DEFENCE OUTLAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20262, 1 June 1940, Page 8

DEFENCE OUTLAY

ROOSEVELT CALL HUGE SUMS NEEDED LESSON IN EUROPE TRAINING IN PEACE PREPARATION FOR WAR (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (Reed. Juno L 1 p.m.L. .. . WASHINGTON, May 31.. President Roosevelt lias asked Congress to increase, the defence spending by .approximately.. £1,250,000,000 be cause of the "possibility that the American continent may be involved in a world-wide war, ’’ .and also authority to call for active service such members of the National Guard as are necessary to maintain the neutrality of the national defence. It is urged that while the possibility 'exists that , not one of the two continent's but all may be involved in a woHd-wide war, reasonable precaution demands that., the American .defences ,be |made more certain. The almost incredible eveht'S in, tl.ie past fortnight in the European conflict, particularly as a result of the use of..aviation and mechanised equipment, with, the. possible consequences of further developments, necessitate another enlargement of . the United States military programme.

"The most obvious lesson of the present war is the value of the speed factor.” said President Roosevelt. "There is. definite danger in waiting, .to order equipment and training after war begins. Therefore .1 suggest, the speedy enlargement of the programme for equipping and. training in the light of the defence needs. Over £250,000,000

“The problem of defending national institutions and territorial integrity is no longer one lor men equipped simply with indomitable determination. Modern requires, determination’: supported by. highly-developed, machinery of industrial and productive capacity.” , . jytr. Roosevelt did not specify the exact figure.for the added programme, but said it would be over £2.50,000,000. It is understood ft will actually approximate £300,000,000. of which the anjiy's share will be £175,000,000, the navy’s £75,000,000', and the youth training'scheme £62,500,00(3. . , Mr. Roosevelt divided his request? into, firstly, the acquisition Of critical material .such .as guns, tanks and planes; secondly, .additional facilities to enable mass production of weapons: thirdly,, authorisation .to call up the National Guard reserves for training; fourthly, the training of specialists to handle technical non - combatant machines behind the lines. gravity, of the situation indicates that action sliofild be taken without delay,” concluded Mr Roosevelt.