WORLD-WIDE WAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 156, 1 June 1940, Page 7

WORLD-WIDE WAR

MR ROOSEVELT’S VISION. DEFENCE OF AMERICA. FURTHER PRECAUTIONS. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received June 1, 10.30 a.m. WASHINGTON, May 31. President Roosevelt lias asked Congress to increase defence spending by approximately 5,000,000,000 dollars, because of the “possibility that the American Continent may be involved in a ■world-wide war,” and also for authority to call for active service such members of the" National Guard as may be; necessary to maintain neutrality and national defence. “While the possibility exists that not only one or two continents, but all, may be involved in a world-wade Avar, reasonable precaution demands that tlie American defences he made more certain,” the President said. ‘ “The almost incredible events of the past fortnight in the European’ conllict, particularly as the result of the use of aviation and mechanised equipment, Avith the possible consequences of further deA'eloiiments, necessitate another enlargement of the United States’s military programme. “The most obvious lesson of the present Avar is the A-alue of the speed factor,” Mr RooseA'dt added. “There is a definite danger in to order equipment and training after the war begins. Therefore, 1 suggest a speedy enlargement of the programme for equipping and training in the light of defence needs “The problem of defending our national institutions and territorial integrity is no longer one for men equipped simply Avith indomitable determination. Modern defence requires that the determination he supported by highly deA-eloperi machinery and industrial productive capacity.” DEFENCE. EXPANSION.

Mr Roosevelt did not specify the exact figure for the added programme, but said it ivould bt over 1,000 000,000 dollars. It is understood it Avill actually approximate 1,250,000,000 dollars, of which the army’s share Avill be 700,000,000 dollars, the navy's 300,000.000 dollars and youth training 250.000,000 dollars. Mr Roosevelt divided his requests into : ‘ Firstly, the acquisition of critical material such as guns, tanks and ’planes; secondly, additional facilities to enable the mass production of Aveapons; thirdly, authorisation to call up the National Guard Reserves for training;- and, fourthly, the training of specialists to handle technical noncombatant machines behind the lines. “The increased gravity of the situation indicates that action should be taken Avithout delay,” concluded Mr Roosevelt. Alter a meeting of the Defence Commission, Mr Roosevelt told a Press conference that the events of the last fortnight required the United States to prepare larger initial defences, more tanks, anti-aircraft guns, air fighters and ammunition. His message to Congress seeks a A-ast civilian programme to train technicians, mechanics and other creAvs essential behind the lines. It will he developed through expansion of civilian pilot courses to instruct 50 000 men, the expansion of the National Youth Administration’s vocations training, and also the limited training of members, of the Civilian Conservation Corps in non-combatant technical skill. The message indicated that it Avas planned to train one milTion youths. , It is disclosed that the Chief of Staff (General Marshall), testifying to the House Military Committee, estimated that 40 per cent.' of Germany’s mechanised equipment AA-as destroyed during the invasion of the Loav Countries on the basis of reports from military obserA r ers in Europe. CHINESE INTEREST. The Chinese Ambassador (Mr Hu-shin) visited President Roosevelt to-day, it is reliably reported for an exchange of information ,on the Far Eastern situation in the light of European developments. After the conference Mr Hu-shin told the Press that the reports of Sino-Japanese peace conversations Avere ' “nonsense.” “We will continue to fight until Ave find a successful end to the present Avar,” he said.