ANTI-COMMUNIST PACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 15 November 1937, Page 5

ANTI-COMMUNIST PACT

NEW COMPLICATIONS REPERCUSSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA IDnilCl Press Association- I>.v Elcetrlo : Tclcgi-apli—Cbpyriulitl NFW YORK. 13th November. I The Italian, Japanese and German ; iinli-Communisl pact lias added a new j complication to the troubled politics ol South America. The taut relationships of Leftist republics and dictator States are more strained than ever, though semi-Fnscist regimes are still confirming strong-arm methods within their own boundaries. The Mexico City correspondent of the "New York Times,” Mr Frank L. Kluckholn, says it is officially stilted that Central America, with the exception of Costa Rica and Panama, is delighted at the anti-Communist pact. Mexico has distinctly disapproved o£ semi-Fascism. Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua have had an anti-Communist agreement for years and officially regard the Rome Pact as a moral bulwark to it. However, none is likely openly to adhere to the Pact owing to fear of irritating the United States. Costa Rica and Panama have seen i how the “anti-Communist pact” of their neighbours lias been used merely as a political club and do not want the same medicine, Mr Kluckholn continues Mexico’s position is more determined because her leaders recognise that the Central American dictators consider Mexico the “Russia of the western world.” Mexicans feel that unfriendly dictators with Italian and German support might welcome an opportunity to aid Mexico s Fascist element if internal trouble broke out. The moderate policy of the United States is criticised by both elements. For example, Guatemalan leaders consider President Roosevelt a Communist while Movico cites the recent Haitian killings, the Nicaraguan-Honduras dispute. and the recent Brazilian development as evidence that the United States is over-friendly with Right Wing dictators.

REAR-ADMIRAL BYRD’S WARNING Rear-Admiral R. E Byrd, in a wireless broadcast throughout the nation, declared that the establishment of a totalitarian State in Brazil signified Hie raising of the flag of Fascism on this side of the: Atlantic, dissipating the concept of United States isolation. “We are joined to the rest of the world as Siamese twins,” he said He issued a warning that international law cannot be enforced and democracies, if they wish to survive, must show strength of character. He asked the American people to rally round Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, whose work toward peace, specially through his foreign trade programme, was the world’s great hope.

The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says it is believed the project for the lease of six overage destroyers to Brazil has been cancelled in consequence of the coup and that other wise the United States is adopting a strict hands-off policy. ATTITUDE OF SWITZERLAND (Received 15th November, 10.55 a.m.) BERNE, 14th November. The Foreign Minister, M. Motta, denies that the Government contemplates adherance to the Anti-Communist Pact.