CHANCES SLIGHT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20151, 22 January 1940, Page 9

CHANCES SLIGHT

SUCCESSFUL MOVE MEDIATION FOR PEACE STUBBORN OBSTACLES OPINION OF THE POPE REPLY TO ROOSEVELT (Elac. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Jan. 22, 9 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 20. The Apostolic Delepate in an unpreeendented_ official visit to White House delivered~the Pope’s reply to President Roosevelt’s message announcing the appointment of a personal representative to the Vatican “so that parallel endeavours for peace and the alleviation of suffering may be assisted.” The Pope's reply vaguely placed in the future the time when he thought that peace could be achieved. It expressed the conviction that “when the roar of battle is silenced and the possibility arises to establish a true, sound peace dictated by the principles of justice and equity, only those whose political power, combined with a clear understanding of the voice of humanity and sincere reverence for the Divine precepts of life to be found in the Gospel of Christ, will be able to discern the path which must be followed.

“Only those of such moral stature will be able to create a peace which will compensate for war’s incalculable sacrifices, and clear the way for a comity of nations fair to everyone, and sustained by mutual confidence.

“We are fully aware of the stubbornness of the obstacles which daily become more difficult to surmount. If the friends of peace do not wish their labours to be in vain, they should visualise distinctly the seriousness of these obstacles. Consequently there is slight probability of immediate success as long as the present state of the opposing forces remains essentally unchanged.”

The reply also pledged collaboration with President Roosevelt on behalf of peace against “the chilling breath of aggressive, deadly Godless anti-Christian tendencies.”

The Pope welcomed the appointment of Mr. Myron Taylor as envoy to the Vatican.

The publication of the message on the day that President Roosevelt began the final year of his second term. emphasised the importance of President Roosevelt’s determination to work for peace before he leaves White House.