As many of you know, I have long believed that the war now in progress is a battle for freedom which vitally concerns all of us in the United States. For many months I have been an advocate of this country's taking all steps necessary to insure the defeat of the Axis Powers, not excluding from among the steps that might be necessary active belligerency, when the strategists so advise.

I hardly need to say to you that I have in no way altered my opinion. It would seem to me that the time for final action by this country is close at hand.

Since my return, I have been amazed to hear it argued by intelligent citizens of the United States that a negotiated peace between Great Britain and the Axis Powers is a possibility.

Of one thing new I am more sure than ever before: the English people will not make peace with Hitler. I do not believe any British Government could come into power which was prepared to make peace with Hitler.

For, to the British, a so-called compromise peace means slavery for every man, woman, and child upon their island. That slavery will only come to Britain, in my opinion, in the remote possibility that their country should be invaded by overwhelming forces, or that after weakening by a prolonged blockade should be overrun. And then the fight would go on in other parts of the globe.

For I do not believe the American people will sit idly by with Hitler controlling the Atlantic Ocean and undermining our freedom in this hemisphere. It seems to me clear that in all likelihood the longer we delay in sending full aid against the Axis Powers, the longer will be the war, and the greater will be the ultimate misery for all mankind.