MR WILLKIE’S VISIT

Southland Times, Issue 24339, 21 January 1941, Page 5

MR WILLKIE’S VISIT

DESIRE TO MEET BRITONS VICTORY OVER NAZIS PREDICTED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received January 20, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 19. “I want to get the viewpoint of the people in the bomb shelters and all walks of life. I want to get their ideas on what kind of Government Britain will have after she wins the war. I refuse to consider any other possible end to the struggle than a British victory,” said Mr Wendell L. Willkie, discussing his trip to Britain. He added that he believed Mr Roosevelt s Lend and Lease Bill would be adopted easily after a reasonable debate. The President, Mr Franklin D. Roosevelt, conferred with Mr Willkie and the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull. The President handed Mr Willkie a personal note for Mr Churchill. As Mr Willkie left he carried the note in his hand. He said he was unable to disclose the contents. “It’s a pleasant personal note, not a formal introduction and is addressed ‘Dear Churchill,' said Mr Willkie. The envelope was inscribed: “To a certain naval person, per kindness of W. Willkie ”

Mr W. S. Knudsen, who is in charge of the rearmament programme, testifying before the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on the Lease and Lend Bill, said it would be late in 1941 before any great increase of help would flow from the United States to Britain as a result of the Lend and Lease Bill unless the United States drew its products from the existing facilities. Mr Luther Johnson (Democrat): “Do you think it is necessary for our defence that we give aid to England at this time?” Mr Knudsen: I do.

Mi' Lawrence Arnold (Democrat) asked: “If Britain falls do you think we will eventually become involved in war with the Axis Powers?” Mr Knudsen: I think we would. Mr Arnold: That, in time, we would have to fight a war anyway? Mr Knudsen: Yes, sir.

The committee adjourned until Tuesday. The chairman announced that Mr Wendell Willkie would be unable to testify because he was going to England by plane on Wednesday.