1942
January 1. Declaration of the United Nations. The Governments signatory thereto declare:
"(1) Each Government pledges itself to employ its full resources, military or economic, against those members of the Tripartite Pact and its adherents with which such government is at. war.
"(2) Each Government, pledges itself, to cooperate, with the Governments signatory hereto and not to make a separate armistice or peace with the enemies." (Bulletin, 1942, Vol. VI, No. 132, p. 3.)
The United States Treasury order freezing Philippine funds in the United States went into effect. ("In view of the situation created by the temporary enemy occupation of important parts of the Philippine Islands." Times, Jan. 6, 1942, p. 3.)
January 2. British forces captured Bardia, Libya, taking 7,000 prisoners. (London Times, Jan. 5, 1942, p. 4.)
Japanese forces occupied Manila and the nearby naval base of Cavite. (Times, Jan. 3, 1942, p. 1.)
January 3. President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill announced the creation of a "unified command" in the Southwest Pacific area, with General Sir Archibald P. Wavell as supreme commander of all United States, British, Netherlands and Dominion forces in that area. ("As a result of proposals put forward by the United States and British Chiefs of Staff . . . with the concurrence of the Netherlands Government and the Dominion governments concerned." Times, Jan. 4, 1942, p. 1.)
January 4‑12. China defeated and routed about 70,000 Japanese troops at the provincial capital of Changsha. (Times, Jan. 5, 1942, p. 1; Jan, 16, 1942, p. 10.)
January 5. President Roosevelt declared lend‑lease aid to the Provisional Government of Czechoslovakia. (As vital to the defense of the United States. Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 133, p. 44.)
Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria and Finland. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 352.)
January 6. Australia declared war on Bulgaria. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 349.)
President Roosevelt, in his annual message to Congress on the state of the Union, said that plans had been laid for cooperation among all the United Nations, and that there would be a continuation of conferences and consultations among military staffs. ("We shall not fight isolated wars, each nation going its own way. . . . The militarists of Berlin and Tokyo started this war,
313
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but the massed, angered forces of common humanity will finish it." Congressional Record [bound], Vol. 88, Pt. I, p. 33.)
M. Molotov handed a note on German atrocities to representatives of all countries in diplomatic relations with Russia. ("There was documentary proof that this was done in all the districts which fell into German hands and that the acts were not those of separate undisciplined units, but a previously worked out plan fostered by the German command." International News, Jan. 24, 1942, p. 78.)
Egypt suspended diplomatic relations with Vichy. (Egypt notified France that relations with Vichy were contrary to the spirit of the Anglo‑Egyptian treaty. Times, Jan. 7, 1942, p. 5; Jan. 12, 1942, p. 4.)
January 8. The Inter‑American Commission for Territorial Administration was established under the provisions of the Convention on the Provisional Administration of European Colonies and Possessions in the Americas, which entered into force on this date. (To "provide for the provisional administration of any territory located in the Americas, should a non‑American state directly or indirectly attempt to replace another non‑American state in the sovereignty or control which it exercised over such territory." Bulletin, Vol. VIII, No. 186, p. 70.)
January 11. Japanese forces invaded the Netherlands Celebes, and Borneo. (Times, Jan. 12, 1942, p. 1.)
January 12‑17. With the capture of Solum and Halfaya Pass, the British eliminated the last Axis strongholds on Egyptian soil. (London Times, Jan. 16, 1942, p. 3; Jan. 19, 1942, p. 4.)
January 13. Inter‑Allied Conference met in London. ("Whereas Germany . . . has instituted in the occupied countries a regime of terror. . . . And whereas these acts of violence are being similarly perpetrated by the allies and associates of the Reich. . . . And whereas international solidarity is necessary in order to avoid the repression of these acts of violence simply by acts of vengeance on the part of the general public, and in order to satisfy the sense of justice of the civilized world. . . .
"The undersigned Representatives of the Government of Belgium, the Government of Czechoslovakia, the Free French National. Committee, the Government of Greece, the Government of Luxemburg, the Government of the Netherlands, the Government of Norway, the Government of Poland, the Government of Yugoslavia; . . .
"Place amongst their principal war aims the punishment, through the channel of organized justice, of those guilty and responsible for these crimes. . . ." International News, Jan. 24, 1942, pp. 50‑51.)
January 14. U. S. blacklisted 1,800 European firms. (Persona in the United States no longer may, engage in business or financial transactions with these firms. Officials explained that the firms may regain the good graces of the United States by demonstrating a complete severance of trade or financial relations with the enemy. Times, Jan. 15, 1942, pp. 1, 14.)
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January 15. Agreement signed in London between Greece and Yugoslavia for the constitution of a Balkan Union. ("Having observed past experience, and more particularly recent experiences, which have demonstrated that a lack of close understanding between the Balkan peoples has caused them to be exploited by the powers of aggression . . ., and considering that in order to assure the independence and peace of the Balkan states, the fundamental principle of their policy must be the principle of `The Balkans for the Balkan peoples. . . .' " New Europe, Vol. II. (Feb. 1942), p. 79.)
Third meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American republics; opening session Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 15, 1942.
"We are meeting together under the terms, and in the spirit, of inter‑American agreements to take counsel as to the course which our governments should take under the shadow of this dire threat to our continued existence as free people." [Statement of Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles, in an address at the opening session.] (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 134, p. 55.)
January 18. A military convention between Germany, Italy, and Japan was signed in Berlin. (Laying down "guiding lines for the common operations against the common enemies." International News, Jan. 24, 1942, p. 69.)
January 19. The Russians freed Moscow from immediate peril by capturing Mozhaisk, the last German stronghold near Moscow. (London Times, Jan. 21, 1942, p. 4.)
