SAFETY OF INDIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23699, 4 July 1940, Page 10

SAFETY OF INDIES

• > ••••' •' *'■■■• * ' * - —1 ACTION IMPRACTICABLE AMERICAN NAVAL OPINION TWO-OCEAN WAR UNWISE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright WASHINGTON, July 2 The chairman of the Senate Naval Affairs Committee, Senator D.' I. Walsh, stated that naval officers had informed the committee that the United States could not successfully wage war to prevent Japan from taking the Dutch East Indies. Replying to this statement, Colonel W. F. Knox, Secretary of the Navy, said: "Then we had better not make any threats." Explaining his advocacy of aiding tho Allies by all means short of war, Colonel Knox said this did not include collective security with Britain. "It is selfish security, and is not done out of love for Britain," said Colonel Knox. "I am arguing for aid short of war for the British. That might mean a British victory, but at any rate it will give us time to prepare for any possible emergency. Our emergency is that wo are not prepared." War Supplies lor Allies

Colonel Knox added that he favoured giving the Allies implements of defence not essential for United States' protection, or replaceable within three months.

He specifically favoured the transfer of dive-bombers, because they were rapidly growing obsolete. He believed tlie American dive-bomber was faster and more efficient tliau the German machine. -* 1 It would have been wise to transfer to Britain some of the 111 destroyers tlie United States had placed out of commission, but in no circumstances would ho favour stripping the United States defences, even if refusal to sell meant the defeat of Britain.

"No Military Aid" Refuting charges that he was an advocate of armed intervention, Colonel Knox read an excerpt of a speech he had made on October 24, in which he had emphasised his belief that the United States should not take part actively in a world war, but supported a two-ocean Navy. Senator Walsh asked whether he had ever publicly or privately advocated military aid for the Allies. Colonel Knox: No. Never. He added that he was offered the Navy Secretaryship last December, when he told President Roosevelt that he did not see any pressing reason to enter Cabinet, but offered his service if the situation became grave. Policy in Far East

Replying to Senator Holt (Democrat), Colonel Knox said he advocated a strong policy in .the Far East, but would hesitate to apply it at present, as it would be unwise to take part in a war in both oceans just now. If the British collapsed the United States might face a serious situation in the Atlantic.

Replying to Senator Holt's question whether the vital interests of the nation were in the scales, Colonel Knox said: "The Allies' victory vitally concerns the United States, but if you mean vital interests to the extent of our going to war on the sides of the Allies —no.".

The committee postponed a vote on the nomination of Colonel Knox as Secretary for tho Navy, pending the hearing of a witness who allegedly quoted Colonel Knox as favouring the sending of an army to Europe.

ALL IN FRONT LINE PEOPLE OF BRITAIN IDENTITY DISCS BEING WORN LONDON, June 25 ' There is evidence on all sides that the British public is awakening to a realisation that every individual has a responsible part to play in defending the homeland, which may bo attacked at any moment. Thousands of people are attending the Air Raid Precautions exhibition in London, which illustrates how the individual must fend for himself during bombing emergencies. Fifteen million first-aid leaflets are being distributed, to households throughout Britain, and many more people than can be accommodated have enrolled for first-aid classes. Thousands are responding to appeals to be tested for blood transfusions. All adults are wearing wristlet identity discs. It is compulsory to have a label with one's name and address attached to one's clothing. NO APPEASEMENT RAILWAYMEN'S ' FEAR APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT LONDON, July 2

The National Union of Railwaymen unanimously passed a resolution requesting that members of Cabinet and other persons in high office associated with the previous Government's policy of appeasement should immediately be removed from office.

The resolution abided that a deputation should visit Mr. Churchill to obtain bis answer.

Mr. A. Paton, of Edinburgh, moving the resolution, said: "I fear our Fifth Columnists who are still in positions of power. I want this gang to be placed in a position from which it cannot betray the country as Petain betrayed France."

BRAVERY HONOURED CEREMONY AT PALACE NAVAL V.C. TO WIDOW LONDON, July 2 Before an open-air investiture ceremony in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace, His Majesty the King received Mrs. Warburton-Leo at the Palace and handed to her the Victoria Cross awarded to her late husband, Captain B. A. W. Warburton-Leo, of H.M.S. Hardy, for valour in the first attack on Narvik. Captain Warburton-Lee commanded the second destroyer flotilla. His Majesty later decorated men of the Services for gallantry in Norway and France, including PaymasterLieutenant Standing of H.M.S. Hardy, who was limping on crutches and who received the D.b.O.