WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 23 August 1935, Page 7

WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE

NEUTRALITY PROGRAMME. TRADITIONAL POLICY REVERSED (United Preae Association—By Electric Telegrapn Copyright). •WASHINGTON, Aug. 21. The Senate’s passing the seven-point policy reversing the neutrality programme caused President Roosevelt suddenly to call a conference at White House to seek an agreement on the legislation. Division of opinion is already' apparent in 'thie' House as President Roosevelt privately expressed his views of the sweeping anti-war declaration, including major reversals of the United States’ traditional policy. The President summoned Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, the assistant secretary, Mr Walton, and Mr Mcßeynolds, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committeo of the House of Representatives. While he made no statement, intimate friends of the President believe he favours permissive rather than mandatory legislation to conform with the existing policy.

A’ plan to modify the Bill to make it more flexible was ■ worked out at the White House conference. Those attending the conference left no doubt that the removal of the mandatory provisions would be sought. Mr McReynolds predicted that a compromise would be worked out.