U.S. Naval Chronology Of W.W.II, 1939

1939
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.
10/02 Mon. Act of Panama is approved by Conference of Foreign Ministers 
           of American Republics meeting in Panama City.  A neutrality 
           zone some 300 miles in breadth is to be patrolled by the 
           United States Navy. 
           Germany notifies the United States that merchant vessels must 
           submit to visit and search.
10/05 Thu. Hawaiian Detachment of United States Fleet is formed under 
           Commander Scouting Force (Vice Adm. A. Andrews).
10/09 Mon. German armored cruiser DEUTSCHLAND seizes United States 
           freighter CITY OF FLINT as contraband carrier, en route from 
           New York to United Kingdom.
11/04 Sat. Neutrality Act of 1939 becomes law.  This act repeals the 
           arms embargo and substitutes a policy of "cash and carry"; 
           prohibits United States vessels and citizens from entering 
           combat zones; establishes the National Munitions Control 
           composed of the Secretaries of States, Treasury, War, Navy, 
           and Commerce. 
           President declares area around British Isles a combat zone.
11/28 Tue. Russia denounces 1932 Non-Aggression Pact with Finland.
11/30 Thu. Russian forces invade Finland.
12/17 Sun. German armored cruiser ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE is scuttled off 
           Montevideo, Uruguay.
12/19 Tue. German passenger liner COLUMBUS is scuttled about 450 miles 
           east of Cape May, N. J., when intercepted by British 
           destroyer.
12/27 Wed. United States protests British seizure of mail en route to 
           Europe.