Evening star., 1941-09-15
Legion 'sCommander
Urges Guard Against
Soviet Philosophy
Convention Asked
By Seret. York to Lead
In Shaping U.S.. Policy
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
MILWAUKEE,, Sept l5.-National
Comdr. Milo j. Warner told dele
gates to the 23d annual American
Legion national convention, which
opened here today, the German in
vasion Of Russia called for no
change in the Legion's attitude
toward Communism, but rather
should strengthen its guard against
the Soviet philosophy of govern
ment.
I'VE still hate Hitlerism. We still
hate Communism and all that 1t i'm
plies" Mr.. Warner asserted.
Stain is simply defending his
country from attack by Hitler.
Whatever aid Stain can give in
resisting Hitler is, incidentally, of
beneft to sincere peoples every
where. That does not call for any
change of attitude toward the Com
munist party in the United States.
Greater Vigilance Urged.
Rather does the Russian situation
compel redoubling of our vigilance
over Communists and other SUBJ
versive agents in our country be-
cause the circumstances are inclined
to influence a relaxation OF our
guard.
Our most important task, as see
It," he said, lis that we give all
practicable aid to Great Britain and
at the same time build up our own
forces so that no nation, no group
of dictators. will ever dare run the
risk of attacking these United
States"
When the convention was called
10 order National Chaplain Brig.
William G.. Gilks prayed for GOO
10 point the Legion to the way to
stop this senseless conflict"
Sergt. York Speaks.
The Legionnaires previously had
heard Sergt. Alvin c. York OF Ten
nessee. one OF the ranking heroes OF
the World War and an advocate OF
all-out aid to Russia as a means OF
stopping Nazi Germany, urge that
the convention play an important
part in molding the foreign policy
of the United States.
Sergt. York spoke last night at
. religious-patriotic service. An
avowed interventionist, Sergt. York
urged the Legion to stay out OF
politics but to take big hand in
shaping the Nations foreign policy.
'For we who are here have learned
% lesson" he said. I'VE learned that
liberty, freedom and democracy are
not inherited. We know that a
country cannot fight to win them
once and then stop. We learned the
hard way that liberty and freedom
and democracy are prizes awarded
only to those people who fight to
win them-and then fight eternally
to hold them"
Heavy Program Arranged.
The convention, with much busi-
ness to transact on vital issues OF
national defense, awaited message
from President Roosevelt, to be de-
livered by Secretary of the Navy
Knox, and an address by Mayor La
Guardia of New York, Director Of
Civilian Defense.
Reports of standing committees,
including that of the national de-
fense group, which recommended
that geographic limitations OF the
use of American troops be abolished,
will be turned over today to new
committees. They will draw up the
recommendation on which the con-
vention will act before adjournment
Thursday.
Denies Movie Is Propaganda.
The Defense Committee proposed
permanent system Of universal
military training. permanent two
ocean Navy, fortilcation OF all
American islands suitable for de-
fense purposes and acquisition by
peaceful means of any other islands
that could be used for defense.
Sergt. York, whose life has been
depicted in a movie, disagreed with
the statement Of Senator Nye, Re-
publican, of North Dakota, nom
interventionist, that the picture
bearing his name is propaganda.
eff the story of my life Is prop
aganda, then so is this very con-
vention, because the simple story
of my life revolved around the same
great experiences that yours does"
he said, ''if our lives are propaganda,
and Senator Nye is against all prop
aganda, then he should start imme-
diately to tear up all the history