PEACE MOVES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 5

PEACE MOVES

AMERICAN ACTION TOWARDS COOPERATION MESSAGE SENT TO POPE. APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL ENVOY. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright WASHINGTON, December 23. President Roosevelt has appointed Mr Myron C. Taylor as his personal representative at the Vatican, with the rank of Ambassador but without portfolio, to further the common endeavours towards peace. Mi' Taylor is a Protestant. Mr Roosevelt, in a letter to his Holiness, says: "At present no spiritual or civil leader could proceed with a specific plan to terminate the destruction and build anew, yet the time for it will surely come. "It is. therefore, my thought that it would be well if we encourage closer association between those throughout the world—those in religion and in Government —who have a common purpose," Mr Roosevelt continued. 1 am therefore suggesting to your Holiness that it would give satisfaction to me to send a personal representative in order that our parallel endeavours for peace and the alleviation of suffering may be assisted .... "When the time comes for re-estab-lishment of world peace on a surer foundation, it is of the utmost importance to humanity and religion that common ideals should be expressed unitedly. Furthermore, great problems of practical import, will then face all the millions of all races. Nationalities may seek new lives by migration oi a re-establishment of their old homes. Here. also, common ideals will seek parallel action. "I trust, therefore, that all the world’s Churches believing in the common God will throw their influence into this great cause. "To you, whom I have the privilege of calling a good friend and an old friend, my respectful, greetings.” Similar letters have been sent to Mr George Buttrick, president of rhe United " States Federal Council ol Churches of Christ, and Rabbi Cyrus Adler, Jewish leader and educationist. Mr Taylor’s appointment is seen as part of Mr Roosevelt’s preparation for a serious effort toward peace. Washington circles believe that unless the hostilities are ended by the spring Europe’s war machines will be unleashed in earnest. The appointment does not constitute a resumption of diplomatic relations with the Vatican, which were terminated by Congress, but it will be as effective for Mr Roosevelt’s purposes. BROADCAST_TO NATION STRENGTH TO LIVE FOR OTHERS. WASHINGTON. December 25. Broadcasting to the American nation, President Roosevelt gave thanks for the interlude of Christmas in the world "bowed under the burden of man’s inhumanity to man.” He said, “Let us forbear to give thanks only for our good fortune in our peace. Let us rather pray that we may be given strength to live for others.” _____________