| FDR Calls Special Session | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 1530 |
| Catalog #: | 347547 | |
| Clip Number: | 347547-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | 011-806-01 | |
| Timecode: | 00:37:16 - 00:40:10 | |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, D.C. | |
| Year Shot: | 1939 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | GOVERNMENT: United States, Congress INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Misc. LOCATIONS/NORTH AMERICA: USA, Washington D.C. WORLD WAR TWO, GENERAL: Misc | |
| Description: | In a move of far-reaching importance to the U.S., President Roosevelt summons Congress for a special session, at which, it is believed, stringent phases of the arms embargo may be repealed. Meanwhile, Senators Nye and Tomas argue the 'pros' and 'cons' of the embargo, and General Hugh Johnson warns the nation to stay out of Europe! Nice view of US Capitol. Senator Gerald Nye speaks: The present neutrality law not only has it the signature of the President of the United States but enjoyed its most hardy approval. He termed them Safeguards against us being drawn into other peoples wars. Now he, the same President of the United States asks for their repeal. The arms embargo is far too grand a security of American peace, to warrant its surrender without a last ditch fight and that fight will be had. Like so many Americans, I too am wishing for victory for one side engaged in Europe, but I'm wishing more for than that. For the avoidance of my country, of the waste, the cost, the death, the futility, the deaths, the cripples and the heartbreak that can be America's only reward for participation in another European mess. Senator Thomas or Gen. Hugh Johnson: Now that the embargo act has been invoked. I am confident that the American People very quickly see its weakness. For example the Neutrality Act embargos the shipment of arms, ammunition and implements of war. But it does not prevent the shipment of all those raw products that goes into the making of arms, ammunition and implements of war. For example we can not ship gun cotton but we can ship cotton which can be made into gun cotton. We cannot ship war chemicals but we can ship all of the ordinary chemicals that can very quickly be made into war chemicals. As soon as the people see how inadequate this law is they will demand an amendment. I shall support in the fullest any amendment that the President will offer or suggest which goes out for the results of the experience we have in the administration of the law. | |
WPA FILM LIBRARY
