LAND AND AIR WEAPONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 139, 13 June 1940, Page 10

LAND AND AIR WEAPONS

FIGURES GIVEN

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

(Received June 13, noon.)

WASHINGTON, June 12.

Another 80 Northrop bombers have been released for sale to the Allies. The total of army and navy planes destined for the Allies is now 263.

The President's secretary, Mr. Stephen Early, announced that the army's reserve manufacturing equipment would be turned over to private enterprise for immediate production of sizable quantities of smokeless powder, ammonia, small "arms, and ammunition.

Mr. Early added that the War' Department had reported that excellent progress was being made in the surveying of material and supplies so that the surplus could be declared. These materials would be turned over to a subsidiary company for sale, to the Allies.

The Army has disclosed that between 5,000,000 dollars and 10,000,000 dollars worth of technical equipment has been turned over. It is learned that the Allies sought to buy outright, but the army preferred to sell to private manufacturers to expedite production on both American and foreign orders. It is authoritatively stated that the Allies have already bought 800 75's. 600,000 Enfield rifles, and quantities of machine-guns, mortars, and munitions. A spokesman of the Defence Commission said that Mr. Edsel Ford had discussed the mass production of engines rather than aircraft. The House has completed action on the Vinson Bill, which authorises an 11 per cent, expansion of the navy and also the fortification of Guam, and sent it to President Roosevelt.