NATIONAL UNITY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21208, 3 September 1940, Page 7

NATIONAL UNITY

MR ROOSEVELT’S PLEA ENEMIES AT HOME ATTACKS ON FREEDOM (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Sept. 2 In a speech in Tennessee, President Roosevelt called for absolute national units “for total defence against the greatest attack that could be launched against the freedom of the individual.” The menace of the dictators threatened from without and within, and the country must be prepared. “There is another enemy at home —the mean, petty spirit that mocks ideals, sneers at sacrifice, and pretends the American people can live by bread alone,” said Mr Roosevelt. “If the spirit of God is not in us, if we are not prepared to give all we have to preserve Christian civilisation, we shall go to destruction.” The President said it was no change from the American way of life to advocate and legislate for greater and speedier preparedness. It was positive protection for the American way of life. The nation must take courage to meet danger in the old frontier way. Aid For Britain Senator Josh Lee (Democrat) in a radio debate urged the United States to give the fullest possible material aid to Britain in warships and aeroplanes. Senator Hiram Johnson (Republican) said: “The transfer of destroyers is tantamount to war. I do not blame English statesmen for wanting us in the war. I admire their boldness and cunning. It would be a great thing for the British Empire the day we entered the war, but it would be a day of sorrow for Americans.”