GRAVE SITUATION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21188, 10 August 1940, Page 8

GRAVE SITUATION

DEFENCE OF AMERICA STATEMENT BY MR ROOSEVELT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 10, 11 .am.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 President Roosevelt stated it was a hundred to one chance against National Guardsmen or American regulars being assigned to active service outside the United States or its possessions. Under the National Guard Mobilisation Bill the President has power to assign them to any part of the Western Hemisphere. Mr Roosevelt said he is meeting Mr Donovan and Colonel Knox, Secretary to the Navy, tomorrow at Portsmouth during his tour of the north eastern defences. He declined to comment on Mr Donovan’s mission to England, and said he would hear Mr Donovan’s report. Mr Roosevelt emphasised the gravity with which he viewed the situation, saying that his tour of the defences would not be allowed to take him over twelve or fourteen hours’ train distance from Washington. Asked whether the British withdrawal from China would effect the Far East policy of the United States, Mr Roosevelt replied that he had not the faintest idea. Shortage of Planes Mr H. Stimson told the Congressional Tax Committee that the War Department had been able to sign contracts only for 33 war planes, although moneys had been available for seven weeks to construct 4000 machines. He said the chief stumbling block was the lack of a satisfactory amortisation programme, whereby manufacturers would receive tax concessions to repay them for the expenses necessary for plant expansion. He added that difficulty had been encountered throughout the arms industry. He denied that manufacturers were not co-operating.