IN AMERICA

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1940, Page 5

IN AMERICA

NAVAL EXPANSION

RUSHING OUT WARSHIPS

(United Press Association —By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright)

DETROIT, December 6,

The National Defence Commission revealed. that new fighting ships are being commissioned in the navy at the rate of one every 12 days. It said that acceleration of the two-ocean pres gramme had reduced to 40 months the period normally needed to complete cruisers, and in some instances to 35 months. It also said that submarine construction had been reduced from, 30 to 24 months, while destroyers were being launched three months ahead of schedule. Meanwhile additional naval shipyards are under construction with a 150-million dollar authorisation.

PROTECTION AGAINST BOMBS

WASHINGTON, December 7,

Colonel Knox, Navy Secretary, has asked Congress to authorise 300,000,000 dollars worth of alterations to naval vessels so as to afford greater protection against air attack. He emphasised that the type and the nature of this protective work must be secret.

CONFIDENTIAL MISSION

WASHINGTON, December 7.

A spokesman of the United States Navy declined to ■ comment on the report that Colonel William Donovan is going to Europe, by the Clipper, on a confidential mission for the American Government. Colonel Donovan has only recently returned from a confidential mission to England.

At present it is reported that Colonel Donovan is going to the Near East in order, unofficially, to inspect the British forces, or alternatively, on a visit to General Weygand. WOOL DUMPED INTO U.S.A. WASHINGTON, December 7.

The Defence Supplies Corporation lias extended to noon, December 23rd., the time by which proposals can be received for the storage of Australian wool. It also has requested proposals for tho storage of double the dumped bales.