Evening star., 1941-04-26

1 CIL " EofLtp TTOpOSuIs HUge A-O-I
BY the Associated Press.
Representatives of the II
American republics recommend
ed today that their nations take
over the more than 100 foreign
vessels idle in their ports and use
them ito promote the peace
and security of the continent"
The recommendation was by the
Inter American Financial and Ad-
visory Committee and the action
was announced by Undersecretary
of State Welles, chairman of the
group.
Foreign Minister Guina of Uru-
quay originated the proposal.
The recommendation, which now
will be transmitted to the various
| American governments, covers three
points:
l. The committee recommends
that the governments declare that
foreign flag vessels immobilized in
their ports by the war may now be
utilized by the American Republics
in accordance with the rules of in
ternational law and their national
legislations to promote the defense
Of their economies, the peace and
security of the continent.
Adequate Compensation.
The vessels may be utilized either
through agreements with owners or
by virtue of the right of each gov
eminent to take control of such ves-
sells as las they may deem it con-
venient to satisfy their own require
ments."
2. That just and adequate COM
pensation be made in accordance
with the commonly accepted rules
of international law and the ma
| tional legislations of each republic.
3. That the American nations
''reaffirm their full right to naviga-
ton of those vessels both in their
national and international trade"
under their flags.
The inter-American ship discus
sions followed closely two other
important moves designed to relieve
severe tonnage shortages and insure
the safety of American ships on the
high seas:
l. President Roosevelt revealed
that the Navys neutrality patrol
has been extended to any place in
the seven seas considered necessary
to protect the Western Hemisphere.
House to Act on Bill.
2. The House prepared to act on
legislation authorizing the President
to take over foreign vessels IN United
States ports and put them to any
use. The bill was approved by the
House Merchant Marine Committee
yesterday.
The 100000 gross tons of British
shipping lost since the beginning of
the war and dislocation of other
shipping services as a result of the
conflict have created a critical short
age IN ships serving South and Gen.
trail American countries.
After pool of ships sufficient to
meet the American nations Ship
ping requirements has been set aside
for operation-largely in the Vest
ern HemiSphere-it was said the in
ter-American plan would permit sur
plus tonnage to be sold or chartered
to Great Britain or other nations.
The United States has taken SO
idle vessels (39 Danish, % Italian
and 2 German) into protective Gus
tody" and is expected to turn at
least some of them over to Great
Britain if Congress authorizes the
President to take action.
Additional 90 Vessels.
In South and Central American
ports, it was said, there are an addi-
tional 96 axis vessels and an unre-
ported number of French and Dam
iSh ships which might be utilized
under the plan.
The number of ships available
would be considerably increased if
the plan were extended to include
the IA French ships in United States
ports and the undiScloSed number of
French and Danish vessels in South
and Central American ports. How
ever, CASTOR Henry -Haye, the
French Ambassador, after confer.
ring with Mr.. Welles, said it was his
understanding" that no such ac-
ton was contemplated with regard
to French vessels.
Mr.. Welles was TO preside at the
Inter-American Committees ses-
sion today.