Eighty Years Ago: Asia Pacific, July 18 – 24, 1940

July 18, 1940: Britain bows to Japanese pressure and temporarily closes down Burma Road, essential lifeline to beleaguered Chinese forces

July 19, 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs ‘Two Oceans Navy’ Act, calling for huge expansion involving surface ships, submarines and aircraft. Picture source: National Archives

July 20, 1940: Admiral Jean Decoux takes over as governor of French Indochina, representing German-backed Petain government

July 21, 1940: Japanese politician Konoe Fumimaro, seen above dressed up as Hitler at Tokyo costume party, takes over as premier for the second time in his career

July 22, 1940: General Tojo Hideki is named minister of war in new Japanese Cabinet

July 23, 1940: China denies rumors it has recalled its its ambassador to the United States, Hu Shi

July 24, 1940: Japan’s new premier Konoe Fumimaro says he will not look for immediate gain but adopt a 50- or 100-year perspective to ensue the nation’s self-sufficiency over the long term

Categories: War

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