PRESS HOSTILITY IN AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22513, 22 September 1938, Page 11

PRESS HOSTILITY IN AMERICA

Britain and France

Attacked

DISAPPOINTMENT AND SARCASM

“Blunder Will Not

Avert War”

(UNITED PKBS9 ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.)

(Received September 21, 9 p.m.)

NEW YORK, September 20

•A survey of press comment from all parts of the United States indicates a great strengthening of the isolationist sentiment. It is generally felt that the French and British plan is merely an expedient to prevent immediate war and that the seeds are sown for a greater conflict. The opinion is also expressed that France’s and Britain’s stature has dwindled. This is accompanied by the plea that America should arm mightily to make the country selfsufficient and remain aloof.

1 Typical comment is as follows: — The “Richmond Times-Despatch,” Vermont, says: “The year 1938 will mark the beginning of the end of the British Empire, France’s decline as a world Power, and the rise of a German Empire far mightier than Charlemagne’s. Hitler’s contempt for the great democracies is justified. War is terrible, but some things are worth fighting for. If the so-called realists are not willing to put up a battle for the preservation of liberty they needn’t count on any help from us.” “Mankind May Forgive” The “Chattanooga Times,” Tennessee, says: “Maybe mankind in future will forgive Czechoslovakia’s betrayal, but it is clear that France and Britain have committed themselves to a policy which is certain to make them second-rate Powers. Besides the Czechs, millions who died in the Great War believing they were saving democracy, have been betrayed.” The “Los Angeles Times” -says: “This blunder will not avert war but merely make it harder when Germany is more powerful. If France, Britain, and Russia had stood firm it is extremely doubtful whether Herr Hitler would have fought.” The “Portland - Oregonian, Oregon, asks: “Was it necessary for Mr Chamberlain personally to visit Herr Hitler? A telegram saying ‘Take what you want’ would have served the purpose.” The Washington “Evening Star” says: “No nation that scuttles from a solemn pact can any longer aspire to the trust of others. Paris henceforth speaks with the authority of Monaco. The Maginot Line has become a rope of sand.” The Des Moines “Register,” lowa, is the sole paper taking the view that Herr Hitler’s aggression will draw France, Britain and the United States together for an eventual lineup. It says: “Psychologically the rape of Czechoslovakia is likely to be comparable with us to, the sinking of the Lusitania.” The New York “Daily News” suggests that Mr Chamberlain should trade Herr Hitler the old African colonies. It says: “All but German South-west Africa are just a sop to national pride, but to Germany they would represent the. glory of empire regained. Mr Chamberlain then would have hostages, for' Herr Hitler would be reasonable towards England with the prospect of the British Navy cutting off his colonies.” Mr Roosevelt Silent A message from Washington says the United States has encountered nothing to alter its determination not to intervene in the crisis. - High officials said the situation Was such that it was better that questions should not be asked. Mr Roosevelt declined to discuss the matter at a press conference. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) also was silent.

Administration officials, however, are saddened and aghast at what they term the break-down of international law and morality in Europe. They said the immediate result was the certainty that the United States would see no similar collapse in this hemisphere." They will insist on the Mexican recognition of the principle of prompt payment for seized foreign property. The Mexican Ambassador, who was later summoned by Mr Hull, indicated that efforts were being made to devise a constructive formula to settle the question of expropriated farni lands. ' The Committee for Concerted Peace Efforts telegraphed Mr Roosevelt, asking him to reaffirm his principle of industrial and financial embargoes against aggressors.

The League of Nations, Association urged him to help Czechoslovakia. The united Czechoslovak-American Societies asked him to assume world leadership in the crisis. Mr James Mead, a member of the House of Representativesj expressed the opinion that the present time was opportune for the United States to take the lead in drawing up an agreement among the nations against the aerial and naval bombardment of civilian populations. A message from Rio de Janeiro says that chagrin, disappointment, and sarcasm are voiced by the Brazilian press. One newspaper recommends the “Attilai of Munich” for the Nobel Peace Prize. Others say Herr Hitler’s victory is democracy’s suicide.

AIR RAID MEASURES IN FRANCE

PARIS, September 20,

The Government has decided to enforce the continuance of air raid precautions, which were held up by the building strike. Builders will be put under a form of martial law.