The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1941 “TURNING POINT IN HISTORY”

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21370, 14 March 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1941 “TURNING POINT IN HISTORY”

How far American opinion has moved in favour of united defence by the democracies against the tide of Hitlerism was strikingly demonstrated in the last stages of the “ Lend or Lease ” legislation at Washington. The final vote of 317 to 71 in favour of the measure in the House of Representatives alone was sufficient indication of the widespread support for the policy of assisting Britain. Equally important was the attitude of some of those who had opposed the Bill in promising that now the majority had decided, prompt execution of the policy was necessary and wise. Thus it is evident that many of those who voted against the Bill will assist in the implementation of the legislation. Mr Martin, the floor leader, who had been a prominent opponent of the Bill, received applause from all sides of the House when he made a notable statement which probably expresses the opinion of many other members. “ I feared the bill would bring us nearer to war,” he said, “ but the majority of both branches of Congress have decided otherwise. I realise that. Congress having determined to follow the policy set forth in the Bill, it is the part of wisdom to act quickly. We have taken a step unparalleled in American history. All of us pray fervently that the decision is a wise one and that it will preserve peace and security for our country.” His objection was against giving such far-reaching powers to the President rather than against giving aid to Britain. But now the die is cast he is too good an American to interfere with the policy adopted by the majority. Such an overwhelming majority will give Mr Roosevelt confidence to proceed with his programme, which had already been advanced as far as was possible without legislative sanction. It is now only a matter of days when the steady flow of assistance from current production will be expanded suddenly from the stocks of the United States’ forces. It is not to be supposed, however, that there will be no difficulty about the manufacture and delivery of the materials required by Britain. German agents and “ fifth column ” saboteurs throughout the country are already active. Numerous strikes and threats of strikes have appeared. The Dies Committee, which is investigating un-American activities, declared that a New York bus strike was a “ preview of a Communist-inspired attempt to plunge the country into chaos.” Why American Communists should be anxious to assist the Germans is a puzzle, even though Communist Russia is an ally of Germany. Germany’s agents work in devious ways, however, and they will probably present the United States with a problem of some magnitude. Germany will try desperately to impede the flow of American arms by every means at her disposal, for she realises as well as any other Power that America’s decision to back Britain is an event of outstanding importance and calculated to strike a deadly blow at any hope the Axis had of winning the war. The “ Lend or Lease ” Bill has been described as a turning point in the world’s history, and Hitler is not likely to accept it without an effort to provide a counter. Sabotage at the source of Britain’s supply will be one move. Attacks on convoys carrying the goods to Britain will be another. If these fail Hitler may be forced to make his last desperate bid for victory. If this fails, and it will fail, the world will be rid of an intolerable evil.