PRESIDENTIAL POWER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21209, 4 September 1940, Page 7

PRESIDENTIAL POWER

NO RATIFICATION NECESSARY MR CHURCHILL’S ASSURANCE NO SCUTTLING OF FLEET (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrirfit) (Received Sept. 4, 1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 The Attorney-General, Mr Jackson, informed, the White House that the exchange of legal and Senate ratification is unnecessary. Mr Jackson advised the President: “The proposed arrangement may be concluded as an executive agreement, effective without ratification. There is presidential power to transfer the title and possession of the proposed considerations upon certification by appropriate staff officers.” Mr Jackson noted that during the Russian-Japanese War Germany permitted the sale of torpedo-boats. The State Department re- < vealed that Mr Churchill pledged I that the British Empire will never surrender or scuttle the British Fleet in the event of the British Isles being defeated. Mr Jackson based his opinion on two acts of Congress and on* Supreme Court decision. Mr Jackson also advised the President: “Specifically referring to the proposed agreement with Britain for the acquisition of bases it is my opinion that the Chief of Naval Operations may and should certify that the destroyers involved are not essential for United States defence if, in his judgment, the exchange of such destroyers for such naval air bases would strengthen, rather than impair, the United States total defence.”