AMERICAN AID?

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1935, Page 5

AMERICAN AID?

SETTLEMENT OF WAR NEW LAW OF NEUTRALITY AMENDMENT SUGGESTED OBLIGATION TO NATIONS MR. CORDELL HULL SPEAKS By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 9 p.m. Washington, Nov. 6. What is interpreted as the Administration’s dissatisfaction with the neutrality law and a possible desire to co-operate with the League of Nations in stopping the war between Italy and Ethiopia was voiced to-night in an address drafted by Mr. Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) and in his absence delivered over the radio by the acting-Secretary, Mr. Phillips. The address was apparently designed to arouse public opinion to the necessities of the situation in anticipation of the next session of Congress, which will undoubtedly be requested by President Roosevelt to draft a new law replacing the mandatory munitions embargo, with broad permissive powers. Arguing for such a change Mr. Hull said: “Our foreign policy would indeed be weak if it began and ended with an announcement of a neutrality position on the outbreak of a foreign war. I conceive it our duty and in the interests of our country and humanity not only to remain aloof from disputes and conflicts with which we have no direct concern but also to use our influence in any appropriate way to bring about the peaceful settlement of international differences.” While repeatedly qualifying any suggestion of international co-operation Mr. Hull said: “A virile policy tempered with prudent caution is necessary if we are to retain the respect of other nations and at the ~ame time hold our position of influence for peace and international stability in the family of nations.” A policy of using appropriate influences to stop foreign wars while still keeping out of them was enunciated by Mr. Hull. The address made a plea for wider discretionary powers for the President in directing the country’s foreign affairs in times of international disturbance.

The suggestion is interpreted by some observers as paving the way for an administration request to the next Congress for a more far-reaching but less rigid neutrality law. Mr. Hull’s words seemed in close accord with those who hold that the United States if unable directly to co-operate with the League of Nations in its efforts to halt the war at least should take steps to insure its non-interference with the League’s actions.