U.S. URGED TO ACT

Southland Times, Issue 24438, 19 May 1941, Page 7

U.S. URGED TO ACT

AXIS THREAT TO HEMISPHERE CONTROL OF DAKAR AND AZORES (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 17. The Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies today issued a statement urging President Roosevelt to announce that the United States will not permit the Axis to gain direct or indirect control of Dakar, the Azores or Cape Verde. The committee proposed that the United States and Britain should jointly occupy those places as a protective measure if there is any danger of German control. Vichy’s capitulation is increasing the danger of Spanish collaboration. The menace of Germany to Portugal presents the gravest threat to the Western Hemisphere since America gained her independence. Headlines in The New York Post read: “United States may seize Martinique.” A report issued by the Associated Press of America states: “The United States, except for diplomatic formalities, has reached an open break with Vichy the Administration believes that the Petain regime has embraced a programme of increasing partnership with Germany and henceforth ir.ust be considered in the same category as other Nazi-dominated nations. The new situation has thrust into the foreground the future status of French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, particularly Martinique, where 100 American planes are held up, as well as the aircraft carrier Bearn and other ships, with about 250,000,000 dollars in French gold. FREEDOM OF SEAS Mr Roosevelt, at a Press conference today, declared that the freedom of the seas was the historic policy of America. Germany’s proclamation of the Red Sea as a danger zone was a pointed reminder that twice previously the United States had used warships to protect her commerce. Mr Roosevelt declined to discuss hypothetical questions and talk in glittering generalities. He said international conditions were too serious for him to interpret or to comment further on the implications of his appeal to the French people not to collaborate with Germany. He dismissed a barrage of questions as too hypothetical, including the following: Is there likely to be any change in the status of Martinique? Will Admiral Leahy be recalled to report to Washington? Will any additional steps be taken in the French situation? AMERICAN BOMBERS FLOWN TO ENGLAND • LONDON, May 16. American-built aircraft are being flown to Britain in increasing numbers and without loss. By the trans-Atlan-tic ferry service system recently started pilots return by air instead of by sea. It is functioning on a five-day round trip schedule. _ . This was announced by the British Ministry of Aircraft Production today.