U.S. FLEET ON EUROPEAN CRUISE

Chronicle (Levin), 19 August 1946, Page 5

U.S. FLEET ON EUROPEAN CRUISE

Press Assn.

MUCH SPECULATION AS 10 PORPOSE

By Telegraph

-Covyright

Received Monday, 12,15 p,m. WASHIKOTQN, August 18. ' Eigh.t United States warships, led by the carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt, arrived at Lisbon two days ago on a'goodwill visit. The fleet, which includes two li.ght cruisers and. five destroyers, will visit Gibraltar, Napier Malta, Tangi er and probably the eastern Mediterranean. The carrier will join the other American warships and possibly the British in Mediterranean manoeuvre's. However, exactly what units will participate has not been announced thusfaY, and may well'depend on political developments in the next few days. The Associated Press comments that the cruise coincifles with the developing of tension in, the Middle Uast, and adds that American diplomats are reported to be seriously concerned with the Russian demands for a direct part in the defepce of the Dardanelles. " The New York Times' correspondent, Hanson Baldwin, says that American naval forces in Europe have been quietly strengthened in recent months. Informed quarters consider that the increase indicates American determination not to permit . any coup to alter national boundaries or effect a political fait accompli without peace conference approval. It also indicates the Navy's feelirig that American warships should keep showing the flag in foreign waters, and that foreign assignments should be of a permanent character rather than temporary cruises during trouble periods. The United Press quotes Mikhael' ' Davidov, Moscow broadcaster, as saying that the American cruise is part of a campaign of intimidation to show that United States planes coan atom bomb any country.