January 20. General de Gaulle, broadcasting from London, said Fighting France and the new Russia were allies. ("For centuries past Franco‑Russian alliances have been thwarted by intrigue or lack of understanding; but the necessity for such an alliance appears anew at every turning‑point in history." International News, Feb. 7, 1942, p. 114.)
January 21. Spain severed diplomatic relations with Poland. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 370.)
January 23‑28. Allied sea and air forces attacked a large Japanese convoy in the Macassar Strait, between Borneo and Celebes, and inflicted Japan's first great sea losses. (London Times, Jan. 27, 1942, p. 4; Jan. 29, 1942, p. 4.)
Japanese forces landed in New Guinea and in the Solomon Islands, about 950 miles northeast of Australia. The Government of Australia appealed to the United States and Britain for immediate material assistance. By January 26 the Japanese occupied Rabaul on the island of New Britain. (Times, Jan. 24, 1942, p. 1; London Times, Jan. 27, 1942, p. 4.)
Agreement for a Polish‑Czechoslovak Confederation signed in London. ("The purpose of the confederation is to assure common policy with regard to foreign affairs; defence, economic and financial matters, social questions, transport; posts, and telegraphs." International News, Feb. 7, 1942, p. 89.)
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January 24. Special Court of Inquiry, with Supreme Court Associate Justice Owen J. Roberts as its head, submitted As report on Pearl Harbor disaster. (The report placed the main responsibility on Admiral Kimmel and General Short for failing to take seriously the warnings of imminent attack, for failing to confer with each other on necessary precautions, and for taking only minimum and inadequate precautions. Times, Jan. 25, 1942, pp. 1, 30, 31.)
Peru severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 367.)
The Navy Department reported successful night destroyer attack in the Macassar Straits. (Times, Jan. 26, 1942, p. 1.)
Peru and Uruguay broke off diplomatic relations with the Axis Powers. (Pursuant to resolution signed at Rio Conference January 23, recommending rupture of diplomatic relations with the Axis. Times, Jan. 25, 1942, p. 1.)
January 25. The Union of South Africa declared war on Thailand. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 371.)
New Zealand declared war on Thailand. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 366.)
Uruguay severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 372.)
The Government of Thailand declared war on Great Britain and the United States. Thai troops began to advance into Burma. (Times, Jan. 26, 1942, p. 1.)
January 26. The Governments of Bolivia and Paraguay broke off relations with the Axis Powers. Cf. Jan. 24, supra. (Times, Jan. 27, 1942, p. 10.)
The first American Expeditionary Force of several thousand soldiers arrived in Northern Ireland. At the same time, headquarters of the United States Armed Forces were being established in England. (Times, Jan. 27, p. 1.)
Establishment of Combined Raw Materials Board, Munitions Assignments Board, Combined Shipping Adjustment Board.
("To further coordination of the United Nations war effort, the President and Prime Minister Churchill have set up three boards to deal with munitions, assignments, shipping adjustment and raw materials. . . . Members of the boards will confer with representatives of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, China, and such others of the United Nations as are necessary to attain common purposes and provide for the most effective utilization of the joint resources of the United Nations." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 136, p. 87.)
January 27. Representatives of the Free French National Committee in London and of the United States had come to an agreement concerning the Allied military use of French possessions in the Pacific area. (French possessions were strategically valuable. Times, Jan. 28, 1942, p. 1.)
January 28. Final Act, Third Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics.
"III. The American Republics, in accordance with the procedures established by their own laws and in conformity with the
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position and circumstances obtaining in each country in the existing continental conflict, recommend the breaking of their diplomatic relations with Japan, Germany, and Italy, since the first‑mentioned State attacked and the other two declared war on an American country." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 137, pp. 118-119.)
Brazil broke off diplomatic and commercial relations with the Axis. (Cf. Jan. 24, supra. Times, Jan. 29 1942, p 1.)
Brazil severed diplomatic relations with Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 350.)
Paraguay severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 367.)
January 29. Ecuador severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 352.)
Treaty of Alliance between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union and Iran.
"Having in view the principles of the Atlantic Charter . . . endorsed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 24th September 1941, with which His Imperial Majesty the Shah‑in-shah declares his complete agreement and from which he wishes to benefit on an equal basis with the other nations of the world. . . ." (Cmd. 6335 [London, 1942].)
An agreement settling the frontier, dispute between Ecuador and Peru was signed in Rio de Janeiro. ("The Governments of Ecuador and Peru, desiring to find a solution to the question of boundaries which for a long period of time has separated them, and taking into consideration the offer which was made to them by the Governments of the United States of America, of the Argentine Republic, of the United States of Brazil, and of Chile, of their friendly services to find a prompt and honorable solution to the problem, and moved by the American spirit which prevails in, the Third Consultative Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics, have resolved to celebrate a Protocol of Peace, friendship and boundaries. . . ." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 140, p. 195.)
Axis forces occupied Bengasi. (London Times, Jan. 30, 1942, p. 4.)
Ecuador severed diplomatic relations with the Axis. (Cf. Jan. 24, 28, supra. Times, Jan. 30, 1942, p. 4.)
Despite the serious British reverses in the Orient, the House of Commons gave Prime Minister Churchill his la best vote of confidence on the conduct of the war [464 to l]. (Commons, Vol. 377, Col. 1018.)
January 31. Great Britain and Ethiopia signed an agreement and Military Convention. (Restored the normal diplomatic relations that had been interrupted by the Italian conquest and provided financial aid to the Ethiopian Government. The Military Convention provided for a British military mission and for strategically placed British military forces in Ethiopia. Commons, Vol. 377, cols. 1052‑1053.)
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The United States Pacific fleet severely attacked Japanese positions in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, destroying numerous Japanese ships, planes, and, shore establishments. (Times, Feb. 2, 1942, p. l; Feb. 13, 1942, p. 1.)
Japanese drove British from Malaya mainland and laid siege to Singapore. (Times, Feb. 1, 1942, p. 1.)
