What is most important now, however, is the effect upon Britain's sea power in the Mediterranean if Chancellor Hitler succeeds in giving enough air support to control the air over that sea. It is plainly evident that the British Fleet, with inadequate air power, would be in a most serious situation.
Surface warships must be given adequate air defence. Aeroplanes are as important as guns. Surface warships yet are supreme on the surface of the sea, enabling all manner of ships to use the sea and maintain' lines of communication. Without sufficient air power, however, surface warships today are virtually helpless against a formidable force of dive bombers and fighting planes.—
United Press, Washington, Feb, 7.
Viscount Halifax, British Ambassador here, is carrying on conversations with State Department officials regarding the immediate future exchange of ministers between the United States and New Zealand in a move characterized as bringing the two countries into closer collaboration in the South Pacific area, authorita~ tive qfiarters here reported, Meanwhile, the talks between Mr. Richard Casey, Australian Minister, and Mr. Cordell Hull have brought reports from Wellington, New Zealand, that Australia, New Zealand and the United States have reached an "understanding" regarding possible future contingencies in the South Pacific, The reported subjects of discussion include American use of Singapore, refuelling facilities in Australian and New Zealand ports, and flying fields in these British dominions.
State Department officials declined to comment on the reports,—Domei.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.