Monday, 30 October 1939
U.S.
freighter Scanpenn is detained by British authorities at Kirkwall,
Orkneys; freighter Hybert is detained by British authorities at the
Downs the same day (see 11 and 5 November, respectively).
Tuesday, 31 October 1939
U.S.
freighter Black Osprey is detained at the Downs by British authorities;
freighter Gateway City, detained by the British since 16 October, is
released after cargo billed for delivery at Antwerp and Rotterdam, Holland, is
seized as contraband.
Wednesday, 1 November 1939
U.S.
freighter Exminster is detained at Gibraltar by British authorities (see
6 November).
Thursday, 2 November 1939
U.S.
freighters Endicott and West Gambo, detained by French
authorities since 22 October and portions of their cargo ordered ashore as
contraband, are released and clear LeHavre, France.
Friday, 3 November 1939
U.S.
freighter City of Flint is restored to U.S. control at Haugesund,
Norway.
Saturday, 4 November 1939
Neutrality
Act of 1939 becomes law. It repeals the arms embargo and substitutes a policy
of "cash and carry," prohibits U.S. vessels and citizens from
entering combat zones, and establishes National Munitions Control Board
composed of the Secretaries of State, Treasury, War, Navy and Commerce.
President Roosevelt
declares area around British Isles a combat zone.
