LINDBERGH’S PEACE ACTIVITIES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 4

LINDBERGH’S PEACE ACTIVITIES

The United States Government’s campaign for the introduction of conscription, Colonel Charles Lindbergh’s anti-war crusade and the Italian comment on Lindbergh’s activities, taken in conjunction, offer grounds from which important inferences may be drawn. The United States Government believes the defence forces should be increased by conscription to at least 1,300,000. It sees grave danger ahead for America if the British Navy is defeated or seriously weakened. Lindbergh is organising peace rallies which must have the effect of weakening American rearmament. Italy rejoices “because American isolationism is becoming stronger and the chances of American intervention in the war are weaker.” Why the United States tolerates the interference of Lindbergh in such vital affairs of State is beyond comprehension. He must have some sort of a following, and the most enthusiastic applause comes from Germany and Italy. Whatever Lindbergh’s intentions may be it is clear that Germany and Italy are heartily in accord with his activities. It is alleged that pro-Nazi organisations have been invited to attend the peace rallies, which in itself is scarcely a demonstration of the neutrality which Lindbergh preaches. If these activities interfere with the conscription law (if it is passed), the Government will have no option but to subject Lindbergh to discipline. Clearly Lindbergh must envisage the future of the world without a British Empire, and there he is at direct variance with the United States Government. The Government believes that Britain should and must survive. Therefore it is giving all the assistance in its power short of armed intervention. It believes that if Britain falls America will be at the mercy of the new world forces and that the “Atlantic will become an express highway for hostile forces.” The faction led by Lindbergh would cut across this conception and policy, weaken America’s assistance to Britain and consequently improve Germany’s chances of reaching a position from which it could menace the United States. Lindbergh is therefore not only opposing the interests of the British Empire but is exposing his own country to danger in defiance of the United States Government’s declared policy. Discipline seems to be indicated if conscription becomes law.