The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-11-09

of European belligerentS.
As he returned, 1t was revealed
that at least one American shipping
company had obtained permission
from the Maritime Commission to
shift vessels from American to PAN
amanian registry.
The American flag was lowered
aboard a Standard Oil Company Of
New Jersey tanker In Boston Har-
Dor yesterday, and the Panama flag
raised In Its place. The American
crew had been fired and q Canadian
crew was hired in its place. The
company said six tankers had been
transferred and that nine more
would be later. Officials said the
transfer had nothing to do with the
neutrality act.
Approves In Principle
The Maritime Commission has
given approval "in principle" to the
application Of the United States
Lines. The commission Is an inde-
pendent executive department
agency. It awaited Mr.. Roosevelt's
advice before taking final action.
It's decision will be precedent for
all American ships - totalling be-
tween 30 and 100 which were
engaged In the European trade be-
fore the neutrality law barred Amer
lean ships and sailors from war
zones. If they cannot be transferred
10 foreign plays or operated in other
trades, they will remain idle for the
duration Of the war.
Mr.. Roosevelt returned to find
division in his administration and
IN the Congress which supported
his neutrality policy that permits
the sale Of munitions to any bel
hgerent who can come for them In
MS own ships and pay cash, but
Ears American ships and citizens
from zones of war.
The maritime commission believes
the American merchant marine Is
threatened unless a way Is found to
Keep vessels operating along the
european trade routes established
at the cost Of heavy government
subsidies and sees the proposed
transfer Of registry as entirely legal |
under the neutrality law.
Hull, Others Protest
Secretary of State Cordell Hull
and q group Of influential congress-
men, including Sen. William E.
Borih, r., Ida, contend that the
trarBfer would be a violation of
the spirit Of the new law.
A memorandum of factual data
was ready for the president upon his
arrival He requested its prepara-
tion while In Hyde Park, where he
said he saw nothing illegal about
such transfers.
Mf. Roosevelt commended then.
that since American crews would
not be allowed to man the ships and
American travellers would be forbid
den to ride on them into foreign
combat zones, he could see no way
the transfer could involve this
country with European belligerents.
The maritime commission holds
its regular meeting today. If Presi-
dent Roosevelt's attitude Is COM
municated to 1t In time, final action
may be taken then. Members of
the commission, 1t was learned are
unanimous In the belief that the
best interests Of the country wor'1
be served to keep American sh
In service, even 1t means operat-
ing under foreign flags.
American Seamen Ask Aid
New York, Nov. 9-(UP)-Three
thousand members Of the National
Union (CIO) telegraphed
President Roosevelt today asking
immediate aid for American sea-
men thrown out Of work by the ,
act and prepared to Z
march on Washington to enforce
their demands. II
We'll stay there Cat Washington /
until we find out what Is going to {
be done about u.s." NMU President
Joseph Curraf1 announced.
The 5000 seamen, forbidden by {
the act to serve on ships visiting the
ports Of belligerent nations, held i
mass meeting last night to decide
what action to take. They were not
the only men affected. The NMU ,
estimated that a total Of 5000 to |
10 900 seamen will be thrown oft of !