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.