NEW YORK PRESS OPINION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 10 February 1938, Page 7

NEW YORK PRESS OPINION

MR HULL’S DENIALS (Received 10th February, 10.20 a.m.) NEW YORK, 9th February. The “New York Sun,” in a leader, says that Mr Cordell Hull’s categorical denials regarding a United States understanding or agreement with any power should put an end to the unbased belief entertained by many persons that Britain had succeeded in enlisting the United States as an ally for the defence of the British Asiatic empire. This belief has been assiduously cultivated by British propagandists and there has been much talk of common responsibilities and parallel courses. The United States’s acceptance of Australia’s invitation to send a naval squadron to the sesquicentenary celebrations gave an apportunity for surprising tales to gain circulation. When soon after this it was announced that the squadron would be present for the ceremonies at Singapore even more amazing tales went to Congressmen, who are not less gullible than others. Whatever measure of acceptance the rumours won at th'e Capitol they were recognised as appropriate pegs on which to hang questions. These questions are at present being answered, and the answers are what sensible Americans confidently expected. NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE The “Nejy York Times.” on the contrary, has continued a series of leaders on parallel lines, stating that it is unnecessary and unwarranted to look for an ulterior motive in the consultations with Britain regarding the Orient. The two have similar interests to face and common risks and dangers. It would be criminal folly for them to fail to explore each other’s purposes and methods, but the goal is not in some secret understanding.- It is rather to seek openly and independently, but by similar action when the r>rcumstances are similar, to take the most effective steps possible to protect their national interests. There are bound to be consultations between Britain and America, not only regarding the Far East, but other troubled areas whenever a threat to peace arises, or a treaty which both have signed is thrown aside. This is not because a deep plot, is being hatched. It is because two great democracies have a common interest in an orderly and stable world. BRITAIN TO SUPPORT UNITED STATES (Received 10th February, 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, 9th February. Mr Gilbert Murray. Chairman of the League of Nations Union, addressing National Liberals, declared: “I have reason to believe that Britain has assured the American Government that she is ready immediately to support it in any action which it may take in respect to Japan, facing any risk.