NAVAL ESCORTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24716, 19 September 1941, Page 5

NAVAL ESCORTS

AMERICAN WARSHIPS CONVOYS IN ATLANTIC SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN WASHINGTON, (Rec. 9 p.m.) Sept. 18. The Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, told a press conference that the United Stales Fleet was convoying Lend-Lease goods to Britain. When asked whether the United States was escorting vessels to Iceland, he only replied that it would be unwise and indiscreet to go into further detail. He said there had been no incident between American warships and Axis raiders since the “ capture or destroy ” command had been signalled to the fleet.

Colonel Knox disclosed that the navy believed that an Axis raider was operating in the South Pacific, in the region of Galapagos, and he indicated that the navy is hunting for it. The national convention of the American Legion, which formerly favoured non-intervention, roared unanimous approval to-day of a resolution favouring the releasing of the army and the navy from geographical limitations so that armed forces could be carried to the enemy’s front lines. The resolution called for national unity in the national objective of defeating Hitler and all he stands for. The resolution said: “We want America to be strong enough to meet any possible attack. If fighting is necessary to defend the United States we insist upon being prepared to do fighting outside the United States.” The convention also adopted a resolution favouring repeal of the American Neutrality Act. Mr Churchill, in a message of greetings, said: “A little more than 20 years has passed since we fought side by side, and now once more we speak to you from the forefront of battle. We thank you for'Hhe help you are bringing to our common cause. We have suffered grievous losses, but we have been upheld in the long struggle by the knowledge that not only our own future, but that of our children, is at stake, and that in spirit the United States is at our side.”

The New York Times says that in a ma'jor move to expedite the transport of American planes, tanks, and guns to the fronts the United States and Norway are throwing an additional 50 to 150 merchantmen into the enlarged Atlantic convoys now moving with the increased protection of United States warships. The object is to clear the Lend and Lease materials that are piling up for lack of shipping and release more equipment for the British forces in Africa.