HOPELESSNESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 228, 27 September 1938, Page 10

HOPELESSNESS.

AMERICAN FEELING.

Leaders and People Listened

To Hitler.

DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT

United Press Association.—Copyright

(Received -JAr, p.m.)

XEW YORK, September 26.

Correspondents in Washington who saw the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, leave the White House after a two hours' consultation, during which he and President Roosevelt listened to Herr Hitler's speech, commented on his profound air of dejection.

It is understood that he and the President were surprised and disappointed by Herr Hitler's failure even to refer to Mr. Roosevelt's message to the Fuehrer. This feeling „f near-hopeless-ness of the two statesmen responsible for the conduct of American foreign affairs can be said to have similarly jrripped the American people as a whole after listening to Herr Hitler's uncompromising pronouncement.

Americans had rallied after their President'! message. Even such a newspaper as the New York "Sun," noted as the most bitter anti-Roosevelt organ in America, praised its tenor, by saying: "It is in terms of which the most fafrminded Americans will approve." Gratification was felt over Mr. Chamberlain's Note.

Hailing with gratitude the President's message and Dr. Benes' acceptance of its principles there was a faint nicker of hope that something might come from the President's bid, particularly since certain Congressional leaders seemed ready to go even bevond the President, notably Senator Lewis, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who proposed that the President should similarly summon the signatories of the Versailles Treaty for a complete revision of the peace terms. But now all expectations have disappeared that America can do anything to stave off the horrible prospect of war. Last-Moment Appeals. The stiffening attitude of the Czechs, particularly Dr. Benes' reply to Mr. Roosevelt, that: "The Czechoslovak nation would defend itself if attacked," and the semi-official statement from London that armed attack on Czechoslovakia would result in French, British and Russian support, the former leaves American observers convinced that war is now inevitable.

The impact of this belief can be said to have struck the entire western hemisphere and is reflected for example in cablegrams sent to Herr Hitler and Dr. Benes by President Ortiz, of Argentina, making a last-moment appeal to settle the dispute by peaceful means.

If, however, Americans are now convinced that war is inevitable, it can also be said definitely that they have not any doubt where the blame properly falls.

The New York "Sun," in a leader, which begs Americans to refrain from rash criticisms and dangerous generalisations which increase resentments, stresses that "if the worst should happen; if Europe should be precipitated into the abyss, the blame must be allocated by history on the record as it stands."

CRITICAL TIME. British Government's .. Gratitude. ANSWER DISPATCHED. British Official Wireless. (Received 2.40 p.m.) RUGBY, September 26. Mr. Chamberlain dispatched the following reply to President Roosevelt through Mr. Cordell Hull:—"His Majesty's Government hail with gratitude the weighty message addressed to it and certain other Governments.

"In this critical time it is indeed essential to remember what is at stake and to weigh issues with all gravity before embarking on a course from which there may be no return. His Majesty's Government have done and are doing their very utmost to secure a peaceful solution to the present difficulties and they will relax no effort so long as there remains any prospect of achieving that object.

"They are even to-day making a further earnest appeal for settlement by negotiations in which they would be ready to lend their good offices. The President's words can but encourage all those who sincerely desire to co-operate in this endeavour.

"His Majesty's Government, for its part, responds to the President's appeal in all sincerity and without reserve, and it is most earnestly. hoped that other Governments to which it is addraaasd will- do likewise.''