NEW CARGO SHIP IN U.S.

Southland Times, Issue 24545, 20 September 1941, Page 7

NEW CARGO SHIP IN U.S.

REVOLUTIONARY IN DESIGN SHORT BUILDING PERIOD (Rec, 6.30 p,m.) WASHINGTON, September 18. Hie Navy announced today a cargo ship of revolutionary design, which can be produced in hundreds in a much shorter time than the present types. The new craft is of light weight and ale construction and costs little, in construction and maintenance. The first freighter, named the Sea Otter, is 270 feet in length, with a capacity for 1500 tons of cargo and displaces 1900 tons. \ The freighters can be built inland and taken to sea by way of a river or canal. A real revolution in design has been wrought in the application of power. Means have been discovered of driving a six-foot propeller amidships, instead of in the stern, using 16 gaso-' line engines. Navy engineers say the Sea. Otter, after they have been standardized, can be produced in two months’ building time, using many yards. It is learned that the United States has allocated the former Italian merchant ship Leme, of 1800 tons, to Britain. This foreshadows a series of transfers of seized Axis ships. The Leme is undergoing repairs in Portland (Oregon), where she was seized on March 29 after the crew had damaged the main engine and wrecked the auxiliary engines. She is being painted drab grey and also being fitted with an anti-magnetic mine-cable. LEND OR LEASE COSTS President Roosevelt, in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr S. Rayburn, recommended speedy action on his request for an additional Lend or Lease appropriation of 5,985,000,000 dollars, indicating preparations for a long war, of which the largest single item is 1,875,000,000 dollars for agricultural and industrial commodities. There are also 1,190,000,000 dollars for ordnance and ordnance stores, 850,000,000 dollars for ships and materials, 685,000,000 dollars for planes and aeronautical material, 385,000,000 dollars for tanks, armoured cars and other motor-vehicles, 375,000,000 dollars for production equipment, 285,000,000 dollars for necessary services and essential expenses, 175,— 000,000 dollars for repairing and reconditioning defence articles, 155,000,000 dollars foi' miscellaneous items and 10,000,000 dollars for administration expenses and articles. Mr Roosevelt desired authority to furnish Lend or Lease aid to any countries whose defence he considers vital to United States freedom.

It is learned that a large number of vessels of flags allied with Britain which are plying the regular trade routes are now scheduled to enter the trans-Atlantic trade for the purpose, of carrying war materials to the British forces in England and Africa and also to Russia. The Netherlands and Norway are expected to contribute —the latter about 100 ships. The United States vessels, which the Neutrality Act bars from the combat zones, will assume the routes the Allied vessels abandon with a gentleman’s agreement that the United States ships will return to their normal routes after hostilities. Senator Burton K. Wheeler (Democrat, Montana), the leading isolationist, was pelted with bad eggs when he defended Colonel Charles E. Lindbergh at an America First rally at Billings. Senator Wheeler said: “There are some bloodthirsty warmongers who demand that America fight all over the world for individual freedom and deny free speech to Colonel Lindbergh in the United States.” Boos and cat calls greeted this statement and rotten eggs were thrown at Senator Wheeler’s head. AIR-BORNE INFANTRY IN AMERICA (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 18. Following prolonged experimental work the War Department has announced the formation of the first airborne infantry battalion. It is equipped with small motor-cars, motorcycles and bicycles. The initial strength is 500 volunteers. Parachutes will not be used and the troops will be transported in large troop-carrying planes. RATIONING OF PETROL IN EAST WASHINGTON, September 18. The Secretary of the Interior, Mr H. L. Ickes, told the Press today that the rationing of petrol and the curfew in the east would continue despite the Senate Committee’s finding that there was no shortage. Mr Ickes contended that reserves were diminishing and the demand was increasing. He said the removal of the restrictions would be stupid.