British Hail United States' Plan To Loan Arms

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1940, Page 5

British Hail United States' Plan To Loan Arms

[British Official Wireless T (Received 12 Noon.) RUGBY, December 19.

The British Press enthusiastically hails President Roosevelt’s proposal for the loan of arms.

The “Daily Telegraph” says: “One thing we need for victory is the utmost automatic flow of munitions of war that American factories can supply. “That is a vital need whose fulfilment is in the highest interests of all and ought not to be frustrated by financial niceties. What we ask America to lend us is her productive power.”

In Common Cause.

“The Times” says:

“Mr. Roosevelt’s suggestion will transform the whole question of American aid to Britain. He proposes a simple and straightforward course of lending the arms themselves. “They would be paid for by the United, States Government and lent to Britain for use in what is now recognised as a common cause.

“In this country the President’s suggestion will be welcomed not only as a great and noble gesture, but as offering a method all the more brilliant oil account of its simplicity of getting over embarrassing difficulties.

Advance to Greece.

“The British Government, which in the past, has not hesitated to give straightout subvention to the Allies, should lose no time in making it clear that no repayment is expected on the advance recently made to Greece, or of similar advances needed in the future.

“To lend money is not only a pettyfogging way of helping little nations whose heroic resistance has made so much difference to the course of the war. It would also be short-sighted-ness since we know by experience Greece will be unable to repay except by creating economic difficulties for us and'for herself far outweighing the value of money;