AMERICA'S SHtPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 16, 19 January 1940, Page 6

AMERICA'S SHtPS

PROBLEM OF IDLENESS

(From "The Post's'^ Representative.) NEW YORK, December 6.

American vessels, desirous of trading to the United Kingdom and- France, will not be permitted to fly the flag of the Republic of Panama. President Roosevelt has vetoed the Maritime . Commission's approval of the plan to _ transfer eight ships of ' the . United States' Lines, to Panama registry,' . The principal reason for this change of mind is that the Government would be reluctant to put a sister Latin American republic in a position different from its own, even if" that republic agreed. The Panama Government placed the matter beyond doubt by refusing to countenance the plan, in- •. dicatinff that it would conflict with its neutrality status. If the United States would not risk sending these vessels mo the war zone, Panama did hot wish to do so.

President Roosevelt, after xnaturt consideration, realised that, the proposal would be regarded, at home and abroad,, as a subterfuge to violate the spirit while " remaining within tha letter, of the amended neutrality law. L The President took some ,time to reach the decision* to prohibit, the action. German submarines have been reported at various points in Central American waters, and extraordinary precautions have, for some time past, been taken to protect the Panama Canal. Every vessel that passes through carries an American military and naval party during its passage through the locks. The canal is "swept" by huge nets, to detect any mines that may be dropped from vessels. ~ The United States now faces the problem, of 92 of its 326 ocean-going vessels being idle, with their crews of 13,000 officers and men. Congress will be asked to appropriate'funds as sub* sidies. To ameliorate unemployment, provision is being made to train 9000 officers and men, and to grant relief to the remainder. While undergoing training, seamen will be paid 36 dollars a month, as compared with 75 dollars they receive at sea; officers will receive 125 dollars a month. Clothing, quarters, subsistence, medical and dental care will be provided. The classe» will last for three months.' The plan hus already met opposition from both Siamen's urn""* nn the .Atlantic an* «ie Pacifi ' .