Evening star., 1941-02-15

February by Uote Of 260 to 165.
Senate Foreign Relations COM
mittee approved measure this
Ueek By 1873 Dote.
BY the Associated Press.
Senate opponents of the admins
trations British-aid bill we're re-
ported today to be drafting an
amendment which would require
Britain to state her peace terms"
before receiving any assistance from
the United States under the pro-
posed lend-lease program.
The opposition group, led by Sem
ator Wheeler, Democrat. of Mon
tana. was said to be in general agree
ment on the idea that Britain should
say what sort Of peace she would
make if, with American help. she
defeated the axis powers.
Numerous technical difficulties
we're involved in writing the pro-
vision. and even some oppositionists
AS tentatively drawn. it would call
on the State Department to ascer-
tain Britain's peace terms befors
any American-made war equipments
could be released to her.
Strategy Meeting Held.
The amendment was one of about
half dozen being prepared by an
opposition group of nearly a score
of Senators. who held strategy
meeting late yesterday in the Office
of Senator johnson. Republican, Of
California. Apparently convinced
they could not defeat the British
aid bill, they devoted their efforts to
proposals for restrictions.
Administration leaders we're work.
ing with equal persistence to unity
their ranks against changes which
they would consider undesirable in
the legislation
With debate on the measure start
ing Monday-the Senate was in
. recess today-Chairman George Of
the Foreign Relations Committee
told reporters the committee would
not offer any amendments to the
bill in addition to those it made
earlier this week before recommend
ing the legislation for passage.
But. Senator George said. this
would not preclude acceptance Of
amendments on the floor If the
need for alterations became ap-
parent in the course of debate.
90 Opposition Votes Claimed.
The administra ton chieftains es-
timatCG that their opponents would
not be able to muster more than
20 to 25 votes when the final roll
is called. The opposition on the
other hand claimed the sure support
of 90 Senators.
Senator Clark, Democrat, of Mis-
sourrwas selected to make the first
speech for the opposition. Senator
George will make a brief opening
statement in behalf of the measure.
White House lieutenants said that
enactment of the legislation would
be followed at once by presidential
request for appropriations and con-
tract authority to put the program
into operation.
Opposition amendments in add1-
ton to the one to require state=
ment of Britains peace terms In
cluded:
/. A proposal prohibiting the Pres
ident from transferring any portion
of the American Navy to foreign
power.
2. A prohibition against the use
of naval vessels to escort merchant
conveys.
3. A definite designation of the
nations which could be aided under
the legislation.
4. A provision stating that "des
fense articles" transferred to for-
eign countries would not involve the
transfer of American man power to
foreign soil.
Among those attending yesterdays
opposition meeting was Senator
Walsh, Democrat, of Massachusetts,,
chairman of the Senate's Naval
Committee. 1t was reported that hs
probably would offer the amendment
to prevent the transfer of any naval
vessels to the British.
Although he has not stated his
(See BRITISH AID, Page A-6J