Evening star., 1941-04-14
Senate Debate
On Convoy Issue
Due This Week
Routine on Schedule
Today as Congress
Ends Easter Recess
q, the Associated Press,

By the Associated Press.
Critics of administration foreign
policy forecast today that the long
developing debate over proposal
to forbid United States naval escorts
for war materials would break wide
open in the Senate this week.
The convoy question was of main
immediate concern to legislators re-
turning to the Capital from Easter
vacations and their interest was
sharpened by these two develop
ments:
l. President Roosevelt's removal
Of the Red Sea from the list Of
waters closed to American shipping
under the Neutrality Act-an action
which raised discussions in congress
sional circles as to what protection
might be given United States cargo
vessels in event they we're attacked
while delivering British war sup
plies TO Suez Canal ports.
2. Announcement of the Russo
Japanese neutrality agreement yes
terday. Foes of naval conveys said
this pact would free the Japanese
for further southwark moves in the
Orient and provided them with a
strong argument for not diverting
any naval vessels to convoy duty.
Tobey Resolution Pending.
The issue of whether Congress
should prohibit specifically convoy
ing of war shipments will be con-
sidered by the Senate Foreign Rela-
tions Committee Wednesday. Be-
fore the committee is a resolution
by Senator Tobey, Republican, of
New Hampshire to forbid conveying.
Indications were that the commit
tee, with administration forces in
control, would pigeonhole it.
But Senator Tobey asserted that
he and other opponents would de-
bate conveying whether the resolu-
ton reached the floor or not.
Little congressional action was in
prospect today since the opening of
the baseball season, which always
empties the Capitol, held the legisla-
tive schedule to routine matters.
The Senate planned to take up q
81, 1,152,000,000 Treasury-Post Ofice
appropriation bill, but to postpone
debate until tomorrow, and the
House arranged to act on District
of Columbia bills.
l. The Treasury Post ONCE bill, only
measure listed for Senate considera-
ton this week, may develop a major
fight over whether subsidy should
be granted the American Export
Steamship Lines to establish
trans Atlantic air service. The House
voted no. but the proposal was ap-
proved, IS to II, by the Senate APP
propriations Committee.
Truman Calls Hearing.
Chairman Truman called his spe-
cial Senate committee investigating
defense to hear testimony by Secre-
tary Stimson and other Army Of
ficials tomorrow. Among other
things, committeeman were expected
to ask witnesses to explain the cost
of Army cantonmentS.
The Senate Commerce Committee
was expected to approve within a
few days President Roosevelts re-
quest for authority to lease or buy 80
Danish vessels recently seized by the
Coast Guard. The legislation also
would empower the Chief Executive
to take over other foreign ships
lying idle in American harbors, in
cluding the luxury liner Normandie
and Is other French vessels.
Awaiting early consideration were
new taxes, which administration
leaders say must provide 81 500 ,000,-
900 to s2,000,000, 900 of additional
revenue annually.
Conference Call Expected.
1t was indicated that members Of
the House Ways and Means Com
miteee, which will originate the
legislation, would ask for con-
ference on the subject with Pres
ident Roosevelt before starting con-
sideration of a bill.
Before the fiscal year ends June
80, Congress also must enact half
dozen appropriations measures for
various departments and decide
whether to accept the Presidents
recommendation for a s206, ,000, ,000
development of the st. Lawrence
waterway.