WIDE APPROVAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 89, 17 April 1939, Page 7

WIDE APPROVAL.

CONGRESS REACTION.

Bat General Scepticism Of Success. POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE. WASHINGTON, April 16. Mr. Roosevelt's appeal to the dictators has won wide Congressional approval, but almost equally general scepticism that it would achieve any success. The majority of Congressmen regarded it merely as a gesture which, if the dictators are looking for » way out, could not do any harm. There is a growing feeling in Congress that it is too late for American influence to count in Europe. The isolationists, who have never wanted ■American influence to count abroad, are joined by the middle-of-the-road thinkers who now believe the United States could have contributed 20 years ago to a more stable and contented world, but that this country's insistence through the years that it would have no part in any European problems has been accepted in European chancelleries.

They believe the plans of the totalitarian States have been formulated on the assumption of isolation by the United States, and that that policy cannot be changed at this late date by mere presidential pronouncements.

It is felt in political circles that the President has at least strengthened his own position by demolishing the charges °f "war-monger" that are being made against him within the- United States. It is felt also that his appeal may help the formation of the "Stop Hitler" bloc.

It is noted that, in asking for nonaggression pledges from the dictators, the President specifically listed 31 countries, incidentally omitting Danzig. If the assurances are refused these countries may all feel themselves in the orbit of totalitarian ambition and hasten to line up with the democracies.

Another effect of the appeal will be to fasten the guilt for starting a war firmly on the dictators—an important consideration in moulding American public opinion. ■