AMERICAN OPINION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23719, 27 July 1940, Page 11

AMERICAN OPINION

RESULTS OF SURVEY INTERVENTION OPPOSED MORE HELP NOT FAVOURED f " 1 NEW YORK, July 25 A survey of public opinion by the magazine Fortune, conducted since France's capitulation, discloses that the majority of readers are opposed to the United States doing more than at present to assist Britain. It also shows that only 21.2 per cent of those wanting the United States to give more help would be willing to send the array, navy and air force.

The survey shows that 07.4 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: — • Yes No Percent Percent Canada . .. •• &~- 8 Hawaii • •• ~*f ~ In January .. .. Philippines .. • • In January .. •• Bermuda In January .. .. 33.9 30.0 •Dutch East Indies .. Mexico I ( ?' r > 0 o"j ■ln January .. • • . -7 * Brazil - - jo Jn January .. -• , . ('•2B.H per cent, no opinion) The survey also showed that 37 per cent of those whose opinion was sought believed the United States would eventually enter the war, and 44 8 did not believe it would. In January 39.1 per cent believed the chances of entering the war were greater 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. d 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.