Evening star., 1941-02-01
Minority Leose-Lend Report
Eight on Committee Hit 'Dictotorior
Powers in Bill, Urge Extension of Credits

broken down, are not likely to be
restored"
Remember, we cannot repeal war,
we cannot repeal bankruptcy, and
we cannot repeal dictatorship!
Under this bill We surrender our
democratic way of life now for fear
of a future threat to our demo-
cratic way of life. The Oldest and
last constitutional democracy sur
renders it's freedom under the pre-
text of avoiding war, with the
probable result that the newest
dictatorship will soon 60 to war.
Our proposal:
We have offered in committee
and will offer again on the floor
the following constructive, demo-
cratic program to aid Britain and
to keep us out of war:
/. A $4,000, 100000 credit to Brit
ain, to be used in this country for
purchasing arms when her dollar
balance for this purpose is exhaust
ed, requiring reasonable collateral
security If available.
2. Permit the sale by our Gov
ernment of arms to Britain only
when our highest Army and Navy
officers certify in writing such arms
are not necessary for our national
defense.
Time Limit of One Year
8. A one-year time limit on all
extraordinary powers. Congress
meets again next year and can
easily extend the time limit If our
interests require it.
4. Provide that no vessels of the
United States Navy shall be dis
posed of without the consent of
Congress.
S. Prohibit the use of our ports
for repair bases for belligerent ships.
We must not bring the war to
American ports.
6. Prohibit the use of American
vessels to transfer exports to bel
1igerents.
Z. Prohibit the conveying of mer-
chantmen by our Navy. One sunk
en- ship might plunge us into war.
Our program would permit the
coordination of all foreign pur-
chases through the Office of Pro-
duction Management instead of
making the President the director
general of the war in Europe. Our
Government now has power to fix
priorities and forbid exports, so no
additional powers are needed to en-
force coordination. At our hear
ings Mr.. Knudsen was asked: "You
have sufficient power now to CO.
ordinate the procurement of ma
terials?" Mr.. Knudsen answered: !:
Yes" If instead of coordination
we demand domination, If we as
sumo what Secretary Stimson called
"the general strategy" of the war,
we assume the responsibility for its
outcome, and that leads to sending
an expeditionary force overseas.
Could Give Aid to Russia.
Congress should specify the ma
tions to receive aid. To leave it
wide open would mean the Presi-
dent could, now that we have lifted
the moral embargo, give aid to
Russia by sending planes and war
materials. Congress is to be in ses-
sion for some months. 1t can ex-
tend aid to other countries If 1t Is
necessary.
Conclusion:
This is the most important and
far-reaching bill this house has
ever considered. 1t involves a COM
plete change in the way of life of
our Republic, both internal and in
our foreign relations. We should
face this legislation calmly and
courageouSly as intelligent patriots.
without panic or partisanship. We
do not solve these problems merely
by passing them all on to one man.
Control of the purse and control Of
the war-making power belongs to
Congress. The safety and security
of the American people demand
they remain with Congress.
HAMILTON FISH. =.
CHARLES A. EATON.
EDITH N. ROGERS.
ROBERT B. CHIPERFIELD.
JOHN M. VORYS.
KARL E. MUNDT.
BARTEL j.. JONKMAN.
FRANCES P. BOLTON.
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