REACTIONARY FORCES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 203, 28 August 1943, Page 5

REACTIONARY FORCES

COMPEL SUMNER WELLES TO RESIGN Recd. 11.5 p.m. Washington. Aug. 27. It is reported that the resignation of Mr. Sumner Welles is regarded by observers in Washington as a triumph for the reactionary forces of the State Department. Mr. Cordell Hull refused to comment on Mr. Welles’ position on his return from Quebec, but the New York Times’ Washington correspondent says he ieft little doubt, that the Under-Secretary of State had been dropped and that a statement would be made later. Commenting on the position, the newspaper P.M. says: “In time of peace the ganging up of po iticians against an Under-Secret ary of State might, be reprehensible but by no nwans tragic. However, in time of war this political gangsterism, aimed at a man who. despite tumblings and evasions, has worked almost alone in the direction of democratic war and collective peace, becomes an appalling act of political sabotage. Welles has been thrown out when great military and political issues are at stake, foremost among which is that involving our relations with Russia.” Re erring to the probable appointment of Mr. Breckinridge Long as Mr. Welles’ successor, P.M.’s Washington correspondent says: “Long’s appointment would be regarded in the Soviet, as elsewhere, as a sign that the Southern (reactionary* wing of the Democratic Party is in full control ot American foreign policy.” Observers in Washington say that Mr. Welles, although opposed* to reaction. is scarcely to be described as radical. Although t/ mperamentally unsympathetic to' radicalism, he came to believe in the importance of an enterprising. progressive foreign policy. He successfully lined up the Latin Americas behind the United States over Mr. Hull's head, and also urged that the United States could not ignore the great democratic forces stirring in Europe. Mr. Welles’ resignation is a climax to the long feud with Mr. Hull, who has not forgiven him Tor taking the lead at th? Rio Je Janeiro conference and for his criticism of America'; policies toward Vichy and Admiral Darlan. The pair are also said Io disagree on the subpect of Russia, to ’•■h’ch Mr. Hull’s attitude resembles that of extreme British Conservatives. Mr. Welles takes the view that, as Russia is destined to play a leading part in th? post-war world, the United States must establish the friendliest possible flattens \ 4 ith her.