Evening star., 1943-01-27
VituI Facts
Of PorIey
UnreveuIed
Outword Aspects
Follow Puttern
Of Previous ToIks
BY DAVID LAWRENCE

WhaC was lett unSaid by those
who participated in the historic
conferences in North Africa between
the heads of the British and Amer
lean governments is probably of
vastly greater Importance than what
was publicly disclosed.
When the high commands of both
nations sit together for 10 davs
they do not discuss merely such
abstract questions as the terms of
an ultimate armistice that shall
follow our victory, but much more
immediate and vital subjects of the
hour.
Among these unqueStionably is
the ALLEGATION of American produc-
ton to the various fighting fronts.
Whatever decisions were arrived at
cannot be divulged at this time for
that would mean direct aid to the
enemy, who in due time will receive
aovices in the form of new blows
and surprise attacks from quarters
not now expected
The obvious purpose of the con-
ference was to concentrate our
hghting strength Britain's and
Americas-and to supply by lease
lend to Russia and China a sub
stsntial number of planes, tanks
and munitions.
Pattern Followed.
The outward aspects of the con-
ference-what might be termed the
psychological moves-are not in
themselves momentous. They fol-
low the pattern of previous con-
ferences, namely, an exhibition of
friendliness and solidarity. Differ
ences over factionsl disputes in
North Africa are on the wav to
being resolved. The German and
Italian and Japanese people are
told that the mobilization of United
Nations war power grows constantly
and that unconditional surrender is
wiz pplSc vi pedCe.
AS for the absence of Joseph Stain
or Chang Kai-shek, it was prob
ably too much to expect that they
could make the journey to North
Africa at this time as each is pretty
much in direct command of opera
tions and cannot absent himself,
What is bit puzzling is that neither
Russia nor China sent any ennis
saries but chose to be kept informed
through the customary diplomatic
channels.
One may see in the case of Stain
q studied aloofness which has much
less significance now than it may
have some day in relation to post
war readiustments. Plainly the
Russian chieftain does not care to
sit in on any conferences today that |
may cramp his style hereafter in !
the matter of territorial settlements |
on either the Baltic or the Balkan |
borders of his vast empire. He may /
feel that a free hand after the vic
tory is won is better than commit
ments made now.
AS for China, the conspicuous |
effort to bring her into the picture !
may have some bearing on the |
events to be expected in the Far !
East. If China is armed very mate
y s1o
help America win against Japan or
will she decide to clean up the
Communist elements in her midst
and thus ALLEVIATE Russian SYM
pathy7
Personal Courage.
President Roosevelt's personal
courage in making the hazardous
trip abroad will be widely ap-
plauded, though many people will
wonder why these same matters
cannot be threshed out in London
and Washington by the chiefs of
the Army and Navy and Air Forces
The answer usually given is that
such big decisions cannot be made
by means of relayed messages and
that the give-and-take of personal
conference by the civilian heads is
essential.
Since Mr.. Churchill came twice to
America, it is natural for the
British people to expect the head
OF the American Government either
to return the visit by going to
Britain or to some point in the
Eastern Hemisphere a few hours
from London on plane,
AS for Mr.. Roosevelt, he doubt
less felt that millions of American
boys are asked to take even greater
risks so he must set an example.
These are days when precedents
seem less important than the OBJ
tectives to be attained and if the
Journey was a prerequisite to the
success Of the tasks in hand it will
be recorded as a splendid contribu-
ton to the ultimate victory.
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