February 1. Juan Antonio Rios elected President of Chile. (Defeated Gen. Carlos Ibańez del Campo, Rightist candidate. Times, Feb. 2, 1942, p. 1.)
Major Vidkun Quisling proclaimed Premier of Norway by Reich Commissar, Joseph Terboven. (Herr Terboven will continue to rule the country from the background. . . "realizing that the struggle against Norwegian opposition will become more bitter, the Germans have decided to have Major Quisling ready as an eventual scapegoat." Times, Feb. 2, 1942, p. 5.)
February 3. German troops entered Derna, in Libya. (Times, Feb. 5, 1942, p. 1.)
February 5. Iran severed diplomatic relations with Vichy (as a consequence of the Anglo‑Russian occupation of Iran, according to Vichy statement. Times, Feb. 6, 1942, p. 4.)
February 6. Establishment by the United States and Great Britain of the Combined Chiefs of Staff, announced by War Department. (". . to insure complete coordination of the war effort of Great Britain and the United States, including the production and distribution of their war supplies, and to provide for full British and American collaboration with the United Nations. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. VIII, No. 186, pp. 66‑67.)
February 7. President Roosevelt approved the resolution of Congress authorizing him to render financial aid to China in an amount not to exceed $500,000,000.
("Whereas China has for more than four years valiantly resisted the forces of Japanese aggression; and
"Whereas financial and economic aid to China will increase her ability to oppose the forces of aggression; and
"Whereas the defense of China is of the greatest possible importance . . ." 56 Stat., Pt. I: 82‑83.)
The Navy announced that the combined naval forces of the Australian‑New, Zealand area had been placed under command of Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, of the United States Navy, with the title of "Commander Anzac Forces." (Times, Feb. 8, 1942; p. 16.)
February 9. Admiral William H. Standley appointed U. S. Ambassador to Russia (to succeed Laurence A. Steinhardt, new Ambassador to Turkey). (Times, Feb. 10, 1942, p. 6.)
A Pacific Council representing the British Commonwealth and the Netherlands established in London. First meeting February 10. (To coordinate views on the war in the Pacific for transmission to the Anglo‑American Chiefs of Staff in Washington. "The
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creation of the council is in line with the plan agreed upon between President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill for collaboration in the spheres of defense, foreign affairs and supply." Times, Feb. 10, 1942, p. 6.)
February 10. Generalissimo Chiang Kai‑shek visited India and conferred with British administrative and military officials, and with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, leader of All‑India Congress Party. (He was endeavoring to convince the native leaders of India that. India should put aside her political quarrels with Britain, and concentrate on war against the Japanese. Times, Feb. 11, 1942, p. 3.)
February 11. Vice Admiral C. E. L. Helfrich of the Netherlands Navy succeeded Admiral Hart as Commander of United Nations naval forces in the Southwest Pacific. (Times, Feb. 12, 1942, p. 1.)
February 12. The German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the cruiser Prinz Eugen successfully ran. the English Channel from Brest to the North Sea. (Times, Feb. 13, p. 1.)
British Government invited India to send representatives to Imperial War Council and Pacific War Council ("His Majesty's government are anxious that India be afforded the same opportunity as the dominions of being represented in the War Cabinet and the Pacific War Council for purposes of formulation and direction. of policy for. the prosecution of the war." Times, Feb. 13, 1942, p. 3.)
Japanese capture Bandjermasin, capital of Borneo, and Macassar, capital of Celebes. (Times, Feb. 13, 1942, p. 2.)
President Roosevelt proclaimed in force the convention between the American Republics on the Provisional Administration of European Colonies and Possessions in the Americas, signed at Havana on July 30, 1940. (". . . the instruments of ratification of 14 of the American republics [the two‑thirds required by the terms of the convention to bring it into force] having been deposited with the Pan American Union." Cf. July 30, 1940, supra. Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 138, p. 158.)
February 14‑16. Japanese forces invaded Sumatra and captured the oil‑refining area of Palembang. (Times, Feb. 15, 1942, p. 11.)
February 15. Japanese captured Singapore and its garrison. (Times, Feb. 16, 1942, p. 1.)
February 18. President Morinigo signed a decree severing financial and commercial relations with the Axis Powers. (In accordance with the recommendation of the Rio de Janeiro Conference. Cf. Jan. 24, 28, supra. Times, Feb. 19, 1942, p. 6.)
February 19. Riom trials opened. Accused were MM. Blum, Daladier, Guy la Chambre, Jacomet, Pierre Cot, General Gamelin. (A special Supreme Court was created to try the defendants on the charge that they betrayed their trust and that the responsibility for the defeat of France rested upon them. Times, Feb. 20, 1942, p. 1.)
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February 19‑22. Japan occupied the Portuguese island of Timor, alleging self‑defense, and promised withdrawal upon the accomplishment of self‑defense objectives. (Times, Feb. 23, 1942, p. 5.)
February 21. Chiang Kai‑shek appealed to Britain to give India "real political power." ("The Indian people thus would realize that their participation in the war was not merely to aid anti-aggression nations to secure victory but also the turning point in their struggle for their own freedom," Such a move would "redound to the credit of the British Empire." Times, Feb. 22, 1942, p. 1.)
February 23. American oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, shelled by Japanese submarine. (Times, Feb. 24, 1942, p. 1.)
Mutual Aid Agreement signed between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain.
"Article I. The Government of the United States of America will continue to supply the Government of the United Kingdom with such defense articles, defense services, and defense information as the President shall authorize to be transferred or provided.
"Article II. The Government of the United Kingdom will continue to contribute to the defense of the United States of America and the strengthening thereof and will provide such articles, services, facilities or information as it may be in a position. to supply.
