AXIS MENACE TO U.S.A.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1941, Page 7

AXIS MENACE TO U.S.A.

ATLANTIC LITTLE BARRIER SECURITY DEPENDS ON BRITAIN MR. HULL’S PLAIN SPEAKING [BY CABLE. —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

(Recd. Jan. 16, 9.14 a.m.). WASHINGTON, January 15. Mr. Cordell Hull, before the House Foreign Committee, said the security of the Western Hemisphere renders it imperative that there be all possible speed in giving aid to the Democracios. “Germany could cross the English Channel in one hour, but for the fact that Britain is well armed, and is fighting every hour of the day to prevent the crossing,” he said. “If Britain were defeated, Germany could easily ■ cross the Atlantic, unless we are prepared to do what Britain is doing now. If Germany wins, the Atlantic will prove little barrier.” Mr. Hull said that Germany’s effort would first be directed against other parts of the Western Hemisphere, more vulnerable than the United States., He added that subversive forces in many nations were now being held in check, but the situation would change should Germany gain control of the seas. He condemned Germany’s effrontery and cynicism in demanding that should observe international law, while she violates it, and added: “The United States must not be deterred or diverted by threats, from giving aid to the victims of aggression.” Mr. Hull outlined the basis of American foreign policy as peace and order, international co-operation and equality, he said, but the “three nations, one after another made •it abundantly clear by word and deed, their determination to repudiate and destroy the foundation of the civilised world. These nations entered the path of armed conquest and subjugation of others, and tyrannical rule over their victims.” “The American people were more united on aid to Britain than on any other subject. For us to withhold aid to victims of aggression would not tend to .ensure peace, but tend to perpetuate enslavement, and allow the aggressors to gather strength for an attack against us.” He added that he regarded the LendLease Bill as absolutely necessary for defence.

NEUTRALITY RULES. Mr. Hull said the Bill superseded several provisions of the Neutrality Act, such as arming belligerent ships in American ports. He held that the Johnson Act was not affected, since it did not apply to the Government. He acknowledged that The Hague Convention, which was cited by the Germans, barred outfitting and arming of belligerent warships in American ports, but said: “The Convention is not applicable in the present war. because Article 28 provides it does not apply, unless all belligerents are parties. Germany and Italy are not parties. We are not dealing with an ordinary situation. It is idle for us to rely on rules of neutrality for safety. Nothing but a realistic view of the developments can be regarded as the sane view. It is necessary to recognise that Germany’s programme is a world movement of conquest, and to act in self-defence, before it is too late. Only the law of selfdefence can be invoked from any practical point of view. I could not in good conscience advise my fellowcitizens to follow the'suicidal course of Holland. Belgium and others, who followed the rules of neutrality, to their everlasting destruction.” He asserted that the proposed socalled “new order” in the Pacific means domination by. one country to the exclusion of the interests of other nations, and he declared that such a programme for the subjugation and exploitation of so many people by one nation was of the greatest con-

cern to the entire world. Mr Hull cited the United States’ efforts to “persuade Japan that her best interests lie in the development of friendly relations with the United States and other countries, believing in orderly peaceful processes among nations. We have, at no time, made any threats.” WARSHIP CONSTRUCTION (Recd. January 16, 12.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 15. Colonel Knox announced that the navy yards throughout the country are, being placed as fast as possible on a three-shift basis, to speed up warship construction. He said that most of the yards are already working a six-day 48-hour week. Some have started working three shifts. NAVY’S DEMAND. (Recd. January 16, 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 15. Rear-Admiral Robinson announced that the Navy is asking Congress foi' money to build 280 urgently needed submarine chasers, mine-sweepers, and motor torpedo-boats, most of which will be built this year at the Great Lakes.

FOREIGN ORGANISATIONS WASHINGTON, January 15. Mr. Jackson has disclosed that any organisations subject to foreign control which engage in political or military activity in the United States, will now be required to answer detailed questions concerning their finances, affiliations, activities, and organisational set-ups. The organisations must file a copy of every book and every pamphlet issued. MEXICO’S WARNING MEXICO CITY, January 15. The Mexican Foreign Minister, Senor Ezequiel Padilla, in a statement to the Press said: “Any aggression against any Pan-American country will be considered by Mexico as aggression against Mexico herself.” When the correspondent of the German Trans-Ocean Service asked him what action Mexico would take if the United States declared war, Senor Padilla replied: “I can’t say more.” BRITISH PURCHASES. ■■ ■ LONDON, January 15. -• Sir Clive Baillieu has been appointed to succeed Mr. Arthur Purvis as Director-General of the British Purchasing Commission in the United States. Changes in the British supply organisation in the United States have been made desirable because of the great increase in the volume of supplies going to Britain. A new committee, namely the British Supply Council in North America, has been established with Mr. Purvis as chairman and Mr. Morris Wilson, president of the Royal Bank of Canada, as deputy-chairman. The council will deal with policy concerning supply. Sir Clive Baillieu will be a member and other members will be Sir Henry Self, Director-General of the British Air Commission, and Vice-Admiral A. E. Evans, head of the Admiralty Mission in Canada. There , will be no alteration in the relations between the supply departments in Britain and the Department of Munitions and Supply in Canada, but in view of the close connection between the Canadian and the United States programmes, the Canadian Miniister for Munitions and Supply (Mr. |C. D. Howe) has agreed to join the Briitish Supply Council.