The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-31
UNITED STATES | NOT TO SEEK
 THE DAVIS CUP
Australians Are At War Sporting Thing To
 De-" says Ward
BY LESLIE AVERY

Limited Press Stan CoErespOndent)
 New York, Jan. S1. = (UP) = It would be something less than cricket to fling bold Davis Cup challenge at a nation in the ttlroes of war, So the United States will pass up the midnight deadline and give Austra- lia ample opportunity to rehabili- tate her tennis forces before chal- lenging for the big international trophy again.
 Both John Brornwich and Adrian Quist, the conquering Al1zacs who lifted the cup from the United States and sailed back Down Under" with it last year, already have answered the call to colors and the unwritten laws of sportsmanship preclude the bare suggestion that Australia should be asked to defend the trophy with her depleted ranks.
 Under the rules governing Davis Cup competition, however, no provi- sion Is made for war, and the United States or any other nation IS at hb- erty to challenge.
 Holcombe Ward, president of the U. s. Lawn Tennis Association, arl- nounced that the United States not only would pass up the challenge this year but would give the Austra- Hans at least a year or two after the war ends to restore her tennis team to full strength.
 "It would not be 8 sporting propo- sition for us to do otherwise" Ward said. '"The wars in Europe and else- where in the world probably will re- suit in shelving the competition ua- til peaceful, happier times prevail.
 In the Army
 'The leading Australian players are known to be doing war duty. Any nation that might decide to ignore the war conditions would be strictly within its right by filing challenge, but according to the information we have here, none has done so."
 Coincidentally, Australia won the cup from the United States in 1914 and held it four years without chal- lenge during the World war. Tony Wilding, one of the Australian aces who downed the United States 3-2 in that series, marched off to war and was killed in action. Despite the loss, Australia successfully defended the cup against Great Britain in 1919, and the United States team, led by Bill Tilden and Bill Johnston, won it back in 1920.
 If the present war flinders devel- cpment of young Australian players or lasts so long that its established stars go stale, this country will wait, as 1t did in 1918, until the Aussies can put a strong squad in defense of the cup.
 we just wouldn't feel very sport ing" one of the flannel pants offi- cials explained, ito challenge na- tion that had been at war for any length of time. While our players were being developed theirs would have been busy with war occupations Our future policy with regard tc challenging for the cup will depend upon how long, and how serious this war is."
 The same official doubted reports that one or more of the Latin Amer icat1 countries contemplated last minute challenges, but added "eyen if they do they will still be defeated Australia could field a team of young players-under war age-who could beat any but the most powerful ten his nations, such as Germany France or England, and they are all in the fight. Italy might be the ex. ception, but I understand that Italy like the United States, does not de. sire to play anything but Australian No. 1 team.