THE ATTITUDE OF AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 11

THE ATTITUDE OF AMERICA

Keen Public Interest In Speech I UNCERTAINTY AND; RELIEF i j “ May Yet Avert ' | Disaster ” | I ! lUNITED PHEHf- *S4Ui I ATION CUP VR11; HI .) (Received September 13, 11.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 12. Herr Hitler’s speech aroused tremendous public interest. , Crowds had gathered in restaurants and clubs to listen and they received it with mixed feelings—relief, because they felt it did not carry an immediate threat of war. and uncertainty, i because it postponed a settlement. Mr Roosevelt held a long conference with the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull). The “New York Times” considers that the speech aims a blow at the foundations of Mr Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement. .“If,” it states, “Herr Hitler’s intention was to infuriate the Sudetens and Czechs, thus inciting fresh incidents, his language could not have been stronger. At least a further postponement of open war is a sign that Herr Hitler is not ready to speak the irrevocable word loosing the hurricane. This constant holding back on the brink is the best assurance of the dread that may yet avert disaster.” The American press is. clamouring for a clearer enunciation of the United States policy. The New York “Post” says: “We wish Mr Cordell Hull had frankly pleaded his case for an active alliance so that the question could be thrashed out when Congress meets again. If Herr Hitler were sure that

we would enter the lists, he might pause, but if we are secretly committed and the fact is not revealed until war occurs, we will have lost any possible contribution that our attitude could have had towards preventing war.” The New York “Sun” condemns Mr Roosevelt’s petulant criticism of the interpretations of his and Mr Hull’s speeches. It says: “Any misunderstanding is his own fault.”

HITLER LEAVES FOR BERCHTESGADEN

(Received September 14, 1 a.m.)

NUREMBERG, September 13. Herr hitler has gone to Berchtesgaden, his Bavarian alpine resort.