HOUR AT HAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23994, 18 June 1941, Page 7

HOUR AT HAND

AMERICA'S CHOICE

[NO DOUBT OF DECISION Cor„ KXOX RROATICASTS | (Rerd. 7.1.1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June in "The people of the United States are now at the very hour of a decision such as Canada had to face in relation to the war." declared the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, in n national broadcast. "The United States must make a choice, as Canada had to do. "I. know you in Canada fee) now most of us in the United States felt in your time of choosing: Sure that the decision, when made, will be on the side of human liberty and its defence —come what, may." Colonel Knox said the recent declarations of President Roosevelt had left no doubt that the United States was determined to travel the same self-respecting route in relation to the war that Canada was travelling. Mr. Roosevelt meant just what he said —that the United States would not stand idly by while Germany defeated the Umpire. Condemning isolationists for their complete lack of understanding. Colonel Knox said: "Supposing the United States withdrew itself and obtained a sort of temporary safety—how could wo

look Britain in th .• face? How could we retain the slightest vestige of sclfrespcct, if we saved ourselves at tho cost of every other people and of liberty? That has never been the American way. and I hope it never will." Colonel Knox said the United States Knew that the ultimate aim of Germany was domination of the high seas, and this domination they were determined Hitler would never attain. The United States was extremely proud of the fact that 10 per cent of the flying cadets undergoing training m Canada were spirited American boys. The I'nited States was constructing an Atlantic fleet which, when completed, would more than double the size of the navy. "FROZEN" ASSETS EFFECT IN ROME STOCK EXCHANGE REACTS (Reed. 7.1 .*» p.m.) LONDON, Juno 17 A message from Rome says that the Stock Exchange has slumped as a result of the (nited States' action in "freezing" Italian credits. Some war stocks have declined 40 points. An earlier message said United States assets iu Italy were "frozen" from yesterday. Persons seeking to withdraw funds from hanks were refused. A Washington message says Italy's retaliatory "freezing" of United States assets is purely academic since existing currency restrictions in Italy, and similarly in Germany, already prevented Americans withdrawing their investments there. CHANNEL FERRY SUNK ATTACK BY DIVE BOMBERS FOUR HITS ON SHIP LONDON, Juno 17 Dive-bombers sank tho Irish ferry steamer St. Patrick between Rossi are and Fishguard, killing nt least 2.'j people, including nearly all the firstclass passengers. Sixty-six survivors of a crew of 45 and 44 passengers wore landed. Tho captain and rnato are believed to have been killed. All the women and children were saved, many through jumping overboard and clinging to rafts until they were picked up by a warship. Most of the passengers were asleep when four bombs hit tho ship, which «ank after the boats had been lowered. .This is the second Irish ferry that has been lost since the outbreak of war.