STAYING OUT?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 September 1939, Page 7

STAYING OUT?

ROOSEVELT ON AMERICAN POLICY NEUTRALITY AFFIRMED. BUT PEOPLE NOT ASKED TO CLOSE MINDS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. WASHINGTON, September 3. President Roosevelt, in his broadcast address to the nation, again declared the nation’s neutrality but insisted that he did not ask the people to close their minds and consciences, and pledged the United States to continue its work for peace. “Till early this morning I had hoped against hope that a miracle would prevent the devastating war which today, unhappily, is a fact,” the President said. “It is, of course, impossible to predict the future. When peace is broken anywhere the peace of all countries is endangered.” “Let no man or woman thoughtlessly or falsely talk of sending American armies to foreign fields. There is now being prepared a proclamation of neutrality. I trust that in the days to come our neutrality can be made true neutrality. This nation will remain a neutral nation, but I cannot ask that every American shall remain neutral in thought as well. Even a neutral has the right to take account of facts. Even a neutral cannot be asked to close his mind or conscience. “I have said many times that I have seen war and that I hate war and I will say that again and again. I hope the United States will stay out of this war. I believe it will. As long as it remains within my power to prevent it there will be no blackout of peace in the United -States.

“I cannot prophesy the immediate economic effect of this war on the United States, but I say that no American has a moral right to profiteer at the expense either of his fellow citizens or of the men, women and children who are living and dying in the midst of war in Europe.” There was unusual bustle and activity at the White House and the State Department following Britain’s declaration of war, but there is no evidence that immediate steps will be taken either to invoke the arms embargo or to call Congress together. As tomorrow is a holiday, officials have a comparatively lengthy period to ponder their moves. It is considered certain, however, that Mr Roosevelt will summon Congress to repeal the Neutrality Act.