U.S. Patrol to Warn Ships of Raiders

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 100, 29 April 1941, Page 7

U.S. Patrol to Warn Ships of Raiders

HOW ROOSEVELT’S PLAN WOULD OPERATE ATLANTIC SHIP LANE WASHINGTON, April 27. Inquiries by the White House iota the Senate’s attitude towards legislation authorising the convoying of cargoes to Britain revealed, according to well-informed quarters, that 45 out of 95 senators oppose such action. Some legislators consider that, if President Roosevelt decides that convoy* are necessary, it might be better for him to order them without seeking Congressional authority, with its consequent long and controversial debata. There is still a difference of opinion as to whether the President has such authority. The announcement that the neutrality patrol will be extended has spurred opponents of convoys to seek a showdown. Informed quarters understand that the plan is for American ships to maintain a safe channel several hundred miles wide by a criss-cross patrol and to keep cargo shins advised of the whereabouts of submarines and suspicious surface ships. The patrol, it is believed, will opera .e so that battleships, cruisers, destroyers, aircraft-carriers, and bombers will cover the area, reporting their observations in plain English by radio. It is likely that, when cargo ships reach the most dangerous areas, they will be joined by British warships. Officials acquainted with the plan say 4 hat, if the patrol found Axis ships of superior fire power and speed, the ships would be detailed to follow them and •report their movements, thus enabling British ships to move against the enemy.

It is admitted that such tactics would involve risks, but the issue of peace or war with the United States rests on any decision by Germany and Italy to make something of it.