Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1941. IMMEDIATE AID.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 89, 14 March 1941, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1941. IMMEDIATE AID.

Mr Churchill Inis expressed to the American nation the gratitude felt throughout the British Empire for the passing of the Lease or Lend Bill. It is deep and lasting, permeating every class that regards this war as the Democracies' greatest light for freedom, and rises full throated from a nation determined that aggression shall flourish no longer than it takes to destroy the evils of Hitlerism and Eascism. The final stages of the Bill in the House of Representatives were made notable by the remarkably straightforward speech of the Republican Leader (Air Martin) who had earlier opposed the measure because he felt it would bring the war closer to the United States. But the majority having decided that it should pass he now voted for it, he said, with the prayer that Congress’s decision was a wise one and it would preserve peace and security in America. His final words, which . should echo and re-echo around the continent, are a definite challenge to totalitarianism, a stirring enunciation of the guiding principles of real American life, and a call to his countrymen to act quickly. Similarly, Mr Bloom (chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee) added notable words when he said the Bill was the voice of an aroused America, sounding the trumpet call of victory for free government everywhere. The way has now been made clear for the American Government to give the aid it promised to Britain, China, and Greece who are fighting the battle for freedom, and the first order has been signed. That is the best of news to follow the signing of the instrument.

“We shall send you in ever increasing numbers ships, aeroplanes, tanks, and guns,” Air Roosevelt said on a prior occasion. “This is our purpose and our pledge.” So in the coming weeks there will be a steady procession of munitions, to the shores of Britain. There will be ships to help in making up the deficiency caused by the submarine warfare; there will be huge bomber, fighter, and reconnaissance planes; there will be tanks in increasing numbers, and guns to speak against Hitler with the voice of freedom. The passing of the Bill and the setting in train of aid will bring renewed courage to British people to face the mi Hit of Hitler’s air attacks. The past few days have witnessed the return of large forces of enemy bombers bringing death and destruction to London and other cities, but the British Air Force is growing in strength all the time, and the Luftwaffe knows that it is facing steadily increasing odds. The Nazis have yet to say whether they regard the Bill and the help it brings as an act of war, and Hitler has to choose whether a declaration of war against the United States

will be of benefit to him. One fact stands out impressively for Pacific countries in the British Commonwealth of Nations —the help now being sent to Britain is a vital factor in their own defence and security, and the day may not be far distant when American warships may be at Singapore, helping to maintain the security of British interests and safeguarding their own in that region. The mobilisation of America’s resources for the welfare of the Democracies is an act for which the totalitarian nations have no adequate answer.