REACTION TO PLEA OF PRESIDENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21324, 19 April 1939, Page 7

REACTION TO PLEA OF PRESIDENT

Resented by Axis Powers

Outbursts of Italian Press Message Regarded as “Act of War” Reichstag Convened By Herr Hitler United Press Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 17.

Tire Munich correspondent of “The Times” states that instead of going to Berlin as expected, Herr Hitler went to Austria late last night for a two-days’ tour.

The German Foreign Minister (Herr von Ribbentrop) flew to Berlin. A message from Vienna states that Htiler arrived at St. Poelten for an inspection of troops. He was met by General von Brauschitz and was cheered by crowds lining the streets. The Fuhrer later watched tank and cavalry exercises. Herr Hitler is touring the garrison towns to assure himself as regards the training of the youngest Austrian conscripts. Herr Hitler later left Langenzersdorf by special train for an unknown destination, which is believed to be Berchtesgaden. REICHSTAG CALLED TOGETHER SIGNIFICANCE OF SPEECH ADMITTED United Press Association—By electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 17. An official German communique states that Herr Hitler regards President Roosevelt’s telegram as so important that he has decided to announce a reply in the name of the German People before a special meeting of the Reichstag on April 28. HeiT Hitler, who left Munich for a two days’ tour of Austrian garrison towns, will return to Berlin, probably on Wednesday.

A decree has been issued that Herr Hitler’s birthday on April 20, is always to be a national holiday.

REGARDED AS “AN ACT OF WAR” OUTSPOKEN ITALIAN COMMENT United Press Association—By lUectrlc Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 17. The Italian and German newspapers continue to attack President Roosevelt. “Il Messagero” states: “The message is part of a general attack by the democracies, and should be considered an act of war. Our answer will be made in full accord with Berlin.” Dr. Virginio Gayda declares that Italy prefers to isolate President Roosevelt from the rest of the Americans as an evil dictator.

The/Rome correspondent of the British United Press says that Signor Mussolini’s own newspaper, “Popolo d’ltalia,” violently condemns President Roosevelt’s message, and calls on all Italians to reject it, declaring: ‘lt does not clarify the International situation.” The “Popolo di Roma,” alleging that France is preparing for a naval war, states: “The imposing strength of the French and British forces cannot frighten us.” A section of the German press suggests ironically that Germany would perhaps consider President Roosevelt’s offer, if all members of the proposed conference were willing to return the territories taken from Germany at the point of the revolver, over the conference table. “MOST COWARDLY’ CRITICISM OF IRISH LEADER’S POLICY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 17. The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Lord Craigavon) denounced Mr de Valera’s neutrality decision as “most cowardly, especially in view of the extraordinary generosity of Britain regarding the Anglo-Eire agreement. “I repudiate most strongly the suggestion that we should join a country where such an attitude prevails,” said Lord Craigavon. “They can remain neutral, but we know our duty and will amply fulfil it.” “THAT 'S CANADA’S BUSINESS” LORD BALDWIN’S GUARDED UTTERANCE United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright (Received April 18, 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, April 17. Earl Baldwin, who is the guest of Lord Tweedsmuir (Governor-General of Canada) pending a series of lectures and the bestowal of a degree at the University of Toronto, declared: "President Roosevelt’s peace move is a courageous and statemanlike attempt to ease a situation becoming intolerable to the ordinal? man of every country in the world.” Asked whether Canada was expected to help Britain in th. event of war, Earl Baldwin replied: “That is Canada’s business.” FROM TWO POINTS OF VIEW RECEPTION OF MR ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE United Press Association— By tUectrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 18, 11.10 p.m.) LON I 'ON. April 17. The Natic al Peace Council has

cabled to Mr Roosevelt that it had one million signatories to he British petition for a new peace conference. The Council welcomes the historic peace initiative and pledges its effort to secure B- ish support. German Allegations The Berlin Press attacks on Mr Roosevelt continue to accuse him of consulting not only London and Paris, but Moscow, before the preparation of his message. SEPARATE ANSWERS FROM DICTATORS RELATIONS DIFFER IN EACH COUNTRY United Press Ass -latlon—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrlgt ’ (Received April 18, 10.55 p.m.) ROME, April 18. Signor Mussolini’s reply to President Roosevelt will be despatched within a week. The dictators decided to reply separately, as the Italian relations with the Powers the President mentioned, are not the same as Germany’s. Signor Mussolini is expected to reject the non-aggression world conference proposals, unless France first satisfies his claims. OPIONION OF FRENCH PRESS NEGOTIATION POSSIBLE WITH GERMANY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 18, 10.55 p.m.) PARIS, April 18. The French Press is unanimously of the opinion that Herr Hitler’s reply to the President’s appeal will leave the door open for negotiation.