Roosevelt Envoy To Visit Europe

Northern Advocate, 10 February 1940, Page 5

Roosevelt Envoy To Visit Europe

( Received .1.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February !). PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT ANNOUNCES THAT HE IS SENDING THE ASSISTANT-SECRETARY OF STATE (MR. SUMNER WELLES) TO EUROPE FOR A PERSONAL SURVEY OF CONDITIONS IN ITALY, GERMANY, BRITAIN AND FRANCE. Mr. Welles has been ins traded to make no proposals or commitments in the name of the United Staff's. The visit is solely to advise Mr. Roosevelt and the Secretary of State (Mr. Cordell Hull) of the present conditions in Europe.

Talks with Neutrals. Mr. Hull announces that informal diplomatic conversations have begun with several neutrals, with a view to the eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis. He added that conversations would probably be broadened to include all neutrals. The State Department emphasises that Mr. Welles' trip is not connected with Mr. Hull’s statement, the text of which was: “In view of the effect of hostilities on neutral countries, it is evident that there is a desire for the eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis for all nations. ‘lnformal diplomatic conversations have been begun with neutral Governments, and will probably be continued with all neutrals. No Plan. “It should be emphasised that the conversations involve no plan or plans, but are in the nature of preliminary inquiries, relating to a sound international economic system, simultaneously with a world-wide reduction cf armaments. “Matters involving the present war conditions are not part of these preliminary conversations, which could be eytended to belligerents in so far as they involve these two common problems of future peace.” Mr. Welles and Mr. Myron Taylor, who has been appointed envoy to the Vatican, will sail for Italy on February 17. London Satisfaction. A British Official Wireless message says that official circles in London learned with satisfaction of the forthcoming visit to London of Mr. Sumner Welles, and state that he can be certain of receiving a cordial welcome as the President’s representative. He may be sure of receiving all information with which the British Government can provide him, in order to enable Mr. Roosevelt to form a clearer view of the European situation.