Evening star., 1941-01-06
Cheers Greet
Presidential
Arms Message
But IsoIutionist Group
Remains Adumunt
In Opposition
STORY on Poee A-l.)
Bv GOULD LINCOLN.


stronger national defense and for
greater aid to Britain, Greece and
China was approved by great ma
jority of Senators and Representa-
tives who heard him present his
annual message in person at joint
session today.
Some of the so-called iSolationiSt
group in Congress, however, we're
adamant in their opposition.
The address contained no details
as to the legislation desired by the
President to accomplish his lend
lease" plan for aiding the British
and the other democracies now
fighting the totalitarian aggressors.
The Chief Executive called for
greatly increased appropriations for
national defense and for the British
aid program.
Legislation Is Necessary.
However, before this plan can be
put through there must be legisla-
tive acts, it was believed by members
of Congress. Some of them thought
it would be necessary TO amend the
present Neutrality Act
Speaker Rayburn and Majority
Leader Barkley, both expressed
strong approval of the President
message. Senator Barkley said
The Presidents address was mag
I nifcent. in fine tenor. and in my
| judgment represented the over
whelming views of the American
/ people
/ Senator Harrison OF Mississippi
/ newly chosen president pro tempore
said: 1T was a great message; will
be received with overwhelming ap-
/ provai by the American people. IT
has the ring of real Americanism TO
/ 1t. 1t struck me Just right"
Senator Lucas of Illinois: at was
a great American speech that should
be reassuring to all Americans who
believe that America is in peril
through the machinstion of Old
World dictatorS.'
Hint of Coming Battle.
A hint of coming battle over the
residents all-aid-to- Britain pro-
gram was found, however, in the
comment of Senator Wheeler of
Montana. leader of the isolation
ist group. He said
1T is too bad this speech was
not made before election 1t was
intended to frighten the American
people to point where they would
surrender their liberties and estab-
lish wartime dictatorship in this
country.
Il liked the two minutes the Pres
ldent devoted to recommendations
for the extension of social and eco
nomic gains"
A similar tenor ran through the
statement issued by Senator VAN
denberg of Michigan. who said:
1t was strong plea for peace
through war by proxy. For the sake
OF America l hope his program will
never have to go farther In any
event he is right in demanding to-
tai defense and in admitting we are
; not getting it. Aid to democracies.
in my view. must continue short of
% making us co-belligerents or (2l
diSsipating the essential nucleus of
our own ability to defend this West
ern World regardless of what hap
: pens elsewhere. 1t is impossible to
pass specifically upon his latest plan
because it is still too nebulous."
WadswOrth Supports Policy.
Representative Wadsworth, Re.
5 publican, of New York. said HI
thought the President had made ar
admirable address
Representative Fish. Republican
: of New York, said he saw nothin.
5 new in the Presidents speech.
IF and when the British eX'
haust their resources for the pur,
chase of war materials. we shoult
give them $1,000, 900, 900 and tax,
= over their possessions in the Yves
Indies" Mr. Fish said.
Senator Austin of Vermont. act.
ing Republican leader. said h,
] thought the speech would do mucf
D to crystalline the harmony and unit,
necessary to greater efforts to aic
Britain
Taft Opposes Lending Plan.
Senator Taft. Republican. of Ohit
said: In spite of my belief tha
we should aid England to such al
extent as does not involve ou
entering the war. thoroughly dis
approve the method of lendinl
munitions suggested by the Presi
dent The whole idea of lend
ing munitions is complete sub
terfuge. Every one with any sens
knows that the loans will not b,
repaid"
: Other comment:
: Speaker Rayburn: 1T stated th'
n viewpoint of the vast majority o
e the American people, in masterl,
n fashion. l think they are for ever,
f legitimate aid TO the democracies:
I Senator Tobey, Republican, of New
Hampshire: 1T did not contain ,
great deal of factual information
e (See ROOSEVELT, Page 2-X)