New-York tribune., 1918-06-17
An-Slav Units
Are Proposed for
American Army
Senator Hitchcock Would
Recruit Slovaks, Poles
and Czechs Here
By Carter Field
Especial Dispatch to The Tribune,


WASHINGTON, June 16.-The or
ganization of Slovak, Pole, Jugo-Slav
and Czech divisions in the American
army to be used particularly in CO.
operating with the Italian army against
Austria has been proposed to President
Wilson by Chairman Hitchcock of the
Foreign Relations Committee. Mr..
Hitchcock thinks the plan would not
only have military advantages, but
would have a wonderful effect in aid
ing the unrest in Austria Hungary and
encouraging a revolution, or at least
repetition Of what happened when the
Dual Monarchy attempted to use her
own Slav soldiers against the Rus
slams. The Austrian Slavs laid down
their arms and surrendered by regi-
ments and brigades.
"There may be some good reason
why this should not be done by the
United States," said Mr. Hitchcock in
discussing his proposal to-day, "but
cannot think of it. Perhaps the Pres-
dent, to whom I have referred the plan
and who is now studying it, may point
out some reason why it is impossible
Thousands Ready to Fight
"There is one obvious difficulty.
Slavs who were born in Austria, but
who enlisted in such division in the
United States army, might, If captured,
be put to death. They would have to
be told, before enlisting, that they ran
h >s- .cJx
hazards of warfare, but I am told that
there are thousands of them in this
country who would be delighted to take
take this risk in order to fight against
Austria.
81 do not think, however, that suf-
ficient advantage has yet been taken
by this country or by our Allies of
the situation in Austria. We know
what happened when Austrian Slavs
faced the Russians. Why not give them
the opportunity on large scale? If
they, would surrender to the blood
brethren who were fighting at the time
for an autocracy, would they not sur
render all the more willingly if they
faced their brethren fighting for
republic? 1t would at least make the
problem of the German high command
more difficult, in that it would be
necessary for them to find out where
these American divisions were, and
keep posted on their whereabouts, SO
as not to permit the Austrian divis-
ions of the same nationalities to con-
front these, particular American divis-
ions. Our high command could change
the position of these divisions when
1t pleased to do so, not permitting any
complication of plans because there
would never be any urgent necessity
Tor such shift. But the German high
command would be forced either to
make quick changes in their lineup
of divisions after each movement of
these American divisions of the smaller
Austrian peoples, or to run the grave
risk of having their soldiers surren.
dering to us en- masse.
Would Have Wide Effect
"a much more vital point, however.
than either the man power which would
be added to our arms of the difficulty
thrown'i in the way of the German Gem
erai Staff, would be the effect on the
Slovaks, Poles and other nationalities
now under the Austrian yoke back in
side the Central Powers. The Slovaks.
IN particular, maintain a sort of head
quarters in London, which is in close
touch with their people in Austria
through mysterious subterranean chan.
have completed their preliminary train
ing in America before their brethren
in Austria would know all about the
movement, and would be encouraged.
Who knows what might result? Surely
il seems worth trying"
There is already Polish legion, under
Paderewski but this is not an Amer
lean institution, although encouraged
by the Administration. This country
has really no more to do with it than
with the recruiting in this country by
the British since the United States en-
tered the war. Actually the Polish
Legion is considered unit of the
French army when it gets on the other
side.
Senator Hitchcock's plan would be to
have 6. volunteer division, or, in the
case of some of the races subject to
Austria. which have not so many people
in the United States, brigades or even
regiments, which would be part and
parcel of the United States army.
Epidemic of Influenza