DE VALERA’S VISIT TO WASHINGTON

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20693, 31 December 1938, Page 6

DE VALERA’S VISIT TO WASHINGTON

Speculation has been caused by the announcement that Mr de Valera, Prime Minister of Eire, will visit the United States in May and has been invited to stay at the White House. He will open the Eire pavilion at the New York World’s Fair, but it can scarcely be imagined that that ceremony is of sufficient importance to take the Prime Minister across the Atlantic. The true significance of the visit is probably to be found in the fact that Mr de Valera is President of the League of Nations. For that reason his reception at the White House will be watched with more than ordinary interest. Interest in collective action for the preservation of peace and for defence has been greater in the United States recently, and the conclusion of an agreement with all the other American republics has opened up a vista of the possibilities of combined action with a common objective. . The United States so far, however, has given no indication that it contemplates joining the League of Nations. The ardent persuasions of other members of the League have not proved strong enough to overcome the American objection to any kind of entanglement in European affairs. Highly desirable co-operation by the United States is possible without any danger of being drawn into the conflicts of the Old World, and it may be hoped that Mr de Valera will be able to exert a powerful influence upon American opinion. When elected to the presidency of the League Mr de Valera made a strong appeal for the revival of that body, and expressed the belief that its constitution could be so amended as to make it attractive to all nations. It is extremely unlikely that he will visit the White House without having a heart to heart talk with President Roosevelt or without putting forward some proposition for the consideration of the American people. If he can persuade the United States actively to place its weight behind the work of the League he vr'V. have performed a great service.