American negotiators wanted firmer statements about the freedoms and principles for which the war would be fought. Britain was already at war and preferred to postpone commitments it could not yet define securely. Meeting American conditions would still offer no guarantee that Roosevelt could persuade the public to join the conflict. Britain sought immediate military help, while the American position depended on winning domestic support even after agreement on principles.
Notable Point · 45:48-46:39
American conditions offered Britain no guarantee of intervention
British concessions on war aims could still leave Roosevelt unable to secure public support for entry.