This week in the war, on 16 September 1941, the United States announced that US warships would protect convoys as far east as the 26°W meridian if they were carrying materials to countries receiving Lend-Lease aid. Such countries notably included Britain and the Soviet Union. President Roosevelt had already received support from the majority of the American people for his ‘shoot on sight’ policy directed against German U-boats that were discovered in US defensive zones.

On 18 September, Roosevelt asked Congress for additional monies for Lend-Lease assistance. On 20 September, Congress passed the Revenue Bill, thereby raising taxes for corporations and individuals across the nation. The President was stocking up his war chest.