(2 of 2)
For such reasons, dopesters thought that Juan Trippe's generous concern for Britain was suspect. They saw it as a shrewd move to reinforce Pan Am as the one & only U.S. international airline after the war. The British are already committed to the single-line policy (British Overseas Airways Corp. is a Government outfit), and want London to be headquarters for all European air traffic. Trippe, in scratching B.O.A.C.'s back, should get his back scratched in return in postwar deals for landing rights anywhere in the world where the British have influence. And control of world air bases is the big area in which the U.S. will be weak and Britain strong.
U.S. Government air experts are largely in favor of more competition for Pan Am after the war. But when it comes to the actual negotiations for bases and franchises, a Pan Am-B.O.A.C. pressure bloc could do a lot to change their minds.