MR. ROOSEVELT'S WARNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23277, 21 February 1939, Page 8

MR. ROOSEVELT'S WARNING

Curiosity as to what Mr. Roosevelt precisely had in mind, when he referred to "continued reports of a disturbing nature" from the international front, does not seem likely to be satisfied immediately, and little is to be gained from guessing. Certain circumstances, however, suggest that he had serious reason for the tone of his speech if not for the substance of it. That tone was grave in the extreme; public description of his demeanour has noted that he displayed obvious concern over the possibility of a new international crisis, which would make demands of an unusual character on the United States. He was about to attend the greatest peace-time manoeuvres of the American Fleet, and knew that, on such an occasion, the ears of the American people would be particularly alert to catch any significant comment by him on the disturbed state of the world. Further, as he was broadcasting, his blunt warning of "aggressor nations," as the foes of nations with a "self-governing way of life" to defend and maintain, could not be regarded as lightly uttered. This uncompromising tone remains significant, and it can be reasonably interpreted as evidence of both his own inclination to strong measures and a rising tide of feeling in the United States with respect to the menace he envisaged. It is not his habit to forget that he is the executive head of one of the greatest peoples in the world. Even if he did not feel free to state explicitly the new reasons for his anxiety, he at least was at no pains to conceal that anxiety; and he went as near to committing his nation to positive action as he could, without actually doing so. His utterance, in spite of its element of mystery, was clear in its intention.