ARMS EMBARGO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 253, 25 September 1939, Page 9

ARMS EMBARGO

SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT. U.S. NEUTRALITY POLICY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) . WASHINGTON, Sept. 23. ■With President Roosevelt’s apparent approval, Senator Pittman (chairman) to-day canvassed the Democrat majority on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a draft Bill substituting for the arms embargo a “come and get it” plan instead of the “cash and carry” plan. The question of payment for arms is left flexible. Purchase would be permitted so long as the full title was transferred in advance.

The question of credit,-is admittedly a bone of contention among the Democrats on the committee, and may delay the report on the Bill till the middle of the week, or later. Some favour a maximum of 90 days’ credit for munitions, and possibly longer terms for non-military materials.

A poll taken by the American Institute of Public Opinion reveals that three-fifths of the Americans now favour lifting the arms embargo. Last month the figure was 50-50. Ninety per cent, are m favour of payment in cash and 94 per cent, favour shipment in British and French ships only. A compilation prepared by the Associated Press of America shows that 44 Senators, within five of a majority, declared themselves in favour of the repeal of the arms embargo. Nineteen are opposed to the measure and 33 did not commit ■■■themselves.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald Tribune says that at least five of the 24 Republican Senators are organising opposition to the revision of the Neutrality Act. They are dissatisfied with the elaborate nation-wide campaign, which is reported to be partly financed by Air Henry Ford. One Senator has already resigned, but this has not changed the vote.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST REPEAL. 'l’lie Government possesses wireless cable messages from Russia and Germany addressed to individual United States citizens urging the stirring-up of a campaign against the repeal of the arms embargo. A typical text is:— “In view of the forthcoming session and the possible amendment of the neutrality laws after the alleged A then! a incident and the bombing of open towns in Poland, please ask our American friends to appeal immediately by telegraph for the full maintenance of the neutrality laws. Remind them of the last war and the futility of the sacrifice made by all, including the United States, and particularly that there is no difference between the American and German people. The war should be localised and a new world war avoided. Please assist to the utmost.” Officials believe that the messages will lead to the source of many letters and telegrams opposing repeal. The Senate Post Office in Washington states that business is approaching a record. More than 150,000 pieces of mail are being handled daily, compared with the normal 40,000. The Administration’s plans for counteracting the propaganda, which are expected . to take tlvfe form of a more intensive anti-repeal campaign, have not been revealed. Broadcasts are likely in an attempt to prevent the oppositionists making the repeal issue one of peace or war. . A section of the Espionage Act lias been revived efimpelling agents of foreign Governments to notify the State Department of their activities. New regulations have been issued requiring the registration of foreign. Embassy members engaged in political activity.