New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1918-05-09
MORE Than 100000
U.S.. TROOPS ABROAD
Secretary Baker Says His EST
J. mate to Congress Is Exceeded

Washington, May 9.-More than
half a million American soldiers have
been sent to France. Secretary Baker
late yesterday afternoon authorized
the statement that his forecast to con-
gress in January that 100000 troops
would be dispatched to France early
in the present year now had been sur
passed.
Mr.. Baker dictated the following
statement:
In January I told the senate COM
mittee that there was strong Hkeli-
hood that early in the present year
800, 900 American troops would be
dispatched to France. L cannot either
now or perhaps later discuss the num-
her of American troops in France,
but am glad to be able to say that
the forecast 1 made in January has
been surpassed"
AS a result Of personal investiga-
ton of machine gun production dur
ing the last few days, the secretary
announced that there was no present
shortage of light or heavy types of
these weapons either in France Or in
lAmerica, and no shortage was in
prospect.
Mr.. Baker said there had been no
question brought up as to the supplies
of light type Browning guns, which
were coming forward in quantities.
EIe would not say whether shipment
of these guns to France had been
started. AS to the heavy BroWnings
he said:
early manufa cturers' estimates as
TO the production of the heavy type
perhaps were more optimistic than
WAS justified. The, estimate Of the
orSropca dapartu1ept .TanuarV has
been met and is being met. Some
of these heavy guns have been pro-
uuced and there is every indication of
Forthcoming production in increasing
and substantial numbers"
Refuses to Discuss Number.
The secretary chose his words about
the troops in France with utmost
care. He would not amplify the
statement in any way and specifically
asked that the press refrain from
speculation as to what precise figures
his guarded remarks covered or as to
what possibilities of early further in
crease in the force on the other side
there might be.
There have been repeated official
announcements, however, that the
government is bending every energy
to rushing men across to back up the
allied lines in France, and officers
directly in charge of the transporta-
ton have expressed satisfaction with
the progress being made. There is
no doubt that the present force of
American troops abroad represents
only small part of the total strength
that will be available for employ
ment by General Foch before the
summer fighting ends.
ATOMS too. that
the war department has adhered
strictly to it's policy of equipping fully
before his departure every man sent
across That is the first considera-
ton in checking Off supplies of cloth
Ing and arms
Mr.. Bakers recent study of the
whole ordnance program was fobnd-
ed on his desire to see just what the
situation was in this sloWest element
of the war preparations.
His conclusion as to machine guns
follow on the heels of pessmistic
statements by members of congress
In this regard. In the discussion Of
the production of Browning machine
guns contracts for other types, both
here and abroad, apparently have not
been considered. These contracts
preceded the placing or orders for
designed to meet the emergency until
the new gun was available in quantl-
lies.
Artillery Question Not Pressing.
The present practice of brigading
American units with French and Brit
lsh divisions, it is pointed out, makes
the artillery question less pressing, as
an immediate Independent supply. The
allied divisions to which the Amer
leans are assigned already have the
artillery necessary, and the fact thai
American infantry is added to them
does not mean a proportionate in
crease in guns. 1t is main power that
Is beig supplied by the new arrange
ment and additional gun power will
be necessary only where independent
American divisions or army corps are
formed.
The statement regarding the move
ment to France is the first official ut
terance indicating even indirectly the
number of men sent abroad. The
first force to go was never described
except as a division, although as a
matter of fact it was constituted into
two division soon after its arrival on
The other side. The fact that more
than 10000 have gone this year also
shows the accelerated rate at which
The men have been moving forward
since the winter passed and eased the
shipping and embarkation situation
The effect of Mr.. Bakers announce
ment in Germany and Austria, if it is
allowed to reach those countries, will
be watched with interest. There is
little doubt hat the German general