BLOW AT HITLER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 7

BLOW AT HITLER

DESTROYERS FOR BASES ANGLO-AMERICAN PACT EPOCH-MAKING EVENT (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 5, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 4 The press hails the epoch-making agreement between Britain and the United States a blow dealt at Hitler’s hopes of world domination, which no amount of modesty will enable him to conceal. Typical of the universal welcome accorded in the press comment is an editorial in the Times, which declared: “This is the most conspicuous demonstration yet given of the general American desire to affirm the utmost help compatible with neutrality to a cause now recognised as vital to the future of the United States. Remarking that it is desirable to state clearly just what is and what is not included in the bargain the Times continues: “The temporary occupation of certain land and certain territorial waters is being conceded in return for a number of ships. “There is not, and never has been and never could be, any question of the exchange of British subjects for munitions of war. The British Empire is not for sale, nor does the United States buy citizens. “There is no transfer of sovereignty any more than there is when a West Indian landlord leases a house to an American tourist for the holiday season.” Anglo-American Unity The Manchester Guardian describes the agreement as one of the most important events in the history of the two countries.

The Daily Mail says: “This is great news—among the best of the war. The release of this formidable force of destroyers is the latest sign of the mounting tide of American sentiment in favour of Britain.”