Washington, Oct. 15. RESIDENT Roosevelt, assisted by his military and naval aides, has planned the new rearmament programme to give the United States the most mobile national defence in the world through use of the latest equip ent in ordnance, it was revealed today.
Simultaneously, it was indicated by navy officials that the new Atlantic squadron of 14 ships may be further enlarged the addition of the two 1,500-ton destroyers, Davis'and Bonham, now nearing completion on the east coast.
The President's advisers are aware of the expense of the contemplated programme, but do not expect serious Congressional opposition.
It is understood that man-power will not be materially increased but [that the emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of large numbers of the latest weapons.
Senator Morris Sheppard, Democrat] lof Texas and Chairman of the Senate Naval Affairs Committee, announced today he was in full agreement with the programme and added that "the matter of increased defences will be given a very careful study."
Mr. Sam Rayburn, Democratic Representative of Texas, said he was confident that "Congress would be backed by the American people in bringing about an. adequate programme of defence.'
It is an undisguised fact that. the] President's decision was influenced by the results of recent European developments, particularl the temporary eclipse of Britain and France and the ascendancy of the more adequately armed Germany and Italy.
Mr. Roosevelt, received confidential {information that the deciding factor at Munich was the dominant strength for the German alr force.
Reliable informants said that the immediate plan contemplates the pur chase of anti-aircraft guns, coast field artillery, machine guns, semi-automa-rifles and pistols suMmeient to arm {the regular army, National Guard and fan additional force estimated 300,000.
The United States Government is preparing on a wide front to act against the Nozi-Fascist influence in Latin America in a determined effort to maintain this hemisphere as the stronghold of representative government, political informants declared today. This determination is empha ized by President Roosevelt's pr. ouncements on national defence and Fearmamen It is believed that the statement of Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of. State—"America for Americans"—will find favour at. the Pan - American Conference which opens at Lima on December 9.
The United States through diplom: tic means is expected to promote cultural relations among the various republics in order to combat the! spread of European ideologies. The growing United States navy and 1 furbished army are calculated to. discourage any attempts at military enferoachment from either European or Foreign Troops in Spain Now Leave Gibraltar, Oct 11.
Withdrawal of foreign' volunteers from Spain is In full swing following the decision of General" Francisco Franco. to repatriate 10,000 Ttalian Legionaries "with "over eighteen months' service and the Republican authorities to send away all non Spanish combatants.
While Barcelona "has ordered the demobilization' of foreign volunteers in the central zone of Republican Spain, estimated as numbering 2,500, reliably reported that the rst arch of Italians sailed today for Naples from Cadiz. A further batch of Legionaries, totalling 000, is expected to leave during the week-end.
On landing at Naples, probably on October 20, the men will be welcomed by King Victor Emmanuel, "The Italians have been moving south during the past week, The Nationalist Press Bureau at St, Jean de Luz says that the Italians will leave in Spain some of their infantry stores as well as guns and aeroplanes,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.