SAFETY OF CHILDREN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21176, 27 July 1940, Page 7

SAFETY OF CHILDREN

SANCTUARY IN AMERICA SAFE CONDUCT FOR SHIPS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received July 27, 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, July 26 The Foreign Committee of the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to authorise American ships to evacuate refugee children from the European war zone.

j President Roosevelt stated that the j United States may ask belligerents for safe conduct assurances if Ameri- ' can ships go to Britain to evacuate children. Terrific Responsibility Mr Roosevelt said the Government has not yet arrived at the point of asking for such assurances. He added he was eager to exert all power to aid the removal of children from the war zones, but an attempt to withdraw them in American flag ships would be to assume a terrific responsibility unless positive assurances were given that the ships could enter and leave British ports without being torpedoed or bombed. The next step probably will be to ask what British vessels can be placed at the disposal of evacuation committees. Mr Bloom announced that the foreign committee’s approval of the proposal, which was given shortly after Mr Roosevelt’s statement provides that the ships shall be unarmed, not convoyed, clearly designated as refugee ships, and that safe conduct is. guaranteed by all belligerents.