* * * * *
"Article VII. In the final determination of the benefits to be provided to the United States of America by the Government of the United Kingdom in return for aid furnished under the Act of Congress of Mar. 11, 1941, the terms and conditions thereof shall be such as not to burden commerce between the two countries, but to promote mutually advantageous economic relations between them and the betterment of world‑wide economic relations. To that end, they shall include provision for agreed action by the United States of America and the United Kingdom, open to participation by all other countries of like mind, directed to the expansion, by appropriate, international and domestic measures, of production, employment, and the exchange and consumption of goods, which are the material foundations of the liberty and welfare of all peoples; to the elimination of all forms of discriminatory treatment in international commerce; and to the reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers; and, in general, to the attainment of all the economic objectives set forth in the Joint Declaration made on August 12,1941, by the President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
"At an early convenient date, conversations shall be begun between the two Governments with a view to determining, in the light of governing economic conditions, the best means of attaining the above‑stated objectives by their own agreed action and of seeking the agreed action of other like‑minded Governments."(Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 140, pp. 191‑192; Cmd. 6341.)
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February 27. Japanese aircraft made their first assault on Indian territory with a raid on the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, south of Burma. (Times, Feb. 28, 1942, p. 1.)
President Roosevelt authorized the establishment of the Joint Mexican‑United States Defense Commission. (". . . to study problems relating to the common defence of the United States and Mexico, to consider broad plans for the defence of Mexico and adjacent areas of the United States, and to propose to the respective governments the cooperative measures which, in its opinion, should be adopted." Vol. 7, Federal Register, p. 1607.)
February 27‑March 1. Battle of Java Sea. United Nations suffered the most severe naval losses since Pearl Harbor. (Times, Feb. 28, 1942, p. 1.)
February 28. Japanese troops landed in Java. (Times, Mar. 1, 1942, p. 1.)
President Roosevelt by Executive Order, effective March 9, reorganized the Army of the United States and provided under the Chief of Staff, a ground force, an air force, and a service of supply. (Vol. 7, Federal Register, p. 1609.)
March 2. General Wavell was transferred from command of the Southwest Pacific to his former post as commander in chief of India and Burma, leaving the Netherlands in command of the final battle for the East Indies. (Japanese conquest of Malaya and Sumatra which separated Burma from the Netherlands Indies led to the decision to split the command and give the Netherlanders full charge of all the fighting forces in Java. Times, Mar. 3, 1942, p. 1.)
Australia declared war on Thailand. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 349.)
It was announced that the United States Government had recognized the authority of the Free French over the French islands in the Pacific and had declared that Americans would co-operate for the defense of the islands, and with no other French authority. ("The policy of the Government of the United States as regards France and French territory has been based upon the maintenance of the integrity of France and of the French Empire and of the eventual restoration of the complete independence of all French territories. Mindful of its traditional friendship for France, this Government deeply sympathizes not only with the desire of the French people to maintain their territories intact, but with the efforts of the French people to continue to resist the farces of aggression. In its relations with the local French authorities in French territories the United States has and will continue to be governed by the manifest effectiveness with which those authorities endeavor to protect their territories from domination and control by the common enemy." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 141, p. 208.)
March 5. Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Thailand (date uncertain). (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 353.)
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March 6. Lt. Gen. R. L. G. Alexander made commandant of British forces in Burma. (Times, Mar. 10, 1942, p. 5.)
Rumania severed, diplomatic relations with Brazil. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 369.) .
Spain severed diplomatic relations with Norway. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 370.)
March 7‑9. Japanese forces dealt China its greatest blow by capturing the seaport of Rangoon in Burma and thus cutting off supplies from the Burma Road. (Times, Mar. 10, 1942, p. 5.)
March 8. Japanese land troops at Lae and Salamaua in New Guinea. Japanese capture Rangoon and push ahead in Burma. (Times, Mar. 9, 1942, p. 1.)
March 9. Admiral. Ernest J. King; Commander‑in‑Chief of the United States Fleet succeeded Admiral Harold R. Stark as chief of naval operations. (Combined with current position of Commander in Chief of the U. S. Fleet. Times, Mar. 10, 1942, p. 1.)
The conquest of Java completed by the Japanese. (Times, Mar. 10, 1942, p. 1.)
Anglo‑American Caribbean Commission. "For the purpose of encouraging and strengthening social and economic cooperation between the United States of America and its possessions and bases in the area known geographically as the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom, and the British colonies in the same area, and to avoid unnecessary duplication of research in these fields, a commission . . . has been jointly created by the two Governments." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 142, p. 229.)
March 10. Lt. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell made Chief‑of‑Staff of United Nations armies in the Chinese theatre of operations. (Times, Mar. 11, 1942, p. 4.)
March 12. President Vargas issued a decree ordering the confiscation of up to 30% of the funds of Axis nationals in Brazil. There were anti‑Nazi demonstrations against German shops and establishments in Rio de Janeiro. (The confiscation was ordered to guarantee compensation for the ships that had been sunk. Times, Mar. 13, 1942, p. l.)
March 17. General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Australia after secretly leaving the Bataan Peninsula, to assume supreme command of the United Nations forces in the Southwest Pacific area. (Times, Mar. 18, 1942, p. 1.)
March 17‑18. Military Highway to Alaska. Publication of texts of exchange of notes by Hon. Jay Pierrepont Moffat and Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King in regard to detailed arrangements for the construction of a military highway to Alaska.
"The detailed surveys which are being conducted by the United States Army Engineers' troops are actively under way." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 143, pp. 237‑239.)
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March 19. Lt. Gen. Stilwell assumed command of the Fifth and Sixth Chinese armies operating with the British in Burma. (Times, Mar. 21, 1942, p. 5.)
Prime Minister Churchill announced, the appointment of Richard G. Casey, Australian Minister to the United States, as a Minister of State in the British War Cabinet to represent the Cabinet in the Middle East, with headquarters in Cairo (to direct coordination of all Middle East war efforts excepting military operations. Times, Mar. 20, 1942, p. 1.)
