Milford chronicle., 1940-06-28
ECONOAAc HIGHLICHTS
Happenings That Affect the Dlnner
Railss Dividend Checks ana Tax
Bilis of Every individuals Natienal
and international Problems Inseps
arabIe from Local Welfare.

AFAsle Arom Local WeiIares
The vivid term Fifth Column
has, an ominous significance these
days. Il FIRST came into use during
the Spanish Civil War, when an in-
surgent general announced that he
had four columns Of soldiers driv-
ing toward Madrid-and a Fifth Col
umn, consisting Of spies, sabOteurs
and other enemies Of the Spanish
Republic, within the city. And since
then, we have seen Fifth Columns
operating with almost demoniac ef-
liciency and success In other parts
Of the world The Nazis have de-
Veloped the Fifth Column technique
to an extraordinarily high level-tO
very large extent, the collapse of
Norway, Holland, Poland, and Bel
gium was due 10 the activities of
Nazi sympathizers and purchased
terroists within those besieged ma
tiOns. Somber rumors Of Fifth Col
umn work have even come from
Francois witness the recent
wholesale dismissal Of is or 20
French generals who had, according
to Premier Reynaud, made inexcus-
able and Observation-Disclosures
blunders. And in the British Isles,
the authorities have gone to unpre-
cedented ends to ferret out and ar
rest any and all persons who might
be expected TO aid a German inVas-
ion.
That the high oficials OF the Uni
ted States are tremendously worried
by the specter OF Fifth Column ac-
tivity here, goes without saying.
The President has mentioned Il in a
speech, and It is widely believed
that mis- suggestio nthat he be en-
powered TO call out the National
Guard In peace-time was based on a
fear that some such step might
soon become necessary to put down
Fifth COIumnists at home. At the
moment, the potential u. s. Fifth
Column consists Of aVowed Hitler
ites-the bulk of whom are organ
ICED In the German-America bunds
and similar sOcieties-and, to a les
ser extent, the Communists, who
have been running around in cir
cles attempting to justify Lenin's
denunciation of Imperialism and
conquest with Stalin's Communist
Nazi pact and the Russian invasion
of Finland.
The expected Fifth Column tech
nique in this country is simple and
rational. In the words Of the Presi- |
dent, the Fifth Columnists would at |
tempt to create confusion of coun-
sci, public indeeisi01. political par
alysis and, eventually, a state Of
panic" In other words, the purpose |
would be to prevent the attainment |
of anything resembling national un-
ity. Group would be set against
group, class against class, jealousy |
and hate would be fomented. 1t is |
apparent that a start has already |
been made to this end by alien |
groups. And, according to Dies Com /
mittes evidence, Il is fact that both |
the Moscow and Berlin governments
have paid Fifth Column agents ac-
lively at work here.
After the policy Of confusion
would come actual sabotage and
terrorism. And there is 3 widely
held fear that we may see this be-
fore long, as the armament program
swings into high gear. Finally, once
the country was thoroughly disOr-
ganized, minority groups would at
tempt to take over the government
We are now embarked on a war
against the Fifth Column. The Gov
ernment has moved cautiously, but
It is moving. Registration and OBJ
of aliens is likely to come
soon.-the proposal that the Depart
ment of Justice be given control Of
the immigration Service shows the
way the wind is blowing. And far
more severe measures are envisiOn-
ed.
There is an obvious danger in all
.his-and a danger that is exceed
ngIy hard to avoid. That danger is
that anti-Fifth Column work may
become a hysterical witch-hunt.
People would exploit personal
yrudges by unjustly denouncing
others to the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
groups, operating outside the law
1ut supported by enraged public
opinion, would come into being. The ,
experience of the last war should I
)e recalled, when we went to ridic-
llous lengths in prosecuting people
# German and Austrian heritage /
whose patriotism was unqualified
government officials
ay that every effort will be given
o protecting the innocent as well
IS apprehending the guilty-and
hat is one tough job.
600
While the public at large watches
europe, and Is mesmerized by the a
arnage IN the Old World, experts
re watching the Far East and Latin !
america. 4
Japan has not, as feared, moved n
0 seize or protect" the Dutch East :
source Of vital u. s.
ubber and tin. But Japanese rela-
ions are still in what the diplomats
all a deplorable condition. ]
Leading publicists are urging that q
be U. S. take the lead in negotia-
ions, on frank and realistic basis,
1hich might produce U. Snip =
onese agreement, fair to both sides,
hat would assure peace in the Pa
ific.
The effect Of Europe's war on 9
luch Of Latin America has been dis {