DEFENCE OF AMERICA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21187, 9 August 1940, Page 6

DEFENCE OF AMERICA

CONSTRUCTION OF TANKS ADVICE BY BRITISH EXPERTS HfeW AIRCRAFT FACTORIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 9, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 3 Mr H. Morgenthau stated that British tank experts are advising the United States Army officials op lank construction design, and already have given the War Department valuable information regarding technical problems. The experts include BrigadierGeneral D. H. Pratt, who commanded a tank battalion in the Battle of Flanders. Mr Morgenthau said: “The United States does not plan to produce special types for the British. If buying the British must take our tanks. Of course they are giving us the benefit of their experience.” It is announced that the reconetructed Finance Corporation has made informal but definite commitments for loans up to 200,000,000 dollars for new aircraft factories, about 8,000,000 dollars going to the Packard Company to enable it to expand its facilities to carry out the Rolls-Royce aircraft engine contract. Call to Prayer President Roosevelt has issued a proclamation calling on the /people of the United States to unite in prayer for world peace on September 8. At the same time the President reminded the people that the Government is rushing defences to protect the country’s heritage of freedom. The Senate passed by 71 to 7 votes and sent to the House of Representatives the bill empowering Mr Roosevelt to mobilise 360,000 National Guardsmen and army reservists for a year of active military service. The Army Headquarter’s plan is to call up 59.409 Guardsmen immediately the Mobilisation Bill is enacted.