How we cite our quotes: (Section.Subsection.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[...] this Act may be cited as "An Act to Promote the Defense of the United States". (1)
It may also be cited by its longer, less known title, "An Act to Promote the Defense of the United States Against the Forces of Darkness."
Quote #2
To manufacture in arsenals, factories, and shipyards under their jurisdiction, or otherwise procure, to the extent to which funds are made available therefor, or contracts are authorized from time to time by the Congress, or both, any defense article for the government of any country whose defense the President deems vital to the defense of the United States. (3.a.1)
Fisticuffs might have worked in the old days, but a set of bare knuckles and a bad attitude aren't gonna cut it in 20th-century warfare. Instead, all of America's infrastructural and industrial resources were deployed for the defense of worldwide democracy.
Quote #3
The terms and conditions upon which any such foreign government receives any aid authorized under subsection (a) shall be those which the President deems satisfactory, and the benefit to the United States may he payment or repayment in kind or property, or any other direct or indirect benefit which the President deems satisfactory. (5.b)
Who said being the good guy came for free? The U.S. might have doled out (literally) tons of war materials as a result of Lend-Lease agreements with foreign nations, but it certainly wasn't charity. This little section of the act suggests that, for the most part, the U.S. expected repayment for all that world-saving help, and that reimbursement would be accepted in many forms.
Quote #4
The Secretaries of War and of the Navy are hereby authorized to purchase or otherwise acquire arms, ammunition, and implements of war produced within the jurisdiction of any country to which section 3 is applicable, whenever the President deems such purchase or acquisition to be necessary in the interests of the defense of the United States. (8)
The battle between good and evil is expensive, and it requires lots and lots and lots of weapons. Sure the U.S. is good (maybe too good) at manufacturing these weapons, but sometimes it's just easier to buy them from somewhere else. Sort of like when you just buy a new outfit because all of your other clothes are dirty. That's what is going on here, except with guns.
Quote #5
The President may, from time to time, promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the provisions of this Act; and he may exercise any power or authority conferred on him by this Act through such department, agency, or officer as be shall direct. (9)
Yeah, we've seen this quote already, but it's weird enough to give it another look. From the thematic perspective of good versus evil, it's pretty clear that the authors of the Lend-Lease Act felt they were on the right side of the fight, and therefore so was the president. It's almost as if they are saying that he could do no wrong. History is a funny thing.