The " Lease and Lend " Bill
The far-reaching powers which President Roosevelt has demanded before the United States can go full steam ahead in carrying out his promise to give aid to Britain can only be applied when the " Lease and Lend " Bill has passed success- fully through both Houses of Congress. Last week the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives sent the Bill with its approval to the full House, amendments to the draft being only those which are acceptable to the Administration. On Monday the full-dress debate began in the House, where attempts will be made by the Opposition to water down the powers which the Bill confers. But it is almost certain to be passed in substantially its present form by a large majority, and delayk tactics will be defeated by the rules imposing time limits on discussion. The Bill will then still have to face the ordeal of the Senate, where it is possible that debate will be long spun out, though the ultimate issue is not in doubt. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has now opened its examination, and it is to give evidence before it that Mr. Wendell Willkie has hastened his return. His evidence, which will almost certainly show the urgency of the issue, will not merely help the passage of the Bill, but may expedite it. Time is of the essence of the situation. He gives twice who gives quickly. President Roosevelt can only throw the whole weight of America into war production, and also give us the utmost possible immediate aid, when the " Lease and Lend " Bill has become law. Every day that is gained now may shorten the war by as many weeks.
Previous page
