NEUTRALITY ACT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 September 1941, Page 5

NEUTRALITY ACT

MR CORDELL HULL’S YIEW MODIFICATION RATHER THAN REPEAL. ARMY OF MERCHANT SHIPS. LONDON, September 29. Mr Cordell Hull, United States Secretary of State, said he favoured modification rather than repeal of the Neutrality Act. He emphasised that the moment was right for the lifting of restrictions imposed by the Act. One of the most important provisions of the Act, relating to the army of merchant ships, is likely to be discussed tomorrow, when President Roosevelt returns to Washington. The Act forbids the arming of merchant ships and also prohibits such vessels entering any combat zone. There is no indication how far the Administration is likely to go in seeking to modify the Act. It is felt in some (quarters that modification would be more easily attainable than complete repeal. RADIO CAMPAIGN SUPPORT FOR REVISION. (Received This Day, 9.10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, September 29. A United Press correspondent states that Mr Tom Connally, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will begin a Congressional campaign for revision of the Neutrality Act, by radio tonight. Informed circles believe that a modification, empowering arming of merchantmen, is practically assured. President Roosevelt will discuss plans with legislative leaders on Tuesday, but it is thought that the amendment will not be submitted to Congress until the Lend and Lease appropriation is passed.