HAVANA TALKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 172, 22 July 1940, Page 8

HAVANA TALKS.

AMERICAS' MISSION. " Trustees For Betrayed Civilisation." CONFERENCE KEYNOTE. United Tress Association.—Copyright. (Received noon.) HAVANA, July 21. President Bru, of Cuba, speaking at the opening session of Pan-Ameri-can Conference, declared that the Americas must assume a sacred mission as trustees for the remainder of betrayed civilisation. He urged the American continent to make ready for protective preparedness for the progressive defence of common rights.

His speech, intended to strike the keynote for the conference, dwelt on democracy, peace, law and service to others as the historical motivation of the American continent. He added: '•Unfortunately, this regime of quiescence and confidence does not seem assured. None can deny with a clear conscience that the Western Hemisphere is entering a new life of alarm and menace. Divine predestination seemin<r!y lias forced the Americas, as heirs of western culture, to become custodians of international morale, which is deteriorating with the ruin of great peoples."

President Bru's speech is regarded a« affording an opportunity to Mr. Cordell Hull, who will speak to-morrow, to reveal the United States' attitude towards Pan-American and world problems.

It is expected that the conference tomorrow will appoint sub-committees to deal with neutrality, protection of t'.ie Western Hemisphere, peace and economic co-ope.ration.