PUBLIC OPINION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 176, 26 July 1940, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION.

AMERICAN SURVEY.

Swing Follows Capitulation Of

France.

INTERESTING DISCLOSURES

Unit&d Pr&33 Association.—Copyright

(Received noon.?

NEW YORK, July 23.

The "Fortune" survey of public opinion, conducted since France's capitulation, discloses that the majority are opposed to the United States doing more than at present to assist Britain, also that only 21.2 per cent of those wanting the United States to give more help would be willing to send the army, navy and air force.

The survey shows that 57.4 per cent oppose giving more help, 34.2 per cent favour it, and 8.4 per cent have no opinion. The replies generally indicate a recession since last month of the desire for intervention.

One question asked was: "If a major foreign Power threatened to take over any of the following countries by armed invasion, would you be willing for the United States to go to the rescue with armed forces?" The answers were as follows:— No Teg. No. opinion. P.c. P.c. P.c. Canada 57.8 6.8 — Hawaii 74 12.5 —- In January ... 55.1 25.3 — Philippines 65.5 20.3 — In January ... 54 26.4 — Bermuda 60.3 19.1 — In January .. . 33.9 39.9 — Dutch East Indies 17.1 54.7 28.2 Mexico 76.5 12.5 — In January ... 54.5 28.4 — Brazil 54.7 24.9 — In January ... 36.8 40 — The survey also showed that 37 per cent of those whose opinion was sought believe the United States will eventually enter the war, and 44.8 do not believe it. In January 39.1 per cent believed the chances of entering the war were better than even, 32.8 per cent believed the chances were even and 26.2 per cent believed it unlikely. At present the survey indicates, 88.3 per cent believe that if Germany and Italy were to win the war the United States should arm to the teeth, regardless of expense, and prepare for any trouble, while 7.8 per cent oppose arms expenditure and favour peaceful relations with the totalitarian. States.