“SIGNIFICANT” MOVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 230, 27 August 1940, Page 2

“SIGNIFICANT” MOVE.

U.S. ADMIRAL. SPECIAL MISSION TO BRITAIN. NEW YORK, Aug. 12. President Roosevelt has appointed Rear-Admiral Ghormley as head of a special naval mission to Britain. RearAdmiral Stirling, U.S.N. (retired), in an article, suggests that the appointment is of the highest significance. “Rear-Admiral Ghormley presumably will act as an observer, in conditions similar to those which existed before the entry of the United States in the last war, when President Wilson sent Rear-Admiral Sims to. London. Mr Roosevelt then was Assistant-Secretary of the Navy, and had much to do with the selection of Rear-Admiral Sims,?’ he continues. “Tlie present mission may he for the purpose of learning 'how seriously Britain needs active help from the United States. “I observe that, an increasing section of American naval opinion leans to the belief that we cannot afford to have Britain defeated and her fleet made derelict. This trend is toward American participation in the war if the possibility of British defeat seems imminent. “Rear-Admiral Ghormley’s mission may be a preliminary step in that direction, and mav help our leaders to decide that United States air and naval help, must be extended to assure a British victory.” Rear-Admiral Ghormley’s appointment is arousing considerable interest in England. The assignment of so high ranking an officer to ,such a post is recognised in diplomatic circles as most unusual. His impending visit is interpreted as a plain sign that President Roosevelt seeks a fuller report on Britain’s war effort and on her resolution and preparedness to meet any attack Germany may launch.