U.S. NEUTRALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1937, Page 7

U.S. NEUTRALITY.

AMERICAN POLICY

Adoption of Sweeping Scheme

Recommended.

PRESIDENT'S POWERS

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 21. The Foreign Relations Committee has recommended to the Senate the adoption of a permanent neutrality resolution providing for an embargo on arms and munitions as soon as the President proclaims that there is war or civil war anywhere in the world, also for the prohibition of loans to all belligerents.

American vessels would be prohibited from carrying goods likely to involve the United States in conflict; restrictions would be placed 011 the use of American ports by belligerents' submarines and armed merchantmen at the discretion of the President, and it would be unlawful for American citizens to travel in vessels or in aircraft belonging to belligerents.

American ships would be forbidden from carrying armaments of any kind beyond small arms, which the President might authorise officers to carry for disciplinary purposes.

The chan'tnaTi of the committee, Mr. K. Pittmun, in explaining the measure, said that every provision would simply permit the definite control of America's fV'ii citizens in an attempt to prevent them being killed liy unnecessarily going to places and committing certain acts.

DISCUSSING DEBTS.

AMERICA'S WAR LEGACIES

WASHINGTON, February 21

The Finance Committee recommended to the Senate the passage of a resolution to extend the President's powers in regard to reciprocal trade agreements. Mr. J. H. Lewis (Democrat, Illinois) thereupon introduced a motion to forbid the negotiation of such treaties with any nation in default of its debts to the United States.

This caused a flurry, and a debate followed on the general question of debts. Mr. J. T. Robinson (Democrat, Arkansas) promised that something substantial would be accomplished on the question within a year.

Mr. W. E. Borah (Republican, Idaho) replied that the entire programme needed reconsideration based on a reduction of debts.

Mr. Robinson denied that it was possible to forecast now what would be accomplished.