Most observers, here believed the great advantage Britain gained through the transaction was not the actual naval force gained, but the tremendous mutual weight of the United States, which now stands unquestioned support behind Britain war effort.
The 50 destroyers are about 20 years old, having been built during or immediately after the Great War. They are capable of a speed exceeding 30 knots and displace 1200 tons each. They carry crews of 125 men. Each vessel mounts four four-inch guns, 12 2l-inch torpedoes, one antiaircraft gun and some 50 calibre machine guns. They are chiefly valuable, however, for their manceuvre-ability in connection with placing depth charges, which are rolled from the sterns of the vessels.
All 50 destroyers have been requisitioned, armed and overhauled and are being delivered to Britain "as is," which is understood to mean they vill be fully armed and ready for action.—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.