Interim Lend-Lease

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 59, 7 September 1945, Page 7

Interim Lend-Lease

TRUMAN EXPLAINS

LONDON, September 6. President Truman, in a statement about plans for what he called "interim lend-lease," asked the United States Congress today for speedy action on his proposals to give America's allies an interim measure of assistance to tide them over the gap caused by the sudden ending of the wartime delivery plans. '' We wish to maintain the flow of supplies without interruption," he said. ''Accordingly, I have directed the executive agencies to complete their conversation! and studies at the earliest possible moment. I ask Congress for speedy consideration of these recommendations when they are made."

President Truman made this call in a 15,000 word message, in which he said, "In due time we must consider the settlement of lend-lease obligations incurred during,the war; We must recognise that it will not be possible for our allies to pay us dollars for the overwhelming portion of their lend-lease obligations, but that does not mean that all lend-lease obligations are to be cancelled." The President said the United States would seek to reach settlements which would permit, generally, a sound world-wide economy. As he put it, "we must turn from economic co-operation in war to economic cooperation in peace." He did not give details of his interim plans.

Lord Keynes tonight reported on his way to Washington from Ottawa for the talks on the end of lend-lease. The British delegation is to • include Lord Halifax, who is flying back to Washington this week from Britain.