The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-03-26
Major General Wood Asserts
Great Increase Needed
Immediately.
SIZE OF FORCES NOW
DISAPPOINTS FRENCH
Believes German Offensive
Will Be Short and That
Defeat Awaits Hun.


dental statement before the senate
mfftary committee, declared that mill
tary opinion is unanimous that the
German offensive will fail. and urged
a great increase-4.0 100000 or 5000. 900
men in Americas army
1t was General Woods opinion. ac-
cording to his auditors. that the Ger
mans on the western front now are
numerically superior, both on the
ground and in the air, but that the al
lies are In a better position. While
confident that the German offensive
will be halted before the enemy has
gained any material detectives. Cen
eral Wood suggested that the offensive
may change the warfare into more
open contest. Therefore. he recon-
mended training American forces for
open warfare as well as for trench
fighting.
French Disappointed.
The general discussed the situation
in Europe and at home. Stating that
the French are disappointed in the size
of the. American army thus far in Eu-
rope, he recommended immediate steps
to Increase both the American expe-
dictionary forces and the army in train
ing in this country. Chairman Cham
berlain said General Wood recon-
mended that an army OF 2.500,000 men
be in France at the earliest possible
moment, and 100000 more in train
ing at home. Another committee
member placed General Woods recon-
mendations at 100000 men, one half
in France as soon as possible. Gen.
eral Wood also recommended compul-
sorry universal military training.
In urging that the American war
program of men, ships and munitions
be speeded up and increased. General
Wood said no American artillery OF
airplanes are yet available to General
Pershing's men. and that. although
1000 American aviators are ready. they
are without planes. Use of Liberty
motors in bombing instead of fighting
machines also was recommended by
General Wood.
Hun viii Lose.
Commenting on the German often
sive General Wood, according to mem
bers OF the committee said. although
the initial success of the German,
probably had been greater than ex'
pected. either by allies or enemy
judged by the British guns reported
captured. he and allied officers believ'
the drive will be short lived. Their
Is no possibility. he said. of the Ger
mans attaining their apparent objec
tive, the channel ports, or threatening
Paris.
Explaining the viewpoint Of allie'
Officers who were expecting the pres
ent attack, he said the Germans 500
will reach more difficult ground. Will
the British and French retire to su
perior prepared positions at which tn
German offensive will be stopped.
Paris eembardment Not Serious.
Bombardment Of Paris by long
range German artillery, General Woo
Is reported to have told the senator's.
not serious and will have no effet
upon the morale OF the French peopi
Men, ships and artillery in the ordt
named. the general is said to has
stated. are the principal military need
of the allies from America.
While declaring that General Persf
inE's men are In fine condition an
well equipped. he deplored the fa'
that they are without American arti
lery or airplanes. Training of Il
American forces, the general said. hi
been rapidly accomplished and SUI
plies are plentiful.
Want Mere Ships.
In urging more ships. General Wot
criticised present shipping arrang
ments and said he had suggested tn
fast and slow ships be segregated
the consoys. - that fast ships will n
be held back.
The breakdown of Russia has great
improved the morale Of the Germs
army and people. General Wood pa
He added that America should p
more attention to the Italian sftnats
and that Americans Of italian orig
be sent to Italy TO combat Germ
.propaganda there.
Associated Press dispatches from
American front telling 6f the freed'
with which German airplanes flew o,
the American lines. owing to lack
fContMue0 on Page Sax)