GIVEN TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1941, Page 5

GIVEN TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH

Powerful and Logical Indictment of Nazism STAND FOR DEMOCRACY APPROVED WARMLY INTEREST IN COMING MESSAGE TO CONGRESS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. December 31. President Roosevelt, 's broadcast defining the I nited States position in the struggle against the dictatorship menace lias brought a great response from all countries in sympathy with the ideals of democracy. It is warmly welcomed in official circles in London and is regarded as further proof ol the courage and realism of America s attitude toward the dangers confronting democracy, no less in the Western Hemisphere than m Europe and Asia. The speech was one of the most powerful and logical indictments of Nazism ever spoken, and the President's recognition of the futility of any altempte to appease the forces of evil is noted with special satisfacfion. His definition ol America s role as the arsenal of democracy, and his forthright expression of belief in the ultimate defeat of the Axis Powers will be a source of inspiration and courage to the leaders and people of Britain. The good will and the provision of America's material assistance in gathering volume and with the utmost speed are of no less than vital importance to the people ol Britain, who are determined to continue the war. no matter al what cost, till the dangers now besetting democracy are finally overcome. A passage in Mr Roosevelt's broadcast which attracted attention in London is that in which Im spoke ol the position of the smaller States. lie imide it clear that nothing in the lesson provided by the fate of Austria. Czechoslovakia. Norway. Denmark, Holland, and Belgium has been lost upon the White House. “The Times” says Mr Roosevelt’s speech will rank among the greatest, of the many great speeches ho has made upon the Nazi menace to human freedom. Its outspoken frankness and sincerity have been hailed with enthusiasm throughout the neutral countries where fret* expression of opinion is permitted. The reactions so far in the western hemisphere, says “Tim Times,” are till that could be wished. The leading New York newspapers are warm, in their praise of this high call to action and in Buenos Aires and Mexico City it is welcomed as a plain statement of the Americas’ stand for democracy. Some of Mr Roosevelt's critics complain that the speech gives no details and sets out no new plans or proposals, bin this is to mistake its purpose, which was to set the facts of the situation clearly before the American people. Plans and proposals are properly reserved for the address to the new Congress which in a few days will inaugurate the new term of the President.