APPEAL FOR PEACE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1939, Page 7

APPEAL FOR PEACE

MR. ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE TO HITLER AND MUSSOLINI [ BRITISH OFFICIAL WJBELJCSS.] RUGBY, April 15. Personal messages which were sent last night in identical terms to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini by Mr. Roosevelt created a deep impression in London. Simultaneously with the release of the message for publication in Washington a copy was supplied to the Foreign Office and by that Department was communicated at once to Mr. Chamberlain at The Chequers, and to Lord Halifax in Yorkshire. Mr. Roosevelt’s message asks Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini to pledge themselves not to attack by force of arms any territory, colony, or protectorate of some 20 independent States in Europe and Asia which are enumerated.

Significant passages in the message include the following: “I previously approached you on the subject of the settlement Of political, .economic, and social problems by; peaceful means and without recourse to arms, but the course of events appears to have brought back the threat of arms. If this threat continues it seems inevitable that a great part of the world will be engulfed in general ruin. The entire world —victorious nations, defeated nations, and neutral nations — will suffer. “I refuse to believe that the world is necessarily fated to such a destiny. On the contrary, it is clear that the leaders of the great nations have the power to 'free their peoples from imminent danger. It is equally clear that in their spirit and in their heart the peoples themselves desire that their fears should end. It is, however, necessary unfortunately to take into account recent events.

“Three nations in Europe and one in Africa have seen the death of their independence. Vast territory in another independent nation in the Far East has been occupied by a neighbouring State. According to persistent rumours, which we hope will prove ill-founded, other acts of aggression are reported to be contemplated against other independent nations. To speak clearly, the moment is approaching when this situation must end in catastrophe unless a more rational method of managing events is found.”

REQUEST FOR ASSURANCES Proceeding, Mr. Roosevelt asks whether Hen* Hitler and Signor Mussolini are willing to give assurances that their armed forces will not attack the now independent nations which he mentions. “Such an assurance clearly must apply not only to the present day but also to the future, for sufficiently long to give every opportunity to work by peaceful methods for more permanent peace. I therefore suggest that you construe the word ‘future’ to apply to a minimum period of assured non-aggression —lO years at least —and a quarter of a century if we dare look that far ahead. “If such an-assurance is given, I will immediately transmit it to the Governments of the nations named and I will simultaneously inquire whether, as I am reasonably sure, each of the nations enumerated will in turn give a like assurance for transmission to you.” The States named by Mr. Roosevelt are Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain and Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Hungary, Roumania, Jugoslavia, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, the Arabians, Syria, Palestine Egypt, and Iran. Mr. Roosevelt proposes that if the assurances he suggests are given, two essential problems should be discussed in the resulting peaceful surroundings, first, measures for progressive relief from the crushing burden of armaments, and second, measures for opening lip avenues of international trade to the end that every nation be enabled to buy and sell on equal terms in the world market, as well as possess the assurance of obtaining the materials and products of peaceful economic life. “Nothing will persuade the peoples that one Power has the right or the need to inflict the consequences of war on its own people and others, unless it is defending its own territory,” Mr. Roosevelt added. “We Americans speak not in selfishness, fear, or weakness, but as statesmen, out of our love for the human race. “I have always been convinced that international problems can be solved round the table. You will not misunderstand the frankness in which I send this message. Heads of Governments, in this hour literally respon-

sible for the fate of humanity in coming years, cannot fail to hear their - peoples’ prayers to be protected in the unforeseeable chaos of war. History will hold them accountable for the lives and happiness of all, even the least. I hope your answer will make it possible for humanity to lose fear and regain security for many years to come.”

GUILT ON DICTATORS. WASHINGTON, April 16. One of the effects of Mr. Roosevelt’s appeal to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini will be to fasten the guilt for starting war firmly on the dictators — an important consideration in moulding American public opinion. At a conference with journalists after the release of the text of his message, the President said he and Mr. Cordell Hull could sleep with clearer consciences because they were leaving no stone unturned to prevent war. He warned the nation against minimising th? threat to peace, and recalled that many had laughed when he said before boarding the cruiser Houston in Florida in February that events might hasten his return Yet soon after. Czechoslovakia had ceased to exist. It had become appaient that no one could tell how far the fire would spread. He added that the rumours circulated by the newspapers of impending aggressive moves were supplemented by rumours in confidential dispatches from official sources.

CONGRESS OPINION.

(Recd. April 17, 8.45 a.m.). WASHINGTON, April 16

Mr. Roosevelt’s appeal to 1 the Dictators has won wide Congressional approval, but almost equally general •scepticism that it would achieve any success. The majority regard it merely as a gesture which, if the Dictators are looking for a way out, could not do any harm. There is a growing feeling in Congress that it is too late for American influence to count abroad. This is joined by middle-road thinkers, who now believe that the United States could have contributed twenty years ago a more stable and more contented world, but that this country's insis-tence-through the years, that it would not have a part in any European problems, was accepted by European Chancelleries. They believe that the totalitarian plans were formulated on the assumption of isolation by the United States, and that they cannot be changed at this late date, by a mere Presidential pronouncement. It is felt in political circles that the President has at least strengthened his own position, by demolishing charges that he is a war-monger, being made against,him within the United States. It is felt also that ’the appeal may help in the formation of a “stop Hitler’’ bloc. It is noted that, in asking for nonaggression pledges from the Dicta tors, the President specifically listed 31 countries, incidentally omitting Danzig. If assurances are refused, the countries may all feel themselves in the orbit of totalitarian ambition, and may hasten to line up with the democracies.

