BAN ON AVIATION SPIRIT.

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23088, 2 August 1940, Page 9

BAN ON AVIATION SPIRIT.

ACTION BY UNITED STATES

JAPAN TAKES SERIOUS VIEW

(UNITED PRESS .ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.)

(Received August I, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, July 31

A ban on the export of American aviation spirit outside the Americas has been imposed by Mr Roosevelt, acting in the' interests of national security.

This has caused no surprise In Britain, lor it follows Mr Roosevelt’s explanation last Friday as to why oil and scrap had been added to the export licence schedule. 'The ban means that Britain, as well as Germany, Italy, and Japan, Will be barred from American supplies, but it is stated that Japan is the only substantial buyer of this commodity. Britain is still able to rely on other sources. The ban will become effective to-morrow, but will not apply to American-owned aircraft companies operating outside the country. The ban also prevents the resale of aviation spirit by non-Americans from a Western Hemisphere purchaser. Japanese Embassy sources indicated that Japan would view the ban senously. The United States Department of Commerce stated that in the last six months France bought 513,513 barrels of aviation spirit, the United Kingdom 504,106 barrels, and Japan 105.G67. 44 AN UNFRIENDLY ACT” VIEWS OF JAPANESE SPOKESMAN (Received August 2, 12.30 a.m.) TOKYO, August 1. The Navy’s spokesman (Mr Okuma), commenting on Mr Roosevelt’s ban on the sale of aviation spirit, said; “Irrespective of the pretext there is no doubt that it represents an anti-Japan-ese move designed to bring economic pressure to bear on Japan and constituting an unfriendly act. "If the United States continues on such lines, it is certain to cause international repercussions, although the United States may have "ully considered them.” Asked whether the ban might not be aimed at Italy and Germany, he replied; “Mr Roosevelt probably intended to kill two birds with one stone. It will not/ affect japan’s military operations.” LITTLE COMMENT IN BRITAIN STOCKS AVAILABLE FOR MANY MONTHS (Received August 1, 11 p.m.) LONDON, August 1. Little comment has so far been made in' London on the placing of a bah by the United Stales on the shipment of aviation spirit lb Europe and countries outside the Western Hemisphere, as it is considered in official circles that such a sfep would be in accordance with America’s latest policy to build Up her reserves of the most important commodities in case of emergency. , - - the “Daily Telegraph” says the ban will not seriously affect fn the first” eight months of the Wat America exported. 800,000 barrels, of which Britain took slightly less than 300.000 barrels.

The petroleum expert, Dr. Oscar Tokayer, said British stocks were Very high and the quantity of aviation petrol at present being consumed was comparatively stnaiL Stocks were available for many months, and all British requirements were easily obtainable in the Dutch West Indies.

which were how a British sphere of influence. A refinery for high-grade petrol was also being constructed in the Dutch East Indies. These .supplies could be bought with sterling, causing less strain on the Treasury than payments in dollars. The “Daily Telegraph” says Germany is ‘handicapped by her limited quantity of high-grade fuel, the Shortage of which is responsible for* the German fighters failing to attain their claimed speed. It adds that the ban affects Japan because she is almost entirely dependent oft American supplies. CZECH GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED CAIRO, July 31. Egypt has officially recognised the Cisech Government established iri London. ________________