Reactions in the United States
If Hitler had hoped that in attacking Communist Russia be would confuse the minds of the American public and strengthen the hands of the isolationists he will soon discover his error. Though the isolationists attempted to make the most of the occasion the interventionists have gained more, by pressing the argument that the opportunity has been given to help Britain in delivering a knock-out blow. Mr. Sumner Welles, the Assistant Secretary of State, lost no time in de- claring that any defence against Hitlerism, from whatever source, will hasten the downfall of the present German leaders, whose attack upon Russia he described as " treacherous." President Roosevelt backed up Mr. Sumner Welles with the promise that he was going to give all possible aid to Russia ; and as a practical demonstration of the intention to help the Treasury has lifted the restrictions on Soviet assets in the United States. Though the Communist Press, which had been strenuously denying the reports of strained relations between Germany and Russia, is embarrassed by the turn of events, it is the general belief in America that Communists must abandon their attempts to sabotage war-production, which now serves the interests of the Soviet as of the other enemies of Germany. It is likely that the attack on Russia has removed one of the most serious stumbling-Mocks to American war- industry.
