WILL PRESERVE THEIR INDEPENDENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 7

WILL PRESERVE THEIR INDEPENDENCE

READY TO FIGHT IF NECESSARY (Received 15th April, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK. 14th April. Speaking before the President, Mr Hull emphasised the ability and determination of the American nations to fight, if necessary, to preserve their independence. "American republics have in clear j and unmistakeable terms expressed : their determination to assure the peace of this continent and defend and maintain the independence of the institutions of our peoples against any menace. None can say we offer to the world an example of international adjustment ! maintained by reason, because we do i not have at our command more brutal i weapons, nor can any harbour the ! illusion that our insistance upon international justice is an appeal springing from weakness. This hemisphere’s devotion is to an organisation grounded on juridicial equality of all nations, respect for the sovereignty of each and understanding so complete that every question can be dealt with by reason and peaceful discussion. This is the I free choice of all of us—the true choice, j Since other alternatives are open this choice in international iclations gives { the Western Hemisphere something j definite and distinct to say to the world, j peculiarly in this time of stress.” I