Have I mentioned that the papers have continued to talk about "decisive" battles in Stalingrad? Well, here's some good news: Radio Vichy has reported that snow has begun to fall in northern and central Russia. It's going to be a miserable winter for the Germans.

Hori is amused by the belated admission of U.S. losses. "Evacuation of Solomons by U.S. Expected." Well, I'd expect him to say that.

A crisp U.S. Navy communiqué said, "Early Thursday morning, under the cover of darkness, Japanese naval forces began landing operations to the west of our positions." This could be the climax of the Solomons battle. I am hoping and looking forward to a decisive victory.