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mitted several to enter the building
to talk to Senators. They said they
represented the American peace
mobilization"
In his questioning, Senator Nye
repeatedly sought information from
Mr.. Knox regarding potential naval
strength of the axis powers should
they win the war.
The Navy Secretary said that If
the axis controlled all of Europe
1t would have seven times Americas
shipbuilding capacity.
Mr.. Knox declared, however, that
he believed there was little danger
of an immediate direct attack on
American shores. First they would
have to establish bases" he said.
do you really believe there is
danger?" Senator Nye asked.
I'm positive" the witness re-
sponded. do you think that if they
(the axis won, they would just let
us alone?"
Senator Nye said he did, because,
he added, the axis powers would
have to contend with disease, FAM
inc and troublesome minority groups
at home.
did you ever hear of a con-
queror quitting, especially when
there still was some loot to be had?"
Mr.. Knox interposed.
Senator Nye sought to show the
United States would be much
stronger by building its own defense
instead of sending aid abroad, but
Mr.. Knox said he could not agree.
Knows Russia Is Not in Axis.
Answering series of questions by
Senator Johnson, Republican, of
California about the status of Russia
in the present world situation, Mr..
Knox said all the information he
possesses is that Russia is not one
of the axis powers.
What are you going to give Eng
land first, under this bill?" inquired
the Californian.
THE most important things are
airplanes and ammunition" came
the answer.
II this country is already sending
over half Of its airplane output, Sen
ator Johnson wanted to know why
there is need for the lease-lend bill.
Mr.. Knox pointed out it is imper-
ative because up to now Great
Britain has been paying cash, but
will have no more dollar exchange
when existing orders are paid for.
Axis Has Home Fleets,
Several opponents of the bill
sought to bring out that the Ger
man and Italian navies are home
water fleets that would have diff
ficulty joining in long-range in
vasion of this hemisphere.
Mr.. Knox agreed they are of that
category, but remainded the COM
mittee this Government does not
expect a direct coastal invasion on
this continent until after the axis
powers have gained a foothold and
naval bases in South America.
At the outset this morning, Sem
ator Nye contended a foreign foe
based at Dakar on the African coast
would have to bring its supplies a
long distance from the Mediter-
ranean, and that the American
Navy could interfere with that.
Secretary Knox pointed out 1t
also would be possible to bring sup
plies by land.
When Senator Nye asked whether
there was any danger of an attack
on the United States through Can
ada, the naval chief replies: ANY
danger? There Is always danger. A
base in Newfoundland would put
bombers in range of Detroit"
Sees Odds Against Us.
Senator Nye asked II an axis victory
in Europe would make the defense
of this hemisphere hopeless one"
"It would be an exceedingly
dangerous one" Mr.. Knox replied.
WED have to strain every nerve
and the odds would be against u.s."
The North Dakota Senator asked
what waters were most vital to the
security of the United States.
THE most vital waterway under
the American Flag is the Panama
Canal and its approaches" the Wit
ness replied.
Senator Nye then turned ques-
tions to the bills provisions for
eventual repayment of British aid
in kind" such as battleships and
ornaments.
I'D do it If I did not get a dollar
back" Mr.. Knox said. II think 1t
would be saving money"
If England wins, Senator Nye
asked, what good would ornaments
and ships be to the United States?
Secretary Knox said they would
strengthen our national defense.
Senator Connally, Democrat, of
Texas, a supporter of the bill,
pointed out that "if we get safety
and security, that's pretty good re-
payment and lot better than a lot
of secondhand guns"
Japan Not Begged NavalIy.
isn't Japan begged down with its
operations in China?" asked SEN
ator Nye, implying they could not
do much in an axis combination
against the United States.
mot navally," the Secretary an
swered.
How large a part could Japan
play" the Senator continued.
The Secretary said he questioned
the wisdom of answering that In
open session. Mr.. Knox also told
Senator johnson it would be unwiSe
to disclose figures on present air.
plane production and how many
planes are going to Great Britain
He said, however, the number is
large"
| Recalling Mr.. Knox had ques-