America and the Economic Blockade
Mr. Hugh Dalton's broadcast to North America last Sunday was an explanation of what is already being done by Britain's economic blockade of Germany and Italy, and of more that might be done with yet further help from the United States. The over-running of Western Europe from Norway to Southern France has not broken the blockade. Mr. Dalton claims to have imposed on Germany serious shortages of rubber, copper, ferro-alloys, textiles and, last but not least, oil; and says that the stocks of oil, rubber and copper looted in the occupied countries have already been used up, and that the position is now worse than six months ago. The pressure is kept up day and night through the use of the " silent weapon " of sea power. But more might yet be done to hasten the end if America, in pursuance of her desire to give all help short of war, would adopt certain measures within the powers and rights of a neutral. She might refuse to buy anything from Germany or her agents, immobilise enemy ships in her ports, deny facilities to blockade-runners, and tighten up export • controls to prevent vital materials from reaching the enemy. Such measures might involve some temporary commercial sacrifice, but they would be as nothing compared with the losses resulting from the prolongation of war. Those who desire our victory will assuredly desire a quick victory. The United States are unstintingly providing the products of their war factories. We ask also for financial assistance and economic support in the blockade. Their attitude encourages us to believe that they will welcome frank statements of the kind of help which will best serve our cause.
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