MR ROOSEVELTS WARNING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20736, 21 February 1939, Page 6

MR ROOSEVELTS WARNING

At a time when the international situation seemed to be more settled than for months past, President Roosevelt’s grave words before his departure to witness American fleet manoeuvres would come as a surprise to many people. Disturbing information continued to be received from the international front which might cut short his fortnight’s cruise, he said. He forcefully reminded the “totalitarian” States of America’s interest in the continued political independence of the world’s democracies and warned aggressors that the American republics were uniting in their “common aspiration to defend and maintain their self-governing way of life.”

It may be contended that Mr Roosevelt is endeavouring to play on the public mind to ensure the acceptance of his rearmament and other proposals, but it seems unlikely that the President of the United States would go so far as to accuse European statesmen of aggression for the purpose of assisting his own political programme. It would he entirely contrary to diplomatic procedure and would promptly result in a protest from the Powers concerned were the accusation groundless. It is not improbable, however, that both elements had an influence on the President’s speech.

The speech again emphasises how f«r America has progressed into the international arena. The American public is sensitive in its reaction to every change in the situation in Europe, and the nation is discussing defensive preparations as ardently as any who have not adopted a policy of “isolation and neutrality.” It is notable that the Naval Affairs Committee has reported favourably on a Bill seeking authority for the appropriation of over £10,000,000 for air and submarine bases at Guam Island and 10 other points in the Pacific and Atlantic, and that the naval forces are engaged in the greatest peace-time manoeuvres in American history.