GERMAN THREATS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24634, 16 June 1941, Page 5

GERMAN THREATS

ATTACKS ON CONVOYS REACTION IN AMERICA PEOPLE NOT IMPRESSED (Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 14. Replying to the German threats to sink all ships carrying contraband to England, the Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Sumner Welles, said that throughout history United States people had never been impressed by what they regarded as bluster and threats. The facts concerning the sinking of the Robin Moore were beyond dispute, and the Germans had.not taken proper precautions for the lives and safety of the passengers and crew, as provided by international law. "American people cannot preserve their freedom without being ready to fight," said the Secretary of the. Treasury, Mr Henry Morgenthau, in a speech at Amherst College, Massachusetts. "If we act now and stamp out this terror and tyranny we will run the risk of losing our comfort and safety, perhaps om lives, before the job is done; if we do not act we will run a far greater risk of losing our precious freedom ai.d of surrendering our intellectual and spiritual heritage. We must choose whether we would rather die on our feet than live on our knees."

NEUTRALITY PATROL HINDRANCE TO NAZI EFFORT (Rec. 9 p.m.) BERLIN, June 14. Admiral Luetzow, writing in the Journal das Reich, says the United States neutrality patrol means a -big hindrance to the German sea war effort. The situation is unbearable, and Germany is determined to cut off Britain. Decisions must be made, even if the consequences are gra.ve. PROVISION OF CONVOYS GALLUP POLL ON PROPOSAL (Rec. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 15. The latest Gallup poll in America reveals that over half the people are in favour of the United States providing naval convoys for ships taking goods to Britain. Fifty-five per cent, are in favour, 38 per cent, do not approve of such a course, and 7 per cent, cannot make up their minds. Regarding the aid President Roolevelt has promised to Britain, 55 per cent, approve of the measures being taken, and 23 per cent, feel that the President has gone 100 far.