Evening star., 1939-12-08
Roosevelt Sees
Kennedy; Chief.
Topic5hipping
Before Reporting on
War Envoy Hints
Third-Term Need
By JOHN c. HENRY.

Receiving a f1rSt-hand report on
Europe's wars from Joseph P. Ken
nedy, Ambassador to Great Britain,
President Roosevelt disclosed today
that the initial problem tackled in
his discussion with this country's
top-ranking European diplomatic
representative had been the transfer
of some idle American ships to serv-
ices now or previously rendered by
vessels of belligerent nations.
Home for the Christmas holidays
with his family, Mr.. Kennedy con-
ferred with the Chief Executive for
nearly two hours at the White House
this morning. Later he visited Sec
retary of State Hull, and. pl lnned
also to discuss with members of the
Maritime Commission his informa-
ton on commercial shipping needs
of European nations. Mr.. Kennedy
formerly was chairman of the COM
mission.
Just before his talk with Mr..
Roosevelt, the Ambassador. asked
by reporters to amplify previous
comments on a third term for the
President, said that outside of Mr..
Roosevelt no man, mo matter how
brilliant or earnest" was prepared
to take over the presidency.
In connection with the merchant
marine discussions, Mr.. Roosevelt
said the proposed shifting of ships
thrown out of service by the Neu-
trality Act into trade routes ordi-
narily served by other nationals is
not matter Of official arrange
ment between the British and
American governments. He empha-
sized, however. that If certain non-
American lines should be moving
their vessels into direct war time
services, the American merchant
marine would like to take over
wherever possible.
With Neutrals.
Asked If most of this trade would
be between American and British
ports, or American and neutral
ports, the President said more of it
probably would be between neutral
ports OF nations other than the
United States.
The Neutrality Act forbids Amer
ican shipping entering a European
combat zone, but exempts possess
sions of belligerent nations In other
parts of the world. Many of these
constitute valued storehouses for
belligerent nations and have drawn
increased merchant shipping. 1t
was considered possible here that
American vessels might be placed in
service from these points to ports of
trans-shipment to Europe proper.
The President also revealed today
that Mr.. Kennedy had informed him
Of greatly increased needs for tim
Der by the allied belligerents, a
condition which may bring consid-
cradle demand for Southern United
States lumber.
Mr.. Roosevelt told his press con-
ference that progress had not been
as much as expected at employing
American ships in connection with
the barter agreement with Great
Britain for exchange of cotton for
rubber. Some weeks ago, the Chief
Executive said he hoped to use
American vessels exclusively in
bringing the rubber to this country,
while American cotton would be
taken abroad in non-American ships.
Pessimistic About Europe.
Remaining with the President
during the press conference, Mr..
Kennedy left the White House for
the State Department shortly after
ward. Although he avoided any di-
rect discussion with reporters of
conditions abroad, he did not dis
guise the fact that he is decidedly
not optimistic of a return to peace
and order.
The early morning meeting with
the Ambassador had been suggest
ed by Mr.. Roosevelt in a tele-
phone conversation with the home
coming envoy Immediately after he
landed in New York Wednesday
night. At that time, the President
proposed that Mr.. Kennedy remain
in New York with his family yester-
day but be on hand for the early
conference here today.
Just before leaving Europe, the
top-ranking foreign officer con-
ferred in Paris with Ambassador
William G. Bullitt and with others
of our European diplomatic staff.
Presumably his findings in this series
of meetings are included in the in
formation presented to the President
today.
Questioned on Americas 1910
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