Evening star., 1941-09-12


can have war with the United States
if he wants it, and that his desire
will be indicated by his continued
invasions of Western Hemisphere
waters, Mr. Roosevelt has stated a
position which Americans must ap-
prove. If Hitler wants to see history
repeated, let him continue the course
he evidently has chosen.
San Francisco Chronicle, Gnde-
pendent Republican, - The PreSi-
dents declaration that any German
or Italian warships will enter Amer
ican defensive waters at its own peril
is our recognition of the fact that
there is no peace for us in a NaZi-
dominated world. This means the
Navy has been ordered to shoot at
sight. This is an American declara-
ton, an American warning to the
Axis desperadoeS. We approve
this action. We believe the President
could do not less. We believe he
should do more.
Dallas, Tex, News independent
DemocraU-With legalistic preci-
sion, he (the President has moved
for the defense of American ship
ping and American trade on the his
toric principle of freedom of the
seas. - Clear thinking Americans
endowed with the courage that made
this country free and great will echo
the ringing defiance of Nazi-Fascist
piracy. If the aggressor ma
tionS of Europe desire to keep the
peace there is no challenge of their
security.
New Orleans Times Picayune
DemocraO-Pres Roosevelt
announced in terms of unasSailable
clarity an American policy.
The consequences of any decision on
Hitler's part to resist the United
States purpose of clearing the sea
lanes of sea raiders would resolve
into a general warfare of the seas.
The choice is with Hitler and Mus
Solini.
Huntington Nv. Va) Herald
Dispatch (Republican)-By his af-
| firmation OF naval policy of posi-
| tive action to rid the sea lanes in
the American defensive area of the
menace of the Uboat, President
Roosevelt has resolved the battle
of the Atlantic Hitler is the loser.
When the history of his defeat is
compiled the chapter written last
night by the President will mark
the real turning point in the battle
| of the forces of democracy to defeat
! the forces of totalitarianiSm.
Memphis Commercial Appeal Gn-
dependent t-Democrat- This issue is
defined and the decks cleared for
action. We will not be intimidated
by Nazi threats, torpedoes or bombs
- The die has been cast and the
forthrightness of the decision is in
the American tradition.
Cincinnati Times Star (Republi-
can)-Mr. RooSevelts last two
speeches came very close to being
personal declarations of war. Thurs
days address, for all practical pur-
poses, was exactly that. Congress;
and the people apparently are tc
have no part in the final decision
Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch Gnde-
pendent)-The Presidents address
last night takes the Nation another
long step toward actual participa.
ton in the European war, without
the formal consent of Congress o.
the people. =" Neither Congress
nor the public has been willing II
follow the President into the war
His speech lays the
groundwork for further future in
cidents and developments which
probably VIII result in open anc
formal warfare for the United
States.
Indianapolis News independent
Republican)-Th Presidents speech
- is a plain warning that he is
ready to take the final step into war
There will be general regret
that the President did not lay this
question before Congress. The
President, however, elected to take
this bold and decisive step on his
own responsibility. This course is in
line with his record. He has consist
!