SEEN AS A THREAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 81, 2 October 1940, Page 10

SEEN AS A THREAT

FORTS AT MARTINIQUE

HAVANA PACT INVOLVED

DECISION BY VICHY

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

(Received October 2, 11 a.m.)

WASHINGTON, October 1

It is stated! from official sources that any fortification of Martinique would be considered a direct threat to the defences of the Americas and would undoubtedly cause invocation of the Havana Convention.

The statement follows a report from Vichy that it is intended to strengthen the facilities for warships at Martinique. The French Ambassador, M. Henry. Haye, conferred with President Roosevelt concerning Martinique after which M. Haye said: "The plan to resume work on the defences of Fort de France is old and was prepared before the war. I am sure there is nothing important separating the United States and French viewpoints." M. Haye said that he had discussed cordially the relations between the United States and France but not the question of Indo-China. President Roosevelt told a group of General Staff officers from South America who are visiting the United States at the invitation of the United States General Staff that all the Americas must co-operate in the defence of the Western Hemisphere, one for all, and all for one. In the name of the visitors the Bolivian delegate replied that the visit was another link in the chain uniting the Americas. . , A message from Nassau says that a. United States naval mission is expected to reach the Bahamas tomorrow. j