Keep Out Of War, Urges Kaltenborn: Radio Commentator Speaks On Lecture Series

Keep Out Of War, Urges Kaltenborn

Radio Commentator Speaks On Lecture Series

Keep the United States out of the maelstrom of war was the plea vigorously voiced by H. V. Kaltenborn, radio commentator, last night before about 5,000 persons in Hill auditorium in the fourth Oratorical Association program of the season.

“Let us keep guard in the New World,” Mr. Kaltenborn entreated, “and when peace comes in Europe then let us co-operate freely and generously in erecting the kind of peace that will have a chance of enduring.”

Power Politics Involved

The current European conflict involves the “old game of power politics,” Mr. Kaltenborn asserted, for France and Britain went to war against Germany because they feared Hitler soon would move on them after Poland; moreover, Russia’s policies are imperialistic; Mussolini is realistically seeking more power for Italy, and Hitler's arrogance has led him into a major conflict.

“I do not believe the next peace will solve the world’s troubles," he commented, for warfare will continue until the present strident nationalism of several powers is subdued and until the “have" nations, including France, Britain and the United States, are more generous with the “have not.” nations, such as Germany, Italy and Japan, and so create economic peace.

All harmful conditions in the world need not be eliminated over night, nor is this possible, he said, so “we must be willing to accept a little at a time toward world betterment.

Censuring as false the statements of some that United States' aloofness is considerably responsible for world difficulties, Mr. Kaltenborn said the United States took leadership toward adjustment of war reparations and toward disarmament and offered to act with Britain in protesting against Japan's march into Manchuria.  Americans saw the peace they fought for wrecked by the “desperately unfair” Versailles treaty, he stated.

Sees Germany Exhausted

Turning to military events, Mr. Kaltenborn said Britain’s blockade will exhaust Germany economically in about three years and will be the decisive weapon in the war.

Mixing humorous comments with serious interpretive statements, Mr. Kaltenborn provoked frequent laughter. He expressed his opinion that Roosevelt will "graciously decline" a third term nomination, but in the meantime will keep everyone guessing. He stated that Michigan had a very good chance to provide a presidential candidate. This latter comment, he cautioned, “can be looked at more ways than one.”

Mr. Kaltenborn was introduced by Prof. Waldo Abbot, director of the University Broadcasting Service.