As I;m sure you are aware, the political maelstrom of the day precluded
FDR from taking any clearer stand than he did. There was a very powerful, vociferous mindset of isolationism within our government that is easy to chastise
from the perspective of history. FDR was absolutely in the pro-war camp but had little room for maneuvering at the time, which has given rise to all the Pearl Harbor conspiracy talk of FDR, Churchill knowing about the attack in advance but allowing
it to happen for obvious reasons.
Yes, the more things change.... and all that. Clearly FDR couldn’t effectivly act, though support like lend-lease was a major plus. Can’t believe I’m posting this, in general I despise FDR. I’m not big on the conspiracy stuff, information exchange was a bit different in those days.