Pooling U.S. Merchant Shipping

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 7

Pooling U.S. Merchant Shipping

Britain Can Draw On 2)000,000 Tons “DISTANCE NO LONGER GUARANTEES SAFETY” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrigh t. Received Thursday, 8.45 p.m. WASHINGTON, May 1. President Roosevelt has ordered the immediate pooling of two million tons of merchant shipping to accomplish the objective of all-out aid to the democracies. From this pool Britain will be able to draw and replace tonnage. President Roosevelt, in a speech opening the defence bonds savings stamps campaign, declared: “We are engaged in an all-out effort to perpetuate American democracy by aid ing the embattled democracy of the old world.’* He emphasised the need of new and stronger defences as the result of revolutionary changes in military science. “Lands safe in 1931 by virtue of mere distance from possible aggressors are now overrun by mechanical conquerors—distance no longer guarantees safety. We are therefore multiplying production for which we frankly appeal for the financial support of the people. It is a privilege to share the cost of defence.

“We must fight the threat wherever it appears—it can now be found at the threshold of every American home. ’ *

Mayor La Guardia, urging the training of city home guards similar to Britain’s A.R.P., fleclared: d 0 not say we will get repeated and sustained air attacks like London, but it is our duty to be prepared for the worst. ’ ’

President Roosevelt has asked congress to extend to June 30 his power to fix the value of the dollar which expires on Juns 30,1941.