NOT PREPARED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 156, 3 July 1940, Page 7

NOT PREPARED.

U.S.A.'S EMERGENCY.

Transfer Of Bombers And

Munitions Favoured.

ATTITUDE OF COLONEL KNOX

United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 12.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 2. Senator D. I. Walsh, chairman of the Senate's Naval Affairs Committee, stated that naval officers have informed the committee that the United States could not successfully wage war to prevent Japan taking the Dutch East Indies. Replying to this statement, Colonel Charles Knox, Secretary of the Navy, said: "Then we had better not make any threats." Explaining his position, that of aiding the Allies by all means short of war, Colonel Knox said this did not include collective security with Britain. "It is selfish security, and is not done out of love for Britain. I am arguing for aid short of war for the British. That might mean a British victory, but at any rate it will give us time to prepare for any possible emergency. Our emergency is that we are not prepared,"

Colonel Knox added that he favoured giving the Allies implements of defence not essential for United States' protection, or replaceable within three months.

He specifically favoured the transfer of dive-bombers, because they were rapidly growing obsolete. He believed the American dive-bomber was faster and more efficient than the German machine.

It would have been wise to transfer to Britain some of the 111 destroyers the United States had placed out of commission, but in no circumstances would he favour stripping the United States defences, even if refusal to sell meant the defeat of Britain. Against Armed Intervention. Refuting charges that he was an advocate of armed intervention, Colonel Knox read an excerpt of a speech he had made on October 24, in which he had emphasised his belief that the United States should not participate actively in a world war, but supported a two-ocean Navy. Senator Walsh asked whether he had ever publicly or privately advocated military aid for the Allies. Colonel Knox: No. Never. He added that he was offered the Navy Secretaryship last December, when he told President Roosevelt that he did not see any pressing reason to enter Cabinet, but offered his services if the situation became grave. Replying to Senator R. D. Holt (Democrat), Colonel Knox said he advocated a strong policy in the Far East, but would hesitate to apply it at present, as it would be unwise to participate in a war in both oceans just now. If the British collapse the United States might face a serious situation in the Atlantic. Replying to Senator Holt's question whether the vital interests of the nation wero in the scales, Colonel Knox said: "The Allies' victory vitally concerns the United States, but if you mean vital intesests to the extent of our going to war on the side of the Allies—Xo."