CALM UNITED STATES REACTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 84, 11 April 1940, Page 5

CALM UNITED STATES REACTION

THE POSITION IF GERMANY CLAIMED GREENLAND “MUST NOT BECOME INVOLVED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES” WASHINGTON, April 9. American newspapers gave the invasion of Scandinavia the greatest display of any event since the outbreak of war. However, Congressional reaction is comparatively calm. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, announced that the Administration is closely studying developments to determine whether to extend the Neutrality Act restrictions to Scandinavia. It is authoritatively stated that the American Scantic Line has ordered the Mormac Sea and the Flying-fish, the only American vessels at Norwegian ports, to leave immediately. The Mormac Star and the Mormac Tide, en route to Bergen, have been ordered to change their destination. The State Department declined to express an opinion whether the German claim on Greenland, which geographically is in the western hemisphere, would infringe the Monroe Doctrine. The department said it is unlikely that Germany would occupy Greenland because of the British Navy. Senators all express sympathy with Scandinavia but. the majority reiterated that the United States must not become involved in any circumstances. A typical comment was Senator T. Connally’s remark:— “The invasion will naturally arouse American partisans, but sentiment for peace is too strong to permit of our being dragged in.” WAR'S IMPLICATIONS greater realisation in AMERICA Received April 10, 9.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, April 10. Mr. Roosevelt, replying to a question whether the invasion of Norway and Denmark brought the war closer to the United States, said that the events of the last 48 hours undoubtedly would cause more Americans to consider the war's potentialities. He added that the remark carried no implications. EXTENSION OF NEUTRALITY ACT DELAYED Received April 10. 9.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, April 9. White House announced that the extension of the Neutrality Act to the areas affected by the Scandinavian crisis would be delayed at least till to-morrow. This announcement was made after Mr. R.oosevelt arrived and conferred with Mr. Hull, Mr. Welles and the Assistant Secretary of War, Mr. Johnson.