SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 23865, 21 April 1941, Page 3

SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

THE CONVOY PROBLEM U.S. SENATOR'S ALLEGATION REFUTED WASHINGTON, April 19. Senator Tobey, in the Senate to-day, asserted that he had received reliable information that the Administration authorised convoying of merchant vessels by the United States Navy a month ago. He said the information came from within the Maritime Commission, and he partly based his assertion on second-hand and even third-hand information from unidentified persons. The Administration leader. Senator Barkley, told the Senate to-day that the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, authorised him to say that American warships had not convoyed munitions ships and such convoys had not been authorised. Senator Barkley said: “ I conferred With Colonel Knox and Admiral Stark this morning, and they unequivocally and emphatically authorised me to say that not a single ship, American or foreign, carrying munitions has been convoyed from one place to another, and no authority has been given for such convoys.” BACK-STAIRS GOSSIP.” Senator Barkley continued: “I believe the statements of Colonel Knox and Admiral Stark are entitled to credit over rumours and the back-stairs gossip of unidentified people who write letters or repeat a statement by an unidentified officer that the President, in ■spite of his solemn oath of office, has broken his word and convoyed ships without the consent .of the American people. I suppose there are people who do not give full faith and credit to the statements of public officers, including the President, but the great majority of the American people have faith in President Roosevelt’s pledged word. I do not believe a responsible person renders a public service by casting suspicion on the President.”

Senator Gillette suggested to-day seamen of the nations to whom the United Staes is sending war supplies might be permitted to man United States warships for convoy purposes. He said he believed that American sentiment now was willing to accept actual convoy protection, and added: “Many persons think it is imperative to use American shipping to get supplies across the ocean, and it would be criminal to allow ships to go unprotected.” The Maritime Commission announced the award of 364,800,000 dollars worth of contracts for the construction of 184 ships, 112 of which will be handed over to Britain.