Evening star., 1940-05-12
Domestic Front

Omcial American acceptance of Eu-
ropes deepening crisis was grave and
marked by long deliberation.
Virtually scooping the world, John
Cudahy, American Ambassador to Bel.
gium and Minister to Lux.
Cudohy's embourg. telephoned Wash.
SCOOP" ington from Brussels in
early evening on Thursday
that NaN aggression was believed i'm.
minent. Less than two hours later, he
called again to say that German bombers
already had invaded from air. Within
few hours rest of State Departments
alert "reportorial" staff in Western. Eu.
rope had communicated with Capital to
present all facts then available.
Immediately, Secretary Hull called his
principal aides to department ofhces with
an-night vigil following. Across the
street, President Roosevelt received all
information, retiring at 3 am. only sitter
summoning diplomatic and defense ad-
visers for morning conference and in.
structing Secretary Of Treasury Nor.
genthau that orders freezing Dutch.
Belgian assets here be issued before New
York financial markets opened. Compile
ance was automatic.
More than an hour of consultation
with three Cabinet officers and Army
Navy chieftains took place at White
House in midmorning with President
later receiving press, then Ministers from
Denmark, Holland, Belgium. At uns,su-
0l1V 1NY%c rahfvAnk 1~>
entire situation was reviewed in detail.
To press. Mr.. Roosevelt declared grim.
" that personally he was In full sym.
pathy with early morn.
Roosevelt ing proclamation Of Hol-
WrothfuI lands Queen Wilhelmina.
Full import Of this In
dorsement might be found in paragraph
from Netherlands Queen that she was
making flaming protest against this TN
exampled violation of good faith and
what is considered decent between civil
lied nations"
To press also, Mr.. Roosevelt remarked
that he saw no change in previous ut
terance that: II hope the United States
will keep out of this war. I believe that
1t will"
Later, in vigorous address to Pam
American scientists, he warned that
Americas will defend "by every means"
the freedom and civilization of the West
ern Hemisphere. ::
President also called upon American
people to respond quickly and gen.
erously" to appeal Of Red Cross for 3lu,-
100000 war-relief fund.
Perhaps Of greatest significance IN
domestic picture was decision on Wed.
nesday night that main body of Pacific
battle feet should remain at Hawaii
rather than head toward California
waters as previously planned. Z
Although naval officials made light OF
fact, 1t was conveniently recalled that
only recently Secretary Hull had warned
Japan that any change In status OF
Dutch East Indies would be prejudicial
to peace and stability Of Pacific areaJ
Relatively powerless to defend selves
against Japanese feet If Toxic govern
ment should decide upon "protectivss
gesture, rich Dutch colonial possessions
supply important raw materials to
United States. 4
As developments quickened tempo Of
demands for intensified defense program,
Senate Naval Committee approved meas.
ure authorizing II per cent increase IN
Nays fighting strength. Already passed
by House, bill would authorize cons
struction of 10 new combat ships at cost
Of some 1856, ,000, 900. Although no aps
preparation was included. it was said
$46.0o0,O 900 will be sought for start on
program.