AMERICAN POLITICS

Evening Star, Issue 23325, 22 July 1939, Page 15

AMERICAN POLITICS

PARTICIPATION BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES BARRED UNDER NEW LEGISLATION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 8 a.m.) ' Congress passed a measure which will make it illegal for all Federal public officials and employees, except the President, Cabinet officers, etc., to engage in political activities. The law, which is ostensibly designed to prevent self-perpetuation of the political machine through control by relief workers, is expected to have a drastic effect on the Democratic Party organisation, for most of the minor office holders will be prevented from acting as delegates to national conventions. It is thought that President Roosevelt may veto the measure. SALE OF ARMS TO JAPAN THE PRESIDENT’S POLICY. WASHINGTON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 1.30 p.m. ) Mr Cordell Hull to-day vetoed a move to ban the sale of arms to Japan, but disclosed that President Roosevelt was willing a Republican proposal to scrap the 1911 treaty of friendship in commerce between America and Japan. Mr Hull advised Senator Pitt-, man that, because of Congressional eagerness for an early adjournment, he thought it better if he waited until next session to rule whether Senator Pittman’s proposal on July il might violate the 1911 treaty. Senator Pittman commented that thia effectively closed the subject until January. „ , , Regarding Senator Vandenberg’s proposal to terminate the treaty on July 18, Mr Hull said President Roosevelt would give the matter full and careful consideration provided the Senate voted to repeal the pact. He thus made it clear that the President would not take the initiative in a punitive move against Japan.