nbcman
Donor
I don't think that the US would refuse to pick up the pill. In March 1940, there was a majority in Gallup polling that would support lending France and the UK money if they were going to lose the war:Before Britain was broke and when Churchy was trying to rally the public. When broke and putting the war effort on life support, with the US refusing to pick up the pill and shipping losses exceeding construction, things are going to look much more bleak to the rather mercurial Winston....assuming he hasn't gotten a vote of no confidence.
MARCH 4 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #3
If looked as though England and France would lose the war unless we loaned them money to buy war supplies here, would you favor or oppose lending them money?
Favor.............................. 55%
Oppose.............................45%
And a bare majority supported sales of aircraft on credit in May 1940:
MAY 24
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/16-21/40
Survey #194-K Question #6
If England and France are unable to pay cash for airplanes they buy in this country, do you think we should sell them planes on credit supplied by our Government?
Yes................................ 51%
No................................49%
Plus a wider majority supported purchasing European colonies in June:
JUNE 14
PURCHASE OF ALLIED TERRITORY
Interviewing Date 6/1-6/40
Survey #197-K Question #5
If the Allies need more money for running the war, would you be in favor of the United States and other American republics buying the British, French, and Dutch possessions in the area of the Panama Canal?
Yes................................ 81%
No................................ 19%
So even without Roosevelt or Lend Lease, I believe that there was going to be an increase in aid to the UK based on the sentiments of that time.