The Waikato Times TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1941 MAJOR WAR DEVELOPMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21367, 11 March 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1941 MAJOR WAR DEVELOPMENT

Passage of the Aid-to-Britain Bill by the United States Congress is one of the major events of the war. Its immediate importance lies in the fact that war supplies valued at up to £260,000,000 will, at the discretion of the President and the chiefs of the services, at once become available to Britain. These supplies now lie in the stores of the United States forces and only the President’s sanction and the shipping space are required to move them into active service. One ship, one gun or one aeroplane available now will be more valuable than double the number at some future date. Because equipment is Britain’s greatest need, America’s action might well mark the beginning of an important new phase of the war. If Germany has a new submarine fleet the fact will probably be disclosed very soon.

If there was any disappointment at the volume of American assistance it should soon be removed. The flow of munitions under contract to Britain has been increasing steadily as the newly constructed or converted factories are coming into production. But the Aid-to-Britain Bill will make a vast pool of material available at once. By the time delivery has been taken of all that the United States is prepared to release from its own stocks the productive programme should be far advanced. Britain has no doubt arranged to provide shipping space as soon as the measure becomes effective. Allied forces in many spheres have been waiting anxiously for the conclusion of the long debate at Washington and the assurance that they will receive in due course the mechanised equipment that will facilitate their drive to victory.

If America’s decision has been hailed with rejoicing in all Allied countries, it must have had the reverse effect upon those peoples who have cast in their lot with the Axis. The last lingering hopes that Germany and Italy may have had that the opposition to the Bill would prevail at Washington have been dashed. Now the enemy is bound to take such counter-measures as may be open to him. In the coming months the Allies’ strength must be greatly increased, but before tne full effect of American aid is felt, Germany will probably attempt to deliver a decisive blow. Where will the attempt be made, and by what means ? There will perhaps be an all-round increase in the tempo of the war, possibly with emphasis upon the invasion of Britain and the attack on the British Mercantile Marine.

All eyes will again be turned to the Atlantic, because Germany must try either to prevent American arms reaching Britain or to render Britain incapable of using them should they arrive. But all American supplies are not destined for Britain itself. The Allies have armies in other theatres of war which constitute a grave menace to the Axis. And those armies can be extended indefinitely as soon as sufficient equipment is provided. The Royal Navy, which has already carried a heavy burden throughout the war, will have its responsibilities greatly increased in the coming months. Precious convoys will need protection and the enemy’s counter-measures must be met and defeated. Mechanised equipment is the secret of success on land in this war, and Britain’s hopes have been raised by America’s decision to help from its own defence resources.