America Challenged to Make Decision

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 179, 30 July 1941, Page 5

America Challenged to Make Decision

Isolationism Denounced as Cowardice FIGHT FOR FREEDOM OR LOSE IT Received Tuesday, 9.20 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 29. Colonel Knox (Navy Secretary), addressing the National Legion oi Honour Convention, challenged t lie public to make a decision now on tho course of the world crisis. “To-day the American people must be brave or there are not going to be any American people. If the time comes when Americans are not willing to light to preserve their freedom we inherited, those freedoms will be destroyed and taken from us by a stronger breed of men.” Colonel Knox denounced as cowardice the creed of those who would disband a half-trained army and profess to see no danger in the world crisis.

The isolationist leader, Senator Wheeler, in the Senate accused the Secretary for War (Air. H. L. Stimson) of acting with cold and ealcualtcd cunning to cieato an impression that anti-war postcards had been circulated in army camps. Ho said the Administration’s was part of a programme to terrify the American people into submitting to participation in a foreign war. Not one voice was raised in Mr.

Stimson’s defence as senator after senator joined in the debate to defend Senator Wheeler’s patriotism and integrity. Even Senator Barkely praised Senator Wheeler as one of the ablest and most courageous senators.

Senator Barkley announced that the extension of the Army Service measure would be discussed in the Senate shortly. The Senate Military Committee reported that whereas determination by Congress to declare a state of national emergency would require a considerable debate, in the meantime measures were

necessary to prevent disintegration and provide for the proper maintenance of the army. Certain restrictions appropriate in normal times must be removed. The Honolulu police report that big V’s for victory were found painted on the walls of the Japanese Consulate and the former German Consulate.