AMERICA DETERMINED ON SEA POLICY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 115, 17 May 1941, Page 9

AMERICA DETERMINED ON SEA POLICY

GUARD FREEDOM

Navy Strength Must Never

Decline

United Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. 11 a.m. WASHINGTON, May 16. President Roosevelt, at a Press conference to-day, declared that freedom of the seas was the historic American policy. Germany's proclamation that the Red Sea is a danger zone was a pointed reminder that twice previously the United States used warships to protect her commerce.

President Roosevelt, who declined to discuss hypothetical questions and to talk in glittering generalities, said that international conditions were too serious for him to interpret or to comment further on the implications of his appeal to the French people not to collaborate with Germany.

He dismissed as too hypothetical a barrage of questions, including the following, "Is there likely to be a change in the status of Martinique?" "Will Admiral Leahy, American Ambassador to the Vichy Government, be recalled to report to Washington?" and "Would any additional steps be taken in the French situation?"

U.S. Must Strengthen Navy

Colonel Frank Knox, Secretary for the Navy, addressing a graduating class at the Naval Newport, to-dcty, said, "We intend to maintain the right of ever improving the lot of the common man, even though we waste our substance on wars defending its maintenance. Even when Germany is defeated there may be another Hitler 20 years hence if the world again relinquishes its policing power.

"The war of 1914-1918 was not a war to end war, and it is foolish to suppose that this one will be any different. It is the responsibility of all of us to see that in the future our navy is never allowed to decline."

In an interview Colonel Knox was asked whether selective service of men would be used in expanding the navy's manpower. He replied, "We cannot make sailors in a single year but if the emergency or need arises we will use them."

Asked if he would insure the delivery of materials to Britain his answer was a definite "Yes." To the question, "What would the method of insurance be," he replied "Use your head. In the last war there was only one menace—the submarine. This time there are three—the submarine, the surface raider, and the aeroplane."

The Navy Department has ana SIX we eks' drive to recruit 35,000 men needed for the new warstlps j "'hieh at 'e being completed ahead of schedule.. The age limit for reservists has been raised to 50 The total of the navy personnel is at presfent 227,000. The battleship Washington, 35,000 tons, has been commissioned, raising America's battleship strength to 17. The vessel was completed six months ahead of schedule. The Washington cost 75,000,000 dollars. Normandie Crew Welcomes Coastguards The number of French ships seized at present totals 13. In maritime circles it is said the crews are mostly secret de Gaulleists and are delighted at the possibility that the vessels may be put into service against Germany. The crew of the Normandie welcomed coastguardmen and toasted President Roosevelt in champagne.

A message from Washington states that Mr. Cordell Hull, in a speech to the Pan-American Union, said: "The present effort to build up world mastery *by force will be defeated within a reasonable time, just as all other such efforts in history have collapsed, although we shall first have to pass through hardship and sacrifice.''