Evening star., 1941-02-21
By ]. A. OIEARY.

NldhlI4S lllS lilo SpCCIll III tIlC
Senate against the administrators
British aid bill. Senator Brooks, Re-
publican, of Illinois termed the
measure a war bill and a leap
toward dictatorship" after Senator
Gillette, Democrat, of Iowa also had
spoken against it.
Although opposing the pending
bill Senator Brooks declared his
sympathy for a British victory, and
said he would favor helping the
British by giving them whatever We
could spare out of our present
production from now on-short Of
war. and not dissipate another ounce
Of the present inadequate defense Of
America -
Senator Gillette likewise took the
view that this countrv's defense
equipment is so "meager" and in
adequate" the United States should
concentrate on Western Hemisphere
defense.
As several other opponents pre-
pared to join in the discussion this
afternoon, supporters of the bill
sought TO speed it on to final pas
sage, in view of last nights predic-
ton by Chairman George of the
Foreign Relations Committee that
tremendous developments" may
take place in Europe within the next
10 days
Senator Gillette admitted this war
holds the possibility Of serious
future threat to America " but took
the general view of the isolationists
that the safest course for this coun-
try is to keep its defense resources
at home.
Denies Britain Is Fighting Our War.
If I believed. as many profess to
believe, that Great Britain is ac-
tualy fighting our war, and is
standing almost alone between our
Nation and the destruction of all We
hold dear, would vote for a declara-
ton Of war tomorrow. and to 60 TO
her assistance with all our power,
men and resources" the tall, silver
haired IoWan declared.
Il certainly would not sav. She
is fighting to save US. our country
and our homes. so We will send her
munitions, tanks and planes. and
loan her money, but on no account
Will We send our boys or get into
the war ourselves. Let the bows OF
some other nation do our fighting
for US, let them shed their blood
and have their loved ones DESTROYED,
but let us be careful to participate
only by sending munitions or loan
ing credit. They may spend their
flesh and blood but We will spend
our dollars
Senator Gillette said, however,
that he does not share the belief
that England is standing between
this country and destruction.
Passage Likely Next Week.
With Majority Leader Barley
planning a Saturday session. and
opposition leaders promising to
complete their verbal attack on the
bill Tuesday. prospects were good
today for final passage by the end
of next week.
Even if general debate closes
Tuesday, it will take several DAYS to
discuss and act on further restric-
tive amendments opponents are
planning to offer. Administration
hackers are working also to have
the House accept the Senate ver-
sion OF the bill. in which no major
changes have been made, to save
| time that would be lost in appoint
ing a Conference Committee to ad-
Just differences.
Senator Bridges, Republican. OF
New Hampshire, friend of the bill,
today offered the amendment sug-
gested by Wendell L. Willkie. which
would name the British Empire.
Greece and China as the countries
to be aided. but with additional Ian
guage designed to meet the argu-
ment that it would preclude help to
future victims of aggression. Sena-
tor Bridges added the words, and
such other foreign countries as may
be invaded or attacked and whose
defense is vital to the defense of the
United States"
Majority Leader Barkley said.
however, he still thought it would
be better not to name the countries.
No Amendments Accepted.
At the same time. it was learned
that supporters of the bill thus far
have made no move to accept any
of the major amendments that will
be offered before a final vote. Ad-
miniStration forces are understood
to feel that none of the modiflca-
tions now pending would gain for
the bill any votes it does not already
have. And since they anticipate
passage by at least two to one, ii ap-
pears unlikely they will seek further
compromises.
81 can see in the outcome Of the
wars of Europe and Asia the posi-
bility of serious future threat to
America Senator Gillette declared.
Il will work, vote and speak for
every effort and proposal to prepare
(See PPTTTSu ATn poCa A-Al