania. Germany has been putting pressure on all the Balkan states since the Italian invasion of Greece in an attempt to ensure the stability of food and oil supplies. Hungary succumbed to the pressure on November 20. Bulgaria and Yugoslavia have not joined the Tripartite Pact but progress has been made in the talks.

In Hitler's presence, Romanian ruler Ion Antonescu signs the Three-Power Agreement in Berlin.

Rumania Joins Three-Power Agreement

Battle of the Atlantic

• In attacks on Convoy SC-11 U-100 sinks the British steamer Justitia (4562t) 160 miles west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, with the loss of 13 crewmen, the British steamer Bradfyne (4540t) southeast of Rockall with the loss of 39 of her crew, the Norwegian steamer Bruse (2205t) with the loss of 16 crewmen, the Dutch steamer Ootmarsum (3628t) with the loss of her entire crew of 25, the Norwegian steamer Salonica (2694t) with the loss of 9 of her crew, the British steamer Leise Maersk (3136t) 120 miles west of Rockall with the loss of 17 crewmen, and the Dutch steamer Bussum (3636t) 90 miles west of Tory Island without loss. 26 survivors from the Justitia are picked up by the British sloop Enchantress, 4 from the Bradfyne by tne Norwegian steamer Norse King 2 days later, 5 from the Bruse by the Canadian destroyer Skeena, 16 from the Salonica by both the Skeena and the Enchantress, 7 from the Leise Maersk by a Dutch salvage tug, and the entire 25-man crew of the Bussum by the Canadian destroyer Ottawa.
• U-123 attacks Convoy OB-244 and sinks the British steamer Oakcrest (5407t) 250 miles west of Rockall with the loss of 35 of her crew, the Greek steamer Kolchis (2219t) with the loss of the entire crew, the British steamer King Idwal (5115t) 158 miles west of Rockall with the loss of 12 crewmen, the British steamer Tymeric (5228t) about 350 miles west-northwest of Malin Head with the loss of 71, and the Swedish steamer Anten (5135t) with the loss of 1 crewman. 6 survivors from the Oakcrest are landed on Barra Island, Hebrides, 28 from the King Idwal by the British sloop Sandwich, 5 from the Tymeric also by the Sandwich, and 32 from the Anten by the Sandwich.

The Blitz

There is a heavy night bombing attack on Southampton by about 120 aircraft from Luftflotte III. The raid lasts 4 and a half hours. Numerous fires are started. The liner Llandovery Castle (10,600t) is badly damaged. 70 people are killed and 130 injured.

23 November 1940 is the first night of the Southampton Blitz. Southampton was targeted as an important industrial center, not the least being the Supermarine Spitfire Factory, as well as being a major port.

Southampton Blitz

Britain, Production and Supply

The new British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Lothian talks in New York of the possibility of Britain running out of ready money and securities to pay for arms and says that Britain will need financial help in 1941. In fact by April 1941 British reserves of gold and dollars will be as low as $12,000,000- a mere pittance when set against arms expenditure.

Rumania

Led by Prime Minister Ion Antonescu, Rumania signs the Tripartite Pact. (see September 27, 1940).

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