The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1939-04-27

group also resents President Roose-
velt's strong reiteration of a long
standing U. S. interest in Pan-Amer-
lean solidarity. The other school
discards silent isolationism as no
longer possible in a world of fast
communications where politicians
ride the same boat with foreign
tradesmen.
Until early April, President Roose-
welt had accomplished little by way
of clarifying foreign policy, thanks
partly to an impasse with congress.
Each White House plump for inter-
nationalism had been followed by
congressional Pumping for isolation
ism, until in one short week the
President apparently took the ball
from congress via three strokes that
made the U. S. citizenry conscious
of a definite interest in Europe's
fish kettle. First was the apparently
casual remark at Warm Springs,
where Mr.. Roosevelt promised "to
return in the fall if we don't have a
war" Later he explained that 1--WE"
meant western civilization, and that
the remark was actually planned to
"give direction" to public thought.
Next, while congressional isola-
tionism began simmering, Mr..
Roosevelt told the Pan-American
Unions governing board that the
Western hemisphere is willing to
match 'force to force" against ag-
gression, in defense of New world
institutions and independence. By
this time congressional isolation was
boiling, but a few hours later the
President delivered his biggest
stroke-a frank appeal for world
peace. via diplomatic note to Hitler
and Mussolini. Its gist: The Presi-
dent would serve as intermediary
between dictator states and 81 ma
tons of Europe, North Africa and
Asia Minor, whose integrity he
wants them to respect. This would
lead to an international conference
for disarmament, economic settle
ment and at least 10 years of mutu-
ally guaranteed peace. Most fear
full quotation: PLAINLY the world is
moving toward catastrophe un-
less a more rational way of guiding
events is found"
Congress held its breath awaiting
formal replies, too concerned for
reckless speech-making at the mo-
ment. Isolationism's cause seemed
defeated, yet even liberal interna-
tionalists began worrying lest the
u. S. be summoned to serve 1917's
purpose again, i.e., bring peace to
additionally quarrelsome Europe.
Idaho's Sen. William E. Borah
wrote: "This is not war over the
questions of democracy or totalitari-
anism These European pow
ers, whatever their theology or po-
litical views, pursue one and the
same course They all violate
treaties, disregard principals
of right, pursue methods which in
evitably lead to war and then call
upon the United States, Canada and
other nations to save them from
their own intolerable and vicious
methods"
Even so, the Presidents personal
brand of foreign policy bore some
fruit. Though German-Italian reiec-
ton was expected from the start.
favorable replies rained on Wash
ington so fast that one purpose was
definitely accomplished: World opin-
ion had at last been modified, draw
ing peace-loving assurances from
lesser nations which fear dealing
with either the Axis or the Anglo
French bloc, but who will speak
their minds to an intermediary.
Even more important was the psy-
Geological effect. Slow in sending