Evening star., 1941-04-18
Public Unaware
Of War GRAVITY,
President Says
Cool Strike Has Not
Yet Seriously Hurt
Defense, He Asserts
BY JOHN C. HENRY.

American public opinion is not yet
sufficiently aware OF the seriousness
of the international situation, Presi-
dent Roosevelt told a press confer
ence today during questioning about
war developments abroad.
Asked how this awareness might
be increased to an adequate degree,
the Chief Executive expressed conf
dence 1t would develop largely
through exchange of opinion, crack
er barrel conversations and such
round table discussions as those Of
the National Press Club. He has
faith, he said, in American intelli-
gence.
Although these comments were
reflection of Mr.. RooSevelt's own
gravely serious attitude toward the
course Of the war, he declined any
specific comment on allied reverses
as are reported in recent days in
The Balkan and Mediterranean
areas.
Turning to the subject of defense
production, the Chief Executive said
the soft coal strike has not yet seri-
| ously affected defense industries. He
hopes, he continued, that some OF
the mines now out of production
will be. reopened by Monday.
j. c. c. Studying Problem.
Reminded that Southern coal op-
orators are baking largely on
grounds that the freight rate differ
ential prevents them from matching
Northern wages. Mr.. Roosevelt said
the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion is giving immediate study to
this rate problem while the Bitumi-
nous Coal Commission is assembling
cost figures.
Explaining that the South has
| complained for many years about
the freight rate differentials, Mr..
Roosevelt said that in many in
stances he is in agreement with the
compliments. Revision by the I.
c. c., however, would be a lengthy
process, he added.
Asked about War Department
plans for setting up civil observa-
ton organizations to watch for
attacking airplanes, the President
said an experiment in this regard
last fall in New York had worked
out very well. At that time, he said.
communities in the area of practiced
maneuvers had been organized on
voluntary basis to supply Defend
ing military headquarters with in
formation. At the beginning Of the
actual battle practice, he said re-
ports were received constantly of the
direction and numbers Of invading
airplanes and other units as OBJ
served by civilians.
Telegram From Tobey.
AS one ouestioner asked II this
program might indicate actual dan
| ger of air attack on the United
States, the President replied that
others know as much about 1t as he
does.
The President said q telegram
from Senator Tobey, Republican, of
New Hampshire, demanding infor-
nation on whether Coast Guard
and naval vessels are conveying
British merchant ships, had been
received at the Office of White
House Secretary Stephen r. Early
and Immediately referred to the
Navy Department for answer.
The Chief Executive denied knowl-
edge of whether any material mill
tary aid already is on the way from
this country to China, but said he
thought such assistance had been
authorized.
Indicating he still may make his
Warm Springs vacation trip next
week, Mr.. Roosevelt said he expected
to have a second conference about
that time with Prime Minister Mac
kenZie King of Canada. The Prime
Minister visited the President at
Warm Springs last April and was at
the White House earlier this week
for q brief teatime meeting.