AMERICA ON THE HIGH SEAS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 303, 19 September 1941, Page 6

AMERICA ON THE HIGH SEAS

A further important development in United States maritime policy appears to be impending. Reports from Washington indicate that following upon President Roosevelt’s orders to the navy “to capture or destroy, by every means at their disposal,” Axis submarines and surface raiders encountered between the American continent and tire waters adjacent to Iceland, discussions are proceeding for the relaxing of the restrictions imposed under the Neutrality Act. upon American shipping which prevented American ships from plying in specified areas. The question appears to depend upon the extent to which the terras of the Act can be revised to enable this to.be done. As the President himself is reported to have initiated the discussions with the Congressional leaders, it is more than possible that this action will be taken. If it is, the possibility of the obvious corollary, a corresponding expansion of United States naval responsibility for- the safety of American shipping, presents itself. It is already apparent, if repoits are well-founded, that naval activities are not being confined to the North Atlantic sea lane between America and Iceland, but have been extended to the Pacific as well. The latest attacks by the enemy on shipping since the President issued his warning suggest that the German Government is prepared to take risks. ‘ lhe events of die past few days strongly indicate,” observes the Assistant-Secretary of the United States Navy, as reported, “that war may be forced upon us soon.” It will certainly be acceleiated if the proposal to open what are designated the “combat zones” to American shipping is adopted, for that would bring in widespread areas contiguous to various parts of the British Empire, thus solving many difficult problems of supplies for Britain and her Allies, to the corresponding disadvantage of the enemy.