MUNITIONS OF WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21991, 24 December 1934, Page 9

MUNITIONS OF WAR

PRIVATE MANUFACTURE NECESSITY IN AMERICA (deceived December 23. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Dec. 22 The hope entertained by some of the members of the Senate's Munitions Committee that President Roosevelt's statement in favour of taking the profits out of war might be construed as meaning his willingness to nationalise the munitions industry was shattered to-day. The War Department submitted an official memorandum declaring that private industry is absolutely essential to the nation's defence.

The department pointed out that, in the event of a conflict comparable to the Great War, the production of machine-guns and ammunition, for example, must he increased enormously compared with psace time and the requirements for artillery ammunition would also be heavy. For the Government to acquire the necessary factories it would cost between 500,000,000 and 1,000,000,000 dollars with great waste and the expense of maintenance in peace time.

BRITISH COMMISSION

ARMS TRAFFIC INQUIRY

BELLIGERENTS' SUPPLIES

(Received December 23. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Dec. 22

The Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, announced in the House of Commons that the arms traffic inquiry would be carried out by a Royal Commission. The British Government has communicated to the advisory committee of the League of Nations, which is dealing with the Gran Chaco dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, the information in its possession. This shows that both belligerents are receiving munitions. Details are given and the British Government asks the committee to take such steps as it considers appropriate to ensure the maintenance of the arms embargo. The matter will be discussed by the committee to-day.