President Ismet Inönü of Turkey, speaking at Smyrna, warned the country that the war would probably last a long time, and reaffirmed his policy of keeping Turkey neutral. ("We maintain our contractual relations with the belligerents and we mean to carry on those relations, based on the agreements we have signed, with a straight heart and with loyalty. . . . The policy of neutrality is not easy, but we are doing our best in this respect." International News, Apr. 4, 1942, p. 312.)
March 20. Russian Government announced one year extension of Soviet‑Japanese fisheries agreement. (According to British statement, "entirely a routine matter. . . ." Times, Mar. 21, 1942, p. 1.)
March 21. Financial agreement with China. "The United States and China have today entered into an Agreement giving effect to the Act of Congress unanimously passed by the Senate and House of Representatives authorizing $500,000,000 of financial aid to China. . . . " (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 144, p. 263.)
March 22. Sir Stafford Cripps, special British envoy, arrived in. India. (To win India's full cooperation in the war against the Axis by offering some sort of formula for Indian freedom. Times, Mar. 23, 1942, p. 3.)
March 23. Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands. (Times, Mar. 26, 1942, p. 1.)
March 26. Boris of Bulgaria, after interview with Hitler, ordered the adjournment of his parliament until fall. (Times, Mar. 27, 1942, p. 9.)
President Roosevelt ordered removal of all barriers to shipment of supplies to Russia. (Shipments were not up to the schedule laid down by the Moscow protocol. Times, Mar. 27, 1942, p. 1.)
Diplomatic relations were renewed between Mexico and the Czechoslovak Government in London. (As a consequence of the resolution adopted at the Rio Conference expressing sympathy for the conquered nations. Times, Mar. 27, 1942, p. 3.)
March 27. Announcement of the arrival of President. Quezon of the Philippines and members of his war cabinet in Australia. ("Since the beginning of the war President Quezon has exercised the functions of his government in close conjunction with General MacArthur and has been located at the General's headquarters. This arrangement is now being continued." Times, Mar. 28, 1942, p. 2.)
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March 28. The Vatican established diplomatic relations with Japan. (Times, Mar. 31, 1942, p. 9.)
March 29. The text of the "Draft Declaration of Discussion, with Indian Leaders," taken to India by Sir Stafford Cripps was published simultaneously in India and Great Britain. (The British Government had decided to lay down in clear terms the steps to be taken for the earliest possible realization of self-government in India. "The object is the creation of a new Indian union which shall constitute a Dominion, associated with the United Kingdom and the other Dominions by a common allegiance to the Crown but equal to them in every respect, in no way subordinate in any aspect of its domestic or external affairs. . . ." International News, Apr. 4, 1942, p. 283.)
March 30. Inter‑American Defense Board. "The Board is an outgrowth of a recommendation by the Third Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics that a commission composed of military and naval technicians be appointed by each government of the American republics to study and recommend measures for the defense of the continent." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 144, p. 260.)
President Roosevelt announced the creation of a Pacific War Council to sit in Washington. First meeting April 1. ("It is imperative that all of the United Nations now actually engaged in the Pacific conflict consider together matters of policy relating to our joint war effort. An effective war can only be prosecuted with the complete cooperation and understanding of all the nations concerned. The new council will be in intimate contact with a similar body in London." Bulletin, Vol. VIII, No. 186, p. 77.)
April 1. The United States Army began the mass evacuation of all people of Japanese ancestry from the Pacific Coast. (Times, Apr. 2, 1942, p. 4.)
April 2. Don Juan Antonio Rios assumed the Presidency of Chile with a new cabinet. He stated in his inaugural address that relations with the Axis Powers would be maintained but that Chile would "carry out faithfully the duties of continental solidarity." (International News, Apr. 18, 1942, p. 346.)
Carlton J. H. Hayes named Ambassador to Spain (to succeed. Alexander W. Weddell, who retired on account of ill health. Times, Apr. 4, 1942, p. 28.)
April 4. Free French control of the Cameroons and French Equatorial Africa was recognized by the United States. (". . . this Government has treated with the French authorities in effective control of French territories in Africa and will continue to treat with them on the basis of their actual administration of the territories involved. The French territories of Equatorial Africa and the French Cameroons are under the effective control of the French National Committee established in London. . . .") A United States consulate was to be established at Brazzaville. ("In view of the importance of French Equatorial Africa in the united war effort. . . ." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 145, p. 273.)
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April 7. Russians, succeeded in opening a rail line to beleaguered Leningrad. (Times, Apr. 8, 1942, p. 8.)
Bolivia announced an agreement with the United States whereby the latter contracted to buy Bolivia's entire copper production. (Times, Apr. 8, 1942, p. 3.)
April 8. Harry Hopkins and General George C. Marshall, U. S. Army Chief of Staff, arrived in London for conferences with British service and supply chiefs. (". . . their conversations will embrace the problems of integrating British and American manpower and war production for action in Europe." Times, Apr. 9, 1942, p. 1.)
April 9. Japanese captured Bataan after a siege of over three months. (Times, Apr. 10, 1942, p. 1.)
April 11. Sir Stafford Cripps announced India's rejection of British offer of post‑war autonomy. (Negotiations were wrecked on the issue of formation of an interim government pending settlement of India's constitutional problems after the war. Involved were the defense powers that such a government would wield. Congress party leaders insisted on a national government functioning with full powers as a Cabinet, and said that the British plan bore too much resemblance to the present Executive Council of the Viceroy. Times, Apr. 12, 1942, pp. 1, 39.)
April 12. Iran severed diplomatic relations with Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 362.)
April 13. Lord Louis Mountbatten appointed as chief of the commando raiders of British army, navy, and air forces. (Times, Apr. 14, 1942, p. 7.)
