AMERICAN WATCH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 5

AMERICAN WATCH

PACIFIC MOVES

MEDIATION AIM DENIED ! NEUTRALITY WRANGLE I I CHALLENGE IN DEBATE RIBBENTROPS GUEST (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct 11, 11.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 10. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says the beliel that substantial peace moves can be expected in Europe, based mostly on unsubstantiated reports that the United States is desirous of mediating, has complicated the Administration effort to lift the arms embargo. Pacific moves in Europe arc likely to lessen the chances of a repeal of the ban. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, yesterday reiterated that President Roosevelt would make no peace moves unless Britain and France in dicated their acceptance of the plan for discussion on the lines that Herr Hitler had suggested. He added that the United States Cabinet had not discussed mediation by the United States and Germany had not re quested such action normally. Britain and France had not expressed views on the question. Officials feel that peace moves are most tentative. Even should the British Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, outline the British and French terms during his coming statement in the House of Commons, it is uncertain whether White House would act. Senator Johnson, Colorado, yesterday proposed that the Senate which is debating the revision of the Neu trality Act, should go into recess for three days to await the outcome o F European peace moves Senator Barkley blocked a vote being taken on the proposal and persuaded Senator Johnson to withdraw his motion. The Administration opposed the proposal, contending that there was io evidence that peace negotiations were even starting. Democrat members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said today they were meeting soon to consider a relaxation of the Neutrality Bill’s shipping restrictions. Senator George expressed the opinion that it was likely to be amended permitting American vessels to visit Australia, New Zealand and Canada. “We may be able to ease the restrictions to permit ships to operate in zones which are not dangerous,” he said. Senator Tob’ey, 'speaking in the Senate, urged a division of the Neutrality Bill and the immediate enactment of shipping and travel restrictions. "American merchantmen at present in the midst of the war zones carrying cargoes destined to belligerents are in great danger of being sunk, perhaps by mistake, perhaps deliberately at any moment,” he declared. “Our debate is delaying vital action.”

'Meanwhile, a debate on neutrality started in the House of Representatives, where Mr. C. A. Woodruni proposed a resolution advocating formal investigation of an organisation entitled the to Keep America out of Foreign Wars, which Mr. T Hamilton Fish is sponsoring. Mr. Woodrum asserted that “Mr. Fish has created a gigantic propaganda racket,” and criticised the solicitation of funds. He questioned the purpose of the raising of money and raised the question of Mr. Fish’s recent trip to Europe during which he was a guest in a plane belonging to the German Foreign Minister, Herr Von. Ribbentrop. Mr. Fish declared that the books of the organisation were open to any inspection, but he denied that a formal investigation was necessary. "It has come to a pretty state of affairs, when by implication, a representative can be charged with being a traitor to his country because he rode in Herr Von Ribbentrop’s plane,” said Mr. Fish. Mr. Clare Hoffman, in defending Mr. Fish, asserted that the organisation was created to meet the “propaganda drive tc get us into 'he war.” compared the manner in which Congress was called for a special session and the manner in which Kerr Hitler directs the Reichstag. “Herr Hitler tells his Congress to go home and President Roosevelt tells us not to do anything,” said Mr. Hoffman.