INTEREST IN U.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 September 1938, Page 5

INTEREST IN U.S.A.

HITLER HOLDING BACK ON BRINK NO IMMEDIATE THREAT OF WAR. PRESIDENT URGED TO DEFINE POLICY. WASHINGTON, September 12. Herr Hitler’s speech aroused tremendous public interest, and crowds had gathered in restaurants and clubs to listen. They received it with mixed feelings—relief because they felt it did not carry an immediate threat of war and uncertainty because it postpones a settlement.

The “New York Times” considers that Herr Hitler’s speech aims a blow at the foundations of Mr Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement. “If Herr Hitler’s intention was to infuriate the Sudetens and the Czechs, thus inciting them to fresh incidents,” says the newspaper, “his language could not have been stronger.” “At least a further postponement of open war is a sign that Herr Hitler is not ready to speak the irrevocable word loosing the hurricane. This constant holding back on the brink is the best assurance of a dread that may yet avert disaster.” The American Press is clamouring for a clearer enunciation of United States policy. The “New York Post” says: “We wish Mr Hull had frankly pleaded a case for an active alliance so that the question could be thrashed out when Congress meets again. “If Herr Hitler were sure that we would enter the lists, he might pause, but if we are secretly committed and the fact is not revealed until war occurs, we will have lost any possible contribution our attitude could have had toward preventing war.”

The “New York Sun” condemns President Roosevelt’s “petulant criticism” of interpretations of his and Mr Hull’s speeches. It says that any misunderstanding is his own fault. President Roosevelt held a long conference with Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, today.

BRITISH LEGION. SERVICE IN EMERGENCY OFFERED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 12. In the event of a national emergency the resources of the British Legion—a great organisation of ex-service men — would be placed at the disposal of the Government, according to an intimation conveyed in a letter to Mr Chamberlain from Major-General Sir Frederick Maurice, national president of the legion, and Major Sir Francis Feth-erston-Godley, national chairman.

AUSTRALIA WAITING. NO NECESSITY FOR SPECIAL ACTION. (Recd This Day, 10.55 a.m.) CANBERRA, September 13. After the Federal Cabinet had discussed the latest phases of the European situation the Prime Minister, Mr J. A. Lyons, said Ministers felt that there was no necessity for any special action in Australia.