MESSAGE TO WORLD

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1933, Page 5

MESSAGE TO WORLD

NATIONAL TOPIC

UNIVERSAL APPROVAL SHOWN.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, May 17

President Roosevelt’s me-.sage is tile outstanding topic at every European capital. The fact that it has been despatched to fifty nations throughout the world has had a highly dramatic effect, especially in its association with the intense anxiety as to Chancellor Hitler’s Reichstag speech, which Mr Roosevelt’s message was manifestly intended to forestall. The “Daily Herald” says: “Mr Rccs'svelt’s message, is an appeal to the commonsen.se of a world whose nerves have been jangled by recent •events and by the suspicions and fears that are aroused. In such moods a statesman may commit irreparable fellies. President Roosevelt’s suggestion for a new pledge of non-aggres-sion may help to allay the fears.

“The Times,” in a leading article, characterises President Roosevelt’s appeal as the most stirring which the nations of the world have yet heard for concerted political and economic action. Mr MacDonald has again clarified Britain’s position by his whole-hearted response to Mr Roosevelt’s proposals, but a reply cannot be expected so quickly from, the countries nearer the Continental political upheavals, which believe that armed force is the only prevention or cure of certain national frenzies. It is important that Mr Roosevelt should have re-stated America’s readiness to participate in a consultative pact. America, by abstaining from neutrality •in '.an inte/ni'ationjil conflict, would enormously facilitate the work of those countries .ready to penalise any legal resort to force.

AMERICAN ATTITUDE PRAISED.

HOPES OF EUROPEAN PACT

LONDON, May 17

Speaking at the Pilgrims’ Dinner, Mr Ramsay MacDonald received an ovation when, he declared that it was a historic day inasmuch as that America had boldly cut -her. moorings ahd had - advanced courageously lander full sail into,new waters. Hencefortfli, by. her own . declaration, she would be indifferent to nothing concerning the peace of the world. Some apparently believing in tbe methods „f Lord North, seemed to think that be (Mr MacDonald) should not have gone to Americaj but should Work with his- leg tied to his bedstead 1

“Wo arc not against 'Germany or German liberation,’ 1 Mr MacDonald continued, “Wo do; net wish to interfere with Imr internal administration or her European 'Statue. Again and again we have shown a desire to place her in the European relation* shins consistent with her self-respect, enabling her to fulfil her destiny by co-operating in European unity and peace. Mr MacDonald said that Air LVyd George had talked about sitting on eggs,” as if a Prime Minister should model himself on a clucking hen. The trouble was that the National Government had to sit on eggs that it had never laid. It wanted to produce a pnogemy .different rrom calamandeds, serpents and scorpions He continued: “W-e arc striving to ropi’-cn enmity with peace, and to change the face of the world by active cc-oneration with America in accordance with common sense. AV hy cannot Britain and America approach the debts problem as partners in misfortune facing the world s difficulties together. Despite trying times we oouVd rf.y on the co-operation of France and Italy, also on America’s disapproval on every policy threatening European peace.” Though we might sail stormy seas lie v.as confident that in, understanding and friendship, port could he reached.

MESSAGE CREATES SENSATION

NEW YORK, May 17

President Roosevelt’s message to the rulers’ of the world has created as much of a sensation here as anywhere. The unofficial comment stresses its Wilsonian flavour, its diplomatic unorthodoxy, its consciousness of power, and its keynote of the resumption by America of her share of responsibility in the strife-torn family of nations. AVhat is regarded as one of the greatest contributions to the plan is the possibility of a lasting FrancoGerman peace by relieving both nations cf the haunting fear of unexpected -attack. The 'President now makes clear the idea of the punishment of any nation which violates its non-aggression pledge. » The press reaction addre'-s is universally favourable, as also are the comments. The “New York Times,” in a leading article, expresses the opinion that all intimation has clearly been given that the United .states Government is preoared not only to supplement and strengthen the Briaud-Kollogg Pact, 'out rl.so to join iu enforcing it. It declares that President Roosevelt Ims perceived a great opportunity, and has -■•’-light to live up to his solemn responsibility. His message is broader in scope a 1 more daring than ever were the v • rds which President Wilson used i the midst of the World War Its audreitv would have startled an ; older American generation.