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Grey River Argus, 8 January 1941, Page 6

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U.S.A. ARMAMENTS Roosevelt’s Message to Congress [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] WASHINGTON, January 6. The President sent the following message to Congress: “I address you at a moment unpr cedented because not previously has American security been as seriously threatened from without as to-ctaj-. The United States as a nation has ar ell times maintained opposition to any attempt to lock us in behind an ancient Chinese wall, while the procession of civilisation went past, today thinking of our children ai a their children, we oppose entorcea isolation for ourselves or any part oi the Americas. We have no need to over-emphasise the imperfections o_ the peace of Versailles, and need not harp on the failure of the Democracies to deal with the problems ot world reconstruction. We should remember that peace in 1919 was far less unjust, than the kind of ‘pacification’ which began even before Munich, and which is being carried on under the new order of tyranny, that seeks to spread over every continent to-day. , . “The American people unalterably set their faces against that tyranny. Every realist knows that the democratic way of life, a't this moment, is being directly assailed throughout the world. During the past sixteen months, this assault has blotted out the whole pattern of democratic life in an appalling number of independent nations, great and small. lhe assailants are still on the march, threatening other nations, great and small. The future and safety of our country and our democracy is overwhelmingly involved in events far beyond our borders. Armed defence democratic existence is now being gallantly waged on four continents. If the defence fails, all populations and all the resources of Europe. Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand will be dominated by conquerors. It is immature and incidentally untrue, for anybody to brag that unprepared America', single-handed, can hold off the whole world.

NATIONAL DEFENCE. “Our national policy is this: First, by an impressive expression of the public will, without regard for partisanship, we are committed to an inclusive programme of national defence. “Second, wc are committed to givefull support to all those resolute peoples everywhere who are resisting aggression, thereby keeping lhe war from our hemisphere. By this support, we express our determination that the democratic cause shall prevail, and we strengthen the defence and security of our own nation. “Third, we are committed to the proposition that the principles of morality and considerations for our own security will never permit us to acquiesce in a peace dictated by the aggressors and sponsored by the appeasers. We know that.an enduring peace cannot be bought at the cost of others’ freedom.

“To-day, it is abundantly evident that American citizens everywhere are demanding and supporting speedy and complete action, in recognition of the obvious danger. Therefore, the immediate need is for a swift and driving increase in armament production. We are all concerned by the slowness of the accomplishment of our plans. The Army and Navy, however, have made substantial progress in the past year, but I am not satisfied with the progress made so far. The men in charge of the programme represent the best in training ability and patriotism. They are not satisfied. None will be satisfied until the job is done. The objective is quicker and better results.

NO GENEROUS PEACE. “No realistic American can expect from the dictators a peace of international generosity, return of true independence, world disarmament, freedom of religion, or even good business. Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. We must always be wary of those preaching appeasement.

BRITISH NAVAL POWER. ‘‘There is much loose talk about our immunity from immediate direct invasion. Obviously, while the British Navy retains power, no such danger exists. Even if there were no British Navy, it is not probable that any enemy would be stupid enough to attack us by landing troops in the United States until it acquired strategic bases from which to operate. The first pha'se of an invasion of this hemisphere would not be landing regular troops. The necessary strategic points, would be occupied by secret agents or their dupes, a great number of whom are already here, and in Latin America. While the aggressor nations maintain the offensive, they, not we, will choose the time, place, and method of their attack. That’s why, in future, all the American Republics are in a serious danger. That’s why every member of the executive brttnch of the Government and every member of Congress faces great responsibilities and great accountability. The need of the moment is that our actions and policy should be devoted primarily, almost exclusively, to meeting this foreign peril.

SLOW PLANE PRODUCTION. “We are behind schedule in turning out finished aeroplanes. We are working day and night to solve the innumerable problems and to catch up. We are ahead of schedule in building warships, but are working to get even further ahead, as new circumstances are constantly begetting new needs of our safety. 1 shall ask Congress for greatly-increased new appropriations and authorisations to carry on what we have begun and will also ask for authprity for funds sufficient to manufacture additional munitions and war sup-

■ plies of many kinds, to be turned over I to those nations now in actual war ’■ with the aggressors. ARSENAL FOR BRITAIN. “Our most-useful and most-imme-diate role is to act as an arsenal or them, as well as for ourselves. Imp do not need manpower, but they ao need billions of dollars worth ot weapons for defence. The/ 1 ™ ’, near when they will be unable to paj ready cash. We cannot and will not tell them they must surrender, merely because of their present mabi i j to pay for weapons we know they 'must have. Ido not recommend that wc make them a loan ol dollais With'which to pay for these weapons —a loan to be repaid in dollars. 1 recommend that we make it possible for those nations to continue to obtain war materials in the United States, fitting their orders into outown programme. Nearly all their material would, if the time ever came, be useful for our defence. “We are taking the counsel of expert military and naval authorities, and considering what is best for our own security. We are free to decide how much should be kept here, and how much should be sent abroad to our friends, who, by their determined and heroic resistance, are giving us time in which to make ready our own defence. For what we send abroad, we will be repaid within a reasonable time after the close of hostilities, in similar materials or, at our option, in other goods of many kinds, which they can produce and which wo need.”

