Mr. Hamilton Fish, Republican Representative of New York and ranking. Republican vember of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, today Jannouneed his opposition to proposals for retaining American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands after 1940 when the present Independence Act becomes effective.
"Congress acted by an overwhelming vote to give the Philippines their Independence," he said, "This 1s still the Taw. 10 reason why the United States should not encourage all possible trade with the islands, but 1 doubt if the present Philippine Government has the authority" oF right to enter into an agreement which would bind the Philippines beyond 1946. 1 don't want the United States to go to war on their account. For that reason T am also bitterly opposed. {fo the construction of a strong naval base on Guam Island."—United Press.
Guam Fe lication Urged Washington, Jan. 26.
Admiral William Leahy, Chief "of Naval Operations, told the House of Representatives Naval Affairs Commit ice here today that the United States Navy was prepared to defend continental America against attacks by any foreign Powers, but that defence of Hawaii and the Philippines would be "costly both in men' and money." Admiral Leahy asserted that the fortification of Guam Island, the midst of the Japanese mandated islands, would add enorm-Jously to the defensive power of the United States Meet. He added, however, that "I have not said that 7
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.