ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1941, Page 5

ROOSEVELT’S SPEECH

WELCOMED THROUGHOUT WORLD BY FRIENDS OF FREEDOM. YUGOSLAVIA PROFOUNDLY IMPRESSED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 16. Everywhere in the world, except in totalitarian countries, President Roosevelt’s speech to White House correspondents is regarded as perhaps the most significant of the war. Its uncomprising tone is welcomed by all enemies of aggression. The Belgrade correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Company says President Roosevelt’s declaration was displayed on the front pages of the Yugoslav Press. The country was profoundly impressed, and the general opinion is. that the speech is a turningpoint in the war. The Athens radio said the President of the United States, officially and irrevocably, has signed the death warrant of Herr Hitler’s new order. The importance of the Aid Act is not underrated by Soviet Russia. One news bulletin in Russian announced by’ Moscow today was entirely devoted to it, together with the details of the help that Britain has already received. RETICENCE IN SPAIN. Spanish newspapers publish the speech prominently, but make no comment. One paper splashes the statement that the Lease and Lend Act marks the end of all attempts at appeasement and all compromise with tyranny. The unofficial Turkish radio described the speech as the strongest announcement ever made by an American President. The President’s speech is regarded as disposing of the Axis claims that United States aid will be neither speedy enough nor complete. In South America, the speech is reported on most front pages and under huge headlines. One newspaper is typical. Its headlines are: “Roosevelt Confronts Fascism and Reaffirms Faith in Democracy.” Feeling throughout the Empire is shown by a statement by the ActingPrime Minister of Australia, Mr. Fadden, who said: “This inspiring speech will put fresh heart into all lovers of freedom. The British peoples and all other democracies will hail this pledge made in calm and reassuring terms of help on a scale which only a few months ago was beyond the wildest dreams.” The “Sydney Morning Herald” says that President Roosevelt has never before spoken with such sureness and authority, calling for a total effort with no stops till victory is achieved. The Berlin radio said that no help given to England would affect the issue. The German people were determined to defeat England and finally destroy her. REPLY TO THE AXIS. The German-controlled Paris radio says: “President Roosevelt cares very little about the 47 per cent, of Americans who, by voting for his competitor, Mr. Willkie, expressed their firm will to remain completely outside the European war.” The answer to this charge is speedy and final. Mr. Willkie attended the dinner at which the President spoke, and while the speech was on he wrote his reactions on a menu for the Press. This is what he wrote: “The aspirations of America and the defence programme should be carried on in a spirit of national unity without partisanship or political advantage to any person or group.” Rome comment is mostly abuse. The official news agency states: _ “The supreme aim of the totalitarian States is an international system in which every people should be free to choose the Government it desires.” REASONS FOR CONFIDENCE. The Lord Privy Seal, Mr. Atlee, today gave some solid reasons for Britain's confidence in ultimate, victory. The passing of the Aid to Britain Bill had greatly heartened the British and profoundly depressed their enemies. America had shown in no uncertain way that she was in the struggle heart and soul. Speaking of the unremitting efforts at Home, he said that the machines produced by British labour and manned by British manpower defeated the attack made ■by the numerically far stronger German air force last summer. Britain was now carrying counter-at-tacks to Germany to make her wish she had never started aerial warfare. Referring to Britain’s manpower in the Empire, Mr. Attlee said that Hitler, in his reference to the 70,000,000 Germans, miscalculated the situation. Millions of Britishers from the Empire overseas were pouring of their own free will into Britain to fight. PLEASURE IN CHINA SHATTERING OF JAPANESE HOPES. CHUNGKING. March 17. The Takung Pao, in an editorial on President Roosevelt’s speech, said: “The speech shattered the new Japanese rumour regarding General Currie's findings in China . . Mutual aid for the democracies has become a fixed United States principle.” The Kuominkung Pao says: “President Roosevelt’s promise to China will make the entire world realise that the United States is backing the anti-ag-gressionists in Europe and Asia. The speech has undoubtedly chilled Mr. Matsuoka, who is en route to Berlin . . .We hope American arms and munitions will come at the soonest nossible moment so that we will be able to unfold our counter-offensive against the Japanese. AUSTRALIAN COMMENT PRESIDENT’S PLAIN WARNING 'l’o GERMANY. SYDNEY. March 17. The Australian Press featured President Roosevelt’s speech, which greatly heartened the people of the Commonwealth. Editorials express the sentiment that never before in the memorable series of addresses by which he had progressively educated the American people on the war issues has Mr Roose-

veil spoken with such soreness and authority. The "Sun” says the President's speech was a plain warning to the Germans that only a short step remains toward active hostilities.