U.S. Government Denounces German Aggression

Northern Advocate, 18 March 1939, Page 7

U.S. Government Denounces German Aggression

(Received 1-30 p.in.) WASHINGTON, March 17. The Government today denounced German aggression against Czechoslovakia in bristling terms. Its statement, made by the Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Sumner with President Roosevelt’s full knowledge and approval, after a lengthy conference with the President, was the most vigorous denunciation of another Power made by the United States in recent times.

Mr Roosevelt, at a conference with' the press earlier, declared that the United States needs new neutralitylegislation, particularly in the light of recent European developments, and indicated that a programme of legislation to this end will be worked out soon. Pressed for information as to the likely course of the programme, he suggested that his message to Congress on April 1 be read for guidance. The president then said that the present Act sometimes worked out to the warmakers’ advantage, and to the disadvantage of the victims of aggressors.

He added that the United States could find ways, short of war, but stronger than words, to help to stem aggression. The Official Statement. The statement issued by Mr Welles

is as follows.— “The United States Government on frequent occasions has stated its conviction that only through international support of a programme of order based on law can woi’ld peace be assured. “This Government founded oh, and dedicated to, the principles of human liberty and democracy, cannot refrain from making known this country’s condemnation of the acts which have resulted in the temporary extinguishment of the liberties of a free and independent people, with which the people of the United States have maintained especially close and friendly relations.

“The United States Government’s position has been made consistently clear. It has emphasised the need for respect for the sanctity of treaties, and of the pledged word, and for non-intervention by any nation in the domestic affairs of others.

“It has repeatedly condemned the policy of military aggression. It is manifest that acts of wanton lawlessness and arbitrary force are threatening world peace, and the very structure of modern civilisation. “The imperative need for the observance of the principles advocated by this Government has been demonstrated by the developments during the past three days.” Mr Welles declined to explain the use of the word “temporary” regarding the extinguishing of Czechoslovak liberties. Rupture of Diplomatic Relations Possible. Germany’s termination of diplomatic relations with the United States is not

considered altogether unlikely as a result of Mr. Welles’ statement. This official expression of sentiment unquestionably reflects American opinion, but it cannot be said to have clarified the public viewpoint concerning the course of action in which the United States can participate which will materially aid the democracies, and halt Herr Hitler’s progress. Congressional opinion ,is , hardly unified concerning neutrality modifications, which implement President Roosevelt’s desire to aid the aggressed against the aggressors.