AUSTIN, Texas, May 9-As Europe’s war spreads to new fronts, observers are pointing to increasing possibilities of the United States being involved. In the opinion of American college students, many of whom are of fighting age, what are the conditions under which the United states should join the Allies against Germany?
Interviewers in scores of campuses have asked that question in Student Opinion Surveys sampling. The results, exclusive to The Loyola Maroon and other member newspapers, show definitely that the American collegian has not changed his mind, is still much opposed to rushing into the conflict.
A good majority-two to one-may be included in two camps: Those who believe we should not join at all; those who would have us fight only in the case that the United States is actually threatened with an invasion.
The largest group of students, one-third of the entire enrollment, would keep our armies at home and fight only if an enemy attacked on this side of the Atlantic. The smallest group registered in the poll, 2 percent, represents the students who believe the United States should join the Allies at once.
Following are the complete national tabulations:
1. Only if there is actual threat of the United States being invaded: 33%
2. United States should not join: 31%
3. Only if there is actual threat of any American nation being invaded: 15%
4. Only if England and France appear to be losing: 10%
5. U.S. should join now: 2%
6. Other conditions: 5%
7. No opinion: 4%
Under what conditions do you believe the United States should join the Allies against Germany?
These are the opinions of students after the German invasion of Scandinavia. Recent Allied failures in Norway may have changed attitudes to some extent, but the trend has been more and more against the United States entering the conflict. Six months ago a Surveys poll pointed out that 36 percent approved of sending troops against Germany if the Allies appeared to be losing. Now only 10 percent approve.