INTEREST IN WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24405, 17 September 1940, Page 8

INTEREST IN WAR

THE AMERICAN PUBLIC

“ALL FOR BRITAIN ”

(Special to Daily Times)

AUCKLAND, Sept. 16,

“ When it comes to the war and the Presidential election I should say the main interest was in the war, and everyone is for Britain,” said Mr Julius M Rapaport, of Allentown, Pennsylvania on his arrival by the American Clipper to-day, Mr Rapaport is an ex perienced air traveller, having flown round the world by British and American services in 30 days last year. “Of course, we are interested in the elections, too,’ he continued. “Both the candidates have declared themselves in favour of all possible assistance to Great Britain. It is just a question who will do the job best.” Mi' Rapaport said that growing sentiment in the United States was toward defending the western hemisphere and sending all possible assistance to Britain short of despatching troops. It was felt that Britain's need was for equipment especially aircraft rather than men. “The German-American Bund is in thorough dispute,” Mr Rapaport said, in reply to a question as to what influence the organisation had in the United States. “It is under Congressional investigation'. I would say it would have no substantial effect on public opinion. The Dies Committee has done a lot toward exposing' it. As for Colonel Charles Lindbergh he has fallen from caste. Everyone admires his flying ability but everyone feels that when he gets into the sphere of international diplomacy he is floundering in something he does not understand. He does not command a very great following.”