The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-10-31

Publicly, the three are still talk ing isolationism in calliope over- tones. But what gives significant color to the inside word that they are looking for way out was their stand on the last lend-lease bill.
 This bill was vigorously opposed by America First. But none of them took any part in the debate. Willis wasn't even in Washington. Brooks finally voted for the bill. And Wheeler didn't vote at all.
 All the other redhot isolationists lined up against the measure.
 According to word reaching worried America First chiefs, Wheeler is disturbed over the type of clements forging to the front in the isOlationist move ment, particularly in local America First units. Close in inmates say he was shocked by the groups he encountered at America First rallies during his recent trans s-c0ntinental speak ing junket.
 The big hitch on Wheeler's switching over is his vendetta with Roosevelt. If a way could be found to bring the two to- gether, the Montana senator might take the leap and desert his pres ent cronies. But getting the two men together is big order, as feeling between them is very bitter. Wheeler has long hated Roosevelt and the feeling is heart fly reciprocated.
 POLITICAL PRESSURE
 Behind the undercover wob- bling of Brooks and Willis is pain political pressure. Both are un- der plenty of it in their states.
 Brooks comes up for election next year and already several prominent Illinois Republicans are squaring off to run against him on his isolationism. One is Bill B!ackett, Chicago business leader and former National Committee man, who vigorously supported Wendell Willkie's militant demand that the COP abandon it's isola- tionism. Another is William F. Waugh, former Illinois American Legion Commander, who also has demanded unitd support behind Roosevelt's foreign policy.
 P0liticOs close to Brooks say that the chief factor keeping him from bOlting is the pOwer- full Chicago Tribune.
 This arch isolationist, Roosevelt hating paper played big role in Brooks election and the inside political word is that he is fear ful of bringing down its fury on his head.
 Willis faces no campaign next year, but when he returned to Indiana recently he was startled by the change in sentiment on the foreign issue-particularly among Republican leaders after Willkie'S fighting pronouncement.
 The local boys told Willis that public opinion was veering strongly against isOlatiOnism and that WilIkie's stock in Indiana was higher now than it had been even during the 194O cam paign.
 The politicos advised Willis to watch his step and not get caught out on limb on the foreign issue, as it would hurt the party's state ticket next year. What the In- diana senator does remains to be seen, but meanwhile America First generalissimoS are losing sleep.
 NOTE - Republican insiders predict that it won't be long be- fore Rep. Joe Martin, smart Na- tional Chairman, will climb off the isolationist wagon and fololw Will kie's lead on foreign policy. PEPPER ENDORES HITLER"!!
 At a formal reception in Wash ington, German newsman Kurt Sell was introduced to militant anti-isolationist Senator Claude Pepper of Florida. Onlookers held their breaths. But-they got along beautifully.
 High point of the conversation was when Pepper said a compli- ment to the German system. "The totalitarian system" he ob- served, provides a certain disci- pline which Is necessary in this machine age"
 "YOu are right, Senat0r!" ex- claimed Sell, and then added with . grin; 'I think I should