DESTROYERS FOR BRITAIN
There has never been any doubt about where the sympathies of the United States of America have lain during the progress of the present conflict between democracy and dictatorship, but the agreement announced yesterday between America and Britain is the most striking proof of the great republic’s attitude that has yet been given. Following hard on the heels of the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Canada to establish a joint defence board, it places Amercia more definitely in the class of nations opposed to aggression, because it builds up the defence forces of the nation that is fighting aggression.
With Britain meeting one heavy blow after another as Norway, Holland, Belgium and finally France came under the domination of the might of the German army, the aid in materials from America has been forthcoming more swiftly, and this has helped tremendously to strengthen the sole remaining defender of liberty and democracy to carry on the struggle. The bitterest of many hard blows taken by Britain was the intention of the disposal, by Petain’s Government, of the French Fleet to the enemy and, although the Royal Navy prevented this, it meant a loss in strength in patrol vessels. The freedom of the seven seas has nevertheless been maintained, but America’s latest aid will ensure even greater control of the lines of communications between the main theatre of war and Britain’s many possessions.
It is true that the exchange will also materially benefit the defence system of the United States, but this will be an added advantage to Britain, with her many overseas possessions. The man chiefly responsible for the agreement is, perhaps, President Roosevelt. With the elections only two months away the President must be fairly certain of his people’s reactions. If he is not right he has done an extremely courageous thing. If he is right, Britain can expect even more valuable and timely help as the need arises.
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Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 6
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326DESTROYERS FOR BRITAIN Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 6
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