AMERICAN AID

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24525, 6 February 1941, Page 7

AMERICAN AID

PROPOSALS IN BILL SUPPORTED BY GOVERNORS ‘■ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY" (United Press Association) * (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON. Feb, 4. (Received Feb. 5, at 9 p.m.) The Governors of the States of South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas. Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, and Alabama telegraphed to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the passage of the Aid Bill is “ essential for the safety of the nation.” General Wood, chairman of the America First Committee, giving evidence before the Senate’s Foreign Committee, opposed the Bill, saying that if it was passed there was a possibility of the United States being Involved in the war within 90 days. it is learned from a Government source that 90 per cent, of the United States aircraft production was sent to Britain in December and January, and the output may exceed 1000 a month in March. After the passage of the Aid Bill, formulas are expected under which the IJnited States will send planes already attached to the army and navy, including “Flying Fortresses,” to Britain in sufficient numbers to back up the British defence against an invasion attempt. Unproduced planes ordered for Britain would then be assigned'to the United States. AMBASSADOR DEFENDED WASHINGTON, Feb. 4. Mr Cordell Hull, replying to the America First Committee, defended Lord Halifax, stating; “His visits were fo"">ial courtesy calls. The State Depa ment does, not consider that such calls constitute a departure from established precedent.” The America First Committee contended that Lord Halifax’s meetings with Mr Bloom and Mr George, chairmen of the House and Senate Foreign Affairs Committees respectively, were highly improper, and telegraphed Mr Hull requesting him' to investigate the ambassador’s conduct and make the findings public.