BRITAIN AND U.S.A. HOLD WHIP OVER AXIS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 169, 19 July 1941, Page 8

BRITAIN AND U.S.A. HOLD WHIP OVER AXIS

WAR SUPPLIES

America's Vast Programme

Of New Ships

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LONDON, July 18

"To all those throughout the world who are wondering what will be the outcome, I say this war cannot be lost," declared Mr. Harry Hopkins, President Roosevelt's envoy, in an interview with British journalists at the American Embassy.

"America's production is increasing every month, will continue to increase, and will be far more extensive than anybody realises," continued Mr. Hopkins. "The whole productive effort of Britain and America must be directed to providing munitions sufficient to overwhelm the dictatorship. We have got the whip hand over this fellow. I am convinced that the British Empire, the United States and the other countries which are still free can make larger quantities of mechanised equipment than Germany.

"I have come to discuss the whole problem of supplies for the United Kingdom and Middle East. That includes anything you can mention, including munitions, food and shipping requirements.

6,000,000 Tons of Shipping

"The United States is launching the biggest shipbuilding programme ever undertaken by any country. We are going to build enough ships to bring fbods to the United Kingdom, and, indeed, to every country where democracy is fighting Hitler.

"I am not giving secrets away when I say the United States will complete 1,000,000 tons of new shipping in 1941, 6,000,000 in 1942, and even more in 1943. Six millions will be 2,000,000 above the last war's peak.

"The United States production of planes is rapidly increasing, especially of the giant four-engined bombers, which will reach the easternmost parts of Germany and knock out factories and sources of supply.".

Mr. Hopkins Attends Cabinet

Mr. Hopkins, supervisor of the Lease-or-Lend programme of American aid to Britain, who arrived in England on Thursday, made the journey from America in a bomber forming one of a fleet, all of which arrivea safely. Immediately on arrival Mr. Hopkins visited Mr. Churchill and subsequently attended a meeting of the Cabinet.

The Daily Telegraph'' says this was the first time anyone not a British subject ever attended an ordinary meeting of the Cabinet. "It shows how close and intimate are the relations now existing between Britain and America," the "Telegraph" adds.

Mr. Hopkins, at a Press conference to-day, said that he would stay in Britain for a week or 10 days to discuss problems about supplies to the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

The United States this year, he stated, would build 1,000,000 tons of shipping and next year the tonnage would be considerably higher.

Asked if the United States would convoy supplies to Britain, Mr. Hopkins replied: "The President said our goods are going to arrive. All I can say is that we are going to do it."