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Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945

"The Fireside Chats of Franklin Delano Roosevelt"

Millions of German troops seem doomed
to spend another cruel and bitter winter on the Russian front. Yes,
the Russians are killing more Nazis, and destroying more airplanes
and tanks than are being smashed on any other front. They are
fighting not only bravely but brilliantly. In spite of any setbacks
Russia will hold out, and with the help of her Allies will
ultimately drive every Nazi from her soil.
2. The Pacific Ocean Area. This area must be grouped together as a
whole--every part of it, land and sea. We have stopped one major
Japanese offensive; and we have inflicted heavy losses on their
fleet. But they still possess great strength; they seek to keep the
initiative; and they will undoubtedly strike hard again. We must
not overrate the importance of our successes in the Solomon
Islands, though we may be proud of the skill with which these local
operations were conducted. At the same time, we need not underrate
the significance of our victory at Midway. There we stopped the
major Japanese offensive.
3. In the Mediterranean and the Middle East area the British,
together with the South Africans, Australians, New Zealanders,
Indian troops and others of the United Nations, including
ourselves, are fighting a desperate battle with the Germans and
Italians. The Axis powers are fighting to gain control of that
area, dominate the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, and gain
contact with the Japanese Navy.


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