GERMAN PLANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24024, 23 July 1941, Page 7

GERMAN PLANS

FURTHER AGGRESSION EUROPEAN COUNTRIES REMAINING NEUTRALS WASHINGTON, July 22 The Assistant-Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, told press representatives that the United States had information that Germany is planning new steps of aggression against the remaining independent European countries. The correspondent of the Associated Press of America says Mr. Welles did not explain which countries were about to l)e attacked. He obviously referred to Spain and Portugal and possibly Switzerland and Turkey, the correspondent concludes. Mr. Welles disclosed that the United States has promised full support to Bolivia in the event of an international incident arising from the attempted Nazi coup Mr. Welles also referred to the sharp attack on the United States by General Franco last week, in which Franco asserted that American offers of economic help to Spain always involved attempts to force Spain to obey the will of other nations.

Mr. Welles said it was entirely untrue that the supplies of food and medicines sent to Spain by the American Red Cross were contingent upon any policy except that the Spanish people should remain at peace.

Answering Franco on the consequences of a Nazi victory, Mr. Welles pointed out that if control of the Atlantic and other seas passed to unfriendly Powers, the independence of the American Republics would be gravely endangered. The present security and prosperity were founded on the fact that such seas were controlled by friendly Powers. DEFENCE MATERIALS AMERICAN LEGISLATION SENATE'S APPROVAL (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 21 Legislation authorising President Roosevelt to take over private property, and such military or naval equipment and supplies, and munitions, machinery, tools or materials necessary for national defence, was passed by the Senate today and sent to the House of Representatives. The United States Army has placed orders for 2000 medium and light tanks. An order has also been placed for 900.000 new style steel helmets. The nation's shipbuilding programme is estimated to be 60 days ahead of schedule. AMERICAN GARRISONS BASES IN BRITISH GUIANA (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 21 A message from Georgetown, British Guiana, says the first detachment of United States troops which are to garrison the two South American bases leased from Britain in exchange for destroyers arrived there to-day. The Associated Press says the bases in Brit ish Guiana are considered almost as important as tjiose in Newfoundland and Bermuda. RAID ON NAPLES CASUALTIES REPORTED (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 21 An Italian communique says that enemy aircraft raided Naples on Sunday night. Fifteen persons were killed, including nine soldiers of an anti-air-craft defence unit. Twenty-four persons were wounded.