AFRICA AND THE WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4054, 10 May 1917, Page 3

AFRICA AND THE WAR.

PLANS BEYOND BELIEF

Mr E. Marshall, a woll-known American journalist and publicist, interviewed by the Central News representative regarding the war between the I United States and Germany, said he rejoiced at the decision of President Wilson. "I admit," he said, "that America is not a military Power, but she is far more potent in man-fighting force than most people on this side of the Atlantic think. ■ Her navy is of splendid personnel, and should be of great and instantaneous value. Regarding the sending of men and munitions to Europe, I know the problem of the transport is a difficult one, but Great Britain has brought her fighters from all parts of her Dominions, defying the submarine. German submarines will be of no greater menace to troopships in the future than in the past. On the other hand, I am convinced that the menace will be less. It must always be remembered that the United States is a great financial and manufacturing Power. I am not giving away State secrets when I say that I know definitely that plans for mobilisation have already been perfected. America's capability for producing food and munitions for export to the war zone under a scheme which has been prepared by the greatest experts in the country, and placed before the American Government, is beyond belief. There is nothing to touch it in the whole of Europe. If the United States finds it necessary to send men to the European war zone she is in a position to send thousands and thousands of well-trained and perfectly-equipped soldiers. Although America has not been regarded as one of the world's great shipbuilding nations, her shipbuilding yards will come under the scheme of mobilisation, so that if need arise she can build vessels very much faster than Germany had sunk ships in the past. Then there is another point, and I speak of it with a good deal of hesitation. Already American inventive genius has been organised and mobilised both for purposes of defence and offence. Only a few months ago Mr Edison told me there was no reason why a vessel on the high seas should not be warned mechanically and automatically of the approach of a submarine."