-45- #669, Eighteenth from London              
 
                                                            
 
 
Simultaneously with the battle of the Ardennes another battle 
      almost as great has been fought by the United States in the Philippines 
      at the other side of the world. The Philippines and the Ardennes--two 
      vast military episodes-- have been proceeding simultaneously. 
      When we think of the distances to be traversed in the Pacific 
      and the vast consumption of ships and war material entailed of 
      the mighty fleets and air forces engaged as well as the large 
      armies convoyed and supplied in every detail we must marvel at 
      the triumphant military strength of the United States now roused 
      from its peaceful free-and-easy life to become against its desire 
      the greatest military power in the world. We also marvel at the 
      folly of those treacherous schemers in Japan who so wantonly 
      called out against them this incredible manifestation of armed 
      power. General MacArthur's recovery of the Philippines which 
      is in full progress many months before it was expected is a fearful 
      warning to the Japanese of their impending defeat and ruin. We 
      offer our congratulations to General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz 
      on the increasing success and speed of their mighty combined 
      operations. I cannot