RETREAT OF AMERICA’S ISOLATIONISTS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23248, 7 February 1941, Page 8

RETREAT OF AMERICA’S ISOLATIONISTS

No Real Opposition to Aid For Britain [By RAYMOND GRAM SWING.] NEW YORK, January 25. Something remarkable happened to America in January—the nation made up its mind, whereas a month ago it still floundered and doubted until nobody was sure which doubt would rally the majority behind it. The nation leaned towards full aid to Britain, but was really incapable of clear action.

Then came the decision, full proof of which will accumulate in time, but evidence of which is provided by the isolationists’ present attitude.

Representative Fish reveals that he had adjusted himself to the decision. He is the most effective and strident isolationist, but now he proposes his own way to helping Britain — namely, R.F.C. credit of £666,600,000, followed by further financial aid. Senator Taft, who had hoped to win the Republican nomination for the Presidency as an isolationist, is introducing a similar proposal in the Senate. Mr Joseph Kennedy, retiring Ambassador to Britain, is another weathercock showing the direction of the nation’s mind. Kennedy Astounded Them It astounded the country, that after many people had described him as an appeaser and defeatist he was still Ambassador, and thus not free to reveal his experiences in Britain—the President may have postponed acceptance of his resignation with this curb in mind—but Mr Kennedy, testifying in the House of Representatives, donned the equipage of Britain’s friend and advocated full aid to her. He criticised the method only. The foregoing constitutes evidc ce, but proof will accumulate in time, although there will be cross-currents and contradictions. Mr Roosevelt last week made what appeared to be a concession to the opposition after it was already beaten. He agreed that the United States Navy should not be used for convoy, but this does not ’ constitute the concession that superficially it appears to be. The use of the Navy for convoy work could be construed as an act of war, declaration of which is a right that Congress is determined not to surrender to the President. Mr Roosevelt does not care to raise this issue and, therefore, promises that the Navy will not be used in convoy, but does not promise not to transfer warships to Britain, in the same manner as 50 destroyers were exchanged. Britain would then be at liberty fo use transferred warshjps for convoying work. The Total Aid Bill will be fully discussed and will hardly become law before the middle of February, perhaps the middle of March. needs will not suffer in the meanwhile, because the Administration knows that the full programme is now possible and can be financed and executed, irrespective of whether the debate is short or long. Economic Warfare Backstage opposition to the economic defence programme came from the< State Department, but Mr Hull has now approved of early action, and it is expected that these economic plans will be far-reaching and will start with the freezing of all foreign assets. After that Britain and Britain’s associates will have no trouble in getting licences, but Italy and Germany will be immediately restricted. They are now attempting to send cash securities out of the country. Japan will be more leniently treated, but existing export embargoes will be sternly maintained. Furthermore, there will be greater monetary control, either through the stabilisation fund or inter-Governmental loans, such as those already made to China and Argentina. Economic warfare will be carried into the world’s markets, with a policy of vast, preclusive buying. There will also be an extension of shipping controls, under powers, first granted to' President Wilson and now revived, which permit the President to force all ships from the United States to obtain a Treasury clearance. This can be co-ordinated with British bunker control. (World Copyright reserved by Columbia News Service.),