SHARP REPRIMAND

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21690, 28 March 1942, Page 6

SHARP REPRIMAND

| MR ROOSEVELT ANGRY SUPPLIES FOR RUSSIA FAR BEHIND SCHEDULE I (United Pres* Assn.—Elec. Tei. copyright) I (Received March 28, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 27 The Washington correspondent of the New York Times learns that Mr Roosevelt sent sharply-worded letters to several high governmental officers, including the War and Navy Departments, ordering them to remove all barriers to the supply of shipments to Russia. The paper explains that shipments to Russia are still far behind schedule for several reasons, mainly because of the opposition of some officials in the War Department, who point out that these materials are indispensable to America for training the army. The Times further points out that high quarters in Washington increasingly feel that America is paying too much attention to the | defence of Australia while neglecting the Middle East, which is expected to develop within several months into the most vital war theatre. High officers in Washington are of the opinion that the United Nations rather must concentrate to prevent a Nazi break-through in Iran and Irak, where the Nazis, if successful, would gain oil for unlimited operations. Furthermore, they could through this area establish a dangerous connection with the Japanese forces. Mr Roosevelt’s Orders White House announced that Mr Roosevelt has ordered the first priority shipments of war supplies to Russia and told the War Production Board to release such supplies as soon as possible. Mr Roosevelt on March 17 sent a letter to Admiral Emory Land, war shipping director, in which he said that he had found that our protocol shipments to Russia were still far behind and wished to emphasise again that the Russian protocol should have first priority in shipping. Mr Roosevelt also told Mr Nelson that he wished all the material promised to Russia under the protocol agreement to be released at the earliest possible moment. Similar instructions were given to the War. and Navy Departments. VICHY ASSURANCES NO HELP TO AXIS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) . WASHINGTON, March 26 Relations between the United States and Vichy have been cleared up as a result of recent discussions. The State Department says Vichy gave categorical assurances regarding four major points: Firstly, Axis planes, submarines and ships will not be permitted to enter French ports in the Western Hemisphere. Secondly, Vichy will not send food and trucks to the Italian forces in Libya. Thirdly, Vichy repeated the pledge of neutrality and the retention of the* French fleet, and also satisfactorily explained the move of the battleship Dunkerque from Africa to France. Fourthly, Vichy promised not to give further gasoline to Axis forces in North Africa. The State Department adds that American shipments of food and other civilian supplies for French North Africa, however, will not oe resumed. Whether they will be resumed later depends on the clarification of certain matters still under negotiation.