April 1939

April 3rd, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler issues a directive to the Wehrmacht for the finalisation of Fall Weiss, the invasion plan for Poland. German military units along the eastern border begin receiving additional supplies and reinforcements.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Japanese Imperial Navy strengthens blockades along China’s coastline, restricting supplies to Nationalist forces.

Danish Parliamentary Elections: Denmark held Folketing elections, where the Social Democrats lost four seats but maintained their majority.

April 4th, 1939

Anglo-Polish Diplomacy: Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck meets with British officials in London, including Lord Halifax and Winston Churchill during breakfast, followed by discussions with Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in the afternoon.

Great Britain and France reaffirm Poland’s sovereignty: Great Britain and France reaffirm their commitment to Poland’s sovereignty, warning Germany against military aggression. The Polish government accelerates defence preparations.

Italian Invasion of Albania: Italy finalises preparations for its invasion of Albania by the Corpo di Spedizione Oltre Mare Tirana, positioning naval and air units for coordinated assaults.

Hungary and Slovakia sign a peace treaty: With the signing in Budapest they end their brief conflict. As a result, Slovakia cedes a small portion of its eastern territories to Hungary.

New King Iraq: Three-year-old Faisal II ascends to the throne as King of Iraq following the death of his father, King Ghazi I, in an automobile accident.

April 5th, 1939

Soviet Union monitors growing tensions: The Soviet Union closely monitors the growing tensions in Europe, expanding industrial production for military supplies. Stalin remains wary of both Germany and Japan.

Poland prepares for War: Polish forces conduct military exercises, reinforcing border defences amid fears of German expansionism.

France: Albert François Lebrun is re-elected by the French National Assembly for another seven-year term as President of France.

Launch of the H.M.S. Illustrious: The Royal Navy launches its largest aircraft carrier at the time, H.M.S. Illustrious, at Barrow-in-Furness.

April 6th, 1939

Anglo-Polish Communiqué: The United Kingdom and Poland issue a communiqué expressing their intention to establish a permanent and reciprocal agreement to replace the temporary assurance previously given by Great Britain to Poland. This agreement aims to ensure mutual assistance in the event of any threat to the independence of either nation. Pending the completion of the permanent agreement, Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck assures that Poland will consider itself obligated to assist the Great Britain under the same conditions as the existing assurance.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British War Cabinet discusses emergency wartime policies, increasing aircraft production in anticipation of conflict.

Rejection of Italian Ultimatum by Albania: The Albanian government rejects an ultimatum from Italy, which demands concessions that effectively turns Albania into an Italian protectorate.

Joint Administration of Pacific Islands: The United States and Great Britain agree to the joint administration of Canton and Enderbury Islands in the Pacific Ocean. This agreement resolves conflicting claims over these islands and is formalised through an exchange of notes.

United States calls for Diplomacy: The United States calls for a diplomatic resolution to European tensions but maintains its isolationist stance, avoiding direct military commitments.

April 7th, 1939

Italy invades Albania: Italy launches its invasion of Albania by the Corpo di Spedizione Oltre Mare Tirana, deploying troops and naval forces in a rapid offensive. King Zog of Albania orders limited resistance, but Italian forces quickly gain control of strategic locations.

Pact of Steel in Effect: Germany expresses support for Italy’s actions, further solidifying the Axis alliance.

Death of Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons: Joseph Lyons, the 10th Prime Minister of Australia, dies unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 59. He is the first Australian prime minister to die in office. His deputy, Earle Page, temporarily assumes the role of Prime Minister until a new leader is elected.

April 8th, 1939

Italy invades Albania: As Italian forces approach Albania’s capital Tirana, King Zog I flees into exile, initially to Greece, with his wife and their two-day-old son, Leka. This marks the end of Albanian independence and the beginning of Italian control.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Royal Navy increases patrols in the Mediterranean in response to Italy’s occupation of Albania. Britain and France denounce Italian aggression but refrain from military intervention.

Poland prepares for War: Polish officials express concern over Germany’s growing hostility, seeking further security guarantees from Great Britain and France.

Hitler rejects the U.S. moratorium proposal: Adolf Hitler addresses the German Reichstag, rejecting U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s appeal for a 10-year moratorium on invasions.

April 9th, 1939

Italy invades Albania: Italian troops secure the capital, Tirana, and establish full control.

