Washington, Mar. 19.
ETALIATING against German aggression in Europe and economic penetration in the Western Hemisphere, the United States Government last night announced it was imposing "penalty duties" on German goods imported into the United States.
The regulation becomes effective on March 23 and the possibility that it would be extended to include Japan and other nations guilty of treaty violations was forecast in some The Treasury Department _announced the new penalty duties on German goods after informing Britain fond France of the Government's intentions. The decision to retaliate against German military invasion of (Czechoslovakia was reached coincident with the State Department's statement yesterday in which the United States condemned Nazi Germany in blunt Congressional circles, "No-War" Pact Swept Away er terms.
Mr. Sumner Welles, Under-Secretary of State, meanwhile revealed that the United States is sending Germany an oficial note which is expected to Sssert American abhorrence of Nazi absorption of Czechoslovakia. It is expected to state in plain, direct Tanguage that the United States of cially refuses to recognize the legality fof Germany's seizure of Czechoslovakia, Mr. Welles said the note would swer formal notification from Berlin Jot the Naz! occupation of Bohemia and Moravia. The text of both communi cations will be released to the press next week, Mr. Welles promised.
The Secretary indicated that the United States is taking a stand simile to that of Britain and France in refus Ing to recognize the German ocev tion of Bohemia and Moravia. said, however, that he had not heard of reports that Britain was secking to summon a Four-Power conference among the three major Democracies and the Soviet Union to devise means for stopping German aggression.
The "penalty duties" announced by the Treasury Department on German goods imported into the United States imposes an additional 25. per cent. tariff in addition to the high "blackist" duties to which German products already are subject. Trade experts said the new duties would reduce the flow of Nazi goods to the United States to a "thin trickle."
The Treasury Department announcement attributed Its action to subsidies which Germany employs to aid ex: porters selling abroad. "However, the Uiming of the announcement left little doubt that it was at least partially the result of oficial indignation over Ger many's seizure of Czechoslovakia, The Treasury Department's decision was based on an opinion returned by the Attorney General, Mr. Frank Murphy, in which he found Germany nilly of subsidies at high as 334 per ent. on goods sent to the United States in exchange for cotton—United Press. ie, Sr Hae the Senate just before the [Upper ieee fees a lar oan cal Secs & came ecannn aay oe peut Sec wae cee the Full Powers Bill. bscoes ink ate "ut Saieetat ale ani eon ere Lark phar cause & aes srarieis Sot rie Soto econo one pene ame cee soma aaes near South Africa Takes Precautions Johannesburgh, Mar. 19.
Extensive precautions "are "being taken throughout the Union to guard communications and vital public Services. "Whether the activities are connected with the European situa~ tion and the position of South Africa, in view of the threat against the Union contained in a strongly-wor letter from the German Minister, {is not hitherto clear.
The possibility of local troubles arises "from the revelation of the German note to the Union which stated that If permission for German {mmigrants to land is withheld, Germans "will not be responsible for the consequences."
tis emphasised that there is no reason for undue alarm, as the pre~ cautions are normal.
Three "squadrons of the South African Airforee have been plated fon "active service, with their" bases 'St Robert's Helghis. All police. reserves and the Royal Air Force eserves have been called up, while strong guards have been placed at power, radio and cable stations and Petrol' and all storage depots.
Disturbances "occurred yesterday among German workers inthe Pre~ toria State's Steelworks, which resulted "in military forces being drafted there from Robert's Heights. order to ariond the Fascist niversary celebrations.
Messages describing the manning of Rumania's defences are featured in the press tonight.
Despite offeial denial of Rumanian mobilization, the Foreign Editor of the "Evening Standard" states that orders have been issued in Bucharest would meet in the evening ty decide upon the first measures 10 be taken his Bill wore adopted. The Cabinet's decision would be ratified at the Council of Ministers to be held tomorrow, he stated.
'Natlonallzed war industries are already working 48 or 50 hours per week, "he revealed, and increased working weeks may' soon be Imposed private industries, too.
He recalled his republican convie~ tions and assured the House that he was mot contemplating any modifica: tions of the French Republic's structure, although he would not hesitate to. prolong Parliament's Mandate Jshould the elreumstances "warrant such action. He voiced the hope that the postponement of elections. would not be made necessary.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.