Abstract

Washington and the Offensive

Washington, official and unofficial, is as cheered as occupied Europe by the news that the U.S. troops are on the march in North Africa. There is a feeling of pleasure that this time the U.S. has taken the initiative, that it is the enemy's turn to be surprised. Not the least of the advantages of the offensive is its effect on morale, and there will be a good deal less bickering as long as the U.S. goes forward. Other issues suddenly seem to fade into the background beside this new enterprise. The landings and their propaganda accompaniment were staged with a sense of history. The advocates of a second front have been so accustomed to think in terms of a frontal attack upon the French coast that the direction of the new offensive has left some of them uncertain.