The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration released by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on August 14, 1941, immediately following their top secret meeting.  The two met with utmost secrecy aboard the U.S.S. Augusta in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, in response to the critical geopolitical situation; World War II raging, the Axis powers advance seemingly unstoppable, and American opinion vehemently opposed to involvement. It was the first time the two met in person, although they had frequently been in communication prior to the meeting. The United States was officially neutral and not involved in the fighting, but Roosevelt had been supplying Britain with war materials, first on a cash and carry basis, and then through the Lend-Lease Act, for nearly ten months. The Atlantic Charter provided a broad statement of U.S. and British solidarity. Since the policy was issued as a statement, there was no formal, legal document called "Atlantic Charter" ever signed by both leaders.