BLOW TO HITLER

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 58, 5 September 1940, Page 11

BLOW TO HITLER

EXCHANGE WITH U.S.

WELCOMED IN BRITAIN

EFFECT OF BARGAIN

NO SALE OF CITIZENS

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received September 5, 10 a.m.)

RUGBY, September 4. The Press hails the epoch-making I agreement between Britain and the United States for the exchange of 50! "over-age" destroyers for strategic bases as a blow dealt at Hitler's! hopes of world domination which no amount of modesty will enable him to conceal. Typical of the universal welcome accorded by the Press comment was an editorial in "The Times," which declared: "This is the most conspicuous demonstration yet given of the general American desire to afford the utmost help compatible with neutrality to the cause which is now recognised as vital to the future of the United States." Remarking that it is desirable to state quite clearly just what is and what is not included in the bargain, "The Times" continues: "Temporary occupation of certain land and certain territorial waters is being conceded in return for a number of ships. There is not, never has been, and never could Ibe any question of an exchange of Bri-; tish subjects for munitions of war. The! British Empire is not for sale, nor does! the United States buy citizens. There is no transfer of sovereignty any more j than there is when a West Indian landlord leases his house to an American tourist for the holiday season."

1 The "Manchester Guardiari" describes the agreement as one of the most important events in the history of the two countries.

The "Daily Mail" says: "This is great news __ amO ng the best of the war. The release of this formidable force of destroyers is the latest sign of the mounting tide of American sentiment in favour of Britain."