Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1941-05-15

was called fifth columnist and a
Hitler agent.
When I tell you today that we are
not in position to win this war
for England, l am charged with be-
ing disloyal by the same politicians
and idealistS who denied all the other
statements when 1 made them.
But they cannot point to a single
one that has not turned out to be
true. These charges will undoubted-
ly continue in the future, and I do
not know how much longer free
speech will be allowed in this coun-
try. But as long as our laws per-
NIT it, I intend to continue telling
you what 1 believe.
Can Not Blockade Europe.
I have never wanted Germany to
win this war. But know that Eng
land is not in a position to win it,
even with our help. That is why 1
have constantly advocated negoti-
ated peace. The idea that the entire
continent of Europe can be blockaded
into submission is ridiculous.
Short of an internal collapse, of
which there is no sign today, the
only way Germany could be defeated
is by an invasion.
Even if an invasion were possible,
which I do not believe, the resulting
devastation would be so great that
Europe could not recover for genera
tions if it could recover at all.
Forced Landing Difficult.
The developments of this war have
shown clearly how difficult it is to
force landing or to supply an ex-
peditionary force on hostile coast.
If we intend to invade Europe against
the opposition of the same army and
air force that broke the Maginot line
and routed the British forces in Nor
way, Flanders and Greece, then the
United States must become a regi-
mented and military nation that sur
passes Germany herself in totalitarian
efficiency.
In that case, we might as well real
ize that "our way of life" is thing
of the past, and that our children
will be fortunate if they live long
enough to see it again. The con-
ditions which exist in Germany to-
day will seem moderate in comparison
to those which will result from a
prolongation of this war.
Begin Freedom Here.
Men and women of Minnesota, I
say to you today what my father
said quarter century ago.
The future of democracy depends
on our ability to govern our own
country. 1t rests in the character of
our own people, in the welfare of
our farmers and our Workmen.
What happens in Europe and Asia
is of secondary Importance to what
is happening to us here in our own
land.
1t is far more essential for this
country to have farms without mort
cages, workmen with their own
homes, and young people who can
afford families, than it is for us to
crusade abroad for freedoms that
are lettering in our own country.
No Merger With Europe.
In the stand he took, generation
ago, my father was thinking of
more than war alone. He was OPP
posing great change in our national
policy, the same change Washing
ton opposed in his Farewell address
the merging of our destiny with
that of Europe.
My father knew one war would
would lead to a third. He knew
that, by entering war, we would not
solve the problems that were arising,
either in our own country or abroad
In this, history has proven he was
right
Now, you and I, in a new genera
ton, are faced with this choice again.
We have seen the result of one
European war in which our coun-
try took part.
Are we to enter a second at this
time?
Is the destiny of America to be
forever merged with that of Europe?
Are we to take the policing of the
entire world upon our shoulders?
Must America Fight Again?
Must our children fight again when
the next European war takes place?
The answer to these questions de-
ponds upon the action that you, and
1, and millions like us, are ready
to take.
In every section of the United States
men and women are assembling, as
we have assembled tonight. If we
have the stamina and the courage
to speak forth, if we are willing to
organize and work, if we have enough
character and faith to justify an
Independent existence for this ma
ton, American soldiers will not be
sent to fight again in these intra-
European wars.
The America First Committee has
been formed to give voice to the
people in this country who are OPP
posed to intervention. 1t is nom
political organization open to any
patriotic citizen of the United States.