But Blair's position in the room was more favorable for defensive action.

From now on- offensive rather than defensive action is the key note.

She had died in our defensive action against attacking pirates.

In that case,' I decided, 'we had best keep our men together and fight a defensive action.

"Thus far they've yet to take any offensive or defensive action at all."

Tell our people to fall back if they can do so safely - and take defensive action only.

Last major defensive action on the part of the Chinese.

I want orders to go out for our forces to stand down, defensive action only.

Charles then took command again, and insisted on fighting a defensive action.

The consequences of defensive actions always had to be weighed.