Evening star., 1941-03-01

| 'COHCIHueu from flTSI PaGeS
Wheeler said I'VE never have re.
ceived any aid from the British Navy
or government"
| Senator McCarran. Democrat. Of
Nevada interrupted to say, Its COW,
ardly, if this is our war, to be stand
ing behind the skirts Of another ma
ton"
Brewster Offers Compromise.
A compromise amendment to limit
the transfer of naval vessels under
the bill was put forward earlier b.
Senator Brewster Republican. OF
Maine as the second week of debats
on British aid drew to a close.
Senator Brewster proposed writing
into the bill the following limitation;
That no naval vessel OF the
United States of 1000 tons or more
shall in any way be disposed Oft
by reason OF such disposition the
total strength of the Navy would be
diminished, either in total tonnage
or In the number of vessels of any
category, below its strength on the
date OF enactment of this act"
Senator Brewster explained this
would mean that if two or three new
destroyers we're ready to be launched,
the Navy could make available TO
Britain an equal number of such
ships. He pointed out that the 100O-
ton limit would exempt from any
restriction the small, Wooden-typs
mosquito boats and trawlers.
A Middle Course.
The proposal is a middle course
between those who want to prohibit
transfer Of any naval vessels, ana
administration leaders. who want the
bill unrestricted.
Along with Senator Lucas. Demo-
crat, of Illinois, Senator Smathers,
| Democrat, of New Jersey announced
this afternoon he will vote for the
/ bill.
Senator Smathers said he will do
| so because he believes it is the
courageous, honorable course" for
America to take in this struggle,
which will determine whether we
i've as Tree people or whether we
stand by and let a little band of
pirates enslave the world"
The New Jersey Senator declared
ne Is not impressed by isolationist
prophets when they predict that
| this is war measure" or that "vs
will be in war within 30 days If It
| passes"
Senator Taft, Republican. of Ohio
! I0TnpH RI IItno1o,-
| during the debate that the bill would
give the President power to consoli-
date the American feet with that of
Great Britain in both Mediterranean
! and Far Eastern waters.
During his long prepared address
( by Senator Wheeler, Senator Taft
interrupted TO assert that IF this
bill IS passed, there is no reason why
the President would not be justified
In sending the feet either to Gibral-
tar or Singapore and consolidate it
with the British fleet"
1T might not be actively engaged
In shooting, but when the British
lost a ship. they could take one from
the American feet to replace it." the
Ohioan declared. Senator Wheeler
asSented.
Earlier. Senator Wheeler had told
the Senate that the time was mot
| far distant" when the President
should use his high Office in an at
tempt to bring about peace in
Europe.
The Montanan interrupted an at
tack he launched on the bill TO as
sert that the President still is in
a position where he could exercise
| the powers he has to bring about a
! just peace. dictated by the United
| States"
! Senator Wheeler, taking the floor
at the opening of the 18th day of
debate on the bill, complained that
he and other opponents had been
accused of being against England
and in favor of Germany"
Senator Wheeler attributed to
William c. Bullitt former Ambassa-
dor to France, a statement that
some of the bills opponents we're
affected by political dementia
| praecox."
of course" Senator Wheeler as
serted, Mr.. Bullitt ought to know.
I have never been under observation.
I have never been in hospital for
the treatment of nervous diseases"