Evening star., 1939-09-02
Roosevelt Usinq
Utmost Caution
On Embargo
Won't Be Rushed
Into Decision on
Invoking Law

INVOKING Low
President Roosevelt will use the
utmost discretion in determining ap-
plicability OF the neutrality law to
European hostilities, it was indi-
Gated clearly by a White House
spokesman today in word that the
Chief Executive would not be "cata-
pulled or rushed" into decision.
Pointing significantly to the fine
question of whether positive action
by France and Great Britain on
behalf of Poland would necessarily
be condition of war. even though
taken by the Chamber of Deputies
or the Parliament, Stephen T. Early,
presidential secretary, remarked:
No man today is going to be
catapulted or rushed into decision
on any one of those points. Ger
tainly I don't think the President
will be-"
Must Await Developments.
Mr.. Roosevelt already has made
clear that his decision on invoking
the law or calling Congress to
formulate further neutrality policy
must await developments abroad.
While acknowledging that for all
practical purposes the statute re-
quires proclamation of applicable
ity on declaration of war, Mr.. Early
cited the existence of undeclared
warfare in China and implied that
such a development in Europe would
imposition of the law.
1t was announced the President
had started a schedule under which
he would receive once a day Army
and Navy Intelligence chiefs to 60
over the European developments
with the use of large map.
The President made no appoint
ments other than these today. His
sides said they did not expect him
to complete the 15-minute radio
address he will make to the Nation
at 8 pm. tomorrow until late Sum-
day because Of fast changing devel-
opments.
The address, officially described
as an effort to "allay anxiety and
relieve suspense of the American
people. will be broadcast over four
national networks and translated
into six languages for rebroadcast
by shortwave to the world.
Uncertain as to Congress.
Presidential aides cautioned
against speculation that the Chief
Executive might use his address
to announce the calling of special
session of Congress to consider Neu-
trality Act revision. They said
there was no indication such call
would 60 out then.
Some other authorities, recalling
the Presidents press conference
statement yesterday that today
might bring important developments
abroad, thought he might announce
such a call in the address-but only
if he considered these "develop-
ments" warranted it.
Still others felt he might include
in the 15-minute talk reply of
some sort to Chancellor Hitler, who,
replying indirectly and in the third
person yesterday to the Presidents S
two peace plans of last week, said
Germany had left nothing undone"
in trying to settle its dispute with
Poland in a friendly manner"
Hull Gets Hitler Reply.
Secretary of State Hull received
today Chancellor Hitler's favorable
reply to Mr.. Roosevelt's request that
European nations refrain from
bombing civilian populations and
open cities
1t was transmitted to the State
Department last night by the Amer
ican Charge d'Affaires at Berlin,
Alexander G.. Kirk
Mr.. Hull told reporters he had
no new information from Europe.
He added that the situation abroad
now was so kaleidoscope he would
not undertake to give out rumors
and reports of European develop
ments which might require correc-
tion within few hours.
President Roosevelt had assured
the Nation previously in a press con-
ference statement that he sincerely
hoped and believed America could
stay out of the European struggle
Every effort would be made by his
administration to keep this country
out. he added
He made it plain he would call
Congress some time between now
and January 2. the day before 1t
meets In regular session. but that
obviously the date would depend on
developments.
Opinion among many Washing
ton omcials was that he would call
Congress in case of a general con-
fllct. even though there was no for
NAL declaration of war by any coun-
try, but that he would not act has
tily or until he felt the sentiment
OF the Legislature for repeal of the
Neutrality Acts arms embargo
clause was definitely favorable.
Acting Chairman Bloom of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee
predicted the prohibition on arms
sales to belligerents would be
thrown out at special session. He
said initial replies to inquiries sent
Democratic House members who
voted for the embargo last session
indicated many had changed their
minds.
Some administration supporters
have argued In the past that repeal
OF the embargo. while making Amer
lean arms markets open legally to
(see ROOSEVELT, Page AID