BAR TO PEACE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20063, 9 October 1939, Page 7

BAR TO PEACE

NAZI CONDITION

CONQUEST OF POLAND ROOSEVELT REACTION MEDIATION HINTS EVIDENCE OF SINCERITY (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 9, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 1. The Berlin correspondent of the New York Times states that Herr Hitler's speech to the Reichstag on Friday did not hint whether Herr Hitler was anticipating early mediation by a neutral State, but neutral diplomats in Berlin believe that Herr Hitler would accept unconditionally .in armistice proposal from President Roosevelt. "It is also contended that small neutrals are in a favourable position to unite and nominate an acceptable mediator,” states the correspondent. In Washington, informed circles believe that President Roosevelt would be unlikely to propose an armistice unless he were officially assured in advance that Britain and France would accept. It is indicated that he will not lend himself to a move by Herr Hitler throwing the onus for the continuance of the war on Britain and France. Surprise is expressed in Washington at Germany's readiness to accept in armistice proposal from President Roosevelt in view of her reaction to previous peace appeals. Roosevelt Willing Close friends declare that President Roosevelt is ready and willing to aid the re-establishment of peace -hen the opportunity arises, but the Nazi requirement of acceptance ot the partition of Poland as a prerequisite of an armistice is a barrier ;•> a peace move by the United States. A message from Hyde Park states that President Roosevelt indicated that he was not ready to respond to intimations from Berlin that Herr Hitler was willing to let the President mediate. President Roosevelt's secretary said to press representatives: "The President authorises me to inform you that there is nothing to say on the matter.” Senator K. Pittman, chairman of the Senate Foreign’ Relations Committee in Washington, expressed the opinion that, any peace move by President Roosevelt must be preceded by clear evidence that the belligerents themselves had made efforts for peace. He added that if evidence appeared, an idea might be accepted. President Roosevelt would not hesitate to make appropriate suggestions. Would Not Intervene "This does not mean that President Roosevelt will intervene or consent to arbitrate; it would _ be taking on too much responsibility,” added Senator Pittman. The views of members of the Senate :shoukl not be .interpreted as indicating that President Roosevelt is likely to act immediately in response to the Berlin overtures. Ii s widely believed that President Roosevelt would act for peace if a 'avourable opportunity were presented, but mainifestly that opportunity is rot offering at present. Diplomatic circles consider that it is obvious that President Roosevelt would not act without discovering in advance the reactions of all the belligerents, possibly by submitting a series of questions designed to establish the extent to which they would go at a conference towards adjusting their differences and thus providing a tentative agenda if a conference ' were feasible.