U.S. Drawing Up Neutrality Act Proclamation

Northern Advocate, 4 September 1939, Page 5

U.S. Drawing Up Neutrality Act Proclamation

(Received 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, September 3, A White House announcement says the State ,and Justice Departments are drawing up a proclamation involving the Neutrality Act. Apparently the proclamation will not be issued until the United States is officially notified of the British and French decision to go to war, which is likely to be delayed by the Sunday and Monday holidays. The proclamation will immediately cut off British and French aeroplane purchases here. It is believed that hardly half the orders placed have already been filled. A special Cabinet meeting is called for 2 p.m. Monday, at which the subject is certain to be discussed. Reason for Delays

Official • circles believed that the American Neutrality Act was responsible for the British and French delays in declaring war against Germany, due to the virtual necessity of the two countries avoiding an embargo on the democracies. It was believed that they were facing the following alternatives: First, declaring war, upon which the embargo would apply, unless Congress promptly repealed it. Secondly, merely declaring that a stae of war existed, . when it was unquestionable whether President Roosevelt would invoke the embargo.

Thirdly, go to the aid of Poland without any declaration, when it was almost certain the President would invoke it, in view of the Sino-Japan-ese and. Spanish conflict. Time to Ponder There was an unusual bustle of activity in the White House and State Department following Britain’s declaration of war, but no evidence of immediate steps either to invoke the. arms embargo or to call CongressSince to-morrow is a holiday, officials have a comparatively lengthy period to ponder their moves. It is understood that President Roosevelt, and Mr Cordell Hull listened to Mr Chamberlain on the radio.

It Is considered certain, however that Mr Roosevelt will summon

Congress to repeal the Neutrality

Act. , , Thus, his broadcast to-night is awaited with unusual interest.