ROOSEVELT ASKS CONGRESS TO REPEAL ARMS EMBARGO (9/22/39)

Microfiche-New York Times archives, McHenry Library, U.C. Santa Cruz | 9/22/39 | Turner Catledge

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[BroJoeK]

"I've always been interested what course the war would have taken if Mussolini had followed Franco's lead and stayed out of it. "

Much as I dislike Pat Buchanan's overall perspectives, on this particular point I think he's right on the money. In "The Unnecessary War" he describes the scene when bumbling British diplomacy and Mussolini's insufferable arrogance combined to "flip" Italy from the West's ally to Hitler's partner.

Mussolini's later descent from "partner" -- indeed senior partner -- to helpless client of Hitler is another story, which I confess to not fully understanding...

[BroJoeK]

"The second link, Kaltenborn's commentary, is a must-hear."

Great report, and pretty "fair and balanced" I'd say.

Some interesting language:

"the milk in the coconut is the question, whether the arms embargo should be repealed."

"on this issue, said Senator Lafallet, we will fight from hell to breakfast."

"Milk in the coconut," and "fight from hell to breakfast" are not expressions you hear so often, these days... ;-)