Evening star., 1939-04-15

OF lLdty.
You realize, I am sure, that
throughout the world hundreds of
millions of human beings are
living today in constant fear of a
new war or even a series of wars.
The existence of this fear-and
the possibility of such a conflict
is of definite concern to the
people of the United States for
whom I speak, as it must also be
to the peoples of the other nations
of the entire Western Hemi-
sphere. All of them know that
any major war. even If it were to
be confined to other continents,
must bear heavily on them dur
ing its continuance and also for
generations to come.
Because of the fact that after
the acute tension in which the
world has been living during the
past few weeks there would seem
to be at least a momentary re-
laxation-because no troops are
at this moment on the march,
this may be an opportune mo-
ment for me to send you this
message.
On previous occasion. I have
addressed you in behalf of the
settlement of political, economic
and social problems by peaceful
methods and without resort to
arms.
But the tide of events seems to
have reverted to the threat Of
arms. If such threats continue.
1t seems inevitable that much of
the world must become involved
in common ruin. All the world,
victor nations. vanquished ma
tions and neutral nations, will suf-
fer. refuse to believe that the
world is, Of necessity, such
prisoner of destiny. On the con-
trary, 1t is clear that the leaders
OF great nations have it in their
power to liberate their peoples
from the disaster that impends.
1t is equally clear that in their
own minds and in their own
hearts the peoples themselves de-
sire that their fears be ended.
1t is, however. unfortunately
necessary to take cognizance Of
recent facts.
Moving Toward Catastrophe.
@s3s Three nations In Europe and
one in Africa have seen their in
dependent existence terminated.
A vast territory in another irde-
pendent nation of the Far East
has been occupied by q neighbor-
ing state. Reports, which we
trust are not true, insist that fur
ther acts of aggression are con-
templated against still other in
dependent nations. Plainly the
world is moving toward the mo-
ment when this situation must
end in catastrophe unless a more
rational way of guiding events is
found.
You have repeatedly asserted
that you and the German people
have no desire for war. If this is
true. there need be no war.
Nothing can persuade the peo-
Piles of the earth that any gov
erning power has any right or
need to inflict the consequences
of war on its own or any other
people save in the cause of self
evident home defense.
In making this statement we as
Americans speak not through
selfishness or fear or weakness.
If we speak now, it is with the
voice of strength and with
friendship for mankind. It is
still clear to me that interna-
tional problems can be solved at
the council table.
1t is, therefore, no answer to
the plea for peaceful discussion
for one side to plead that unless
they receive assurances before
hand that the verdict will be
theirs, they will not lay aside
their arms. In conference rooms,
as IN courts, it is necessary that
both sides enter upon the discus
sion in good faith. assuming that
substantial justice Will accrue to
both; and it is customary and
necessary that they leave their
arms outside the room where
they confer.
I am convinced that the cause
OF world peace would be greatly
advanced If the nations of the
world were to obtain a frank
statement relating to the present
and future policy of governments.
Because the United States, as