Substantial Aid by United States

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 7

Substantial Aid by United States

Huge British Orders for Warplanes MR. ROOSEVELT'S SYMPATHY United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 8 p.m. BOSTON, Oct. 30. President Roosevelt announced the clearing of the way for Britain to reinforce the R.A.F. with 26,000 Americauruude planes, comprising 14,000 already on order, plus an additional 12,000 which he asked the Defence Priorities Board to givo “most sympathetic consideration.” Ho said that the additional plant facilities would make the United States the strongest air power in the world. Ho reiterated that American youths would never be sent to a European war. Mr. Roosevelt said that, despite three months ’ aerial blitzkrieg, the R.A.F. was actually stronger to-day than at the outbreak of the attack, largely because of American replacements. “The British have now asked for permssion to negotiate again with American manufacturers for 12,000 additional planes,” Mr Roosevelt said. His movo to send more planes to Britain was premised on the objective of attaining a productive capacity of 50,000 planes annually in the United States.

He added: “In taking these orders for planes to go overseas, wo are following hard-headed self-interest.” The President said he was also giving approval to large additional British orders for artillery, machine-guns, rifles and tanks with equipment and ammunition. The productive capacity of the United States would not fail, he said. In ten months the aeroplane engine output had increased by 240 per cent., and brand new plants for planes and engines were built in the Middle West.

“When these additional orders are approved, they will bring Britain’s present orders for military planes from the United States to over 26,000. They will require still moro plant facilities so that tho present programme of both the United States and Britain will not be interrupted. ’ ’