WIDE SUPPORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20568, 30 May 1941, Page 9

WIDE SUPPORT

ROOSEVELT CALL ACTION BY U.S.A. CHALLENGE TO HITLER • WAR IF NECESSARY ISOLATIONISTS’ FEARS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 29, 2.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 28. It was stated to-day that President Roosevelt intended to clarify his broadcast speech of last evening at a special press conference. It is learned that the President may soon establish a Ministry of Economic Warfare under the emergency programme. Mr. Roosevelt explained to the press that he had no intention of asking for the repeal of the Neutrality Act and was not considering revision. He had in mind no executive orders to implement the proclamation of an unlimited emergency, without which, he explained, there could be no action under the full emergency powers.

Mr. Roosevelt was expected to clarify the convoy issue at the conference. However, he did not specify his views, but said he thought the freedom of the seas could be maintained compatibly with the Neutrality Act. fie said it would be a violation of the' Neutrality Act if American ships,engaged in trade in the combat zones, and this Step was not contemplated, whereupon a reporter enquired: “Then how can we have freedom of the seas?”

Mr. Roosevelt replied: “Ships can be forbidden to put into ports where there is a chance that they might be destroyed.”

On the labour front Mr. Roosevelt said he was not making a threat, but the labour objectives of the Government were clear. Action would probably have to be taken if labour and industry did not heed his pleas to merge minor differences in the interests of defence production.

Record Mail Response

Mr. Stephen Early, President Roosevelt’s secretary, said to-day that the telegraphic and mail response to the President’s speech had been pouring in throughout the day anc} had broken all White House records. Naval experts interpret the President’s statement that-Britain will get the goods” as a signal for extended United States Navy opefa^ion $ in The Atlantic.

The majority of American news.papers applaud the President’s speech, and declare it has final|y put the United States on a war Basis. The New York Times says: “The spegch is a call to action and a challenge to Hitler. We are determined tj<j" put in the hands of our loyal friepds weapons of self-defence.”

The New York Herald-Tribune says: “Mr. Roosevelt made it plain that he proposes to wage war against Germany, Italy and Japan if he deems it necessary for the defence of the Western Hemisphere, fie laid down a broad and solid foundation whereupon action may and should be taken. That action must follow.”

The Detroit News says: “Mr. Roosevelt has declared war. Now America will discard her selfish ends and work for victory.” Congressmen generally applaud j;he speech, but the isolationists deplore it as a “drift to war.”

The Republican leader, Mr. Wendell Willkie, in a statement made in New York, said: “The President has stirred the whole world with his great message. He said exceedingly well what we needed to hear. Now it is the duty of everyone, whether Republican, Democrat or New Dealer, unitedly to make the policy Mr. Roosevelt enunciated effective. It is reported that the United States Ambassador to Britain, Mr. J. G. Winant, is to visit America to see Mr. Roosevelt, and is expected to return in a fortnight. The British Ambassador, Viscount Halifax, after a visit to White House, said he discussed with Mr. Roosevelt a wide range of subjects. There was no discussion on further steps to protect shipping. “That is the President’s business,” added Lord Halifax.