SOUND WORLD PEACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21576, 12 February 1940, Page 7

SOUND WORLD PEACE

MOVE BY U.S.A.

Conversations With Neutrals

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 11, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 9.

The United States Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) announced to-day that informal diplomatic conversations have begun with several neutral countries with a view to the eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis. He added that the conversations would probably be broadened to include all the neutrals.

The State Department emphasises that the trip to be made by the Assistant Secretary of State (Mr Sumner Welles) to survey conditions in Europe, is not connected with Mr Hull’s statement, the text of which is as follows: “In view of the effect of hostilities on the neutrals and the neutrals’ evident desire for an eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis for all nations, informal diplomatic conversations have begun with neutral Governments and will probably be continued with all neutrals.

“It should be emphasised that the conversations involve no plan or plans, but are in the nature of preliminary inquiries relating to a sound international economic system and simultaneously a world-wide reduction in armaments. “Matters involving present war conditions are not part of these preliminary conversations, which may be extended to the belligerents insofar as they involve these two common problems of future peace.” Survey of Conditions The United States Under-Secretary of State Is being sent to Europe to make a personal survey of conditions in Italy, France, Great Britain and Germany, President Roosevelt announced in Washington to-day. President Roosevelt said that Mr Welles had been instructed to make no proposals or commitments in the name of the United States. Statements made to him by representatives of other Governments would be seen only by himself as President and the Secretary of State. The President also said he doubted if the United States would give to Finland direct supplies of guns, as Finland was engaged in an armed conflict. The President made this statement on account of reports that he had discussed with officials the possibility of sending surplus war materials' to the Scandinavian countries. In discussing possible arms sales he was talking only of countries at peace. Official circles in London have learned with satisfaction of the forth-

coming visit to London of Mr Sumner Welles, states a British official wireless message. They state that he can be certain of receiving a cordial welcome as the President’s representative and that he may be sure of receiving all the information with which the British Government can provide him in order to enable President Roosevelt to form a clearer view of the European situation. Mr Welles and Mr C. Myron Taylor, the President’s personal representative at the Vatican, will sail for Italy on February 17.

The cordial welcome awaiting Mr Sumner Welles when he visits Britain and France as the special envoy of the President of the United States is emphasised in the newspapers of both countries.

The “Daily Telegraph" says the effects of five months of war on the determination of the British and

French people must be well-known to President Roosevelt. He is not less able to judge what change of heart has occurred in Hitler since August, when the President’s appeal to him to keep the peace had not the slightest effect, and since November, when Queen Wilhelmina asked Hitler to take the first step towards peace and he would not move one inch from the plunder he had seized. President Roosevelt will also be well-informed of the feeling aroused in the neutral States of Europe by the brutality of the German warfare and will have perceived their movement towards consolidation in defence. The President must be well aware that we shall not abate a letter of our terms for peace. More Concerned With Neutrals Although President Roosevelt’s decision to send Mr Sumner Welles to Europe is described in some quarters as opening a new peace offensive the latest information suggests that it is more concerned with neutrals than belligerents. It Is stated semi-officially in Paris that the mission is highly welcome, but there is no question of Mr Welles acting as mediator. The neutral press generally welcomes the mission and commends its purpose. The exception is Italy, where it is considered that Mr Roosevelt is too pre*’ judiced in favour of the Allies.