The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-28

national policy, wanted ROC Department persuaded Roosevelt to the contrary.
 Several months later, when the Duke of Windsor flew to visit Roosevelt during his Caribbean cruise, the Duke put up to him the desperate plight of British shipping and asked for American naval conveys to protect British ships across the Atlantic. To this the President gave an emphatic No.
 It was at approximately the same time that the late Lord Lothian came back from England and submitted list of the naval vessels Britain would need to maintain her lifeline of supplies from the U. s. A. The. list in- cluded not only destroyers, but four cruisers of the Omaha class.
 This succession of events has increased the pressure on RooSe- vet to change his mind about U. s. naval conveys for British ship ping, but so far no commitments have been given the British, and no policy has been decided for conveying ships to England. BOMBED SHIPYARDS
 The British picture was also made depressing by the difficulty of finishing work on vessels in British shipyards. Two battle ships of the King George class were launched last spring, but since then no ship of any impor- tance has come off the ways. Rea- son is that the bombardment of Britain began in earnest last sum- mer, and shipyards have been one of the main targets. Since the yards are exposed, they have suf- fered much more than factories. AS a result, ships have been bombed, patched up, then bombed again.
 Another development is that within the last ten days in the Mediterranean, where the Brit ish have lost the equivalent of seven ships. The Southampton was sunk, the Illustrious put out of commission, and five others damaged so badly that repairs will take two or three months. Repairs are difficult in the Med- iterranean, because Malta is un- der constant bombardment and the naval base at Gibraltar is small.
 Meanwhile German bombers, realizing that the strength of the British fleet in the Mediterranean is the key to victory, have taken over Italian bases and are raining destruction on the Royal Navy.
 It was the succession of these developments which began to change Roosevelt's mind about U. s. naval conveys for British ship ping.
 NOTE-No commitments have been given the British, and no policy has been definitely decided for conveying British ships. But advisers believe the President will adopt such a policy if permitted by Congress.
 WALLACE AND SENATORS
 Vice-President Henry Wallace will have to change either his of- flee system or his secretary. Oth- erwise he is headed for trouble in the Senate.
 The other day Senator James E. Murray of Montana dropped into Wallace's office to see him about legislative matter. only. to be informed that he would have to make an appointment.
 However" the Girl Friday added generously, If you would like to shake hands with MT. Wallace, HI see if I can't get him to step out for . moment. That's about all the time he can spare"
 Senators are not accustomed to being stiff.armed like that any where ir Washington, and par" ticularly not hi the Capitol. For Q moment. Murray was nom plussed, but only for 2 moment.
 "Listen, young lady" he said with great llFsnnees, "I don't want Co shake hands with MF. Wallace and neither dc ] want his AutogFaph. [ have lfnp0rs tant bualneas t0 discuss with him and be and | viii decide h0lv anneh time Will he devoted