AMERICAN SENATORS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1943, Page 2

AMERICAN SENATORS

RETURN FROM WORLD TOUR OF WAR ZONES. DESIRE FOR CONCENTRATION ON PACIFIC. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK, October 9. General MacArthhur should cither be given more planes, men and guns in the campaign against tthe Japanese or be relieved of his command, said Senator Chandler at a session of the Senate. Senator Chandler recently toured the world war zones. The newspaper “P.M.,” discussing the remarks of the Senators since their return from this tour, says that the “beat Japan first crowd" has launched what appears to be a double-barrelled drive to convince Americans that they must concentrate on the Pacific to the deteriment of Europe. “Its objects are apparently first to convince Americans that a second front is unnecessary because the Germans can be defeated by bombings, that a Channel crossing would be disastrous, and that the Russian doesn't give a hoot about sacrificing American lives, and secondly, to bring about a popular demand for an all-out war against Japan,”'the paper says. Senator Russel criticised Britain for passing lend-lease materials to other countries without giving credit to the United States, and he suggested that the American relief and rehabilitation activities in occupied countries should be placed under military instead of civilian direction. He added that the American military, economic and diplomatic representatives lacked guidance and a clear foreign policy in their competition with Britain. Senator Lodge told a secret session of the Senate that a million American lives will be saved if Russia provides Siberian air bases against Japan. Senator Russell expressed confidence in Admiral Mountbatten’s ability, but noted that Britain had not launched an offensive in Burma, whereas MajorGeneral Chcnnault’s air force was doing most of the present active fighting against the Japanese in China. However, Senator Lodge stated that the Chinese armies were holding off 15 Japanese divisions.