On this day, Adolf Hitler issued Führer Directive Number 7, a plan for the attack and conquest of Western Europe.
The directive includes the following guidance:
- German ground and air forces are permitted to cross into France, but only for reconnaissance or, in the case of fighter aircraft, to protect reconnaissance aircraft.
- The German navy and air force are permitted to attack French and British warships anchored in naval bases, and passenger ships which are part of convoys.
- If it appears British and/or French troops are about to enter Belgium, German troops are permitted to enter the country to prevent this.
Adolf Hitler’s Führer Directives are orders which must be obeyed without question by the armed forces.
