U.S.A. NAVY DIVIDED

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1941, Page 5

U.S.A. NAVY DIVIDED

ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC

For Bigger U-Boat Campaign

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Rec. 10.20) NEW YORK, Aug. 25. Major Hanson Baldwin, the military correspondent of the New York “Times” says: The United States Navy is now equally divided, half being in the Atlantic and half in the Pacific. The Navy may start shooting in the event of new German threats in either ocean states. "The Germans,” he adds, “are preparing for an intensified U-boat campaign throughout the winter, it they should be bogged down in Russia. This campaign will be counterbalanced by more efficient and swifter construction of American merchantmen, submarine chasers, patrol planes and aircraft-carriers. The Maritime Commission plans to launch two frieghters per day during the next two years. Major Baldwin considers that Britain’s blockade of the Continent of Europe is growing more important monthly.

Dodging Japan U.S.A. SUPPLIES FOR RUSSIA. GOING VIA IRAN. (Rec. 10.40) WASHINGTON, Aug. 25. According to the United Press or America, competent authorities have asserted that the United States probably would effect delivery of whr supplies foi Britain and Russia under protective guns of the Pacific Fleet if the British and Russian campaign 'in Iran succeeds. A junction of Soviet and British armies in Iran would forge the last link for a strategic trans-Pacific supply line extending ; from the United States west coast through British Malaya and thence through India into the Persian Gulf and across either Iran or the Caspian Sea to the south-east of Russia. I The American Fleet would then guarantee this route without leaving the Pacific Ocean, thus blasting the Axis hopes of forcing the American Fleet into the Atlantic Ocean, so that Japan would be free to pursue her expansionist programme in the Southern Pacific. The route mentioned would Ibe safely outside of the war zones, and also would be shorter than the present route to the Middle East by way of the Red Sea and Egypt. FEELING IN JAPAN NO THREATS. NEW YORK, August 29. The New York “Times” correspondent at Tokio, Mr Tolischus, in a message from Tokio, says: There is a general inclination here to view Mr Churchill’s speech against more optimistic statements by Admiral Nomura (Japanese Ambassador) from 'Washington, and also diverse reports about American offers to Japan, (which aroused new hopes for an easing of the tension in the Pacific. | The Japanese vernacular press does Inot fail to indulge in automatic (charges that everything that is taking place is a British-American plot, land the papers reiterate Japan’s firm determination. The general tenor of the comments, however, has so far been rather defensive, and especially has been marked by an absence of any threats.

U.S.A. Doubts ABOUT CONCILIATING JAPAN (Rec. 10.30) NEW YORK, August 25 The New York “Herald Tribune’ says: “Official quarters at Washingdon have little faith in. the outcome of the informal talks with Japan regarding which Senator Hui] made a statement to the press. U.S.A. FORCE’S STUDENTS. RECALLED FROM JAPAN NEW YORK, August 25. The New York “Herald Tribune” says: The Government has recalled the American Army’s and Navy’s language students from Japan. They already' have sailed for Shanghai. British Batteships THREE SENT TO SINGAPORE NEW YORK. August 25 The New York “Post” says: It can be assumed that Britain has sent three battleships to Singapore. There is a diversion of American naval forces from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This is taken as being a confirmation of reports that have been published in the United States that Britain has reinforced her Far Eastern squadron.

Dutch Indies NOT SURE OF BRITISH HELP.

(Rec. 1.20). BATAVIA, August 26. Diverging from the general line of press comment, the influential paper. “Bataviaqsch Nieuwsblad” says: “The Dutch Indies were carefully omitted from the countries enumerated by Mr. Churchill as being threatened by Japan. The British Government, obviously, does not want to enter into new obligations. That is very logical and understandable. Yet Mr. Churchill’s speech will be regarded as disappointing bv the Dutch Indies, The speech is an asset that can help to cure those who are of a blind faith, that we will receive assistance if difficulties arise. It is better to rely upon ourselves. We shall do so if necessary.” U.S.A. NAVAL AND LAND DEFENCE VOTE WASHINGTON, August 25. President Roosevelt has signed a bill for providing seven thousand millions as a supplementary defence appropriation. The bill is designed to hasten mechanisation of land forces, and expand naval shore and fleet facilities. ■■■—. i