The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-01-16

Happenings That Affect the Dinner
Pals, Dividend Checks and Tax
Bills of Every Individual. National
and International Problems Insep-
arabic from Local Welfare.
Whether or not you personally
liked the tone and purpose of the
Presidents dramatic call out for
Britain" speech, one thing can be
said for it. 1t cleared away any
doubts that may have existed con-
cerning this Administrations war
policy. 1t eliminated the last semb-
lance of our theoretical neutrality. 1t
placed us definitely beside England
as an active ally, ready to give her
almost anything and everything she
may need to prosecute the war against
the Axis powers. 1t administered
hearty slap in the face to. Japan, by
declaring that China too was helping
to defend American rights and prin-
ciples.
Foreign response to the talk could
easily have been anticipated. London
called it zone Of the most powerful
indictments of Nazidom ever spoken"
and British spokesmen, who have
frankly placed much of their hope for
eventual victory on U. S. aid, were
jubliant. The South American press,
which often speaks for the govern
ments, was generally laudatory-the
Latin Republics have apparently been
looking for strong lead in order to
develop and affirm their own foreign
policies. Turkey, a country which has
really been on the spot in that it is
an ally of England and at the same
time is within comparatively easy
shooting distance" of Germany, was
extremely pleased-one of the princi-
pal Ankara papers said, "President
Roosevelt has read the death sentence
Iof the Axis countries" The Vichy
press was cautious in it's comment,
which is understandable-the Petain
government is forced to walk dan
gerous tight rope between the French
peoples pro British, pro DeGaulle
sentiment on the one hand, and Ger
many's nearby armies on the other.
Italy made belligerent gestures, but
said nothing new. Hitler declared
that anyone who said the Nazi plan
world conquest, lied-which, is the
light of past super-frank statements
by Nazi leaders, is curious. Japan,
frankly angry, said the Roosevelt
policy made U. S.-Japanese war al
most inevitable. Interesting reaction
comes from on-the-fence Spain, where,
reports say, the Presidents definite
statement that the Axis will not win,
excited great interest.
In this country, the bulk of the
press approved of the speech in gen.
eral, even though many papers OBJ
served that more than words are
necessary to adequate arm Britain and
ourselves. The Presidents definite
declaration that no U. S. troops would
be sent to Europe, was applauded
widely-the fact is, of course, that at
present Britain does not need or want
men, in that her armies are doing
practically nothing except keep on
the alert against possible invasion.
However, certain important govern
ment elective officials are all set to
fling down the gauntlet and fight the
Administration belligerent policy.
Senate leaders like Wheeler and
Clark will make a strong effort to
have congress disavow at least part
of the Roosevelt aid-England program
for example, they will oppose the
transfer Of more U. S. fighting ships
and airplanes to the British flag. They
will also attempt to stiffen the Neu
|trality Act, which at present is largely
a dead letter. 1t seems to be true that
!, the new congress is as much opposed
to war for this country as was the
last even though the majority OF
the members are extremely pro.
British. There will be many red
hot battle in congress word d-scarrec
halls during the coming months.
In the meantime, it may prove that
one result Of the speech will be great
= Ily increased Nazi attacks on the
J staunch British Isles-the purpose be
ing to reduce England before u. S
aid can be materially increased. 1t i:
significant that even as the Presiden
read his speech from the quiet of his
White House study, blackedout Lon
don was being subjected by the Luft
, waite to its most severe air raid o.
the war. Hitler knows that if thl!
, country ever is able to push its arm;
, drive into high gear, practically un
. limited quantity of material of al
kinds can be sent England.
: Some interpreters read into th'
Presidents speech intimations that 1t
| will COON Jnnl,ro Sf,,n on,nrunOrN