The “New York Times” interprets the message not as an appeal “to the better nature and sense of responsibility which the Dictators do not possess,” but as a warning “that if they resort to acts of aggression, threatening the peace of the world, they will find that the odds are overwhelmingly against them.”

BRITISH APPROVAL. “STATESMANLIKE INITIATIVE.” [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS] RUGBY, April 15. Mr. Roosevelt’s message came as a surprise to the British Government. Both Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, warmly welcomed Mr. Roosevelt’s action and authorised the issue of the following statement: “His Majesty’s Government learned with cordial approval of the message which was communicated last night to Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini by Mr. Roosevelt, and which has now been issued to the Press. “His Majesty’s Government entirely endorses Mr. Roosevelt’s estimate of the international situation. It believes that the statesmanlike initiative which Mr. Roosevelt has been inspired to take, offers a real opportunity of averting the catastrophe which hangs over Europe, and which, the Government is convinced, is feared in every country.

“Replies from Germany and Italy must now be awaited. Britain, for its part, desires to express the firm hope that those replies will open the way to the further steps of which Mr. Roosevelt speaks.” .

Mr. Roosevelt’s personal message is the second important effort which he has made within 48 hours for the resolving of the tense European situation. Although less direct, his speech yesterday to the Board of the PanAmerican Union has been welcomed by the Press, and it is warmly appreciated, particularly at a moment when the British Government is attempting to erect an edifice similar to that which the Americas enjoy, and which has been described by Mr. Roosevelt as the will to peace, based on the will to mutual defence against either military force or economic pressure. ‘‘The Times” says that perhaps the most striking of all striking passages in Mr. Roosevelt’s speech was that in which he scorn upon the propagandist charge that co-operation for defence and for peace involves the encirclement or imprisonment of any nation.

The “Daily Telegraph” says: “It is a paradox of the times that the most pacific nation of all —one that is most resolute to keep herself free from all foreign entaglements—should yet in effect be in a position to give the law to a continent armed to the teeth. That is what imparts special force and meaning to Mr. Roosevelt’s declaration to the Americas that they have an interest wider than that of the mere defence of their sea-fringed continent, and that American customs and actions are necessarily involved with the rest of the world —a world which is becoming an economic unit. The issue, as lie stated it, is whether our civilisation is to be dragged into the tragic vortex of unending imperialism, punctuated by periodic wars. In that issue the Americas, by their stake in world affairs, cannot help being vitally concerned, and Mr. Roosevelt proclaims his belief that they can help the. old world to avert the catastrophe which impends. One part of tlw old world, at least, would ask nothing better than to see that belief vindicated by the event.” “The “Manchester Guardian" says: “It is not to be supposed, perhaps, that this Voice from a saner world

will have its effect where rit is most needed to be heard, but it will count. The forces of peace in Europe were meant to and will draw encouragement from it.” APPEAL TO REASON. LONDON, April 15. Mr. Lloyd George says Mr. Roosevelt’s Note is a magnificent and momentous appeal to reason. FRENCH ENDORSEMENT. PARIS, April 15. The Prime Minister (M. Daladier) published France’s full and unconditional endorsement of Mr. Roosevelt’s message, and informed the United States Ambassador (Mr. Bullitt) of it. The official statement affirms France’s fidelity to the ideal of freedom with the independence of all nations. It is considered that Mr. Roosevelt’s message is capable of completely transforming the international situation, being as important as his September messages, which were believed to have helped to stave off the danger of war. The President’s action has intensified the hope that a catastrophe will be averted. . “Le Temps” declares: Now is the moment for Herr Hitler to give outstanding proof of the will to peace with which he has always declared himself to be animated.” It adds that Mr. Roosevelt’s message is the most important peace move so fai.

IGNORED BY ITALIAN PRESS ROME, April 16. The Sunday papers publish Mi. Roosevelt’s appeal, without comment, and relegate it to the back pages,. devoting their front pages to Count Ciano. SWISS NEUTRALITY. GENEVA, April 16. The League of Nations International Labour Office is seeking emergency quarters in France, as the rcsu . of advice from the Swiss Government that, in the event of war, evacuate Swiss territory within 24 hours. It is feared that its continued presence might compromise bviss neutrality. SPEECH BY MR DE VALERA. (Recd. April 17, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 16. Mr d'e Valera, in a public speech at Clare, said it would appear that only the mercv of Providence could save Europe from a new war, more teriible and more disastrous than in 1914. He asked, was it too late for hundreds of millions wanting peace, to demand a conference of the Powers before, instead of after the war? Was it possible for Mr Roosevelt’s request to be refused? He added that the settlement after a war would be short-lived, as the defeated nations would' grimly bide their time to exact a harsh, iniquitous revenge. The Government’s policy was neutrality, which could be attained only through strength. It was necessary to prepare the defences to the limit of the country’s resources. He appealed for national Unity and mere volunteers.

SOVIET APPROVAL. MOSCOW. April 16. Although the newspapers do not comment, the'prominence with which they display Mr Roosevelt’s message indicates' that the authorities give it unreserved approval. The message is greeted as a welcome effort to avoid war, and to arraign the aggressors. M. Kalinin has sent the following message to Mr Roosevelt: I consider it my pleasant duty to express profound sympathy with and hearty congratulations on your noble appeal to the Italian and German Governments. You can be sure that your initiative will find the warmest echoes in the hearts of the people of the Soviet, who are sincerel.v interested in the preservation of universal peace.