Evening star., 1941-01-15
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gates to the Executive, Mr.. Hull
explained that in considering what
was the best course for America to
take throughout this period of ag-
gression in other parts of the world
he has not been so much concerned
with which we'll the water is drawn
from"
Atlantic Crossing Possible.
Mr.. Hull contradicted the theory
that this country is immune from
attack because of distance. Recall
ing the argument made by some
that if Germany cannot cross. the
English Channel 1t could not en-
danger America, the Secretary said:
German forces could cross the
Channel in an hour were it not for
the fact Great Britain is fighting
every hour of the day. If Great
Britain should be defeated and lose
control of the sea Germany could
easily cross the Atlantic, especially
the South Atlantic, unless we we're
able to do what England is now
doing on the Channel"
If England should fall, the Secre-
tary said, there might not be an
immediate move against the United
States. 1t is more likely, he con-
tinued. that the first effort would
'be directed against other parts of
this hemisphere more vulnerable
than our country, and then against
us"
Driven to Conclusion.
When Mr.. Hull had finished his
statement, Representative Johnson,
Democrat, of Texas put this ques-
ton:
with your knowledge of world
conditions during the past eight
years, understand it is your con-
clusion that legislation such as this
Is absolutely necessary for the de-
fense of the United States?"
Mr.. Hull replied that he has un-
willingly been driven to that con-
clusion.
When Representative Stanley of
Connecticut congratulated him on
his testimony as "the most forth
right" description of conditions in
the world today, and commended
him for his advocacy of the law OF
self-defense, Secretary Hull re-
sponded:
81 could not in good conscience
advise my fellow citizens to follow
the example of Holland and Bel
eium, who tried to rely on the prin-
ciples of neutrality There is a
time for neutrality and time for
self-defense."
Secretary Hull told the committee
he believed the time has arrived
when we should rely on national
self defense"
Representative Jarman of Alabama
asked if time was not the essence.
Danger to Hemisphere.
. "Unquestionably," replied Secre-
tary Hull THAT is always so when
danger threatens a nation. When I
say danger I mean danger to this
hemisphere, which includes the
United States"
Dul VA 4NOA IAi
Carolina asked: Are We more in
danger of war if we pass this legis-
iation Or more in danger if we do
not?"
Mr.. Hull recalled to the commit
tee the experiences of Norway,
Denmark and other countries that
have been invaded by the dictator
nations. They did not even have
time to cock their guns" said Mr..
, Hull. 7 reached the definite con-
clusion that to keep out of trouble
and prevent an invasion of this
hemisphere, most likely to occur in
the south, we should not wait until
an invader made an attack.
II came to the conclusion that II
we began to resist frankly under
the law of self defense, invading ma
tions would have more respect for
us. I came to the conclusion that
1t would be wiser for us to prepare
to defend ourselves instead of being
swallowed up like squirrel by a boa