Great Decision

The appeal of Russia for a second front, once measured, patient and deferential to the internal politics of her allies, last week was hoarse and despairing, like the shout of an exhausted swimmer. It echoed menacingly in Britain (see p. 37), and in the U.S. it rang through the editorial pages of such conservative newspapers as the New York Times and Herald Tribune.

To military men there was danger in the cry, for it was driving them to an immediate choice between two possibilities, both vastly dangerous.

Choice No. 1 was to postpone the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!