GERMANY: Berlin: News comes of a German-Turkish pact to respect each other's neutrality and to further the economic interests of both states.

Berlin: The German News Bureau reported:

The most recent reports indicate that the British have lost more tanks than was earlier estimated: When we cleared up the battlefield, we found 200 British tanks destroyed or immobilised by German and Italian guns, which the British were forced to abandon when they retreated.

U-619, U-620 laid down.

SYRIA: Heavy fighting between Vichy forces and an Indian Battalion near Damascus, Syria.

Generals Lavarack and Wilson decide to concentrate Aust 7 Div (Maj-Gen Allen) on coastal sector as offering best prospects of advance. In Mezze, 5 Ind Bde remains cut off and hard-pressed by French armour.

Australian attack on Merdjayoun is again repulsed after fighting in outskirts. Brig Berryman continues to pound Merdjayoun with artillery. (Michael Alexander)

CANADA: Corvette HMCS Moose Jaw commissioned.

Corvettes HMCS Kamloops and Chilliwack arrived Halifax from builders in Victoria and Vancouver respectively.

U.S.A.: In a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Yankee star Joe DiMaggio goes 3-for-3 against Chicago White Sox pitchers Eddie Smith and Buck Ross. DiMaggio's home run and two singles extends his hitting streak to 32-games.

The breakfast cereal "Cheerios" is invented. These O-shaped 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter, .0025 ounce (71 mg) cereals with 400 equalling one serving are originally called "Cheerie Oats."

Destroyers USS Redoubt and Roebuck laid down.