Evening star., 1941-06-27
President Bares
u. ). Shortage
0fAmmuniton
Sending Of Rifles to
Irish Considered,
Roosevelt Says
Bv JOHN G. HENRY,
Star Staff Correspondent.

STAR Sta1I correspondent.
HYDE PARK, N Y, June 81
The Nation is confronted with a
shortage of ammunition produc-
ton, President Roosevelt revealed
here today.
At the same time, the Chief
Executive announced at a press
conference that he Is studying the
practicability of sending quantity
of Army rifles to Ireland, but be-
cause of the munitions shortage, he
said that if rifles eventually are
sent there will be no matching ship
ment of ammunition
In explanation, Mr.. Roosevelt
said an actual lack of ammunition
plants was responsible for the
munitions shortage. BY contrast.
he said making facilities had
been found ample, with a result
that the actual manufacture Of
these arms is proceeding very we'll.
On the matter of Irish aid, the
President announced several weeks
ago that two American ships had
been offered for lease to the Dublin
government, plus S500,000 in food.
stuffs. Subsequently the Irish &C
cepted the proposal but 1t was
learned that they had been more
anxious to obtain defense equip
ment than food.
Negotiations for the sale of
two shlps-the West Neris and
the West Hemaltite, each of ap-
proximately 5000 tons-have
been completed except for de-
termination of the final sale
price, Maritime Commission Off
clals in Washington said today.
No Assurances Received.
This morning the President de-
clared fatty that an important uues-
ton involved in the whole PROPOSE
ton Is that of receiving definite
assurances that the Irish would
defend themselves against attack
by Germany. To a question, he re-
piled that he has not received such
assurances.
Asked about reported efforts of
the British to obtain air and naval
bases in Fire. Mr.. Roosevelt said
ne had not discussed this issue and
that he felt quite sure the British
nave said nothing about forceful
seizure OF such bases.
As the President remarked that
Irish representatives originally had
asked for all types of defense ma
terlel, ne was reminded that in
every case Of projected American aid
10 foreign countries there has been
the obstacle of insufficient pro-
ductlon here. Under these cir
cumstances, he was asked how long
before he expects a peak in defense
production.
Replying that such question
cannot be answered in a general
way, Mr.. Roosevelt said some phases
OF production already are at peak
levels. others close to it, and some
others many months away.
Plans Talk With Welles.
In comparable manner, he said
he was satisfied with certain as
poets OF the defense program and
production management and not
satisfied with others. He did not
specify in either instance, and in
connection with the ammunition
shortage-so serious that supplies
are lnaQequate for American uses
without regard to foreign needs
he did not imply criticism of present
efforts.
The President said he planned to
talk to Undersecretary of State
Sumner Welles by telephone before
lunch, indicating he expected at
that time to receive information on
the State Department officials con-
ference yesterday with Constantine
Oumansky. Russian Ambassador.
The Chief Executive Tuesday
promised all possible aid to Russia
in its war with Nazi Germany and
said list of Soviet needs was being
awaited
He said today he still did not know
whether aid to the Soviet govern
ment would be on a lease-lend basis
The alternative would be outright
purchases here by Russia and the
way was cleared for this procedure
Tuesday when the Treasury Depart
ment released the bulk of Soviet
assets in this country, frozen by
executive order some two weeks ago.
Coatless and tieless, Mr.. Roose-
velt received the press today in
the small study of his home over
looking the Hudson. In jovial
spirits, he talked at considerable
length about Hyde Park and Pough-
keepsie matters, advising local re-
porters that it is time Poughkeepsie
had a new city hall, but likewise
informing them that he had ad-
vised the city fathers to wait an
other year or so in their request for
Federal funds for new sewage dis
posal plant.
Later today and over much of the
week end he was planning to work
on exhibition material in the Frank
lin D. Roosevelt Library, which he
will dedicate on Monday and which
will be opened to the public Tues
day.
The institution. rambling field
(See ROOSEVELT, Page A-4D