AMERICA REASSURED

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21664, 26 February 1942, Page 5

AMERICA REASSURED

MR ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH FAVOURABLE REACTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrltfit) WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 The capital appeared to be considerably impressed and perceptibly heartened by President Roosevelt's report to the nation on the progress o! the war effort. The general tenor o.T the speech has produced a feeling of reassurance in all branches of the Government and a measurable lessening of criticism which has been directed at the Administration from Congress during the past few weeks. Particularly encouraging were three phases: Firstly, Mr Roosevelt’s reiteration of his former assurance that, good or bad, full and truthful information will be made public consistent with military security; secondly, an unqualified assertion that all but impossible production goals for aeroplanes, tanks and ships will be achieved; thirdly, the determination voiced to prevent interference with the production programme by organised labour or other means. Superiority In Armaments Congressional reaction was markedly favourable, of which there is a typical example in a speech by the Republican leader, Representative Mr Thomas E. Martin (lowa City), who said it was comforting to hear the President’s assurance of the progress in production. “Superiority in armaments can be achieved by America’s great industrial machine and there we will win the war,” he said. Mr Martin also applauded Mr Roosevelt’s assurance that we would soon be taking the offensive and he said the appeal for unity of sacrifice will find a whole-hearted response from the American people.

The Wall Street Journal, in an editorial today on President Roosevelt’s speech, says the American people want to do whatever is necessary to fight the war to an end. They are not now interested in certain arguments about national policy before the Japanese onslaught on Pearl Harbour on December 7, which have become unprofitable and will so remain for the duration of the war. “In stirring phrases, of which he is master, Mr Roosevelt has called for unity of sacrifice. We do not say it will be given; we say it is being given,” adds the paper.