Milford chronicle., 1941-01-17

\
.ts esss lt..,a -
Whether or not you PERSONAL,
liked the tone and purpose of thu
Presidents dramatic "all out fol
Britain" speech, one thing can b'
said for it. 1t cleared away any
doubts that may have existed con
cerning this Administrations wal
policy 1t eliminated the last sem
blance of our theoretical neutrality
1t placed us definitely beside Eng
land as an active ally, ready to give
her almost anything and everything
she may need to prosecute the wal
against the Axis powers. 1t admin
istered a hearty slap in the face to
japan, by declaring that China too
was helping to defend American
rights and principles.
Foreign response to the talk could
easily have been anticipated. London
called 1t zone of the most powerful
indictments of Nazidom ever spok-
en-" and British spokesmen, who
have frankly placed much of their
hope for eventual victory on U. S.
aid. were jubilant. The South Amer
lean press, which often speaks for
the governments, was generally lau-
datory-the Latin Republics have
apparently been looking for a 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 Eng
land and at the same time is within
comparatively easy shooting dis
tance" of Germany, was extremely
pleased-one of the principal Ankara
papers said, President Roosevelt
has read the death sentence of the
Axis countries The Vichy press
was cautious in its comment, which
is understandable-th Petain gov
ernment is forced to walk danger
GUS 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 Nazis plan
world conquest, lied-which, in the
light of past super-frank statements
by Nazi leaders, is curious. Japan,
frankly angry, said the Roosevelt
policy made a U. S.-Japanese war
almost inevitable. Interesting reac-
tions 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 gem
eral, even though many papers OBJ
served that more than words are
to adequately arm Britain
and ourselves. The Presidents def
mite declaration that no u. S. troops
would be sent to Europe was ap-
plauded widely-the fact is, of
course, that at present Britain does
NOT need or want men, in that her
armies are doing practically moth
ing except keep on the alert against
possible invasion. However, certain
important government elective otii-
cials are all set to fling down the
gauntlet and fight the Administra-
ions belligerent policy.
Senate leaders like Wheeler and
Clark will make a strong effort to
nave Congress disavow at least part
If thel Roosevelt .aid-Englands pro-
Sram--for example, they will oppose
he transfer of more U. S. fitting
ships and airplanes to the British
1ag. They will also attempt to stiff |
'en the Neutrality Act, which at
present is largely a dead letter. 1t
seems to be true that the new Con-
yress is as much opposed to war for
his country as was the last-even |
hough the majority of the members |
ire extremely pro- British. There
will be many a red-hot battle in
congress- word-scarred halls during
he coming months.
In the meantime, it may prove
hat one result of the speech will be
.reatly increased Nazi attacks on the
taunch British Isles-the purpose
eing to reduce England before Y. 5.
i'd can he materially increased. II is
ignificant that even as the Presi-
ent read his speech from the quiet
f his White House study. blacked-
ut London was being subjected by
he Luftwaffe to its most severe air
aid of the war. Hitler knows that
this country ever is able to push
IS arms drive into high gear.
ractieally unlimited quantity of ma
srial of all kinds can be sent Eng
md.
-OOo-.
Some interpreters read into the ,
residents speech intimatiOns that
e will soon declare full emer-
,ncy," as against the Limited emer-
sncy" he declared year ago.
According to legal authorities, this
ould not give him any important
lditional powers. Congress must !
ass new laws, in other words, be-
re the already vast Executive
,wers can be significantly extended.
owever. declaration of full
neI gency," in the view of some, j
light help spur industry and labor :
greater deeds in producing arms.
Defense officials, such as Mr.. /
are talking more and more '
the urgency of the situation. And
is true that, while the general I
'oduction indexes go higher and I
CHER. our production of finished y
aterials of war continues to lag. :
)th the Army and Navy have been =
reed time and again to revise their e
recasts-and to revise them back s
ard. The bottlenecks grow, rather J.
an decrease.
to some of the best au- y
critics, the output of finished i'm u
sments of war will sharply in o,
ease in a month or two-Or the =
use of Britain will look a great y