The Waikato Times THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1940 AMERICA AND THE WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1940 AMERICA AND THE WAR

As t,"\e United States presidential election campaign develops it is becomiAg increasingly clear that the British Empire and the cause of free me.\ in general have more to hope for from the re-election of Mr Roosevelt than from the choice of Mr Wendell Willkie. Evidence is not lacking that the Republicans are far more “isolationist” than the Democrats. Britain’s attitude towards America should not be mistaken. Of course the Empire would welcome America’s active intervention in the war, and no good purpose would be served by attempting to hide the fact. But Britain does recognise that it is for the American people to choose.

Regarding the moral obligation of the United States to make some contribution towards the preservation of the democratic way of life, however, there cannot be two opinions. America owes the duty to do all that is possible—short of war if she wills it so, but none the less definitely to prevent Nazi barbarism over-running the world. No aigument by the extreme isolationists to the contrary can carry conviction. As an organisation it is probably true, as Mr Willkie himself has said, that the Republicans would continue to give Britain material support short of war. but the fact remains that some Republican supporters have given the impression that they would be ultra-cautious in making any assistance available to Britain.

Senator Hiram Johnson, a prominent Republican, urged that the transfer of over-age destroyers to Britain would be tantamount to war. He does not blame Britain for wanting America’s active help in the war. but he says “it would be a day of sorrow for Americans.” President Roosevelt discloses a broader appreciation of America’s responsibility to mankind. “There is another enemy at home,” he said, “the mean, petty spirit that mocks ideals, sneers at sacrifice and pretends the American people can live by bread alone. If the spirit of God is not in us, if we are not prepared to give all we have to preserve Christian civilisation, we shall go to destruction.” That, it is to be hoped, is the spirit that will prevail in the United States when the time comes for the millions of people to cast their votes.

It is probable that the British people have a better appreciation of the possibilities of America’s future than have the Americans themselves, in spite of the seeming paradox. It is largely a matter of whether the United States alone or in association with the other American republics could successfully counter totalitarian aggression if the bulwark of Britain were removed from the way. Independent opinion would say that the Americans certainly do not want Nazi domination. In association with the British Empire, even without active participation in the war, they could certainly encompass the defeat of Hitlerism. But if Britain should stand aside and allow the Nazis to do their worst, he is a bold American who would say that the United States would be safe. From any point of view America is wise to give Britain all possible material aid, even if she stops short of war.