In many respects the 18 months from June 1941 to December 1942--from the German assault on Soviet Russia to the conclusion of the first year of actual United States participation in World War II--was a brief interval of realism in the United States perception of the Soviet Union. The editorialists of "The New York Times" (probably the most influential newspaper in the United States) were in accord with public sentiment in regarding the military cooperation of the Soviet Union as a blessing offered as a result of expediency and, therefore, as something to be accepted with the same expedient outlook. The heroic defense of Stalingrad late in 1942 gave both the Russian people and the Soviet regime higher status in the eyes of the United States public. Henceforth, "The New York Times" editorials were devoted to researching and presenting similarities between the Soviet Union and the United States rather than differences. Since sentiment marched steadily from opposition to support--from hatred to idealization--it was questionable whether the United States was realistic in its international affairs during the 18 months under consideration. (BZ)