GROWING STRENGTH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 39, 15 February 1941, Page 9

GROWING STRENGTH

AID TO BRITAIN

PEOPLE'S HAND IN AMERICA

(From "The Post's" Representative.)

NEW YORK, January 26,

There are now ISO known branches of the unique "Buy'Brimovement started by a store executive, in Portland, Oregon, Robert Smith, two months ago. All over the country are window posters with the sign, "Help Britain. Buy Something British." Somewhat dazed by the phenomenal success of his idea, Smith, who is in the thirties, attributes it entirely to the strong feelings of the "average man in the street."

"Until you have experienced what I have in these last few weeks," he said, "you can't imagine how strongly the average American wants England to win. Not only that, but he wants to do something. personally to help towards the victory, and is only waiting to be told what to do."

The Mayor of Portland, a town of half a million people, issued an official proclamation, urging support for the movement. Ah hour after it appeared in the local newspapers, a paper manufacturer telephoned Smith, offering 1000 dollars-' worth of cardboard for posters. Smith telephoned an artist, an engraver, and a printer, and within half an hour had arranged for a design, lithograph, and printing—all without a cent of cost. Scores of cities and towns gave repeat orders for the poster.

Every day brings new offers of help. A stranger telephoned Smith and said: "If you get out a directory of stores handling British goods in Portland. I will pay for the printing of 10,000 copies. Organisations of young men are springing up all over the country, offering their services free as speakers, to "sell" the movement to the people of their district. Everything is voluntary, either readily proffered or given when asked for.

The success of the movement is in line with the rapid change in public opinion. Isolationists are now publicly pilloried. Their ranks grow thinner every day. .Only two leaders are left—Lindbergh and Senator Wheeler. The latest national survey indicates that more than 50 per cent, now favour the United States declaring war on Germany; six months ago, the proportion was. less than 20 per cent.< It' augurs well' for practical illustration pf this trend when President Roosevelt's "Lease and Lend" policy of aid to Great Britain shall have been passed by Congress.