BLUNT WARNING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 7

BLUNT WARNING

WORLD DEMOCRACIES POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE REMINDER TO DICTATORS (United Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 19 Before leaving Key West, Florida, aboard the cruiser Houston to attend the greatest peace-time manoeuvres ever held by the American Fleet, President Roosevelt reminded the totalitarian Powers of America's interest in the continued political independence of the world democracies.

Mr Roosevelt added that disturbing information continued to be received from the international front which might cut short his fortnight's cruise. The President bluntly warned aggressor nations that the American republics were uniting in their ‘‘common aspiration to defend and maintain their self-governing way of life.” He called on all countries of the Western Hemisphere “to lift democracy high above the ugly truculence of autocracy.”

In demeanour as well as in his words, the President displayed obvious

concern over the possibility of a new international crisis. Threat of Aggression It is understood he has received reports that the European democracies are racing a threat of aggression. He did not give details of the ‘‘continued reports of a disturbing nature,” but it is understood he has been informed that demands are being forced on tjae democracies “other than through diplomatic channels.”

Mr Roosevelt strongly reinforced his pledges to the good-neighbour policy. Calling it “the cornerstone of our foreign policy,” he pledged himself to cooperate in any effort “honestly put forward” to limit armaments. Mr Roosevelt’s remarks were contained in two radio addresses which he made before boarding the cruiser. From the rear seat of an open automobile, facing a battery of microphones, the President addressed first the San Francisco Exposition and then the PanAmerican Hernando de Soto Exposition at Tampa, Florida.

AMERICAN MANOEUVRES

140 SHIPS, 600 AEROPLANES ATTACK ON PANAMA CANAL (United Press Assn.—Elee. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 The coming manoeuvres will test the United States “life-line.” Altogether 140 ships and 600 aeroplanes will be engaged until March 5.

There will be a mock attack from the Atlantic on the Panama Canal, and efforts will be made to ward It off. lOc the results may hinge the decision whether to build a supplementary canal through Nicaragua or additional locks in the Panama Canal, through which to divert ships if the existing locks are destroyed. The House of Representatives has approved an increase in the land forces in the Canal Zone.