How U.S.A. Feels Towards
p. 60 · Read in the full issue
the War
A WELL-KNOWN resident of Poly nesia, who was in America when the war broke out, wrote thus to the editor of the “P.1.M.” from San Fran cisco:— “New York City is full of Jews and Germans. It was barely possible to move within three blocks of the overhead run ning news bulletins, at the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway.
“England is certainly the hero in U.S.A.
We went a long way in all kinds of cities, and amongst all classes of people. There is a definite hatred and fear of Hitler and his policy—not just a dislike, but a hate. With all their American hot-air, there is a feeling that only England can take the initiative, and that only England dare.
“They now see the wisdom of Chamber lain’s policy last September—especially is this so in Canada. It gave the Allies a grand rehearsal and the opportunity to overhaul their war resources. It showed their weaknesses; but, principally, it spurred on the establishment of new re sources and equipment.
“The principal American squeal is ‘Keep us out of the war—let them do their own fighting. If war comes to America we will fight, but we will send no soldiers overseas. Stick to the Munro doctrine’. (Munro doctrine: Putting off the evil day.) “The wise ones know that it is in evitable that America will be drawn into the war. They know that in some unfore seen manner it is bound to happen—and they are going ahead furiously with their war arrangements.
“We found at Butte, Montana, that 15 copper mines, which had been closed, were newly opened. Lead-smelters that have been closed for years, have opened.
“The day before Germany entered Poland, the 7th U.S.A. Mechanised Cavalry Brigade rode up Fifth Avenue.
There were 650 wheeled units, large and small tanks, batteries of French 75 and mortars, armoured cars, motor-cycle squads, gas cars, ambulances, baggage and supply train—2o miles of it, and travell ing at 30 m.p.h. There were 2 planes overhead with radio transmitters. Each vehicle has a radio receiver. The Com mander just talks in his car. The planes keep him advised of all movements.
“Everything looked new. They just bowled along. You can imagine how 20 miles of this form of traffic at midday in New York disturbed the normal traffic.
It was definitely a war propaganda stunt.
There was no confusion and no break downs. It looked grand to me.”