Meanwhile, President Roosevelt was expected immediately to sign the order mobilizing the National Guard. This order would call 395,000 Guardsmen and reservists for a year's active service anywhere in United States possessions in the Western Hemisphere.
Informed circles stated that Piresident Roosevelt expects to mobilize four National Guard divisions and some anti-aircraft units. Under this scheme, 55,000 Guardsmen would be called up by mid-September. 55,000 by October, 65,000 by November and No other amendments require a vote before the final test of the conscription bill itself. The bill now envisages the registration of 12,000,000 men between the ages of 21 and 31.
The present extraordinary defence programme of the United States—over and above the normal Army and Navy budgets—will include expenditure totalling approximately $20,- 000,000,000 when completed, defence experts said today.
On May 16, while German troops were marching through the Low Countries, President Roosevelt asked (Continued on page 2, col. 33
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.