Limitations Sought

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 10, 13 January 1941, Page 7

Limitations Sought

THREE MAIN POINTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

WASHINGTON, January 11.

Sentiment appears to be developing to impose limitations on the Aid to Britain Bill. Sentiment is crystallising; slowly, but indications point to the possibility that those in favour of modification and the Bill's outright opponents together may have sufficient votes to put in some restrictions.

The most discussed limitations are, first, a two-year limit to the President's authority to provide materials and repair ships for the democracies; secondly, continuance of the law that the army and navy chiefs must certify that present equipment is not essential to the United States' defence beforeits transfer; and, thirdly, a ban on outright gifts of war materials under the "indirect benefit clause."

Senator George foreshadowed a' Senate amendment to require "reasonable security" from Britain for arms and material. He said this did not necessarily mean money. "If we could have some interest in British tin and rubber production it would be good business for us," he added. He said he favoured without qualification the Bill's objectives. New England Republican leaders expressed approval of the Bill's objectives, but Senator Austin suggested a time limitation on the great powers given the President. The Democrat leaders in Congress, Senator A. W. Barkley and Mr. J. W. McCormack, said that under the Bill certificates for the disposal of war material from the Chief of Staff or the Navy Chief were not needed. Hitherto such disposal was limited by the law

requiring the defence chiefs to certify that any material sold must be "surplus." They said the President would have power to dispose of new material as well as equipment already in the hands of the army and navy. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. The President would not be required to make, public transactions involving shipment of war materials to friendly nations. A clause authorising the President to supply a friendly Power with military information would enable the disclosure of details of the navy and the secret bomb sight. The Bill did not authorise the use of American warships to deliver war materials to war areas. Supporters of the Administration praised the Bill as justified by the world emergency. Asked whether the Bill would permit Britain to base part of her fleet in United States harbours or air bases, Senator Barkley said: "I cannot give a categorical answer. The Bill is like Mother Hubbard—it covers everything and touches nothing." Senator Elbert Thomas said that Congress should repeal the ban on] United States shipping entering the combat zone. The House of Representatives Military Affairs Committee decided to demand that the Aid to Britain Bill be withdrawn from the Foreign Affairs Committee and referred to the Military Committee. The Speaker, Mr. Sam Rayburn, refused to comment on the inter-commit-tee squabble, but said there was "not one particle of doubt" that the Bill would be passed. SWEEPING POWERS. The Bill, which asks Congress to give the President sweeping powers to transfer American-made military equipment to Britain and the other warring democracies, authorises the President to determine whether the United States will accept repayment of the materials lent or leased in kind or property or "any other direct or indirect benefit" which he deems factoryMr. Roosevelt, ai, a conference with Pressmen, intimated that individual contracts would be negotiated, and that each might provide some specific means of repayment The terms of: the Bill appear to make this authority discretionary. Some official observers said that the President could even make gifts of material if he so desired. The President will ask for funds to finance the Bill, variously estimated at between 2,000,000,000 and 10,000,----000,000 dollars, after it is enacted. The Bill would prohibit foreign Governments from transferring their title to, or possession of, materials obtained to another Government without the President's consent. Mr. Roosevelt recognised the sweeping authority that would be vested in him. He told the Pressmen that he did not want it for himself, but said that someone must have such power to make democracy function in an emer« gency such as today. He side-step-ped an inquiry whether additional destroyers were involved, saying that they had not been requested by Britain. A warning that every week the proposal is debated meant delay in delivering vital materials to Britain was made by Mr. Roosevelt. LAG IN PRODUCTION. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Naval Committee, Mr. C. Vinson, who is investigating the lag in defence production, said that he was introducing legislation requiring industry to curtail commercial production where and when necessary and.speed up armament production. Mr. Vinson mentioned the possibility of converting the automotive industry almost entirely to the manufacture of aeroplane engines or parts. The Secretary of War, Mr. H. L. Stimson, has appointed a committee of seven leading engineers to advise on air-raid shelters, water supply, power, and other vital civilian installations in wartime/