AMERICAN NEUTRALITY

Evening Star, Issue 23377, 21 September 1939, Page 12

AMERICAN NEUTRALITY

THE REPEAL ISSUE A CONTENTIOUS SUBJECT WASHINGTON, September 20. (Received September 21, at 10 a.m.) Mr Lanclon, on arriving to confer with President Roosevelt, expressed the opinion that Congress should remain in I session continuously during the war in Europe, because “ the country has more confidence in legislative judgment than that of any single man.” He declined to comment on repeal of neutrality, but his associates said lie favours scrapping all limitations on the cash and carry sale of arms. He added that the definite conviction of his part of the country was: “ Wc will not get into war ” Mr Laiulon said there was strong mid-west sentiment for fash and carry exports to belligerents, but he declined to express an opinion whether arms should be included. Senator Nye said the amendments which the isolationists intended to offer tp any proposal for repeal of the arms embargo included a 20 to 2o per cent, surcharge on every purchase of arms by a war debtor, the proceeds being applied to interest arrears of British and French debts. AUSTRALIAN AIR UNIT OFFERED TO BRITISH GOVERNMENT CANBERRA, September 21. (Received September 21, at 11 a.m.) The Prime Minister announced in the House of Representatives that an Air Expeditionary Force, comprising four bomber and two fight squadrons, would he offered to the British Government for service overseas. These squadrons would operate as an Australian force, and would be ready to proceed overseas if circumstances permit before the end of the year. Mr Meuzies added that the despatch of this force would not reduce Australia’s air defence by a single aircraft and would leave ample personnel for the effective manning of the air fleet The Government had also considered sending a ground maintenance staff, but decision was deferred pending an inquiry into Australia’s needs. About 550 men are involved, comprising 150 pitots, 250 crew, and 150 administrative staff and specialists. If it is decided to send a ground staff the total force will be about 3,000. NEWS BY WIRELESS Although the German High Command claims that the Polish campaign is virtually ended, radio reports from Warsaw state that vigorous fighting is going on between tho Poles and ( the Germans. Several German divisions have been forced) to retreat in the face of attacks made by Polish cavalry. The Poles have captured many tanks, men, and equipment, and have brought down another German plane. Air raids on Warsaw continue.

Tho Japanese Foreign Office Spokesman, asked Japan’s attitude towards tho stoppage of Japanese vessels by British warships, replied that this was all right so long as tho laws of neutrality were strictly observed. So far there" had been only one case open to doubt, and that was the boarding of a Japanese liner at Port Said. The King received the Prime Alinister last night. The Prime Alinister remained with the King for some time.

Refugee trains reaching Hungary from Poland are filed with dead women and children who have been machinegunned by German forces while travelling. The European portion of the United States Fleet has received urgent instructions to leave its American bases and depart for Europe. It is surmised that the warships will act as convoys to ships bringing Americans back home. Warsaw butchers have been given instructions to slaughter horses, the meat to be distributed amongst civilians.

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