Eighty Years Ago: Asia Pacific, March 20 – 26, 1941

March 20, 1941: China’s First Lady, Soong Mei-ling also referred to as Madame Chiang Kai-shek, thanks the United States and Britain for help in war against Japan

March 21, 1941: Visit by US flotilla to Sydney, Australia, is seen as a signal to Japan that America remains committed to Pacific region.

March 22, 1941: Japanese Deputy War Minister Anami Korechika tells parliament: “Whatever Roosevelt may say, Japan is not an aggressor nation”

March 23, 1941: Japanese troops reported involved in combat on occupied south Chinese island of Hainan

March 24, 1941: In surprise move, Japanese troops seize city of Shanwei on northeast coast of China

March 25, 1941: Japanese troops continue advance in southern China, seizing town of Haifeng

March 26, 1941: Australian troops arrive in Pacific outpost of Rabaul to beef up defenses as concerns grow about Japan’s long-term objectives

Categories: War

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