Confidential report from Robert Brennan to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(108/47/39) (Copy)

There is no doubt but that the opinion of America is almost entirely against Germany in the present war. Even before war was declared or before Germany had invaded Poland, the Gallup Poll published the result of a poll taken on the question of Germany's territorial claims, and it showed that 83% of Americans were against even Danzig going to Germany. The invasion of Poland by Germany is denounced on all sides. If there are any who think Germany was justified, their voices are not heard. The case presented by Great Britain justifying her action in making war on Germany is almost universally accepted here; even the few who previously had something to say for Hitler and Germany have now come to the conclusion that Hitler must be insane.

On the other hand, there has arisen a surprising volume of opinion to the effect that America must keep out of this war, together with warnings against propaganda from one side or the other. President Roosevelt, in his radio address to the Nation on Sunday night, pledged himself to use every effort to keep America neutral. Generally speaking, the press of the country endorses his stand.

Nothing else is talked of here but the war situation. Wherever one goes, there is a radio at hand giving forth the latest bulletins, and most of the radio stations are kept going all night. Practically every programme is interrupted three or four times to give the latest bulletins. While it is stressed by the announcers that the news is strictly neutral, it is to be noticed that there are at least six broadcasts from London and Paris to one from Germany.

It is, of course, impossible to prophesy, but many people think that notwithstanding the obvious desire of the President and Congress and the people to keep out of this war, the United States will eventually be found on the side of England and France.