OPINION IN U.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1939, Page 7

OPINION IN U.S.A.

REACTION TO LATE EVENTS IN EUROPE DISPOSITION TO HOLD ALOOF CONFERENCE OF DEMOCRACIES NOT FAVOURED. FEARS OF ENTANGLEMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright NEW YORK, March 17. The. American public took Herr Hitler’s acquisition of Slovakia without surprise. Editorial comment generally, while condemning Germany’s actions, mostly stresses the fact that it is not America’s quarrel and that the United States should remain aloof.

At least one newspaper, the “Chicago Tribune,” points out that, with the exception of Czechoslovakia, the countries which Herr Hitler appears to be planning to overwhelm in eastern and central Europe are not even democracies.

The “New York Times” lists innumerable occasions on which Hitler has not kept his word, and concludes: “Doubtless prompt assurances will again be forthcoming. We shall doubtless be told by Herr Hitler that now finally Germany is really satisfied. We shall be told that, peace is in the air, that confidence hits been restored and that goodwill and brotherly love may henceforth prevail in Europe. God save Hungary!” ■ The Mayor of New York, Mr La Guardia, noted for his hatred of Herr Hitler, delivered a speech today warning America that Germany during the World War attempted to get Mexico to oppose the United States and promised portions of the United States to that country in return. Mr La Guardia said that Germany, despite her expansion, still requires essential supplies from Latin America, and the United States must do the utmost in its power to stop German inroads there. Aeroplanes and munitions should be sold to Latin American countries, under cost if necessary, in order to assure United States dominance.

Considerable interest has been aroused by a leader in the London “Times” calling for a conference of the democracies, but the reaction to this proposal is apathetic. It is considered unlikely that American popular sentiment would approve of the United States participating, since such a step would be considered entangling. In the meantime the public is wondering what will become of Czechoslovakia’s contemplated 10,000,000, dollar exhibits at the World’s Fair. Some observers commented that since Germany is on the black list commercially, domestic producers of much of the manufactured goods formerly imported from Czechoslovakia will benefit.