* * * * American Neutrality Bill Postponed There is
now little hope of early legislation in the United States for removing the embargo on the export of arms to belligerents under conditions favourable to coun- tries capable of buying them and transporting them. It was hoped that the Neutrality Bill, amended by the House of Representatives so as to retain the embargo on arms and munitions, would receive better treatment by the Senate, and that it might be returned for re-amendment by a joint committee of both Houses. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, however, has dashed these hopes, deciding by a majority of one to postpone consideration of the measure until the next session of Congress in January. The opponents of the Bill objected to it on the ground that it was a departure from neutrality—it was taking sides against the countries which lack command of the sea. President Roosevelt retorted that to pass the measure after something had happened abroad would look much more like an unneutral act. However, there the matter is for the present. President Roosevelt's desire to strengthen the hands of peace-loving nations has been frustrated. But even those who have clung most rigidly to the isolationist doctrine admit that in certain circum- stances Congress might have to take a different line. The decision is to wait and see.
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