09/01 Fri. World War II begins as German troops invade Poland. Italy announces neutrality. 09/03 Sun. Great Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand declare war on Germany. 09/05 Tue. President issues two Neutrality Proclamations; one according to Neutrality Act of 1937 which forbids shipment of arms and munitions to belligerents, the other in accordance with international law. President orders a Neutrality Patrol by Navy to report and track any belligerent air, surface, or underwater naval forces approaching Atlantic coasts of the United States or the West Indies. 09/06 Wed. Navy begins formation of Neutrality Patrol for Atlantic Ocean under Commander Atlantic Squadron (Rear Adm. A. W. Johnson). 09/08 Fri. President proclaims a "limited national emergency" and orders increase in enlisted strengths of all armed forces; naval enlisted men from 110,813 to 145,000; Marine Corps enlisted strength form 18,325 to 25,000; and authorizes recall to active duty of officers, men, and nurses on retired lists of Navy and Marine Corps. Allies announce a long-range blockade of Germany. 09/10 Sun. Canada declares war on Germany. 09/11 Mon. Adm. W. D. Leahy, USN (Ret.), takes office as Governor of Puerto Rico. Germany announces counter-blockade of Allies. 09/16 Sat. British Admiralty announces establishment of convoy system for its merchant shipping; first Halifax-United Kingdom convoy sails. 09/17 Sun. Russian forces invade Poland. 09/21 Thu. President asks for repeal of arms embargo provisions of Neutrality Act of 1937. 09.27 Wed. Warsaw surrenders unconditionally to Germany and Russia; Poland ceases to resist the invaders. 09/29 Fri. Poland is partitioned by Germany and Russia.