U.S.A. ANXIETY

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1940, Page 8

U.S.A. ANXIETY

Export of Planes MAY HAMPER HOME DEFENCE. TALK OF RAISING PRICE. I Aust. •& N.Z. Cable Assn. J (Received March 14 7.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 13. There is a controversy regarding Allied purchases of U.S. aeroplanes now growing. A House of Representatives’ Subcommittee have ordered an inquiry as to whether these purchases are proceeding to a point that is hampering the United States Defence programme. The committee have called on Secretary Woodring and General Marshall to testify. There has also been a demand for a similar investigation made in the Senate by Senator La Follette. Meanwhile, President Roosevelt and members of a special Inter-De-partmental co-ordinating committee have reviewed the aircraft situation, and particularly as to the extent to which foreign orders are increasing American aircraft plant capacity. They also are considering the question of price increases for planes. Some predict increases. Senator Barkley defended the Allied purchases as contributing to production and employment. The Under-Secretary for War, Mr. Johnson, has denied that, thus far, there has been any side-tracking of United States military orders.