FINANCIAL AID TO BRITAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 December 1940, Page 7

FINANCIAL AID TO BRITAIN

MR. ROOSEVELT’S SUPPORT

HUGE AMOUNT SUGGESTED

[by CABLE. PRESS ASSN. COPYRIGHT.]

NEW YORK, December 16.

The Washington correspondent of ■ the New York “Daily News” says it is ’ strongly indicated that Mr Roosevelt will ask Congress to underwrite British purchases to the extent possibly of one billion dollars a year. It is believed that Mr Roosevelt favors a gift or an exchange for bases instead of loans. . The British Official Press Service, commenting on Britain’s application for financial aid from the United States, says: “The whole question is pne of ‘dollar exchange. Aeroplanes, ships, munitions, and other materials jwill be needed at a'constantly increasing pace and the British Government is anxious to make as full use as possible of the vast resources of the United States.” The chairman of the United States Foreign Affairs Committee (Mr. Sol Bloom) to-day urged the speeding up of the elimination of all obstacles in the rendering of help to Britain. He advocated the repeal of the Neutrality Act to permit United States ships to carry supplies to Britain. In the meantime, President Roosevelt has announced his intention of consulting with Mr. Cordell Hull when he gets back to Washington from the Caribbean. He intends considering the submission of a Bill to Congress repealing the Johnson Act.

THE BRITISH CASE.

RUGBY, December 17.

It is reported from Washington that a formal application for financial assistance, which will not necessarily take the form of a loan, has been made by a British Treasury official, Sir Frederick Phillips, in the course of consultations he* has been conducting at Washington with the appropriate United States officials.’ The whole question, it is pointed out in British official circles, is one of dollar exchange. The question is not isolated and independent. It fellows directly from. Britain’s need of aeroplanes, ships, munitions, and other material, which Britain must buy in the United States, for the successful prosecution of the war. Such supplies will be needed at a con-stantly-increasing pace, and the British Government is naturally anxious to make as full use as possible of the vast resources of the United States.

ORDERS MAY BE STOPPED. WASHINGTON, December. .17. ’ Mr. Morgenthau stated British Treasury officials had said that Britain cannot order any. more wor supplies from the United States, unless financial aid is assured. Mr. Hull stated that on the basis of full information of foreign developments, including the British situation, he was urging all possible speed in defence production. Personally, he favoured making the maximum number of United States merchant ships available for sale to Britain. CRISIS IN SPRING. . NEW YORK, December 17. The Associated Press Washington has learned that the i shipping situation is being examined 1 to determine whether additional meri chant shipping can be made available tfor rushing supplies to Britain. | Mr. Hull is reported to have told the Commissioners and other members of the Government that Bni tain will probably face a serious crisis jin the Spring, unless delivery schedules are speeded up. LONDON AMERICAN’S APPEAL

(Recd. December 18, 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, December 17.

Democracy in Britain is neither dead, dying, nor decadent, declared the United States General, W. H. Hayes, opening the American Eagle Club, London. The sensibilities of the people of America are dull beyond comprehension, if they fail to contribute everything to the Allies. The Americans here had a ringside view of the greatest crisis the civilised world has ever faced, and had seen the British display indomitable spirit. MR LLOYD GEORGE. LONDON, December 17. Mr Lloyd George called on the Prime Minister (Mr Churchill) at No. 10 Downing Street. He remained with Mr Churchill for some time. (Recd. December 18. 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, December 17. There are persistent reports that the Government has asked Mr. Lloyd George to become the new Ambassador to Washington.»

NEW AMBASSADOR.

(Recd. Dec. 18, 9.5 a.m.). WASHINGTON, December 17.

It is reliably stated that Mr. Roosevelt is considering Mr. Norman Armour,'now Ambassador to the Argentine, as Mr. Kennedy’s successor at London. It is believed that Mr. Armour’s name has already been submit-, ted to the British Foreign Office.

MR. ROOSEVELT’S RE-ELECTION

WASHINGTON, December 16.

The Presidential electors met today in various State capitals and cast ballots electing Mr. Roosevelt President for his third term. The vote was: Mr. Roosevelt 449, Mr. Wendell Willki,e 82. /The votes will be submitted to the new Congress on January 6, when Mr. Roosevelt will'formally be declared the winner.