UNITED STATES AND WAR

Evening Star, Issue 23350, 21 August 1939, Page 9

UNITED STATES AND WAR

WOULD AMERICANS BE DRAWN IN? PUBLIC OPINION ANSWERS IN W AFFIRMATIVE ROOSEVELT ANXIOUS TO “ FIRE ANOTHER SHOT FOR PEACE " Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, August 20. Seventy-six per cent, of American's now believe that the United States will be drawn into war against Germany and Italy, according to the latest poll conducted by the American Institute of Public Opinion. In 1937 38 per cent, thought so. A striking feature is that the highest percentage holding this belief (78) was found in the Mid-West, which is traditionally isolationist. -> The survey is not an investigation of what Americans wish, but what they feel they must expect. The chief reasons for involvement given were, American sympathies with Britain and Franco, disapproval of Nazi-Fascist regimes, American commercial ties with Britain and France, and fear of the defeat of democracies. President Roosevelt will return next week from a cruise on the Canadian coast. The Washington correspondent of the ‘ New York Herald-Tri-bune’ says it will not be surprising if President Roosevelt intervenes in Europe. He is known to be anxious “ to fire another shot for peace.” If he can summon a peace conference or do something to push Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini off their balance and upset their timing he will consider the effort well worth the risk of being accused of meddling and war-mongering.