VIRTUAL CERTAINTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 March 1941, Page 5

VIRTUAL CERTAINTY

AMERICAN ARMED AID FOR BRITAIN VIEW OF WASHINGTON OBSERVERS HITLER MAY BREAK OFF RELATIONS. EFFECT OF THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright! LONDON, March 17. The New York ‘‘World Telegram’s” Washington correspondent states that armed aid for Britain, particularly naval aid, is foreseen by Washington diplomatie observers as a virtual certainty, after President Roosevelt’s speech. The second reaction is that Hitler may soon break off diplomatic relations with the United States out of regard for his own prestige. In the past, even when criticised by minor American officials, the Fuehrer or his spokesman have beaten their breasts and screamed dire threats. This time it is the President himself who has “told the dictators off.” “President Roosevelt’s historical address in Washington, in which he declared that Americans recognised the danger which confronted them and had gone into action as a united nation has been received here with appreciation and thankfulness,” “The Times” says. “This great speech was more than a speech. It was rather a political event of the first order.” Recalling that it was broadcast in 14 languages, including those of all countries now occupied and enslaved by Germany, “The Times” adds: “No matter what may be done by the Gestapo to prevent its contents from becoming known, it is bound to have an enormous effect in bringing new hope and confidence to all who love freedom.” ISSUE NOW ASSURED. General Smuts on his return from Northern Africa hailed the passage of the Lease and Lend Bill as ranging the forces of democracy against the totalitarian dictators of Europe. “The year 1941,” he said, “may be the grimmest year in history, but the issue is now certain. In that certainty, now fortified by the President’s categorical undertakings, we can face and overcome whatever assault may be made upon us.” The immense significance of the speech is recognised throughout the entire Press, which finds great encouragement in President Roosevelt’s declaration.

In a typical comment, the. “Daily Telegraph” says: “This outspoken statement of policy will have a vital and far-reaching effect. It will prove the main determinant of the course of the war. This is plain speaking, and the world knows that the will and power to fulfil every word are ample and must assure the victory of freedom, be the conflict short or long.” The “News Chronicle” says: “American is all out to win. In a technical sense she is still not in the war, but in every real sense she is in up to the hilt.” DEFENCE OF CIVILISATION. The newly-formed Imperial Irish Association has sent a cable from London to President • Roosevelt in which it expresses gratification and appreciation of the championship of the cause of freedom and liberty. Mr John Curtin, the Australian Labour leader, described the speech as the most heartening ever heard by Australia, and Mr Spender, the Army Minister, said that the speech would go down in the history-of the present feverish and turbulent century as the supreme act of friendship, courage and realism.

Mr R. B. Bennett, former Canadian Prime Minister, who is visiting this country, said today that Britain’s cause was the cause of freedom against blind, brutal force. Any doubt as to whether we should win should be resolved by what had been done in the United States of America. The passing of the Lend and Lease Bill showed the admiration of the American people for the British people. The maintenance and existence of the Empire meant the maintenance of Christian civilisation throughout the world. One of the greatest things this war had shown up was the zeal! and enthusiasm of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada and the colonies who had rushed to the defence of the Mother Kingdom.

In Washington, the 8.8. C. reports, the United States House of Representatives yesterday began a debate on a Bill to provide seven thousand million dollars to aid the democracies. » FLOW OF SUPPLIES WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED BY U-BOATS. DECLARATION BY LORD HALIFAX. WASHINGTON, March 17. The British Ambassador, Lord Halifax, asserted today that Germany would be unable substantially to interrupt the flow of American supplies to Britain. He indicated that only a small percentage of American goods was now failing to reach England and he expected that the intensified German submarine campaign would make little difference in deliveries. -Lord Halifax described President Roosevelt's speech as magnificent, and said that it had put new heart into all those countries that intended to remain free.

SPLENDID_RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT’S CALL. MANY PLEDGES OF SUPPORT AND LOYALTY. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON. March 18. Mr. Stephen Early. President Roosevelt’s secretary said today that the reaction to the President’s Saturday night address, calling for speed up and individual sacrifices in the British aid programme was the best he has ever received. In a stack of telegrams Mr. Early said, were pledges of support and loyalty from a good many labour organisations, management of religious and civic groups, and a large number of patriotic organisations.