Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-03-11
Quick Action Seen
On Funds for Bases
Leased From Britain
Expeditionury Force
Preparations in Norfolk
Area Reported

House concurrence in the near
future was expected today on Sem
ate revisions of two appropriation
measures which would provide funds
for improvement of feet and air
stations at the eight bases acquired
from Great Britain and at the Pa
eiflc outposts of Guam and Samoa.
The construction work at the
British bases, estimated to cost
$58,250,000, is part of a S346,031 1888
program which includes strengthen
ing facilities at Guam and Samoa
and development of defense works
in the Alaskan, Panama Canal,
Caribbean and Continental United
States areas.
In connection with one part of
the building program at the Nor
folk Navy Yard, it was reported
that "a large number of eXpedi-
tionary landing boats are being
assembled in the Norfolk area in
connection with expeditionary force
preparations.
To Be Stored Until Needed.
The Navy explained that this
meant that 404 blunt-nose, open
craft were being built as "a normal
preparedness measure" and would
be stored until needed. No specific
expedition was contemplated, naval
officials emphasized. The vessels,
similar to the Nays conventional
motor sailers, are being built at New
Orleans at a cost of about $4,000, 900.
The size of the vessels was not
stated, but the Nays existing motor
sailers carry about 80 men each.
Close on the heels OF the naval
public works measures, the Senate
approved a $1,533, 567102 supple
mental defense fund, of which $169,
415,000 would be allocated for car
rying out projects previously author
lied. The amount included S4,700,-
600 for Guam and $8,100,000 for
Samoa, as we'll as cash for some of
the British base development prof.
ects.
The appropriation measure, which
now goes back to the House for ac-
O1l Sol lCd
$l57, 102,500 in contract authority
and the balance in cash, the total
being S187, 500 more than was voted
by thegHouse.
Largest amount in the bill was
S675 ,283, 900 for construction of mill
tary posts. WarShip requirements
accounted for $202,O00,OO0
Roosevelt Asks S3O0,941,S 800.
Meanwhile, President Roosevelt
sent to the House a request for a
$500, BAL 800 naval appropriation to
supply deficiencies for the year end
ing June 30. A major item was
S133,118.820 for ordnance and ord
nance stores.
There was little debate on the de-
tense measures or on a S1,415, 991,-
1888 appropriation for various indie
pendent agencies to be expended
during the fiscal year beginning July
l. This measure was likewise passed
by the Senate and sent to the House.
A group of Republican members
succeeded in limiting the Presidents
discretion in expenditure of a pro-
posed $100,000,000 defense emer-
gency fund provided in the indie
pendent Offices bill
The bill originally provided that
the President could spend the money
without regard to laws regulating
of Government funds,
but with administration supporters
temporarily outnumbered by Re
publican members on the floor, a
voice vote struck out this provision
and wrote in limitation that the
money be spent only for purposes
authorized by Congress.
Included in the independent offices
bill was provision for $1,500,000 an
nually to operate the Office of Gov
eminent Reports.
Also headed from the Senate to
the House today was a resolution
affirming the principle that this
Government should not recognize
the transfer of any territory in the
Western Hemisphere from one nom
American power to another nom
American power.