PLEA fOR PEACE

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18947, 17 May 1933, Page 7

PLEA fOR PEACE

APPEAL TO ALL NATIONS

MR ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH.

A PLAIN-SPOKEN MESSAGE.

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Mav 17, 9.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 16.

The President of the United States, Mr Roosevelt, to-day appealed directly to the rulers of the nations to reduce armaments and eliminate entirely the weapons of aggression, to refrain from sending any armed foroe whatsoever beyond their own borders, to forget “petty” national alms and Join slnoeroly to assure peaoe and economic reoovory.

In a plain-spoken message the President asked for specific steps immediately, and declared that if any nation interposed obstructions the civilised world would “ know where the responsibility for failure lies."

Mr Roosevelt mentioned no nation by name, but his words rang through the diplomatic world with dramatic significance at a moment when certain leaders In Germany are asking for greater armaments, and when Japanese troops are marching deepor into China.

The message, contrary to long-stnd-ing diplomatic practice, was addressed directly to the Kings, potentates and Presidents of all the 54 nations to be represented at the London Conference, Including Russia. • As an Intermediate goal the President asked for success for the Geneva Arms Conference and Economic Conference, and 1 proposed the adoption at Genova of Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s plan to reduce the armaments of France, to stabilise those of Germany, and to set up a consultative pact to promote peace. ■ Mr Roosevelt also suggested an agreement upon the time and place for a conference to carry these steps still further..

Amidst the Increasing conjecture over the inclusion of Russia among Ihe nations receiving Mr Roosevelt’s message Senator Robinson, the Democratic leader said " The act may have the effect of recognising the Soviet Government."

y CUE TO HERR HITLER.

PROMPTED TO BE PRUDENT,

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 17, 11 a.m.) PARIS, May 1-6. Mr Roosevelt’s statement is regarded as judiciously timed to give the cue to Herr Hitler, whom Rome Is also possibly prompting to be prudent.

NON-AGGRESSION PACT.

SELF SHORTSIGHTED POLICIES

RECOGNITION OF SOVIET

United Press Assn.-—-Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 17, 11.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 16. Mr Roosevelt told Congress in a special message that he proposed a non-aggression pact to 54 nations, “because It has become evident that an assurance of world political and economic peace and stability is threatened by selfish and short-sighted policies, actions, and threats of. action.” The President declared that an overwhelming majority of the nations “face the danger of recalcitrant "Obstruction by a very small minority. It is high time for the United States and every other nation to understand the simple facts that the invasion of any nation or the destruction of national sovereignty can be prevented only by the, : complete elimination of the weapons which make such a course possible to-day."

.Senator Borah described the . inclusion of Russia in the Presidential message as “the technical recognition of the Soviet.”