Vast Area Patrolled by U.S. Navy

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 102, 1 May 1941, Page 7

Vast Area Patrolled by U.S. Navy

NEW WARSHIP TRANSFERS TO BRITAIN HINTED WASHINGTON, April 29. Admiral Stark, United States Chief of Naval Operations, to-day addressed the Chamber of Commerce convention, saying that the naval construction programme was running well ahead of schedule. Ho significantly asserted that the United States would share its resources to the limits of its security. This statement immediately raised speculation as to whether transfers of naval vessels to Britain might be imminent. Admiral Stark said: “The navy is charged with the responsibility to make sure that your ships roll down to Rio and back with no enemy molesting them but winter and rough weather; that your tankers bring Texas gasoline up to serve New Jersey filling stations undisturbed; that your freighters put out and return from Sydney and Singapore, from Batavia and Manila and Hongkong, with unbroached cargoes; and, finally, that the American nations proceed on their legitimate affairs to the ends of the earth and back." 11l an extemporaneous addition to his prepared address Admiral Stark said: “I wish I could talk about convoys. I would like to tell you about our patrols 3000 miles out from the high latitudes to the Antactie in both oceans." When asked to explain this afterwards, Admiral Stark said that perhaps 2000 miles was a better approximation, but that a few weeks ago the patrol line had been moved substantially eastward.