BASIS OF PEACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1940, Page 6

BASIS OF PEACE

DISCUSSION OPENED BY UNITED STATES WITH OTHER NEUTRAL COUNTRIES. PRELIMINARY 7 INQUIRIES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright WASHINGTON. February 9. The SeciTltiry of State, Mr Cordell Tlnl.l. has; announced that informal diplomalie conversations have begun with several neutral countries with a view to the eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis, lie added that the conversations probably would be broadened io include all neutrals. The State Department emphasises that Mr Welles's trip is not connected with Mr Hull’s statement, the text of which reads: "In view of the effect of the hostilities on neutrals and the neutrals’ evident desire for the eventual restoration of world peace on a sound and lasting basis for all nations, informal diplomatic conversations have begun with neutral Governments and will probably be continued with all neutrals. It should be emphasised that the conversations involve no plan or plans, but are in the nature of preliminary inquiries relating to a sound international economic system and a simultaneously worldwide reduction in armaments. Matters involving present war conditions arc not part of these preliminary conversations. which may be extended to the belligerents in so far as they involve these two common problems of future peace." MR WELLES’ MISSION (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) WASHINGTON. February 9. President Roosevelt has announced that he is sending the Undersecretary for State, Mr Sumner Welles, to Europe ,for a personal survey of conditions in Italy, Germany, Britain and France. Mr Welles has been instructed to make no proposals or commitments in the name of the United States, the visit being solely in order to advise President Roosevelt or Mr Cordell Hull as to the present conditions in Europe.