NOTICE TO POWERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1939, Page 5

NOTICE TO POWERS

AMERICAN SAFETY ZONE SOME POINTS UNSETTLED. DOUBTS EXPRESSED IN PRESS. £ By Telegrapn—Press Association —Copyright. NEW YORK. October 4. The President of Panama today formally advised Great Britain, France and Germany of the Pan-American t’onlerence’s decision to set up a 300-mile security zone around the. coast of the American republics.

It is understood that the question of advising Russia was decided against because technically Russia is not at war, despite her invasion of Poland. An explanation of why Poland is not being advised is not available, though several Pan-American countries do not recognise the partition ol October 2. The United States Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, explaining the meaning of the safety zone plan, said that r. belligerents declined to refrain from hostilities in the safety zone, the 21 American Republics would consult but would retain their individual freedom of action and decision.

Mr Hull asserted that the United States does not recognise the legality of unrestricted interference with American ships and commence, but he reiterated the warping to American vessels to stay out dShe war zones. 'y- — In reply to a question regarding the operation of belligerent merchant shipping now in port, or operating in those waters. Mr Hull said, according to a radio report, that that and other questions would be referred to a committee established by the conference.

United States newspapers yesterday expressed mixed views on the decision to establish a security zone. Doubts were expressed as to whether the measure would be effective.