AMERICA’S PART.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1918, Page 3

AMERICA’S PART.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] AMERICAN CONSCRIPTION. WASHINGTON, June 16. An amendment to the draft laws specially exempting citizens of neutral countries, has been found necessary. The Senate leaders announced a serious situation has arisen over the war depart ment construing tho draft law to mean .unless a neutral claims for exemption when ho registers, lie is not exempt afterwards. Many neutrals have been drafted, and sonic killed. In some cases they protested, after being called for service. Some of these protests found their way to their home Governments, resulting in the contention between United States and certain neutrals, particularly Sweden. Arranger ments aro being made, for the necessary amendment of the law.

A HUGE ARMY. [AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] WASHINGTON, Juno 17. j The United States expects fo have three million men in uniform by the first of August, ANOTHER LIBERTY LOAN. (Received This Dav at 9.25 a.m.) WASHINGTON, June 17. 'lt is announced that the fourth Liberty Loan will probably be. opened fts October for six billion dollars." INCREASING HER NAVY.

(Received This Day, at 12.10. a.m.) WASHINGTON, June 16. The Navy Department strongly urged on Congress the need for increasing the enlisted strength of the Navy to 131,458.. The strength now is 87,000. It was pointed out that there is only one commander of the transport and cruiser force. If the nation had to meet an attack with separato cruiser and scout forces there would not be a commander for both. Three additional Rear-Admirals wero needed to remedy the defect. The destroyers atuT‘submarine forces could not be properly organised if it were necessary to divert them to fight against a surface enemy craft instead of submarines. The increasing of the strength to 131,458 would give 5,500 officers instead of 3700. It was further pointed out that United States must prepare for a larger Navy after the war, when the world will be in a “perturbed state.”

DESTROYERS FOR EUROPE. (Received This Day, at 12.10. a.m.) WASHINGTON June 16. The 'Navy Department announces that America sends 180 dostroyers to European waters in 1918.