NATION WARNED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1939, Page 5

NATION WARNED

DANGER OF MINIMISING THREAT TO PEACE EFFECT OF PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT. PLACING WAR GUILT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyrlgh.'. WASHINGTON. April 16. At a conference with Press representatives after the release of the text, the President said that he and Mr Cordell Hull could now sleep with clearer consciences because they were leaving no stone unturned to prevent war. He warned the nation against minimising the threat to peace and recalled that many laughed when he said, before boarding the cruiser in Florida in February to witness manoeuvres, that events might hasten his return, yet soon after this Czechoslovakia had ceased to exist. , It had become apparent, he said, that no one could tell how far the fire would spread. He added that rumours circulated by the Press of impending aggressive moyes were supplemented by rumours' in confidential dispatches from official sources. One important effect of President Roosevelt’s appeal, as seen here, would be to fasten the guilt for starting a war firmly on the dictators —an important consideration in moulding American public opinion. HOPE INTENSIFIED FRANCE ENDORSES APPEAL. STAVING OFF WAR DANGER. PARIS. April 15. The Prime Minister. M. Daladier, today published France’s full and unconditional endorsement of President Roosevelt's declaration, and informed the American Ambassador, Mr Bullitt, of it. The Note affirms France’s fidelity to the ideals of freedom with independence for all nations. It is considered that President Roosevelt’s message is capable of completely transforming the international situation. It is regarded as being as important as his September messages which are believed to have helped to stave off the danger of war. The President's action has intensified the hope that a catastrophe wilt be averted. "Le Temps” declares that now is the moment for Herr Hitler to give outstanding proof of the will to peace with which he has always declared himself animated. It ad&s that President Roosevelt’s is the most important peace move so far. BRITAIN’S STAND FACING WORLD WITH CLEAR CONSCIENCE. EFFORT TO AVERT CATASTROPHE. LONDON, April 15. The Air Minister, Sir Kingsley Wood, opening the civic airport at Greatham today, expressed the opinion that if war came Britain’s conscience would be clear, because she had done everything to avert a world catastrophe. Her efforts had made her morally and spiritually stronger.