Evening star., 1933-05-17
n
MCDONALD LAUDS
ROOSEVELT PLEA
Section of Press Reserves
More Critical View,
Doubts Aid.
1y the Associated Press.

0y tue hSSOCloteo fICSS.
LONDON, May ia monument
which the future will regard as a great
landmark in the march Of human prog
ress was the evaluation by Premier
Macdonald Of President Roosevelt's plea
to the nations of the world.
He hailed 1t as such last night at
dinner of the Pilgrims Society. at the
same time indicating no reserve in his
estimate of the value Of the Presidents
declarations. On the contrary, he gave
6e impression that it was fully in ac-
cord with his own ideas.
Mr.. Roosevelt's suggestions and the
general situation in connection with the
disarmament crisis will be considered
by the cabinet today.
Disappointing to Others.
It was apparent, however, that the
message was disappointing In some po-
litical circles. where it was expected
the Presidents pronouncements would
contain some concrete undertaking OF
the American Government in the direc-
tion of definite action to prevent Euro
pean conflicts.
These critics had the help of q Sec
ton of the press, which voiced disap-
pointment at the Presidents 'noncom-
initial attitude"
America has boldly and openly cut
her moorings and has launched herself
in full sail, with courage and with fine
determination. into new waters" Mac
Donald said at the dinner.
"Henceforth America by her own
declaration is to be Indifferent to moth
ing that concerns the peace OF the
world"
He hurled a challenge at critics In
Great Britain by declaring that he and
his cabinet colleagues intended to adopt
all means at their disposal to further
conciliation in Europe.
Without mentioning him by name,
the premier warned Chancellor Hitler
of Germany against any threat to Euro
pean peace in his speech before the
Reichstag today.
Some of the complainants against
the Roosevelt declaration seemed to
hold that the President went no further
than the Kellogg past and that 1t was
unlikely to prove more effective tnan
the latter has been in checking arma-
ments.
One suggestion was that he had not
committed himself because he had not
yet sufficiently sounded out Congress.
Called Stirring Appeal
The Daily Times denoted the mes
sage as the most stirring appeal to
nations of the world yet heard for con-
certed action in political and economic
spheres"
The paper noted as highly impor-
tant point of the massage that It re
states the readiness of the United
States to take part in consultative
pact" in defense of any victim of ag-
gression.
The Daily Telegraph, on the other
hand, expressed disappointment at the
Presidents ''noncommittal attitude" 1t
did not see the expression as an ad-
hesion to the consultative pact.
The Morning Post said that when
the President has gone further into his
proposals he will discover they are less
practicable than appear at first blush"
Aside from these criticisms, the COM
ments were appreciative and lauda-
tory and called upon Chancellor Hitler
to take note Of the Presidents appeal
in his Reichstag speech.
Definition Held Aim.
The Manchester Guardian, comment
Ing on the proposition that nations
agree not to send armed forces across
their frontiers. said this "is an attempt
to define in simple terms the nature OF
aggression
why SnOuld freSlQenC ROOSEVELT
have included it?" continued the news
paper. He does not mention the ques-
tion of a consultative pact, but we know
already he is considering how far the
united States can participate in one,
and we infer he Is now in the intention
of providing consultative body with
the means of answering the first ques-
ton. which 1t would have to consider
who is the aggressor?"
RooSevelt's plan was considered by
the cabinet today and quick action on
1t was expected. As King George was
the recipient Of the message, the British
reply will go direct from Buckingham
Palace to the White House. MacDon-
aid was expected to make a statement
before the House of Commons today in
dicating Britains support of the Amer
lean proposals.