Evening star., 1938-10-04
STORY Of CRISIS
GIVEN BY WELLES
Undersecretary of State
Tells Behind the Scenes
Tale of War Scare.

bSuo 0SiiitiA NiiS SVNstSS
Tale of War Scare.
An intimate description Of what went
on behind the scenes in ofncial Wash
ington as Europe hovered on the brink
OF war was given last night by Sumner
welles, Undersecretary OF State, in ,
speech in the National Radio Forum
arranged by The Star and broadcast
National Broadcasting Co. Mr.. Welles
address follows:
During the past few years it has
become increasingly apparent In many
portions Of the earth that there has
been q collapse of the forces which
modern civilization had developed to
resolve international problems when
they arise, in terms Of law and equity.
On repeated occasions during these
latter years, the Government of the
United States has proclaimed its con-
viction that all international differ
ences, whatever they may be. can
always be solved by resort to the
processes OF reason and in a spirit OF
justice rather than by resort to armed
force.
On July is, 1887, the Secretary of
State, speaking in the name Of the
United States. laid down program
OF basic principles which, in the belief
of our Government, constitute the
fundamental requirements before a
hae1fhv i,,fa
be established. Almost every civilized
nation announced its acquiescence in
and support Of this program.
Only Road to Peace.
Among the outstanding principles
50 proclaimed were the maintenance
Of law and order in the world through
respect for the sanctity Of the given
word and the solution of all interna-
tional differences by pacific negotia-
ton: the imperative need Of freeing
international trade from the Gripping
restrictions now 50 generally placed
upon 1t, which not only have created
economic and social malad djustments,
but which have in consequence given
rise to political unrest; and finally, the
ever more urgent necessity for the
powers of the world to agree to halt
of the present devastating armament
race.
On subsequent occasions, and espe-
cially during these past months, the
President of the United States and the
Secretary Of State have emphasized
our conviction that only through the
carrying out of these basic principles
by deed and in fact could the peace
Of the world be safeguarded
Last week modern civilization passed
through the valley Of the shadow of
death. The great powers Of Europe
were within few hours of hurting
their peoples into a general European
war, which would not only have cost
the lives Of millions of human beings,
but which would in all probability
have entalled the obliteration for
many years TO come of all of those
things which, the civilized world has
painstakingly built up over a period
OF many centuries, and which to you
and to me make life worth living.
In accordance with the consistent
practice of this administration of in
forming the people of the United
States Of the full facts concerning the
conduct Of their foreign relations, ]
shall lay before you tonight the his
tory of the actions of your Government
during these past eight days.
The Story: Breakdown Seen.
On Saturday, September "a, it had
become evident that the conversations
which had been taking place between
the government of the German Reich
and the government of Great Britain
for peaceful solution Of the contro-
versy between Germany and Czecho-
slovakla were in danger of breaking
down. 1t was reported to the President
that in all likelihood should Germany
invade the territory of Czechoslovakia
the government of France would de-
clare war upon Germany and that the
British government would find it i'm
possible to remain aloof from the hos
tllities which would ensue. The Ger
man Army was in state of mobiliza-
ton and steps toward mobilization OF
both the French and British military
and naval forces were being taken
Military preparations were likewise be-
ing made in other European countries.
The government of Czechoslovakia had
moolllzed its forces. The markets of
the world were showing repercussions
OF fear and apprehension. Foreign
currencies were under increasing pres
sure and insurance rates were soaring
to almost record levels.
Throughout the course of the follow
ing day all information received by the
President from our missions abroad in
dlcated an increasing tension and a
greater likelihood that war might
break out in the immediate future.
President Sends Note.
In entire accordance with the policy
OF this Government to remain aloot
from political involvements abroad
but yet at the same time within the
limitations of our traditional doctrine
to contribute in every practicable man.
ner towards the maintenance of world
peace, the President at o'clock on
the morning of Monday, September 26
sent an ldentic message to the Presi-
dent of Czechoslovakia, to the Chan.
. cellor of Germany. and to the Prime
Ministers Of Great Britain and OF
France, urging that negotiations for q
peaceful solution of the controversy
should not be broken off, and that nc
resort be made to force, nor to the
threat OF force. Copies of this appeal
were sent to the Polish and Hungarian
governments, each Of which was ad.
vancing claims against the government
OF Czechoslovakia for a prompt solu.
ton OF their respective minority oues-