Russia warned Japan to observe strictly the year‑old neutrality pact. ("It is necessary that the Japanese military and Fascist cliques whose heads have been turned by military successes realize that their prattle about an annexationist war in the north may cause damage . . . to Japan herself.
"If the Japanese side strictly observes the undertakings it has assumed, the Soviet ‑Japanese neutrality pact will preserve its importance for the peoples of both countries, even in the present complicated and responsible international situation." Times, Apr. 14, 1942, p. 9.)
April 14. Iran severed diplomatic relations with Japan. (The Japanese Legation was said to have acted as a center of Axis propaganda and subversion directed against the Iran regime as well as the United Nations. Times, Apr. 15, 1942, p. 8.)
April 15. First meeting of the Inter‑American Emergency Advisory Committee for Political Defense (to study and recommend regarding "appropriate measures for the control of sabotage and all other types of subversive activities directed by extra-continental forces against the ideals and security of the Western Hemisphere." Bulletin, Vol. VIII, No. 186, p. 69.)
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April 19. The representatives of the United States and Mexico arrived at an agreement as to the compensation to be paid to the citizens of the United States for certain oil properties expropriated by Mexico after March 17, 1938. ("From the moment that our two Governments agreed upon a procedure for settling the so‑called `petroleum question' I have had every confidence that a settlement would be reached. . . ." [Statement of President Roosevelt].
"I have the certainty that so significant an act must be considered, because of the spirit of conciliation which it shows, as a confirmation of the attitude of my Government in its desire to grant ample guarantees to the participation of private capital, national or foreign, in the exploitation and development of the material resources of this' Republic. . " [Statement of President Avila Camacho]. Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 147, pp. 351‑353.)
Admiral William D. Leahy, United States Ambassador to Vichy, was ordered to return to Washington for consultation. [Vichy had, among other things, protested the establishment of American consulate at Brazzaville in French Equatorial Africa.] (Under Secretary Welles said Admiral Leahy had been requested to return for consultation in view of the events of the last few days in France, and in view of information received that the new government of France is composed of elements dominated by Laval and all that implies. (Times, Apr. 18, 1942, p. 1.)
April 18. Pierre Laval completed his Cabinet in which he assumed in addition to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Information, the title of "Chief of Government." Retiring Prime Minister Darlan retained the designation of successor to Marshal Pétain, and was named commander of the land, sea, and air forces. (Times, Apr. 13, 1942, pp. 1, 37.)
American air forces under Maj. James H. Doolittle bombed Kobe, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Yokohama. (Times, Apr. 19, 1942, p. 1.)
April 21. Spain pledged 1,000,000 men if necessary for the defeat of Russia. (Berlin radio quoted Señor Suñer as saying that Spain hoped the Axis powers would win the war because "a victory of the Allies would be tantamount to a victory of bolshevism." Times, April 22, 1942, p. 10.)
President Roosevelt ordered the Alien Property Custodian to seize all patents controlled or owned by nations at war with the United States. (The patent‑pooling situation had been frequently attacked as a serious hindrance to the American war effort. Germany had been able seriously to restrict American war production by means of cartel and patent arrangements with American manufacturers. Times, Apr. 22, 1942, p. 1.)
April 22. Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley was ordered to set up a joint United States‑New Zealand Naval command (to operate separately but in close liaison with General MacArthur and Vice
Admiral Leary. Times, Apr. 23, 1942, p. 8).
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April 23. The Union of South Africa severed diplomatic relations with France. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 371.)
The United States and Peru arrived at a series of agreements on economic collaboration. (". . . to enable Peru to develop her resources of strategic materials essential for the security of the Hemisphere with particular reference to rubber and certain native fibers. The United States agreed to a loan for facilitating these developments, the money to be spent in the United States for materials and equipment, The Unite States agreed to purchase Peru's surplus cotton and Peru agreed to sell to the United States all rubber not required at home." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 148, pp. 365‑368.)
April 25. United States troops landed on Free French‑controlled New Caledonia. (Times, Apr. 26, 1942, p. 1.)
April 27. Vichy recognized Slovak Republic. (Times, Apr. 28, 1942, p. 3.)
April 28. Sir Stafford Cripps made a statement in the House of Commons on his .mission to India. (". . . this House was good enough to express its hopes that the mission might have a successful conclusion. . . . Unfortunately events have brought disappointment to these hopes, but I do not think that anyone in this country need feel regretful that the proposals were put forward or need blame His Majesty's Government of the British people for the unfortunate fact of failure to reach an agreement. . . ." Commons, Vol. 379, cols. 826 ff.)
April 29. Cuba granted de facto recognition to Free French control over French territories in the Pacific, Equatorial Africa, and the Cameroons. (Cuba continued to maintain official relations with the Vichy French Government but the Government had taken into consideration the "de facto situation in which certain French territories are under absolute jurisdiction of the National French Committee established in London, the representative of the Free French." Times, Apr. 30, 1942, p. 5.)
April 29‑30. Hitler and Mussolini conferred at Salzburg. ("They showed complete agreement of views on the situation as created by the overwhelming victories of the Tripartite powers and on further conduct of the war of the two, nations in the political and military field." Times, May 2, 1942, p. 1, 3.)
April 30. The Japanese captured Lashio in Burma and within a few days drove the Chinese back along the Burma Road into China, and the British and American forces toward India. (Times, May 1, 1942, p. 1.)
General Hsuing Shih-hui, head of the Chinese mission to the United States, told the press that China, had a definite part to play in the grand strategy of the United Nations, and that it was up to the latter to see‑that she got enough to do the job. (He maintained that Russia and Britain were holding Germany in check, and that therefore the United States should devote considerable attention to Japan, so that she could not consolidate her
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gains and use the raw materials she had gained in Malaya and the Dutch East Indies. International News, May 16, 1942, pp. 466‑467.)