“Let us say to the democracies, ‘We Americans are vitally concerned in your defence and freedom. We are putting forth our energies, resources and organising powers to give you strength to regain and maintain a free world. We shall send you everincreasing numbers of ships, planes, tanks and guns. This is our purpose, and our pledge in fulfilment of this purpose.’ We shall not be intimidated by the threats of the dictators that they will regard as a breach of international law and an act of war our aid to the democracies. Such aid is

not an act of war, even if a dictator should unilaterally proclaim it as such. When the dictators are ready to make war upon us, they will not wait for an act of war on our part. I have called for personal sacrifice, and I am assured of lhe willingness of almost all Americans to respond. Part of that sacrifice means the payment of greater taxation. “We look forward to a world founded on four essential human freedoms: Firstly freedom of speech and its expression world-wide; secondly, freedom for every person to worship God in his own way, world-wide; thirdly, freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understanding and security for every nation, and a healthy peace-time life for its inhabitants, world-wide; fourthly, freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means world-wide reduction in armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbour. “That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-call.ed new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create. The world order we seek is the co-operation of free countries, working together in friendly civilised society.

“This nation has placed its destiny in the hands, heads, and hearts of its millions of free men and women, and its faith in freedom, under God’s guidance. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights, or to keep them. Our strength is in our unity of that purpose. For that high concept there can be no end save victory.”

Support for Roosevelt SENATORS’ COMMENTS. (Received January 7, 11.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 6 Congressional leaders are very pleased with Mr Roosevelt’s speech. Analysis of reaction to Mr. Roosevelt’s speech indicated that Congress probably would approve of a loan-lease plan, though the extent of it and the method may bn contested. t Senators Rayburn and Barkley both said: “The speech has overwhelming support from the American peoplq.” Senator Vendenberg said: “It was a strong plea for peace, through war, bv proxy,” Senator Austin said: “It • will do much to crystallise harmony and unity in the defence effort.” Senator Austin, broadcasting, said: “Americans will light if entry to th e war becomes the price of freedom. Let no dictator get the impression that Americans will not light. Of course, they will not fight unless and until they have to. But they know the cost of freedom. They are preparing to pay the cost if they have to” BERLIN PRESS IGNORES SPEECH (Received January 7, 9.20 p.m.) BERLIN. January 6. The Berlin morning papers did not publish Mr Roosevelt’s speech to Congress, nor comment on it. ITALIAN PRESS REPORTS SPEECH. (Received January 7, 9.30 p.m.) ROME, January 6. The Italian Stefani News Agency has issued a four hundred word summary of .the speech which Mr Roosevelt gave to Congress, though without quotation. ITALIAN IMPRESSION (Received January 7, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, January 6. The first impression of Mr Roosevelt’s address to Congress in Rome political circles is that the speech has been aimed to provoke the Axis Powers to declare war on the United States.

Leading America to War ITALIAN OPINION. (Received January 8, 12.50 a.m.) ROME. January 7. The paper, “Popolo Di Roma,” commenting on President Roosevelt’s message, asks: “What is keeping

Mr Roosevelt from declaring war against’ the Axis Powers ? This question is easily answered, keeping in mind the Roosevelt hypocrisy, which is aimed at compromising the United States populations. With the propagandist pretence of democratic solidarity, President Roosevelt is leading his people well beyond non-belligei-ency.” JAPANESE ANTICIPATION. (Received January 8, 12.20 a.m.) TOKIO, January 6. Japanese officials here asserted. Mr Roosevelt’s message is about what we expected. They otherwise declined to comment. HUNGARIAN VIEW LONDON, January 6. Informed quarters in Budapest said in regard to Mr Roosevelt's speech that the United States was one step closer to war. DECLARATION OF WAR ? BUCHAREST, January 6. Diplomatic circles express the opinion that Mr Roosevelt’s speech is so close to a declaration of war that the United States should henceforth be regarded as an active participant. Roumanian Funds RELEASED BY U.S.A. TO TELEGRAPH COY. (Received January 7, 9.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 6. The U.S. Treasury has release : thirteen million dollars of frozen Roumanian credits for payment to the International Telegraph and Telephone Company. It reported that the payment is as compensation for

CHILDREN SOON LEARN. Children soon learn to believe in the efficacy of Baxters Lung Preserver, and they will even ask for it, because it is so palatable. “Baxters” is a boon in the treatment of children’s coughs, and is equally effective for young and old if taken according to directions. Keep “Baxters” always I handy. 1

i the firm’s facilities being taken over by Roumanian interests. CANADIAN ESTIMATE. ( (Received January 7, 11.25 p.m.) . OTTAWA, January 7. Mr. McKenzie King, Prime Minister, said Mr. Roosevelt’s speech “could be viewed as the most important of his great career. Since the outbreak of war, the forces of freedom had no support of comparI able strength, magnitude, and durability.” SUPPLIES FOP BRITAIN. WASHINGTON, January 6. Mr Andrew May, Chairman of the House Military Committee, has introj duced a Bill to repeal the Johnson Act, enabling greater supplies to be sent to Britain, China and Greece. U.S.A. AERO ENGINE ORDERS WASHINGTON January 6. The War Department has awarded contracts totalling eighty-seven million dollars, including thirty-three millions to the Studebaker Company for aeroplane engines. STEEL MILLS AT HIGH PRESSURE (Received January 7, 9.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 6. The New York Iron and Steel Institute announced that the United States steel mills have reached the highest output in their history, namely ninety-two per cent, of their capacity. SHIPBUILDING PROJECTS. (Received January 11, 10.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 7. Chairman Vinson has introduced a Bill in Congress, to authorise an appropriation of 315 million dollars tor expansion of shipbuilding facilities additionally to an appropriation of j 194 million dollars, to expand naval j ordnance production facilities. FORMAL RE-ELECTION. OF MR ROOSEVELT. WASHINGTON, January 6. Congress, at a joint session, formally declared Mr Roosevelt re-elected as President. He will take the oath of office on January 20.