ROOSEVELT’S BLUNT WORDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 17 May 1941, Page 5

ROOSEVELT’S BLUNT WORDS

! CALL TO FRENCH PEOPLE 5 BREACH OF ARMISTICE J CONDITIONS . [U.P.A.-By Electric Telegraph-Copyright] Washington, May 15. President Roosevelt issued a [ statement declaring: “It is inconceivable that the French people will • accept a collaboration agreement with Germany which in reality would imply an alliance with the 1 Power that is seeking the utter destruction of liberty, freedom and popular institutions everywhere.” Mr Roosevelt in his statement said that the United States’ policy toward France has been based on the terms of , the original French-German Armistice, [ and recognises that “clear limitations” , were imposed on the French Govern- [ ment by the Armistice. The President’s statement recalled that Marshal Petain [ agreed not to collaborate with Germany beyond the Armistice agreement. L “This was the least that could be expected from France, which demanded t respect for its integrity,” he continued. i COUNTERING THE PEOPLE , “The people of France, who still cherish the ideals of liberty and free J institutions, and guard that love of these priceless possessions in their , minds and hearts, can be counted on to hold out for these principles till the moment comes for their re-eslablish-ment.” \ Mr Roosevelt’s statement concluded with aji assertion that the j United States could hardly believe t that the present Government of j France would join a voluntary alliance, apparently delivering up France, and the colonial Empire, ; including the French African colonies and the Atlantic coasts, i with the menace which that in- , volves to the peace and safety of the Western Hemisphere. The Treasury to-day ordered the ' Coastguard to put armed guai’ds aboard 10 French ships lying in United States : ports, including the 83,423-ton liner 1 l Normandie. The Senate passed the , Bill authorising the requisitioning of ; foresign ships. NOT TO BE DRAWN BARRAGE OF QUESTIONS ( PRESIDENT’S PRESS CONFERENCE [U.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] ' (Rec. 9.55 a.m.) Washington, May 16. i President Roosevelt at a Press con- < ference to-day, declared that the free- < , dom of the seas was a historic American policy. Germany’s proclamation I that the Red Sea was a danger zor.e « was a pointed reminder that twice pre- t viously the United States had used warships to protect her commerce. i President Roosevelt declined to dis- i cuss hypothetical questions and talk ? in glittering generalities. He said Ibat < international conditions were too seri- ] ous for him to interpret, or comment c further on the implications of his appeal to the French people not to collaborate with Germany. He dismissed a barrage of questions, as too hypo- i thetical. including the following: Is there likely to be a change in the status 1 of Martinique? Will Admiral Leahy ] U.S. Ambassador to Vichy, be recalled to report to Washington? Would any additional steps be taken in the French ' situation? r