UNHEARD VOICES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20027, 28 August 1939, Page 7

UNHEARD VOICES

PLEAS FOR PEACE COUNTLESS MILLIONS APPRECIATION OF CALLS LEOPOLD AND ROOSEVELT REACTIONS IN CAPITALS (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 26. 2.50 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 25. Official circles in London said that they “immensely appreciate” President Roosevelt’s initiative in appealing to Herr Hitler and the Polish President, M. Moscicki, to settle the differences peacefully, which is regarded as a magnificent effort to save peace at the eleventh hour. Britain, replying to King Leopold’s message, said she was always ■prepared to do everything to contribute to the creation of conditions enabling free negotiations to be carried out to a satisfactory conclusion, The- Manchester Guardian, in a leading article, says: “The policy that in the last few months has been forced on this country is because we cannot let Europe succumb to force. “Now we are at the eleventh hour and can only hope against hope that the appeals of King Leopold, the Pope and President Roosevelt will still be heard.

“As President Roosevelt says in his appeal to King Emmanuel of Italy, ’unheard voices of countless millions of human beings ask that they shall not be vainly sacrificed again.’ ”

The President of Poland, M. Moscicki, replying to King Leopold s peace broadcast, said: "Poland feels that permanent power cannot be built on the blood of a weaker nation. The best guarantee of freedom is direct negotiation, but only when the rights and interests of both parties are respected.” Polish official circles in Washington declare that Poland cannot negotiate through Russia (because the Russian move is not a genuine peace gesture, ■but merely a new method to present the German demands •and probably an attempt to jockey Poland into appearing to be opposed to a peaceful settlement.

Poland is grateful for the reaffirmation of unqualified support. Polish political circles give the opinion that President Roosevelt's suggestion of direct negotiation with Germany would he acceptable, but only on a give-and-take basis. Anything else would smack over much olf Munich. The Italian ruler, King Victor Emmanuel, lhas asked the United States Ambassador to Italy to thank President Roosevelt for his message, which will be referred to the Government.