President Roosevelt's Talk
Those who listen to the voices of the Axis leaders in Germany, Italy, or Japan will search in vain for a message which will stir enthusiasm in any country but the speaker's own. How different is the case with Mr. Churchill, President Roosevelt, Mr. Stalin and General Chiang Kai-shek. Mr. Roosevelt, broadcasting on Monday, called on listeners to have a map of the world before them ; and men in every Allied or neutral country were made to feel that the United States had made the world cause its own cause, and was prepared to fight on every sea-lane and on every battlefield both in the interest of America and for " liberty and justice everywhere." His words were at the same time a reply to isola- tionists at home and an assurance to all the Allies He showed how the fight in Russia, in China, in thi! Pacific and on the Atlantic was one indivisible war, in which Americans must be prepared to engage the enemy far from their home-bas,;. and prepare strenuously at home to supply their own forces and those of the Allies on distant fronts. Like Mr. ChurchiN, he did not minimise the difficulties or gloss over reverses, or neglect to show how much leeway there was to be made up before the United States could pull her full weight against enemies long- prepared. But he did condemn "rumour-mongers and poison- pedlars" who attempt to undermine confidence, and he gave
some facts about the disaster at Pearl Harbour which will put the matter in its proper perspective. American ships, aeroplanes and soldiers are already in the Pacific zone, and others are on their way to the fighting fronts. America is totally in the world war and will be in the world peace.
