Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1940-09-12
/ Might Be
|Wrong--BUT

spirits as IeSuAt u Vic Sohl-
summation Of the destroyer-for-
bases deal. This week our
elation is somewhat dampened
as a result Of the tremendous
damage being reported from
Nazi bombings of England. Up
and down surge our feelings. We
are led to wonder whether the
full reports we receive from
England and the lack of reports
from Germany are purposeful
releases of propaganda calculated
to influence public opinion and
sentiment in America. Could it
be possible that, even though we
get only bits of information, the
Royal Air Force is infiicting
untold damage on Berlin and on
many industrial centers through
out the Reich and Italy? Could
it be that Germany fails to let
the entire truth be known as to
the extent of damage while
Britain exaggerates her reports
Of losses? An analysis of
human reactions and emotions
indicates that discouraging in
formation causes a gritting of
teeth and firmer determination
70 right a wrong. Such is GER
hinly the effect upon those with
whom l have talked. From the
time of the invasion of the Low
Countries there arose in the
minds and hearts of the Ameri-
can people a determination to
follow through on all efforts ~
build up our own national de-
tense This determination was
more noticeable during the days
pst prior to the capitalization of
Rance. It was beginning to let
W during the apparent lull after
Italy entered the war. The
PRESSURE of public opinion urg-
ing fast action lessened con-
lderably with reports indicating
hat Britain was much stronger
han at first thought. Favorable
reports are likely to produce a
Feeling of false security and a
Consequent slackening of the
frlve to put the defense program
Pver. Perhaps the British have
poticed these reactions and,
masters as they are of propa-
BANDA and controlling most of
me lines of communication, have
feen to it that the American
public is fed with that type Of
Pews calculated to keep at the
highest point their determine
non to push the defense pro-
gram.
On the other hand the Ger
mans, no mean propagandists
themselves, could likely foresee
|ne exact opposite and fear that
my reports of serious damage
Nazi strongholds would result
the fastening of crystallized
eminent in America toward
ecual entry into the war. This,
course, would be based on the
sumption that the higher the
pirt the greater the effort.
Either can be correct. If
Owever, we are getting un.
Oored reports about the Lon.
On bombings then it is time fol
10 be taking real notice. II
iust be remembered that this
ah Hitler has made many
OaSts and that he has delivered
most of them. He stated
nat victory over France woulc
a short effort but thai
britain would offer longer ant
lOre stubborn battle. The pos.
lOlllty of Britain's capitulatior
annot be overlooked. And il
~e happens, then what? Oul
'sI impulse is to hope and be
''e that the reports are re.
ased as outlined above. Will
az hope aside, we come face tx
We with the stark reality thai
United States is the only
O'io power left in the path Of
uctators. Will Hitler strike
US! If he does, will we b,
~ TO ward off any attacks long
'ugh to get our defense pro
am well under way? o.
use, even though the Nazil
1quer England Hitler and hi
Ses have plenty Of trouble anc
~ In Europe to keep then
~ Tor a long time but is i