Evening star., 1941-10-08

Neutrality legislation was en-
acted originally in 1885. After
seDeral previous amendments, 1t
tDdS changed most recently in
1889 lUhen the arms embargo tUas
remoUed and cdsh-ond carry sec
ton substituted. President RooSe-
UeH Seperdl times has expressed
doubts as to Uisdom OF such leg
isldtion, but has neDer publicly
advocated its repeal.
Legislation to permit the arm
ing of American merchant ships
will be introduced in the House
tomorrow Immediately on receipt
of a special message from Presi-
dent Roosevelt giving admins
tration recommendation for re-
vision of the Neutrality Act, it
was reported in congressional
circles today.
Legislative leaders who attended
White House conference indicated
they believed the Presidents mes
sage would be in general terms, leav.
ing the question of procedure to
Congress. They said it was agreed
the ship-arming amendment could
be sent through the House before the
end of next week, leaving the oues-
ton of allowing such ships to be sent
into combat areas to be taken up
later.
1t was said reliably, that the Pres
ident, Secretary of State Hull and
Harry L. Hopkins, the lease-lend
chieftain, still were hopeful that
Congress eventually would also
amend the existing law to lift the
present prohibition against Amer
lean ships travelling to belligerent
ports or designated combat areas.
Decision Disappoints Hopkins.
Mr.. Hopkins. who had been re-
ported taking the lead in an effort
to have the law revised to permit
the arming OF ships and to allow
them to travel anywhere, was said
to have expressed disappointment
at the decision reached at today,s
conference.
One Of those who attended the
meeting told reporters that if the
legislation providing for arming
ships went through the House by a
substantial majority, it was possible
that the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee would consider broaden
ing the measure to eliminate the re-
strictions on ship movements.
Both Chairman Connally Of the
Senate Foreign Relations Commit
tee and Chairman Bloom of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee
announced they would introduce
resolutions amending the Neutrality
Act Immediately after the Presi-
dents message has been received
Chairman Bloom announced that
hearings on whatever bill is intro
duced would begin Monday.
Connally Issues Statement.
Senator Connally issued the fol-
lowing statement after returning to
the Capitol from the White House:
THE President expected to sent
a message regarding the so-callec
neutrality bill to Congress tomor.
row. Immediately after delivery ol
the message, as chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Relations ol
the Senate, I shall introduce a bill
with respect to some features Of the
act. I have heretofore publicly
stated that favor repeal of section
6 of the so-called Neutrality Act
which prohibits the arming oi
United States merchant ships.
Men on American ships should
have right to defend themselve.
from attack just as men on LAND
have such right.
They ought to have the weapon.
to make such defense, to preserve
their lives and their property.
In addition, I have also publicly
stated that I favor the repeal OF
Section 2 of the act which limits the
freedom of the United States ship.
to sail to prohibited ports and zone,
which they have a right to do under
international law. My own view Is
that the United States should re-
move the restrictions imposed by
domestic legislation in the so-called
Neutrality Act and that the United
States stand firmly for the mainte.
nance Of its rights and the rights oil
its people under international law
Events are changing 80 rapidly and
situations are being developed SC
suddenly that I am of the opinion q
little time will clearly demonstrate
the necessity for the repeal Of Sec
ton and Section q"
President Roosevelt's message, II
was understood, will give compel.
ling reasons why the Neutrality Ac,
should be amended at this time
both so far as the arming merchant
ships and their free use are con.
cerned.
Passage of the armed ship resolu.
ton by large majority in the HOUSE
was predicted by both Democrat,