ARMS INQUIRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22372, 20 September 1934, Page 9

ARMS INQUIRY

FURTHER DISCLOSURES INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, September 18, (Received Sept. 20, at 0.30 a.m.) Tiie president of the Federal Laboratories Company, of Pittsburgh, manufacturers of tear gas and machine guns, informed the Senate Arms Investigating Committee that his company’s business had been augmented 5 to 10 per cent, since the textile strike began. He said tiie firm did considerable industrial business, and when calls came from industrial plants they were usually rush orders. Senator Bone asked what effect gas would have on hungry' and physically weak strikers. Witness replied: “Far less than lead bullets.” ✓ Senator Bone responded dryly: “I understand that.” It was further disclosed during the hearing that, although Mr Cordell Hull had informed inquirers that the American Government would view the export of military planes to Germany with grave disapproval, the United Aircraft Corporation, during eight, months of 1934, had delivered in Germany aeroplane equipment valued at 1,445,000 dollars, and more were still awaiting delivery. An official of the company stated that these shipments, however, were “ commercial,” but at the same time he admitted that they could be used for military purposes. He further intimated that shipments were made with the approval of the Naval and War Departments of the United States,