STILL UNCERTAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 24 January 1942, Page 5

STILL UNCERTAIN

ARGENTINE ATTITUDE TO AXIS SEVERANCE LESS LIKELY New York. Jan. 22. Dispatches from Rio de Janeiro indicate that the situation is still not clear, with prospects of Argentine participation in a joint severance of relations with the Axis now slightly less favourable, though attempts are still being made for a compromise agreement. The United Press of America says that Foreign Ministers have given Argentina till to-morrow afternoon to support the resolution for severance of diplomatic relations with the Axis. According to a Buenos Aires message, the Acting-President of Argentina, Senor Castillo, said: "Argentina does not agree that an attack on one American nation signifies that all others should take a position of belligerency.”—U.P.A. SETBACK FOR HITLER Rugby, Jan. 22. British Official Wireless states that satisfaction is expressed in Britain at a report that a sub-committee of the American Conference at Rio de Janeira, where representatives of 21 nations were present, has agreed upon a statement providing for severance of relations with the Axis Powers. The statement is expected to come before the full conference as a declaration, which will then have to be ratified by individual nations, according to the procedure of their own constitutions. The “Evening Standard,” describing the development of events as a “setback for one of Hitler’s hopes,” adds: “President Roosevelt denies the conception of fighting isolated war, just a:, he so long and bitterly contested the illusion of an isolationist peace. Hence the importance of the Rio de Janeiro conference. Full protection for the United States’ flank would require decision by the South American States to stamp out fifth columnists at home and put faith in an Allied victory abroad. ’-'he declaration brings the States much nearer that frame of mind.”—B.O.W. GERMANY WARNS BRAZIL Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 23. It is reported that Germany has sent a new warning to Brazil and probably other Latin-American nations that a break in relations would mean war. Brazil is reported to be taking widespread defence preparations and drastic precautions against subversive elements.—U.P.A.