AID FROM AMERICA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 60, 20 December 1940, Page 3

AID FROM AMERICA

ACTION UNDER NEW PLAN.

MORE MATERIALS ORDERED.

(United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, December 19.

It is reported that active steps are already being taken in the United States to help Britain under the plan which Mr Roosevelt has announced. The “New York Times” says Britain has been advised to place additional orders totalling 3,000,000,000 dollars on assurances’ that credit will be forthcoming ■when it is needed. It is understood the advice came from Mr Roosevelt. , One estimate is that Mr Roosevelt s plan will add 2,500,000,000 dollars to the 15,000,000,000 dollars at present authorised to be appropriated for defence. This is additional to supplies for which Britain has already contracted.

Public opinion in Britain has been deeply stirred and encouraged by the bold sweeping changes in the American attitude toward Britain, as shown in Mr Roosevelt’s announcement when he indicated that American resources would be at the service of the British Government.

His forthright statement has created the greatest interest in authoritative circles in Londqji, where it is felt that the President has gained ground by pointing out that the fundamental problem is not one of dollars, but of actual munitions, and that it is in America’s interest to find ways of putting into Britain’s hands the necessary means of hastening the conclusion of the war. ‘ <

The statement is believed to have put the whole question on a realistic basis.

American comment on 'Mr Roosevelt’s proposals is summed up by the New York “Herald-Tribune,” which states: “The President has cut through to the heart of the business. We must continue to. supply Britain whether she pays or not. When she no longer pays we can either give or lend.” Another report, which comes from , Washington, is that the United States is considering taking over 37 Danish vessels now in American ports, it is expected that they would be made available to Britain.

The question has been under discussion for a fortnight between the Maritime Commission, the Treasury, and the Navy, It is understood that legal authority for the seizure of the ships is the stumbling block, for which reason Congress may be asked for the necessary legislation. Mr Roosevelt’s plan for assistance to Britain involves 2,500,000,000 dollars or £625,000,000 for munitions, tanks, and guns.

In the meantime, it is reported from Washington that British companies have bought from the Maritime Commission 16 old American merchant ships ioalling 147,526 tons, at a cost of 3,295,800 dollars.

The Secretary for State (Mr Cordell Hull) disclosed that he has been urging the placing of industrial war production on, as nearly as possible, a ■war-time basis. He said this" completely harmonised with Mr Roosevelt’s proposal for leasing United States supplies to Britain.

Leaders' of the Administration predicted that legislation would be sought early in 1941 to implement Mr Roosevelt’s plan.