GERMANY INDICTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1939, Page 8

GERMANY INDICTED

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SPEAKS OUT CONDEMNATION OF WANTON " LAWLESSNESS. . PRESIDENT ON NEUTRALITY '■ ACT. Ey Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. WASHINGTON, March 17. The Government today denounced the German aggression against Czechoslovakia in bristling teprns. Mr Sumner Welles, Assistant-Se-cretary of State, speaking with President Roosevelt’s full know-

ledge and approval, said the Govern/nent “cannot refrain f |>om mak'ing known the country’s condemnation of acts which have resulted in a temporary extinguishment of the liberties of a free and independent people." He added that the Government had repeatedly expressed its condemnation of the policy of military 'aggression, “and acts of wanton lawlessness and arbitary force, all threatening world •peace and the structure of modern civilisation.”

The statement, made after a lengthy conference with the President, was the most vigorous denunciation of another Power made Jay the United States in recent times.

President Roosevelt, at a conference with Press representatives earlier, declared that the United States .nepdj new neutrality legislation, particularly in light of recent European developments. He indicated that a legislation programme to this end would be worked out soon.

Pressed for information as to the programme’s likely course, he suggested that his message of January 4 be read for guidance in that respect. The President said the present Act som e ‘ times worked out to the advantage of war makers and to the disadvantage of the victims of aggressors. He added that the United States could find ways short of war, but stronger than words, to help to stem aggression. TEXT OF STATEMENT THREAT TP WORLD PEACE. IMPERATIVE NEED OF CHANGE DEMONSTRATED. (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Marell 17: The text of Mr Welles’s statement is: -The United States Government on frequent occasions has stated its conviction that only through international support fc;r a programme of order based on law can world peace be assured. This Government, which was founded and dedicated to principles of human liberty and democracy, cannot refrain from making Known this country’s condemnation of acts which have resulted in the temporary extinguishment of the liberties of a free and independent people, with wßom tlie people of the United States maiplaihed especially close and friendly relations. The United States Government's position has been made consistently clear. It lias emphasised the need for respect for the sanctity of treaties and pledged word and non-intervention by any nation in the domestic affairs of others. It • lias repeatedly condemned the policy of military aggression. It is manifest that acts of wanton lawlessness and arbitary force are threatening world peace and the very structure of modern civilisation. The imperative need for the observance of the principles advocated by this Government is demonstrated by developments during the past three days." Mr Welles declined to explain the use of the word "temporary ' regarding the extinguishing of Czechoslovak liberties. GERMAN CHEERS MILITARY DEMONSTRATION IN PRAGUE. CZECHS ABSENT OR SILENT. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) PRAGUE. March 17. General von Schweppenberg commanded a review of tanks and General Blaskowitz look the salute at a march past, amid the cheers of German spectators, Czechs being absent or silent. Thousands of prisoners have been sent to the Milovice Concentration Camp. _____