The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1941 AMERICAN WAR SUPPLIES

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13463, 9 October 1941, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1941 AMERICAN WAR SUPPLIES

The passing of the Lend ami Lease Act by the American Cma master stroke and >o were the measure, taken tor the defence of the United States and the South American Republics. Had this latter not been taken the United States would have been into the war by aggressive acts by Germain as was the ease in the last Great War. Througn the Lend and Lease Act tne United States is enabling Britain and her Allies to confine the war to the European zone, and thus keen America out ot the war. \ll this shows considerable foresight and real statesmanship Through the Lend and Lease Act, America has been converted into an arsenal for the democracies, and a very erreetive arsenal it is. The United States is giving effective aid to Britain and her Dominions to Russia, and to China, because these nations are fighting the aggressors who seek to destroy the democratic life and freedom of the nations. . Thus America is in the war without declaring war. Germany. ltalv and Japan have a multitude of reasons for declaring war on the United States had they desired to do .so. and that they have not declared war shows that they are somewhat afraid of America. The United States also has very good reasons for declaring war on Germanv. for at least three vessels owned by Americans have fallen victims to U-boat torpedoes. Now it is proposed that Congress shduld repeal the Neutrality Act in which case American vessels would be free to enter the war zone, which they cannot do now If the Act is repealed and American vessels enter the war zone that would increase the risk of destruction by German U-boats \o doubt American warships which have been instructed to shoot on sight will act as convoy, but that would only aggravate the position for an American warship would be liable to attack. The United States appears to be facing the risk of war somewhat cheerfully, probably because the Administration is conscious that the armed forces of the country are sufficiently well organised now to deal with the German menace. If for any reason the United States are forced into the war it would be perilous tor the Axis Powers, who would have very little chance of surviving with three great nations like Britain. Russia and the United States opposed to them. New Zealand is to take advantage of the Lend and Lease Act, and our Government is applying for certain goods strictly for war needs, and these goods are steel and its products and a few other commodities. The goods will be sent to the government and the government will see that the commodities are used strictly for war purposes. This procedure is very necessary, otherwise the goods could be used for other purposes which would be very wrong. The British Government has taken ample precautions to prevent American war supplies from falling into private hands, and the same thing is necessary here. We must not abuse this wonderful kindness on the part of the American government, although some people may consider that America is insuring herself against attack. and Lease Act marks a departure in American policy on foreign relations.