1934 (SATURDAY)
ITALY: An assassination plot against dictator Benito Mussolini is exposed.
1936 (TUESDAY)
SCANDINAVIA: In light of the collapse of the League of Nations and the general rearmament of Europe, the leaders of the Scandinavian countries agree to take steps to increase their security.
1937 (WEDNESDAY)
JAPAN: The government declines to attend the Brussels Conference on the Sino-Japanese dispute stating, "The action of Japan in China is one of self-defense which she has been compelled to take in the face of China's violent anti-Japanese policy and practices, exemplified particularly in her provocative acts in appealing to force of aims. Consequently Japan's action lies, as has been declared already by the Imperial government, outside the purview of the Nine Power Treaty . . . an attempt to seek a solution at a gathering of so many powers . . . would only serve to complicate the situation still further and to place serious obstacles in the path of a just and proper solution."
October 27th, 1939 (FRIDAY)
UNITED KINGDOM: RAF: 51 Sqn. Leaflets and reconnaissance - Stuttgart and Munich. 5 aircraft from Villeneuve. 1 returned early with severe icing, 4 successful despite very bad weather. 1 crashed on return (K9008 all crew safe, aircraft wrecked) and another was abandoned over France (K8984 all crew safe, aircraft wrecked). 102 Sqn. N1377:P Badly damaged by Flak, crew unhurt.Corvette HMS Aubretia laid down.
AMC HMS Arawa commissioned.
U-31 laid a very successful field of 18 mines in Loch Ewe. This minefield later accounted for two ships sunk and one damaged.
FRANCE: In Paris, the Polish government-in-exile protests the German annexation of occupied territory stating, ". . . a new violation by the Reich of the elementary principles of international law relating to the conduct of an enemy in occupied territory."
GERMANY: Vicomte Davignon, Belgian Ambassador in Berlin, reports to the Belgian Government that he has learnt from a reliable source that the Germans intend to invade Belgium soon.
VATICAN CITY: Pope Pius XII issues his first encyclical which "denounces the violation of treaties, the ruin of Poland and the forcible transfer of populations and proclaims his determination to fight the Church's pagan enemies and defend the rights of family and individual against dictatorial encroachments."
GIBRALTAR: The U.S. Consul at Gibraltar William E. Chapman meets informally with the British Colonial Secretary there, and objects to the protracted delay in detention of U.S. merchantmen, especially freighter SS Exporter, which has on board diplomatic pouches bound for Athens, Greece. Consul Chapman's low-key approach bears fruit. SS Exporter, detained since 14 October, is released later that day, as are freighters SS Oakman (detained since 13 October) and SS Meanticut (detained since 21 October).
ATLANTIC OCEAN: U-34 sinks SS Bronte in Convoy OB-25.