May 1. United Sates promised aid to Free French forces. (According to Secretary of State Hull, the United States Government "considers the Free French Committee in London as the representative of French military resistance to the Axis wherever it exists." Cooperation with the Committee will continue "in the light of the common purpose of winning the war." Times, May 2, 1942, p. l.)
It was learned that within the previous two months delegations had been sent from Italy, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Hungary to Ankara to negotiate trade agreements on a compensation basis. ("Turkey had insisted that Turkish products could be shipped only after the arrival in Turkey of their equivalent from these countries, and they all accepted this condition." International News, May 16, 1942, p. 465.)
May 2. The working committee of the All‑India Congress party announced the adoption of a resolution of complete nonviolent non-cooperation to any invading forces. ("In case invasion takes place it must be resisted. Such resistance can only take the form of nonviolent cooperation. The All-India Congress Committee is convinced that India will be able to attain her freedom through her own strength and to retain it likewise." Times, May 3, 1942, pp. 1, 5.)
Hungary severed diplomatic relations with Brazil. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 361.)
President Roosevelt announced that Iran and Iraq would be eligible to receive assistance under the Lend‑Lease Act, ("The defense of these countries is vital to the defense of the United States.") The War Production Board announced that Free France, Czechoslovakia, Turkey, and Iceland had been added to the list of countries whose orders were admitted as "defence orders" with priority rating such as had been granted to the United Kingdom, the Dominions, China, etc. (International News, May 16, 1942, p. 467.)
May 4. The British attacked the French Island of Madagascar. (Local date May 5.)
United States informed Vichy Government of its approval of British occupation of Madagascar. "The President of the United States has been informed that Madagascar has been occupied by British forces. This occupation has the full approval and support of the Government. of the United States." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 150, p. 391.)
Secretary of State Hull told the press that American forces would be ready to back up the British occupation of Madagascar if necessary, and that United States troops and ships would use the island if necessary or desirable in the war against the Axis. (Relations with Vichy were on a day‑to‑day basis. International News, May 16, 1942, p. 467.)
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May 4‑8. In the battle of the Coral Sea the United States Navy inflicted great losses upon the Japanese Navy. (Times, May 9, 1942, p. 1.) .
May 5. Marshal Pétain sent a message to the Governor‑General of Madagascar calling on him to resist the British attack. ("I am at the side of the military commander in this tragic trial in which he is defending the honour of France." International News, May 16, 1942, p 443.)
The Vichy Government handed a note to the American chargé d'affaires protesting against British landing at Madagascar. (The note stated that the French Government took note of the assurance that Madagascar would one day be returned to France, but rejected "as inadmissible the attempt by the U. S. Government to forbid France to defend herself when her, territory is attacked." The Government of France could only leave it to President Roosevelt "to judge what part of the responsibility he has in the consequences which may result from this aggression." In handing over the note M. Laval stated that the final gesture between the two countries would not come from France. International News, May 16, 1942, pp. 442‑443.)
May 6. Corregidor Island surrendered. All United States organized resistance to the Japanese in the Philippine Archipelago ended (Times, May 6, 1942, p. 1.)
President Prado of Peru arrived in Washington (on a state visit). A new trade treaty between the United States and Peru was signed in Washington. (Providing for tariff reductions on some items, binding of other tariff rates and free duties for some commodities. Times, May 8, 1942, p. 10.)
Great Britain and the United States raised the status of their diplomatic missions to The Netherlands to that of embassies, and the corresponding Dutch ministers were raised in rank. ("I feel . . . that it is fitting to give adequate expression to the ties of especially close friendship which have come into being between our countries. . . . this purpose can be served by resolving that the diplomatic envoys we exchange should henceforth have the status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. . . . " [Statement of Queen Wilhelmina] Times, May 8, 1942, p. 4.)
May 7. Churchill's statement on British occupation of Madagascar. ("Mr. Churchill announced in Parliament that Diego Suarez had surrendered and that the British fleet was entering the harbour. He said that, in order to avoid bloodshed, very strong forces of all arms had been employed in the British attack, preparation for which had begun 3 months previously. Contact was made with the French forces in aid before Diego Suarez in the evening of May 5, but the first British assault on Antsirana at dawn on the 6th was repulsed with losses of probably over 1,000 men. Antsirana promontory fell during the night of the 6th, and Diego Suarez also surrendered. During the morning of the 7th attacks were made on Oronjia promontory, which also was occupied, and a protocol was being drawn up between the commanders on both
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sides. The operations had been carried out with great dash and vigour, the French also fighting with great gallantry, and he expressed his grief that bloodshed should have occurred between `the troops of our two countries whose peoples at heart are united. We trust that the French nation in time will come to regard this episode as a recognizable step in the liberation of their country, including Alsace‑Lorraine, from the German yoke. . . .' " International News, May 16, p. 452.)
May 8. The British Foreign Office issued a statement announcing that the British commanders of the troops who took Madagascar immediately informed the French authorities that Madagascar would remain French and would be restored to French sovereignty after the war. ("In return for their cooperation and in order to avoid bloodshed . . ." Times, May 9, 1942, p. 3.)
Michael Cardinal von Faulhaber sent Holy See eleven‑point indictment of the Nazi treatment of the Church‑(A, "veritable war against Christianity" is being waged in Germany; the Church is treated with mistrust by the regime; moral "blackmail" is being applied to faithful Catholics; propaganda against the Church is spread among lower‑paid workers; the Church is accused of being a "supernational organization"; violence is often employed in the catechism of a "doubtful" German; measures have been taken in primary and secondary schools to prevent religious instruction; publication. of religious textbooks and church publications has been forbidden; young persons have been forbidden to attend church festivals in the evenings; church organizations have been prevented from acquiring land on which to build; church property has been sequestered without warning or indemnification. Times, May 9, 1942, pp. 4, 5.)
