Evening star., 1940-02-20

commercial planes could be changed
into military aircraft, and, yet,
trucks may be shipped to Europe
under the neutrality proclamations.
Mr.. Hackworth said the Num-
tions Control Board went carefully
into that before the neutrality proc
lamations were issued. Mr.. Miller
replied he hoped the State De-
partment would give the CONNER
cial aircraft industry an opportunity
to demonstrate that it would be
very difficult and costly for foreign
buyers to change commercial air
craft into efficient fighting planes.
He said he did not want to see the
commercial aviation industry in
America left at disadvantage un-
necessarily.
Jones Suggests Changes.
Federal Loan Administrator Jesse
Jones suggested. If a commercial
aircraft distinction is deemed de-
sirable, the way to get that would
be to have the President change his
order" rather than by legislation.
Acting Chairman Williams of Mis-
souri, asked Mr.. Hackworth to COM
ment on the question of whether
the United States is limited to
selling Finland nothing but food and
raw materials, under the Havana
convention of 1928.
The State Department official re-
piled that, from the standpoint OF
neutrality, if this country can ship
food and raw materials, he sees no
reason why the United States should
not also ship many other articles,
such as shoes.
That's what the President had
in mind" Mr.. Hackworth said, ito
supply the civilian population of
Finland with the necessities of life. I"
Mr.. Hackworth said he did not be-
lieve the Havana conference at
tempted to lay down a hard and
fast rule.
Finland's Status Cited.
After Mr.. Hackworth had pointed
out neither Finland or Russia ad-
mits it is at war and that no ma
ton has held Finland to be bel
igerent, so far as he knows, Repre-
sentative Clifford, Republican, of
Massachusetts, asked:
IF we conclude Finland is not at
war we can sell them anything they
want, can't we?"
Certainly" Mr.. Hackworth re-
piled.
The pending bill, however, is so
drafted as to prohibit sale of any
thing listed as implements of war in
the neutrality proclamation and the
witness said this is in accord with
President Roosevelts suggestion.
MIR. Clifford suggested that, since
existence of a state of war is not
recognized, Congress might as well
strike from the bill another re-
striction, requiring the Export
Import Bank to follow the State De-
partments Interpretation of inter-
national law in deciding what could
be purchased with its money.
Mr.. Hackworth said he had no
objection to striking out the proviso.
Federal Loan Administrator Jones
said he would rather leave it in, al
though it was not recommended to
the Senate by him.
See Report without Change.
Despite various suggestions today
for broadening the use to which the
loans could be put, there are strong
indications the committee will re-
port the bill to the House without
amendment when the hearings end.
The committee recalled Mr.. Jones
this afternoon and questioned him
at length as to how much of the new
fund may be loaned to South Amer
lea, and whether credits to Finland,
China and Scandinavian countries
would have preference. Mr.. Jones
said the bank would consider the
applications that came in first. At
this time, he said. there are discus
sions going on with Latin American
countries, but no direct applica.
tions have been received yet.