Congress passes First War Powers Act. President and British Prime Minister open discussions in Washington leading to establishment of Combined Chiefs of Staff. Wake Island, which had been subjected to prolonged enemy bombing, surrenders to Japanese invasion force. United States Relief Expedition is recalled while still 425 miles from Wake. United States-British War Council composed of the President, British Prime Minister, and naval, military, and civilian advisers meets for the first time.
Palmyra Island is shelled by Japanese submarine.
Japanese make landings at Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo. British surrender Hong Kong. Manila, P. I., is declared an open city but enemy bombing continues. Corregidor, P. I., is bombed for first time by Japanese aircraft. Adm. E. J. King assumes duties as Commander in Chief United States Fleet.