May 11. President Prado of Peru addressed the United States Congress. (". . . I bring you a message from my country . . . the cooperation of Peru is destined to represent a factor of real importance in the solution of the common problems of the defense of our continent. . . . The expectations of the world are now centered upon this continent, the favorite home of liberty." Congressional Record [bound], Vol. 88, pt. 3, pp. 4034-35; pp. 4074‑4075.
May 12. Uruguay severed diplomatic relations with France. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 372.)
The diplomatic representatives of the United States and the Norwegian Government in exile were raised to rank of Ambassador. ("Accordingly, as an indication of the importance which this Government [the United States] attributes to the participation of the Norwegian Government and of Norwegians throughout the world in the war effort of the United Nations . . ." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 151, p. 438.)
May 14. President Manuel Quezon established Philippine government in Washington. (President Quezon and his war cabinet left the open city of Manila in December for the island fortress of Corregidor, and went from there to Australia before coming to the United States. Times, May 15, 1942, p. 5.)
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French High Commissioner consented to the immobilization of French warships at Martinique and Guadaloupe (as a result of conversations between Admiral Georges Robert, French High Commissioner, and Rear Admiral John. H. Hoover, commander of the Caribbean Sea front, and Samuel Reber, assistant chief of the European division of the State Department. The Laval Government had insisted that under the terms of the armistice it could not turn over to the United States its tankers and other merchant ships in the French possessions. Times, May 15, 1942, p. 1.)
May 15. Costa Rica severed diplomatic relations with Hungary and Rumania. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 351.)
May 18. United States signed agreement at Panama concerning the use of Panama defense areas by United States forces. ("The Governments of the Republic of Panama and of the United States of America, conscious of their joint obligation . . . to take all measures required for the effective protection of the Panama Canal in which they are jointly and vitally interested . . ." Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 152, p. 448.)
May 22. Mexico declared war on Germany, Italy, and Japan. (Bulletin, Vol. IX, No. 230, p. 365.)
May 26. (ratifications exchanged, July 4.). Agreement for Mutual Assistance, Great Britain‑Soviet Union.
"Desiring to contribute after the war to the maintenance of peace and to the prevention of further aggression by Germany or the states associated with her. . . .
"Desiring . . . to give expression to their intention to collaborate closely with one another as well as with the other United Nations at the peace settlement and during the ensuing period of reconstruction on the basis of the principles enunciated in the declaration made August 14, 1941 [Atlantic Charter] . . . to which the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic has adhered;
"Desiring . . . to provide for mutual assistance in the even of attack upon either high contracting party by Germany or any of the states associated with her in acts of aggression in Europe.' (Cond. 6376, London, 1942; Times, June 12, 1942, p. 3.)
May 27. Reinhard Heydrich, German gestapo official, shot by Czeel patriots in revolt against Nazi police authority. He died June 4. Nazis started reprisals immediately. (Times, May 28, 1942 pp. 1, 3.)
May 29. Tank battle in vicinity of Tobruk. (Times, May 30, 1942
May 29‑June 4. Conversations between President Roosevelt and Mr. V. M. Molotov, People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs of the U. S. S. R.
"In the course of the conversations full understanding was reached with regard to the urgent tasks of creating a second front in Europe in 1942. In addition, measures for increasing and
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speeding up supplies . . . from the United States to the Soviet Union were discussed. Also discussed were the fundamental problems of cooperation of the Soviet Union and the United States in safeguarding peace and security to the freedom‑loving peoples after the war. Both sides stated with satisfaction the unity of their views on all these questions." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 155, p. 531.)
May 30-31. In a night bombing attack, British‑manned aircraft devastated Cologne. (Times, June 1, 1942, p. 1.)
June 1. President Manuel Avila Camacho of Mexico declared that a state of war had existed between Mexico and Germany, Italy, and Japan as of May 22, 1942. ("Now that attacks upon our sovereignty oblige us to resort to a measure which we sincerely desired to see outlawed from international life, we resort to it under the compulsion of circumstances but retaining our firm conviction that the victory of the democracies will permit the reorganization among all nations of a permanent regime of law based on mutual respect and reciprocal understanding." [Statement of Foreign Minister Padilla.] Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 154, p. 505.)
June 2. Mutual Aid Agreement with China. "The provisions of the agreement with China are the same in all substantial respects as those of the agreement between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain. . . ." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 154, p. 507.)
June 3‑4. Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor and Fort Mears, Alaska. (Times, June 4, 1942, p. 1.)
June 3‑6. United States victory over Japanese in the Battle of Midway. (Times, June 8, 1942, p. 1.)
June 5. United States declared war on Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania. [Public, 563, 564, 565; 56 Stat., pt. I, 307.] ("The Governments of Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania have declared war against the United States. I realize that the three Governments took this action not upon their own initiative or in response to the wishes of their own peoples but as the instruments of Hitler. These three Governments are now engaged in military activities directed against the United Nations and are planning an extension of these activities." [Message of President Roosevelt to Congress, June 2, 1942.] Congressional Record [bound], Vol. 88, pt. 4, p. 4787.)
June 9. Establishment of Combined Production and Resources Board and the Combined Food Board. "The President announced on June 9 on behalf of himself and the Prime Minister of Great Britain the creation of a Combined Production and Resources Board and a Combined Food Board.
"The general purpose of the two boards was announced with release of memoranda addressed by the President to Mr. Donald Nelson, who will act as the American representative on the Combined Production and Resources Board, and to . . . Mr.
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Claude Wickard, who will act as the American representative on the Combined Food Board." (Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 155, p. 535.)
China announced appointment of its first minister to the Vatican, Sien Shuh-kang. (Times, June 10, 1942, p. 6.)
June 10. The Czech Government in London in co