Eighty Years Ago: Asia Pacific, July 4 – 10, 1940

July 4, 1940: Admiral James O. Richardson, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, in Washington for discussions on keeping US Pacific Fleet in Hawaiian waters. Richardson opposes the idea, believing it puts the force at risk

July 5, 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt bans exports to Japan of aircraft engines and strategic minerals, invoking the Export Control Act. Picture source: Naval History and Heritage Command

July 6, 1940: French authorities in Indochina under growing pressure as Japan demands access to air bases and right to transit troops

July 7, 1940: Three years after start of war between China and Japan, Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek calls for more US and Soviet aid

July 8, 1940: A total of 1,700 women and children arrive in Manila on board Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Japan, fleeing Hong Kong amid growing fear of Japanese invasion

July 9, 1940: Reports emerge that Bao Dai, emperor of French protectorate Annam in Indochina, has been assassinated; the reports later prove false

July 10, 1940: Following the fall of France, British authorities in Singapore seize French liner Ile de France in Singapore harbor

Categories: War

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