Coming Offensives
' Admiral H. R. Stark, commander of the United States na% forces in European waters, struck just the right note about prospects of offensive action when he 'addressed a Press conferen in London last Monday. Asked if he was in favour of a seco front this year, he replied that he favoured a second or third f offensive whenever, wherever and as soon as we can take it. was careful to add that though one cannot win a war merely parrying blows, mere "recklessness "—the expression is Lo Beaverbrook's—would bring defeat. He recognised that hearte action had already been taken by the R.A.F. in the blows t have been dealing in Germany and occupied countries and ov enemy waters. But he looks forward to more. "The offensi spirit will be applied in all the other Services." In like mann Mr. Bevin assures us that plans are being worked out for the rig moment for other "unnameable fronts " ; and Sir Stafford Crip broadcasts to the Polish people: "Stand firm. The moment strike is approaching." These remarks give no more informal to us than they give to the enemy. He is left guessing. We m not be ready yet, or we may be ready soon. When the time d come for us to strike with all arms, it may be in one field, or another, or in more than one. The will to act among the Al Governments, and to act soon, is clearly there, but the time m depend on exact calculations of the enemy's strength and t resources at our disposal.
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