League of Nations: The League of Nations condemns Italy’s invasion of Albania but fails to take concrete action.

Germany prepares for War: Germany continues fortifying its defensive positions along the Siegfried Line, anticipating future conflicts with Britain and France.

April 10th, 1939

Italy invades Albania: The Italian army completes its occupation of Albania

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan intensifies bombing raids on Chinese cities, targeting supply depots and industrial centres.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union increases troop deployments along its western frontier, watching German movements closely.

The Netherlands prepare for War: In response to regional tensions, Dutch troops were deployed to their border with Germany.

April 11th, 1939

Germany and Italy discuss Future: Hitler and Mussolini hold discussions on expanding Axis cooperation, particularly regarding military strategy in Europe and Africa.

League of Nations: Hungary announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations, aligning more closely with Axis powers.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British government announces a review of war mobilisation plans, including food rationing and industrial resource allocation.

The Henschel Hs 130, a German high-altitude reconnaissance and bomber aircraft, conducted its first flight on this date.

April 12th, 1939

Albania: Shefqet Vërlaci, a longstanding adversary of the exiled King Zog, is appointed as the new Prime Minister of Albania. The National Assembly votes to annul the 1928 constitution and offered the Albanian crown to Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III.

Holocaust: Slovak Propaganda Minister Alexander Mach announced that Slovakia would implement antisemitic laws similar to Germany’s Nuremberg Laws.

France prepares for War: France increases military drills along the German border, reinforcing the Maginot Line.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan strengthens its naval presence in the South China Sea, further limiting Chinese supply routes.

April 13th, 1939

Great Britain and France extend Alliances: The United Kingdom and France pledged to support Greece and Romania in maintaining their independence, warning Germany and Italy against further expansion in Eastern Europe.

United States debates economic Sanctions: The United States debates imposing economic sanctions on Japan for its continued aggression in China.

April 14th, 1939

Roosevelt messages Hitler and Mussolini: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sends messages to German Chancellor Adolf Hitler and Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, seeking assurances that their nations will not engage in military aggression against 31 specified countries. Roosevelt proposes that such assurances, lasting at least ten years, will alleviate global fears of war and create an environment conducive to peaceful discussions on armament reduction and international trade.

France proposes an Alliance to the Soviet Union: French Foreign Minister Georges Bonnet meets with Soviet Ambassador Jakob Suritz in Paris, suggesting that a coalition comprising France, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, Poland, and Romania could deter German aggression.

Poland negotiates with Hungary: Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck met with Hungarian attaché Andreas Hory in Warsaw.

Poland prepares for War: The Polish government reinforces defensive positions along its western border, preparing for potential German incursions.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Red Army continues military restructuring, modernising equipment and training methods.

April 15th, 1939

Romania’s withdraws: Romania begins withdrawing thousands of troops from its border with Hungary following a conference between Romanian Prime Minister Armand Călinescu and Hungarian diplomat László Bárdossy.

Germany prepares for War: German military planners discuss logistical challenges for a potential war, refining fuel supply strategies and armoured unit coordination.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan deploys additional troops to northern China, facing ongoing resistance from Chinese guerrilla fighters.

April 16th, 1939

Soviet Union’s Proposal for an Alliance: The Soviet Union proposes forming an alliance with Britain and France to counteract Germany’s aggression in Eastern Europe.

Great Britain increases political pressure on Germany: The British government increases diplomatic pressure on Germany, demanding reassurances about Poland’s territorial integrity.

Albania: Italy continues consolidating its control over Albania, installing a puppet administration loyal to Mussolini.

April 17th, 1939

Estonian General in Poland: General Johan Laidoner, Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Army, visited Warsaw, Poland.

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany issues further anti-Polish propaganda, framing Poland as a regional aggressor to justify future actions.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces execute another offensive against Nationalist Chinese forces in Hubei province.

April 18th, 1939

Belgium Politics: Hubert Pierlot formed a Catholic–Liberal coalition government, succeeding his previous Catholic–Socialist coalition that has fallen apart earlier in the year.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union intensifies fortifications along its western border, wary of both German and Japanese intentions.

British and French Diplomacy in Poland: Great Britain and France send additional diplomats to Poland, seeking to finalise military agreements.

Hitler Worship Propaganda: In anticipation of Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday on April 20th, 1939, the German government declared April 18 as a national holiday, initiating nationwide festivities organized by Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.

