Evening star., 1940-06-24
Republicans Launch
Conclave Amid Hot
Battle for Delegates
Foreign Policy PIonk
Indorses Legal Aid
To Oppressed
BY J. A. O'LEARY,

Oy % IA " AG<ANxs
Star Staff Correspondent.
PHILADELPHIA, June 24.-The
foreign policy plank finally
worked out for submission to the
Platform Committee of the Re-
publican National Convention
indorses all legal aid to
oppressed peoples" and to "peo-
pies fighting for liberty" despite
persistent reports to the con-
trary, it was learned today from
reliable sources.
While the plank is couched in
terms designed to harmonize con-
ficting views Of isolationists and
delegates who favor material as
sistance to the democracies in the
present war, 1t does not 60 to the
extent Of ignoring the plight Of the
conquered nations of Europe or Of
condemning material aid.
1t was learned also this morning
that, although some of the Western
groups are still showing signs of
dissatisfaction because they think
the plank does not 60 far enough
in the direction of on-intervention
members Of the Foreign Affairs Sub
committee, who believe the best in
terests Of the United States require
assistance to the democratic ma
tions of Europe, have indicated they
will oppose any further softening
Of the language.
The plank will face its first test
when it is presented to the Resolu-
tions Committee late this afternoon.
Unanimous, Says Landon.
ut is practically finished and
entirely unanimous" was all ALI M.
Landon, chairman of the temporary
subcommittee, would say when the
subcommittee adjourned last night,
after having spent many hours
since Friday around a conference
table, behind closed doors.
His reference to unanimous action
strengthened reports that the sub
committee had concluded not to take
an extreme stand toward the war
in Europe, either on the side of
isolation or in the direction of
furnishing aid to victims of ag-
gression.
Throughout its deliberations the
subcommittee faced the practical
problem of drafting q plank that
would not provoke a fight on the
floor Of the convention by advocates
Of q strong non-intervention stand
This problem was exemplified by
developments yesterday, while the
subcommittee was holding its final
sessions.
Fish May Raise Issue.
Representative Fish of New York,
q leading Neutrality-suspicious., told
newspapermen he was looking into
the question of the. procedure that
should be followed to raise the issue
in the convention, if the plank
should prove to be what he called
"a milk and water statement"
The New Yorker insisted the plank
should make no mention Of aid to
anybody, but should be a declara-
ton to keep out of foreign wars,
unless the Monroe Doctrine is
violated"
On the other hand, Senator Aus
tin of Vermont arrived here with
the assertion it would be a mistake
for the Republicans to take a strict
isolationist stand.
The New Englander, who sup
ported the repeal of the arms en-
barge last fall, said he hoped the
party's policy would not be one of
isolation or Intervention, but SO
stated as to permit freedom OF
action.
Non-Intervention Plank Seen.
Herbert X. Hyde of Oklahoma
temporary chairman Of the unof-
fetal resolutions committee, set up
by the National Committee for ad-
vance planning Of the platform
fatty predicted last night that the
convention will adopt a "non-inter-
vention plank" He said that Ameri-
cans as individuals are free now to
furnish aid to European nations, but
argued that you become involved
when the Government pledges aid" !"
Discussion of the statement on
foreign policy has held 50 much OF
the spotlight for three days that
domestic issues were pushed into
the background. They will come
back into the spotlight today, how
ever, when the official Resolutions
Committee gets down to a final draft
Of the platform, covering labor, the
farm problem, social security, Gov
ernment finances, the reciprocal
trade agreements and other major
questions.