U.S.A. MONEY AID

Grey River Argus, 18 December 1940, Page 6

U.S.A. MONEY AID

REQUEST BY BRITAIN Official Confirmation [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, December 16. The Associated Press Washington correspondent says: Official quarters stated that Britain formally requests United States financial assistance. The amount and the exact nature of the request are not disclosed, except that it is hinted it could not be defined as an application for a loan. GIFTS OF CASH? WASHINGTON, December 16. Outright cash gifts to Britain instead of loans, were advocated by Mrs. Roosevelt. Asked by correspondents from whom the gifts would come, she replied: “From the Government but ultimately from the pockets of you and me.” She said: “A certain number of people were under the impression we are giving aid to Britain, but we must face the fact that in reality, we are being paid in cash. Gifts are more unlikely than loans to involve the United States in war. Supplying Britain is helpful to the United States. It stimulates industry, r In interests of the- United States defence I do not see much reason to talk about loans. We shouldn’t make the mistakes we made last time.” She nodded when asked if she meant that loans should not be re-, paid. BRITAIN’S NEEDS INCREASING SUPPLIES FROM U.S.A. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received December 17, 11.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 16. The British Official Press Sendee in New York, commenting on Britain’s application for the United I States to grant financial aid, says: j “The whole question is one of dollar . exchange.” It said that airplanes, ships, war munitions and other materials will b e needed by Britain constantly and at an increasing pace, and the British Government was anxious to make as full' a us e as possible of the vast resources of the United States. WILL GIFT BE MADE ? HOPES IN ROOSEVELT (Received December 17, 11.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 16. Th e New York “Daily News” Washington correspondent has strongly indicated that President Roosevelt is asking Congress to underwrite British purchases in the United Stales to the extent, possibly, of a billion dollars per year. It is believed Mr Roosevelt favours a gift or an ex- : change of credit for bases instead of loans.