April 19th, 1939

German Ambassador Turkey: Adolf Hitler appoints Franz von Papen as the German Ambassador to Turkey, aiming to strengthen German-Turkish relations ahead of the loomingconflict.

German Diplomatic band with Hungary and Rumania: Germany strengthens diplomatic relations with Hungary and Romania, securing economic and strategic concessions for future military operations.

Holocaust: The Slovak government implements anti-Semitic measures, banning Jews from working as journalists and limiting Jewish lawyers to 4% of the legal profession.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues expanding control over key railway hubs in China, reinforcing supply lines for further offensives.

April 20th, 1939

Hitler’s Birthday: Hitler celebrates his 50th birthday with grand military parades in Berlinwith approximately 40,000 to 50,000 German troops and 162 Luftwaffe airplanes. German propaganda highlights the nation’s growing military power. Great Britain and France closely monitor German celebrations, interpreting them as further signs of militarisation.

Italian-Albanian Customs Union: A customs union was established between Italy and Albania.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Battle of Suixian-Zaoyang begins in China.

Anti-War Strike in New York: An anti-war demonstration titled “Strike Against War” is organised in New York City. The event, held at 11:00, is supported by various organizations, including the War Resisters League and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

April 21st, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany places additional restrictions on Polish trade, further escalating tensions.

Soviet union prepares for War: The Soviet Union strengthens its air force, preparing for possible conflicts in both Europe and Asia.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Chinese troops from the Third and Ninth War Zones launch a surprise attack from the north, west, and south of Nanchang.

April 22nd, 1939

Great Britain and France negotiate: British and French military officials meet in Paris to discuss potential responses to German aggression.

United States Intelligence: The United States expands its intelligence operations in Europe, gathering information on Axis military movements.

April 23rd, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German officials continue diplomatic manoeuvres to isolate Poland, seeking to neutralise Western intervention.

Japan prepares for War: Japan expands fortifications on Pacific islands, preparing for potential conflicts with Western powers.

April 24th, 1939

Poland and Great Britain negotiate: Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck met with British Ambassador Sir Howard Kennard in Warsaw, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagements amid rising tensions in Europe.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union completes the modernisation of key tank divisions, increasing its defensive capabilities.

April 25th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany intensifies its anti-Polish propaganda, further framing Poland as an enemy of the Reich.

Great Britain prepares for War: Great Britain increases military production, allocating more resources to aircraft and naval vessels.

Germany’s Arabic-Language Broadcasts: The Zeesen short-wave radio transmitter in Nazi Germany initiated broadcasts in Arabic, targeting audiences in North Africa and the Middle East. This propaganda effort was part of Germany’s strategy to extend its influence beyond Europe.

April 26th, 1939

League of Nations: The League of Nations remains ineffective in addressing mounting tensions, failing to deter further aggression.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues economic exploitation of occupied Chinese territories, controlling industrial production and raw materials.

Great Britain Introduces Military Conscription: The British government announces plans to introduce military conscription for all males aged 20 and 21.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Chinese troops from the Third and Ninth War Zones outskirts of Nanchang.

April 27th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany initiates new troop movements near the Polish border, continuing to build pressure.

Great Britain Conscription Plan: The British House of Commons approved Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s plan for conscription, with a vote of 376 to 145. This marked the first time in British history that peacetime conscription was introduced, requiring men aged 20 and 21 to undertake six months of military training.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Reinforced Japanese forces counterattack, halting the Chinese momentum at Nanchang. What follows is intense fighting and heavy casualties.

April 28th, 1939

Hitler’s Reichstag Speech: Adolf Hitler addressed the German Reichstag, announcing Germany’s withdrawal from both the Anglo-German Naval Agreement and the German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact. He also responded to a recent appeal from U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, rejecting the call for a ten-year moratorium on invasions.

Poland prepares for War: The Polish government responds with diplomatic protests and military readiness measures.

U.S. Recognition of Franco’s Regime: The United States officially recognises Francisco Franco’s Nationalist government in Spain. Concurrently, President Roosevelt ends the embargo on the sale of arms to Spain.

April 29th, 1939

Italy and Germany negotiate: Italy begins discussions with Germany on potential joint military operations, strengthening the Axis alliance.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan faces increased resistance in central China, forcing shifts in strategic planning.

April 30th, 1939