DEFENCE OP AMERICA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23662, 22 May 1940, Page 10

DEFENCE OP AMERICA

NAVAL LOSS LARGE BRITISH CRUISER UNCHARTED ROCK STRUCK DISASTER IN NORWAY LONDON, May 21 The loss is announced of a British cruiser of 9500 tons, which struck an uncharted rock off the Norwegian coast. There were no casualties.

SPEEDING THE PROGRAMME QUICK ACTION PROMISED (Received May 21, 5.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 20 Leaders in the Legislature have assured President Roosevelt of quick action in all phases of the defence programme. The Appropriations Committee of tho Senate , lias approved tho Army Bill ' involving the expenditure of 1,821,000,000 dollars, which includes Mr. Roosevelt's request for 456,000,000 dollars for emergency defence.

The Committee of the House was informed that Mr. Roosevelt's programme still left the nation on a peacetime basis, and that an authorisation was needed to acquire 10,000 aeroplanes. In tho first day "of hostilities on the AVestern Front one country lost six times the number of aeroplanes that the present Appropriation Bill allowed the United States Air Corps for replacements.

The Senate Committee declared that the programme would give the United States 8066 combat and training aircraft.

Army, Navy and Treasury officials outlined the essentials of the air programme to a conference of aeroplane, machine-tool and engine manufacturers, after which tho industry pledged co-operation. The President's secretary, Mr. Stephen ' Early, disclaimed any knowledge of, but did not deny, reports that Mr. Roosevelt was considering the formation of a Coalition Cabinet.

The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, informed the press that the United States Government has not yet seriously given attention to taking over Allied possessions in the Western Hemisphere—either as payment of war debts or for national defence —with tho consent of the Allies.