Imperial Valley Press

Sumner Welles Sails to Check on Peace Possibilities for Roosevelt

ABOARD LINER REX, Feb. 17. (UP)--Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles sailed from New York today to explore the possibilities for peace in Europe.

The personal emissary of President Roosevelt to Italy, Germany, France and Great Britain, left without making a statement but indicated he would start home by the end of March.

Asked what "the essential object" of his trip, Welles said: "I have nothing to add to the president's statement. I repeat what I have said before--that I will have nothing to say until I return and make my confidential report in Washington."

The president's instructions were for Welles to confer with diplomatic representatives of the four countries and report back.

Myron C. Taylor, the president's personal ambassador to the Vatican, also sailed on the Rex. He issued this statement:

"President Roosevelt has asked me to proceed to Italy to serve as his personal representative to Pope Pius XII who has agreed to receive me in this capacity.

We shall explore every possibility that a representative of the president may properly do to assist in furthering his desire of freedom and independence for all nations.

Not only has his holiness evidenced his profound interest in any step which might lead toward this goal, but his declarations on behalf of suffering humanity regardless of race or creed have led us in this country to believe that a useful purpose might be served through some coordination of effort."