I've been trying to study up on the events leading up to the world wars, and have been fascinated in Asia during this period. I know about stuff like the AVG in China and sanctions against Japan in response to expansion, but was there a public sentiment in Europe and the United States. Thanks for reading.
*Khalkhin Gol, spelled title wrong
There was a New York Times editorial piece on July 20th 1939 that described the conflict as "A Strange War" which was "raging in a thoroughly out-of-the-way corner of the world where it cannot attract a great deal of attention." This perhaps best summarizes the American and European reaction to the conflict.
Both Soviet and Japanese secrecy prevented the true extent and implications of Khalkhin Gol (AKA Nomohan) from becoming intensely studied in July-August 1939. When WWII in Europe broke out in September, western attention completely shifted to events closer to home.
Source: Drea, Edmund J. "Nomohan: Japanese-Soviet Tactical Combat 1939"