SERIOUS LAG

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 February 1942, Page 4

SERIOUS LAG

IN FLOW OF U.S.A. SUPPLIES TO SOVIET DELIVERIES MUCH BEHIND SCHEDULE. CONCERN IN WASHINGTON. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This lsay, 11.35 a.m.) NEW YORK, February 4. Less than half the war equipment promised by the United States has been delivered to Russia in the last three months, says the ‘‘New York Times” Washington correspondent. This is causing considerable concern to certain war administrators, who know the extent of German preparations for the new spring drive against Moscow. The administrators point out that the British have felt impelled to keep up deliveries to Russia to schedule despite their own pressing needs in the Middle East. The problem caused by the lag in United States supplies is immediate, because the length of time required to get shipments of material to the fighting front in Russia from America averages between six and eight weeks, so that unless supplies are sent in greater quantities soon they may not arrive in time for the expected German offensive. Some supplies' were sent by foreign ships which were not properly checked for sabotage, proved unseaworthy and had, to return to port, involving unloading time. Other material was sent to the wrong ports for embarkation.