GREAT BRITAIN: Jack the Jargon Killer

Last week the London Times eulogized Prime Minister Winston Churchill as follows: “No man ever took office at a more difficult time. . . . No man, not even the younger Pitt, has ever had to sustain a greater series of military disasters. He has concealed nothing. He has endured everything with unflinching courage and resource. His reward is that he has become to our people and to our friends in other countries the symbol of energy and endurance and the guarantee of ultimate victory. . . .” The latest Gallup poll gave Winston Churchill the support of 88% of the British people.

The British, who think they like nothing that is not staid and conservative, rise to colorful leadership as enthusiastically as any other people. Since May 10 Churchill has proved himself a superb showman, has popped up photogenically with his cherubic face on as many scenes and occasions as Eleanor Roosevelt or Mayor LaGuardia.

Last week Winston gave the press a nice little color story and a laugh on some of Britain’s stuffier personages. He ordered the Civil Service to stop talking what he termed “officialese.” Said he: “Let us have an end to such phrases as ‘consideration should be given to the possibility of carrying into effect,’ such terms as ‘The receipt of your communication is hereby acknowledged with thanks.'” The Manchester Guardian promptly dubbed the Prime Minister “Jack the Jargon Killer.”