SENATORS AT ODDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 April 1938, Page 7

SENATORS AT ODDS

CONTENTION OVER U.S.A. NAVY ADMIRAL LEAHY’S COUNSEL, FLEET NEEDED TO PROTECT TRADE ROUTES. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Copyright. WASHINGTON, April 5. As a sample of the fireworks that may be expected during the naval increases debate, the Senate adjourned a discussion on the 490,000,000-dollar War Department appropriation to end a fracas between two Senators which threatened to develop into a fist fight. Senator K.-D. McKellar (Tennessee) took offence at statements made by Senator R. S. Copeland, chairman of the Military Appropriations Committee, supporting increased coastal defences.

After repeated exchanges, Senator McKellar leapt from his seat and dashed angrily across the floor toward Senator Copeland. Colleagues stepped between the two men and stopped the trouble with difficulty. Vice-Admiral W. D. Leahy, in a secret session, warned the Naval Committee that the United States must maintain a fleet powerful enough, not only to crush any possible enemy wherever he might be found, but to protect the country’s essential trade routes throughout the world. Vice-Admiral Leahy again defined the naval policy as designed to support the Monroe Doctrine, protect nationals abroad, and American shipping and American territory, including island possessions, against invasion.