Neutrality Bill Progress
The debate on the Neutrality Bill in the American Senate proceeds, but Senator Key Pittman's prediction that it would be finished by October 14th is unlikely to be fulfilled. The passage of the measure seems increasingly certain, but there is no evidence that its opponents have abandoned their intention to protract debate, though events in Europe are intensifying the already prevalent anti-Hitler movement in the United States. The first test of strength in the Senate, on Tuesday, produced a majority of 65 to 26 in favour of the Administration on a motion which proposed to separate the " cash-and-carry " provisions from the rest of the Bill and deal with them later at leisure. This would have the effect of prohibiting American ships from carrying munitions to Europe and at the same time still prevent the Allies from fetching them in their own. The restrictions the measure lays on American shippers are causing increas- ing anxiety in shipping circles in New York. If there is a serious attempt to get the Bill modified in this respect further delay will be involved, but meanwhile extensive aeroplane orders for Britain and France 2re being executed, in full confidence that delivery, which is at present pro- hibited, will soon be possible.
Previous page
