Wide Powers Conferred On President

Southland Times, Issue 24332, 13 January 1941, Page 5

Wide Powers Conferred On President

LIMITATIONS MAY BE IMPOSED (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received January 12, 10.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 11. Sentiment appears to be developing to impose limitations on the Aid for Britain Bill. The sentiment is crystallizing slowly, but indications point to the possibility that those in favour of modification and the Bill’s outright opponents together may have sufficient votes to put in some restrictions. The most discussed limitations are, first, a biennium limit to the President’s authority to provide materials and repair ships for the democracies and second, continuance of the law that the Army and Navy chiefs must certify that equipment is not essential to United States defence before its transfer, and third a ban on outright gifts of war materials under the indirect benefit clause.”

The Military Affairs Committee of the Rouse of Representatives decided to demand that the Bill be withdrawn from the Foreign Affairs Committee and referred to the Military Committee. Mr S. Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives refused to comment on the inter-committee squabble but said there is “not one particle of doubt” the Bill will be passed. Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, replied to the German allegation that the Bill will violate international law. “If the Berlin Press is upholding international law then we will all soon be doing so,” he said. Senator Walter F. George, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, foreshadowed that the Senate would amend the Bill to require “reasonable security” from Britain for arms and material. He said that this did not necessarily mean money. “If we could have some interest in British tin and rubber production it would be good business for us,” he said, and added that he favoured, without qualification, the Bill’s objectives. New England Republican leaders expressed approval of the Bill’s objectives, but Senator Warren Austin suggested that another change—a time limitation on the great powers given to the President.

Asked whether the Bill would permit Britain to base part of her fleet in United States harbours or air bases Senator Barkley said, “I cannot give a categorical answer. The Bill is like a Mother Hubbard—it covers everything and touches nothing.” Senator Elberd Thomas said Congress should repeal the ban on United States shipping entering the combat zone.