MASTER PLAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1941, Page 5

MASTER PLAN

AMERICA AS ARSENAL SUPPLIES FOR DEMOCRACIES. RESHUFFLING OF DELIVERIES. WASHINGTON. September' 11. _ The navy has formed an "Atlantic amphibious force” of two divisions, armed with the latest equipment suitable for a lightning attack on enemy shores. Il will be a self-contained group within the marines. Major-General Porter, chief of the Army’s chemical warfare section, announced that the army has rehabilitated the World War poison gas factories and is building new ones in order to "prepare for the use of this weapon on a large scale when necessary in defensive warfare.” General Porter explained that the United States was not a signatory to any pact prohibiting the use of gas. He added, "Ono reason why Hitler has not used gas so far is that he does not like the prospect of facing gas on the English beaches if ho attempts an invasion. Nevertheless, gas might be used imminently in Europe with full intensity." The United Press reports that authoritative quarters revealed that the Administration is making its greatest effort yet . to convert the United States into an arsenal of democracy developing a "master plan” and enabling the supply of all possible military needs of Britain, America. Russia, China, and Latin America. This will involve reshuffling the supplies of the United States army and navy and Maritime Commission on the basis of the latest international outlook and also requiring foreign Governments to submit new lists of requirements. The Secretary of Commerce. Mr Jesse Jones, said: "Britain must expect less from the United States. We shall help Russia as much as possible, and if much more goes to Russia less will go to Britain." A Cairo message says that General 'George Brett, chief of the United States Army Air Corps, has arrived ' there in an American Liberator bombler. He will study problems of supply j of American aircraft under the Lease I or Lend Act. and will also investigate ! the performance of the American maI chines under service conditions. I Talks are reported to have begun | between the Netherlands East Indies i economic authorities and Mr Henry Grady, economic envoy from the United States, who has just arrived at Batavia. Mr Grady informed the Press that the main purpose of his mission was to advise the United States Government on better economic and financial co-operation between the "ABCD" countries in order to make economic and military defence equally strong. Mr Grady expressed the opinion that the shipping shortage at present was the most pressing problem, since 2.000.000 tons of United States shipping have been taken over by the American Government.

BRITISH SHIPMENTS CIVIL AND MILITARY SUPPLIES FOR RUSSIA. MORE THAN £15.000.000 SENT. LONDON. September 11. It is announced that Britain has already shipped more than £15,000,000 worth of civil and military supplies to Russia, including rubber, tin, wool, lead, jute and shellac.