BARRED TO AMERICAN VESSELS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 3

BARRED TO AMERICAN VESSELS

SCANDINAVIAN WATERS ACTION BY PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, April 10. President Roosevelt has extended the combat zone from which American vessels aie barred to the waters all round Scandinavia as far as 44 degrees east longitude and 70 degrees north latitude. The Russian ports Archangel and Murmansk are affected as the zone includes the White Sea. Contrary to expectations he did not extend the neutrality law’s cash-and-carry provisions to Denmark and Norway. It is believed that action was delayed pending clarification of the nation’s status. All Northern Europe is closed to American shipping, the only routes open being to Portugal, Spain, and the Mediterranean neutrals. It is officially announced that the South African Government intends in the meantime to delay sailings of Danish and ships from South African harbours. the abiding interest of the Allies in those countries or their desire to see them preserve their liberty. Lord Halifax impressed on the audience the far-reaching significance of the declaration after the sixth meeting of the Supreme War Council by which the British and French Governments undertook to continue joint action after the war to effect the reconstruction of international order, ensuring liberty and respect for law and peace. He said the history of the last 20 years might have been different if a similar undertaking had been given after the last war. He envisaged a great conception behind the Anglo-French co-operation. “We have between our nations a living union. Here I think and trust may be found the solid foundation built into rock and not built upon sand from which may spring true collective security and I hope others like-minded with France and ourselves upon the elements of European life will be led I to join what is becoming a close part- ] nership for mutual benefit and mutual protection.”