The Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1941. AMERICA “ALU IN.”

Evening Star, Issue 23836, 17 March 1941, Page 6

The Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1941. AMERICA “ALU IN.”

In-his latest-speech at White House President Roosevelt uttered words that have sent a; thrill through the British Empire. What he said is also an encouragement to the other nations who are 'resisting tho Axis and to thoso unfortunate pefiple who aro suffering from tho horrors .of a German invasion of their territories. The address, it will bo noted, was broadcast in. fourteen languages, thus assuring it a wide degree of publicity. Two previous presidents pledged the American people in unforgettable words to the principles of democracy and liberty. These were Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and Abraham Lincoln, whose memorable words were quoted by Now Zealand’s Prime Minister when at a public meeting in Wellington yesterday afternoon. Lincoln ' said; “We are hero that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for tho people, shall not perish from the earth.” Again the flag of freedom has been raised, this time by Franklin Roosevelt, in words as clear and emphatic as those of his great predecessors. “The light of democracy,” he said, “ must bo kept burning. . , .

We believe that the rallying cry of the Dictators, tl\eir boasting about a master race, will prove to be pure stuff and’ nonsense.”

Having got the Lend and Lease Act on the Statute -Book, the President means to reinforce bis words by deeds, and the material resources of a great and virile industrial nation are to be thrown into the battle lines of democracy. The change in public opinion in America since the war began is Remarkable. At first there was a strong feeling in the country in favour of isolation and neutrality. As the German campaigns developed, with their merciless exhibitions of ruthless and callous brutality in the invaded countries, sentiment began to change, and by. progressive stages it has led up to the enactment of the present legislation. It was not only sympathy with the embattled democracies and horror at the Nazi barbarities that moved the people of the United States. They came to see that an Axis victory would mean grave danger to their own independence and security. In all the developments' the President lias proved a wise and farseeing leader. It was obvious at all times where his sympathies lay, but he was scrupulous in the observance of his obligations as head of the nation! One thing that has been noted is that from time to time Ministers who were lukewarm to the Allied cause were quietly dropped in favour of men like Mr H. L. Stimson and Colonel Knox, who, though Republicans, had intimated their support of the President in his desire to give to Britain every aid short of going to war.

■ Now the die is" cast! America is irrevocably ranged on the side of the other' democracies. In the greatest fight for freedom the world has ever known she will play her full part, for there is no doubt that the nation is ranged firmly behind its administrative head. Referring to the Allies, the President said: “They will get supplies of all kinds.” That, of course, is what is wanted. This declaration bodes ill for the Axis, for in effect it means that the immense industrial power of the two great democracies—the British Empire and America—will be pitted against the industrial power of a broken and disorganised Europe. It is undeniable that production in Germany is still great, but it has been seriously hampered by the slashing attacks of the R.A.P. “ We, the American people, are writing history to-day,” said the President. That is true. The fate of the world is deeply concerned in the decision that has been made by the great republic of the West. Anxious and troubled days He ahead, but the belief is strong that Britain and America, led by two wise and resolute leaders, will endure .till victory is achieved over a foe that would drive the world back to barbarism. “By winning now,” said President Roosevelt, “ wo increase the stature of mankind and the dignity of human life.”