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Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20032, 2 September 1939, Page 4

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AERIAL WARFARE BOMBING OF CIVILIANS APPEAL BY ROOSEVELT U.S.A. DEVELOPMENTS MAN-POWER MOBILISATION (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Presi Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 2, 11 a.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 1.

President Roosevelt to-day asked all potential participants in a European war to pledge themselves not to bombard civilian populations or unfortified cities from the air.

Mr. Roosevelt’s message was sent at 4.30 a.m. Eastern standard time to the Governments of Britain, France, Italy, and Germany and Poland. He requested an immediate reply. The President stated: “Ruthless bombing from the air of civilians in unfortified centres of population during the course of the hostilities which have raged in various corners of the earth during the past few years and which have resulted in the maiming and death of thousands of defenceless women and children has sickened the hearts of every civilised man and woman, and profoundly shocked the conscience of humanity. “If resort is had to this form of inhuman barbarism during the period of the tragic conflagration with which the world is now confronted, hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings who have no responsibility for or who are not even remotely'participating in the hostilities which have now broken out will lose their lives. "I '.am therefor, addressing this urgent appeal to every Government which may be engaged in hostilities publicly to affirm its determination that its armed forces shall in no event and under no 'circumstances undertake the bombardment from the air of civilian populations or unfortified cities upon the understanding that these same rules of warfare will be scrupulously observed by all their people. I request an immediate reply.” New Peace Appeal Despite the fact that Herr Hitler ignored two previous messages it was to-day believed in Washington, according to the United Press of America, that President Roosevelt would make a new and broader peace appeal if he were convinced that the negotiations had broken down. It was expected to include England and France as well as Germany and Poland this time. There was also considerable talk suggesting that Mr. Roosevelt might reconvene Congress to discuss the repeal of the arms ambargo. The President had stated that this step was likely when war appeared certain. The British Ambassador to Washington, Lord Lothian, in a statement to the press, said that a final peaceful solution of the problems in Europe may include economic concession by Britain and consideration of the colonial problem, provided the discussion was based on general disarmament. He added that the United States Neutrality Act would adversely affect Britain if it prevented the fulfilment of orders for aircraft and arms already placed. Units Sent To Canal Zone The developments to-day included an order for the dispatch of 30 pianes and three artillery units and personnel numbering 881 to the Panama zone to strengthen the canal defences. The Attorney-General, Mr. Murphy, announced a campaign against foreign spies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was establishing offices in Manila, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska. - Mr. Murphy said: “There will be nb repetition of the 1917 situation. The Government already has a grip on the spy system.” The Securities Exchange Commission revealed that it is investigating a proposed £14,000,000 Nazi bond issue in the United States to determine whether it should be stopped. The War Department disclosed that it was co-operating with the Census Bureau concerning a plan for the mobilisation of manpower and industry in the event of American inv'olvement in war. Notification of Warfare President Roosevelt to-day directed all naval ships and army commands to be notified immediately by radio of the hostilities between Germany and Poland. A White House statement added: “President Roosevelt received word at 2.50 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, by telephone from' the United States Ambassador, Mr. Biddle, at Warsaw and the United States Ambassador at Paris, Mr. W. C. Bullitt, that Germany had invaded Poland and that four Polish cities were being bombed." President Roosevelt in a message read by Mrs. Roosevelt at the launching of the 34,000-ton liner America, significantly referred to the importance of the American merchant marine, “should the unfortunate necessity arise of serving as a supply force for naval vessels.” A poll taken by the American Institute of Public Opinion revealed that 88 per cent of Americans do not wish Britain, France and Poland to agree to Germany’s demand f° r Danzig. The institute comments on the extent to which Herr Hitler has alienated American opinion in the past year.