AMERICAN GOODWILL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1941, Page 5

AMERICAN GOODWILL

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT REPORTS TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT. ENTHUSIASM IN BELGRADE (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 29. President Roosevelt telegraphed to King Peter from his yacht Potomac as follows: “At this moment when your Majesty has assumed full exercise of the royal rights and powers and the leadership of a brave, independent people I wish to share with the people of the United States in the expression of our sincere and genuine wishes for the health and wellbeing of your Majesty and for the freedom and independence of Yugoslavia. Furthermore I extend the hope that the relations of your Government and the Government of the United States may be mutually beneficial in support of those principles of liberty and tolerance so cherished by the Yugoslav peoples.” The Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, said today that with the resumption or normal communications Mr. Arthur Bliss Lane, the American Minister, had been able to make comprehensive reports on the swiftly moving developments in. Yugoslavia. The department’s diplomatic reports said Belgrade was now calm and all normal activities had been resumed. Communications had been re-established and the censorship relaxed. Prince Paul and his family departed from Belgrade on Friday for Athens at his own request. The American Minister said there was wild enthusiasm in Belgrade with continuous demonstrations, including two in front of the American Legation. Mr. Lane said he was greatly impressed by the change in the appearance of the King. His bearing was dignified and indicated that he fully appreciated the responsibility with which he was faced. He has rapidly matured.