Importance of Revising Neutrality Act as Soon As Possible Stressed Washington, June 20.
President Roosevelt told his press conference today that Congress should take action on neutrality legislation before the adjournment of its present session.
'The President thought the Bill now before the House of Representatives, of which the most important provision is' the removal of the embargo on the export of arms to nations involved in war, would strengthen American influence for peace.
The reason that he wanted action without delay, he said, was obvious. If war started after Congress had adjourned, it would be difficult to draw up neutrality legislation without it being said that the United States was favouring one side or other.
According to reliable sources, the Administration feels that unless the neutrality issue is cleared up within a reasonable time, the conduct of foreign affairs will be rendered unnecessarily difficult.
For example, it is stated, the current Far Eastern situation is having to be handled with extreme circumspection in case the Government should be subjected to criticism which would further impair chances for the passage of the desired neutrality legislation.
It is considered that once the neutrality question is decided, President Roosevelt will be able to handle the situation in a more forthright manner.
This in turn is expected to enable the United States to exert influence more strongly towards the maintenance of peace.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.