CONFIDENCE IN BRITAIN RESTORED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 7

CONFIDENCE IN BRITAIN RESTORED.

US. REACTION: Mr. Churchill's Action Is Applauded. " COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED." United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) WASHINGTON", July 4. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Key Piltmmi, said that Britain's seizure of portions of the French Fleet met with the wide approval of his colleagues and had restored confidence in the British war efforts.

"I am confident," he said, "that every member of the United States Senate applauds Mr. Churchill's course and applauds the wisdom and courage in preventing the use of the French Xavy by Hitler. It was the fear that this step would not be taken that shook some as to the power of British defence."

Senator King said: "Anything that strengthens Britain's hand strengthens ours. I had hoped that the French would hand over the fleet, but Britain was fully justified. Everybody who believes that Britain is fighting democracy's battles is glad that French sea power is now in Britain's hands."

The general feeling in naval circles is that Britain was completely justified. There was no comment officially made, but it was privately expressed that the action gives the greatest satisfaction. It is believed that smaller units will be moßt valuable for British coastal defence.