ARMS FOR BRITAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1941, Page 5

ARMS FOR BRITAIN

SPEEDUP IN UNITED STATES MR. KNUDSEN’S REVIEW. HUGE EXPANSION WITHIN THREE MONTHS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 13. The Defence Production Administrator, Mr Knudsen, reported that the British and American Governments have expanded 784 defence plants in the Knifed States at an estimated cost of 2,138,000,000 dollars. Mr. Knudsen added that Britain had financed 61 plants at a cost of 171,000,000 dollars. He said that since June 1, 1940, the army and navy had awarded contracts totalling 12,500,000,000. resulting in re-employment of 1,500,000 men. He predicted a huge speeding-up of production within three months. Reuter’s correspondent in Washington quotes a high official of the Administration as saying that the United States Government will take over the responsibility for between 300,000,000 and 350,000,000 dollars’ worth of British orders for war material to reduce the British need for dollar exchange. SHIPPING TRANSPORT USE OF AMERICAN-OWNED FOREIGN SHIPS. WASHINGTON, March 13. Maritime Commission officials stated that they plan to enlist the services of 285 foreign ships, owned by Americans, to carry strategic materials for the United States. Officials said the Commission sought the voluntary co-opera-'tion of American owners; failing that they were prepared to exert moral pressure. If the latter course became necessary, the Commission would invoke a law which authorises the Government to requisition ships owned by American citizens during a national emergency. j DELIVERIES BEGUN FROM EXISTING ARMY STOCKS. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) WASHINGTON. March 14. The Secretary of War, Mr. H. L. Stimson, announced that deliveries of war material to Britain from existing Army stocks, under the Lend and Lease law have begun. President Roosevelt will speak on defence and aid to nations battling against aggression in a radio address. It is expected that the speech will take 30 minutes at the annual dinner in his honour, on Saturday, at 9.30 p.m., given by the White House Correspondents’ Association.