AMERICA AND WAR

Grey River Argus, 20 August 1940, Page 5

AMERICA AND WAR

DIPLOMAT’S WARNING To Act Now [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] PHILADELPHIA, August 18. Mr Bullitt, in a speech, said: The United States stands in peril of a Nazi attack to-day just as’ great as France did last year. Unless she acts decisively ,she will be too late. He said the words “Atlantic Ocean” were in danger of proving a soothing IjUllaby of death, like the words “Maginot Line” did for France, if the British fleet were defeated. He urged Americans to heed the advice of Genera! Pershing, Admiral Standley and others, advocating conscription and th e trar.sfer of destroyers to Britain. He said that the arguments over aircraft policy in Franc e once resulted in Franc e producing only thirtyseven plane s monthly compared with Germany’s thousand. He said that French Communists acted as spies and agents for th e Dictators. America’s Warning ABOUT REFUGEE SHIP. (Received August 19, 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 19. The United States, in a tersely worded note, formally notified Germany that it “expects that the United States army transport, ‘American • egion,’ homeward bound from Petsamo with 897 refugees,” will suffer no molestation from the German armed forces.” CONTENTS OF NOTE. (Received August 19, 10.30 p.m.). WASHINGTON, August 19. The Note to Germany detailed the negotiations between the two Governments concerning th e ship’s voyage and added “th e United States is of opinion, therefore, that the German Government has received sufficient advance notic e of the sailing of the ship from Petsamo on a date and scheduled course to be followed, to takp every precaution against an attack on the vessel by the German combat forces.”

STRONGLY WORDED NOTE. (Received August 19, 8.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 18. Observers regard the language or the United States Note as diplomatically strong, leaving no doubt that Germany will be strictly accountable I snould the ship be harmed from military operations. The State Department spokesman emphasised that Germany did not mention in her communications to America anything concerning mines. The only dangers mentioned were these that could result from German air operations, yet the Berlin press has published reports concerning mining waters adjacent to the British Isles. The German Embassy at Washinglon in a statement, said that the German Government has issued a press communique laying further stress on the danger of mines threatening the vessel on its contemplated course.’ ROOSEVELT'S CAMPAIGN OFFSIDER. NEW YORK, August 19. President Roosevelt has accepted the resignation of the Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Wallace,, wnich takes effect on September sth. This is to permit of his engaging in an active campaign for the Vice-Presi-dency.