AID FOR BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24420, 4 October 1940, Page 7

AID FOR BRITAIN

RIGHT TO THE LIMIT REPUBLICAN POLICY CO-OPERATION IN PACIFIC (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON. Oct 2 (Received Oct 3. at 11.35 D-m.) Political and diplomatic circles are interested in Mr Wendell Willkie’s endorsement, in a Christian Science Monitor interview of immediate extension of mint AngloAmerican defence co-operation in the Pacific and negotiations to secure bases at Singapore and Australia for the United States Mr Willkip, added: "1 am orepared to exert to the full my leadership of the Republican Part} to facilitate prompt action The Axis threat in Asia has increased my conviction that the United Stales roust aid Britain to the utmost. If Britain fails, we will be utterly alone. We must send and keep sending aid to Britain., our first line of defence and our only remaining friend ’ The Christian Science Momtot comments that Mr Willkie gave the impression that he regards American and British interests in the Far East as synonymous. Though officials refuse to confirm or deny it, it is reliably indicated that diplomatic quarters in the United States have proposed to the British and French Governments that the 100 Allied planes located at Martinique, which were bought from the United States, should be repurchased by the United States. It is understood that the British Government approves, but the French has not committed itself, contending that it is not free under the armistice terms to disoose of the planes

Patrol Force in Atlantic It was announced to-day that the Navy Department is reorganising the 125 warships in the Atlantic into a new patrol force. It will include units of the Atlantic Squadron, plane forces and the neutrality patrol. Rear-admiral Hayne Ellis, chief of the- Atlantic Squadron, will take command. The placing of all ships in the Atlantic under one commander will result in increased efficiency in operations and in training. The Secretary for the Navy (Colonel Knox), at a press conference, said the suggestion for a naval goodwill cruise to New Zealand and Australia was a good idea, but no decision regarding such a cruise had been reached. He added that the navy did not plan to reinforce its Asiatic fleet, the Yangtse patrol or the units in the Philippines, nor did it intend to withdraw the 1000 marines at Shanghai. Questioned whether the navy had negotiated with Britain for the use of Singapore or planned to survey the facilities with a view to future use, Colonel Knox said he knew of no such arrangements. Asked if he were satisfied with the size and number of the American bases in the Pacific. Colonel Knox replied: “ I am not satisfied with anything, because I want everything better. Of course the base situation in the Pacific could be improved ” A message from Tokio states that Mr Hoshio Mitsunaga. as president ol the Nippon Press Association, telegraphed Mr Roy Howard the American newspaper magnate, asking for guidance of the American public so that ueace might be preserved in the Pacific area. “ 'Die crisis was never so acute, and may be averted if America abandons the fortification of Pearl Harbour. Guam and Midway, gives up support of Chiang Kai-shek, and restores trade to normality. Otherwise an armed clash is inevitable in the near future.” he said.