RALLY TO SUPPORT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 117, 18 April 1939, Page 7

RALLY TO SUPPORT

APPEAL FOR PEACE. SOUTH AMERICA ARPROYES WESTERN SOLIDARITY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, April IG. The South American republics, which have been subjected to growing German and Italian influence, have rallied to the support of President Roosevelt’s dramatic peace appeal. Significantly Argentina, which hitherto has poured cold water on all propositions for solidarity in the Western Hemisphere, was the first nation to endorse the plea.

The Buenos Aires newspaper, La Prensa, comments: “One-half of the world will not sit idly by and sec tho other half subdued by force.” The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) spent Sunday at his office studying the replies from a dozen American nations. The warmth of the responses, as well as the outspoken Press comment, indicate that the Western Hcmisphebre solidarity has advanced greatly since Lima.

Persons close to tho Administration here, however, doubt whether Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini will accept the President’s terms. The appeal is interpreted as a genuine attempt to snatch Europe from the brink of war, as well as an adroit manoeuvre for placing the responsibility of war on the totolitarian Powers.

Senator Pittman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and others expressed their satisfaction over the Latin American support. Senator Pittman said that additional support from the smaller European countries might lend considerable weight to a programme aimed at a round table settlement of international disputes. BASIS FOR NEGOTIATIONS.

He added that it would be most surprising if President Roosevelt’s proposal was accepted instantly in toto, but the move might pave the way toward obtaining a basis for eventual negotiations for a peaceful settlement. Meanwhile the President’s appeal, coupled with the sudden transfer of the fleet from the Atlantic to the Pacific, is expected to intensify the Congressional fight for changes in the neutrality law, wit.ii the isolationists strengthening their demands for nonintervention. Sizeable blocs of both Chambers feel that President Roosevelt has overstepped the boundaries of the _ traditional American policy of non-involve-ment. Congressional leaders allege that the President is seeking to create a war hysteria, among the American people. •Significantly., Senator Pittman, in a broadcast yesterday, pleaded for a strict cash and carry neutrality law and spoke against the proposals to give the President discretionary powers to fix the extent of American neutrality. Senator Pittman said, that such plans would invite retaliation and constitute a war threat to America.