MOSCOW PACT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 271, 15 November 1943, Page 3

MOSCOW PACT

CATHOLIC RESERVE

Compromises On Atlantic Charter Feared N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 11.30. NEW YORK, Nov. 14. The annual meeting of Roman Catholic bishops in Washington announced that it cannot join in general unreserved endorsement of the Moscow Conference declarations. The meeting pointed out that "some things which these documents imply by statement, and more significantly still by omission, leave uneasiness in minds intent on peace with justice to all." The statement added that the Moscow Conference declarations opened the way to international cooperation for peace as well as war, but did not dispel the fear that compromises' on the ideals set forth in the Atlantic Charter were in prospect. The statement, which embodies the first criticism of the Moscow pact by any recognised group, does not detail the "implications or omissions," but a clue seen in the assertion that no nation has, under God, authority to invade family freedom, abrogate private ownership or impede to the detriment of the common good economic enterprise, co-opera-tion, undertakings for mutual welfare and organised works of charity. The statement adds: "Many serious men have misgivings that there may be tragic compromises and fateful repudiation of sound principles."

Over 100 archbishops and bishops usuallv attend the annual meeting referred- to. Cardinals Dougherty and O'Connell, although not mentioned in the cable, attend as a rule.