AMERICAN OPINION

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 September 1939, Page 8

AMERICAN OPINION

“SHIFT TOWARDS CONFLICT” REVISION OF NEUTRALITY ? [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] NEW YORK, September G. The “New York Times” states: — “Congress may be called by Mr. Roosevelt as early as September 15 to act upon the Neutrality Act, it was disclosed, in New York by official sources in close touch with Washington. It was also disclosed that Mr. Roosevelt feels a major shift in the country’s position towards the European conflict is inevitable.” A message from Indianapolis says that Senator Minten, the Democrat Whip, to-day predicted a special session of Congress by October 1 for the revision of the neutrality legislation. “Feeling in the United States is swinging towards lifting the embargo, partly for economic reasons and partly because of the crystallisation of American sentiment towards the questions involved in the turmoil in Europe,” he said. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says:—“What will the United States do if its merchantmen are stopped at sea? How far will it go .should merchant cargoes be arbitrarily defined contraband by belligerents and seized? Even if Americans are compensated for losses, these and dozens of similar, questions are expected to arise in the next few months; but officials are hesitant to give any answer. They prefer to. await actual cases, each with its own set of circumstances.” The correspondent then emphasises that the United States has not decided what its neutrality actually means, aild intimates that if the present neutrality statute continues to stand it will be a fertile source of trouble for the United States. CABINET MEETING HELD. J WASHINGTON, September 7. Mr. Roosevelt held an emergency Cabinet meeting. He indicated that he was also canvassing Congressional leaders, to call a special session of Congress. \ REPEAL ADVOCATED

NEW YORK, September 7. The “New York Times” in an editorial strongly advocates the repeal of the Neutrality Law. The article urges the adoption of the “cash and carry” provisions, thus permitting Britain and France to 'purchase in the United States. SHORT-TERM CREDITS. (Received September 8, 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, September 7.< Mr. Roosevelt has ruled that shortterm commercial credits to belligerents are permissible, under the Neutrality Act. GERMAN FUNDS ATTACHED NEW YORK, September 7. Three New York financial., institutions, seeking to protect outstanding American loans to German banks, attached 25,000,000 dollars of German 'cash held here by banking firms. PROFITEERING TACTICS NEW YORK, September 7. Tile sudden increase in the prices of foodstuffs throughout the nation as The result of the war has impelled .Federal action, as supplies are stated to be more than abundant. ’’PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT” SAILS MONTREAL, September 7. The United States Maritime Union is demanding a 40 per cent, wage increase and 250 dollars bonus for members of the crew of the liner “President Roosevelt,” which is going to the European war zone. On the owners agreeing to negotiate regarding the demands, the ship sailed six hours late. The American flag was floodlit and the name of the ship has been painted in huge letters on the hull. There are 254 passengers, of whom two are Americans. Four Americans who had booked were refused passports.