International: Us Poor Europeans

West European publicists have been giving the U.S. a shrewish scolding for headlong and over-energetic moves against Communism. Last week West European opinion swung around 180°; it showed dismay because some prominent Americans suggested that the U.S. reduce its world commitments. Europeans who were warning one day against too close an association with the reckless U.S. next day found themselves appalled by the threat of American "isolationism."

The cry of isolationism rose particularly against Herbert Hoover for suggesting that the U.S. might base its defense of the free world on the Western Hemisphere (see U.S. AFFAIRS). The Manchester Guardian asked: "Where does...