Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1941. AMERICA AND THE WAR.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1941, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1941. AMERICA AND THE WAR.

ISOLATIONISTS, some of them of a decidedly pro-Xazi tinge, continue to make themselves heard in the United States and a large proportion of the people of the Republic no doubt are as desirous as ever of keeping out of the war if possible. It. seems now to be quite definitely established, however, that isolationism, for all practical purposes, is dead hi the United States and that the nation will stay out of the war only if it is permitted to do so while making every effort, in its power, short of war, to ensure the victory of the democracies. President Roosevelt is wary as well as enlightened and far-seeing, and it is certain that, nothing less than an assurance of overwhelming public approval and support, would have induced him to sanction the policy under which American naval patrols have been extended 2,000 miles out into the Atlantic, from high latitudes down to the Antarctic. Although the declared intention meantime is only to checkmate and prevent, by observation and the transmission of information, forms of attack on merchant shipping which -violate international law, the extension of American patrols is bound to be regarded by the Nazis as active participation against them in the war. If Hitler and his fellow-gangsters accept the position without declaring war on the United States it will be only because they feel that in doing so they are choosing the least of two evils. According to the “Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung,” of Berlin. Germany will retort upon President Roosevelt’s neutrality plan by the “quick and certain.” sinking of American ships, Americans would do well (the same paper adds) to cherish no illusions about the position. It was time for Americans to realise what confronted their shipping and their armament production when President Roosevelt’s plan matured. It is self-evident, however, that Americans are cherishing no illusions. On top of the Lease and Lend Bill, and what it entails and. implies, the extension of naval patrols is conclusive proof that Americans as a nation, including large numbers who would prefer not to enter the war if possible, are determined that nothing shall stand in the way of their rendering effective aid to Britain and her allies. There is no obscurity about President Roosevelt’s position. It has, however, been defined once again, this time on the excellent authority of his wife. Asked at a lecture meeting in Los Angeles whether the President “will keep his promise and keep us out of the war,” Mrs Roosevelt, according to a cablegram received yesterday, replied : — He hasn’t made any such promise. He has said that he wants peace, and if it is possible to stay at peace we will do so, but the ultimate decision rests with the people. Not long ago, President Roosevelt himself said, in effect, that he believed, there would be less danger of the United States being involved in war if it gave maximum aid to the democracies than if it held back and waited to be attacked in isolation. Whether that view now calls for revision may be a matter of opinion. It is clear in any case that, the latest developments of American policy brighten and strengthen not a little the prospects of decisive victory for the democracies. In the action now being taken, and there is no reason to suppose that it represents finality, the United States is giving immensely powerful aid and support to Britain in the crucial Battle of the Atlantic —the battle upon which it becomes ever more evident that the whole fate of the war depends. This assuredly does not mean that the course of the war in other areas of conflict, is to be classed as of minor importance and disregarded. Amongst others, the possibility has to be considered that the development of Anglo-American co-operation, at the stage it has now reached, may lead to an extension of the war to the Pacific. Should that happen, new and serious problems, both military and economic,, would arise, not least for Australia and Ne.w. Zealand. It is plainly established, however, that the vital life-line with the United States must be maintained if Britain is to be impregnable against invasion and is to increase her striking power in all the theatres in which, with her Empire partners and allies, she is or may be engaged. Nothing that is happening or can happen can detract from the value of effective American aid in safeguarding and making the fullest possible use of the Atlantic life-line. \