MAKING MUNITIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 7

MAKING MUNITIONS.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. ESSENTIAL TO SAFETY. ENQUIRY IN BRITAIN. United Press —KVi-. Tel. Uopvrlirm. WASHINGTON, Dec. 22. The hope entertained by some of the members of the Senate’s Munitions Committee that President Roosevelt’s statement in favour of taking the profits out of war might be construed as meaning his willingness to nationalise the munitions industry was' shattered to-day. The War Department submitted an official memorandum declaring that private industry is absolutely essential to the nation’s > defence. The department pointed out that, in the event oi a 'conflict comparable to the Great War, the production of machine guns and ammunition, for example, must, be increased enormously compared with peace time and the requirements for artillery amiinm ition would also be heavy. For the Government to acquire the necessary factories it would cost between 500,000,000' and 1,000,000,000' dollars with great waste and the expense of maintenance in peace time. LUND ON, Dec. 22.

The Prime Minister, Mr MacDonald, announced in the House of Commons that the arms traffic inquiry would bo ■carried' out by a Royal Gonrm-iss'lon. The British Government has eommuniealed lo lhe advisory committee of the League of Nations, which is dealing with the Gran Chaco dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, the information in its possession. This shows that both belligerents are _ receiving munitions. Details are given and the British Government asks the ■committee lo take such steps as it ■considers appropriate to ensure the maintenance of the arms embargo. The matter will be discussed by the ■committee to-day.