FORCES OF EVIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 45, 2 December 1939, Page 6

FORCES OF EVIL.

CONDEMNATION IN AMERICA, NEW YORK, November 30. The “New York Times,’’ in an editorial says: “The outer world is peculiarly shaken by this latest outrage —an invasion with no pretence of excuse beyond the burglar’s desire to possess another’s property. One thing is clear . . . the victim of aggression will not be the big casualty in this brazen war. “The great edifice that is crumbling is built on me.Viug slogans, pretensions, promises', and dreams —the dreams of those • who look on Moscow as the capital of the world proletariat;. • . • “The bombs raining on Finnish workers will finally explode the mighty illusion. The defeat will not be Finland’s. It will ho the defeat of the Russian revolution.” The “Herald-Tribune,” in a leading article says: “What the United States can and should do is for the future to decide. Americans were never so free from Avar excitement or firmer resolved to maintain peace as long as they safely can, but they must accept the truth. The forces of evil which the Russian-German alliance unleashed threaten not only democratic Europe, but the whole, civilised world. However remote the United States hopes to remain from actual hostilities, she oAves a duty to decent opinion to express her horror and detestation at this latest totalitarian crime.” The United States’ offer to mediate in the Soviet-Finnish dispute .reached the. American Embassy in' Moscow shortly before hostilities opened. It was then stated that the offer Avould be presented to the Soviet Foi’eign Office later in th© morning. Subsequently the Soviet rejected the, offer.

America greeted the Russian invasion of Finland Avith complete condemnation and 1 expressions of resulsion at the method arid manner of attack. At least one politician. Senator W. H. King, asked the United 1 States to sever diplomatic relations with Russia, declaring that he hoped “my country will no longer grasp the bloody hand of Stalin.” *»

Officials generally took a grave view of the situation, .and following a conference betAveen Mr Hull and Mr Roosevelt on the matter, it was indicated that the President might summon legislative leaders of both, parties for a discussion of policy. Possible courses of American action are indicated as ffolloAvs: Application of tlie neutrality law, the recall of the American Ambassador to Moscow, or the severance of diplomatic relations.