The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-08-01
PERSHING GIVES
VIEWS PREVIOUS
TO GOODBYE TRIP
American Commander Tells
Writers He's Opposed to
Removal of American Dead
and Talks of Other Things.

-
PARIS, Aug. l.. (By the Associated
coblenz last night, where today he Is
to begin his 'valedlctory" tour Of Ger
nan occupied territory, first visiting
me American troops and then the
french and British soldiers, Gen. John
J. Pershing yesterday afternoon re-
celYed American newspaper CORE
spondents in his Paris home.
Gen. Pershlng talked with the cor
respondents on various subieets-the
American dead buried in France,
against the removal OF which he said
re would advise; the preparations that
are being made for the American
Gr0oPS 70 Leave France and concern
prisoners held by the American army.
After his reception of the CORE
~spondents, Gen. Pershing reviewed the
FAMOUS American composite battalion
which represented the American expe-
dictionary forces in Paris in the Bastile
tory day. celebration. The review,
which probably will prove the last Of
fetal American military ceremony In
France, took place on the famous pa
rade ground in the Bois de Vincennes,
Large crowds viewed the evolutions and
accorded che troops a hearty. reception.
Ger. P~ershing's trip today which
Will be made by automobile, will carry
him over the entire western battle front
from Belfort, neal the Swiss border, to
Neiuport, on the Belgian coast.
In declaring that he cid not favor the
removal Of the American dead buried
In France, Gen. PerShlng said he was
arranging for a conference with Amer
lean artists with a view to making
plans for the Identification Of perma-
nent cemeteries and the erection of
monuments to the American soldiers.
He spoke with some emphasis, saying
he felt that as the men had fought and
died In France they should lie in
France.
Work Satisfactory.
Gen. Pcrshing said the task Of as
sembling the American dead in nation =
al cemeteries was progressing rapid
ly and satisfactorily notwithstanding
the great difficulties encountered. The
%teries. was absolutely assured. he as
serted.
With regard to preparations for leav.
ing France, Gen. Pershing said the
service Of supply was rapidly cleaning
up everywhere and could be ready or
10 days, notice TO turn everything. over
to the French. OF the American force:
remaining In France, Gen. Pershina
said about a2b officers, largely re.
serves, were on duty with the Hoover
commission, engaged in relief work
Most Of those officers would remain II
civilian capacities when demobilised.
II was his opinion, Gen. Pershing de-
clared, that the 4 8 1000 German prison,
ers held by the American army Nigh
be released as soon as the German
peace treaty is ratified by three of tn,
great powers. He did not believe |
you'd be necessary to await ratifica
ton OF the treaty by the United StateI
senate.
Gen. Pershing spoke feelingiy Of Mi
qualification and pride at the reception
given the American contingent both il
Paris and London rarades and likewis,
Of his personal reception In England.
For the review In tho Bots de Vincen
mes great crowds had gathered al
though no official notice that the re,
view would be held had been published
The spectators cheered the splendid
battalion OF picked men as II swunl
by In full marching equipment witt
the clock-lik precision that has mad
it famous both in Paris and London.
Hugh c. Wallace, American am
bassador, stood at Gen, Pershing's RICH
during the review. When the ceremon,
ended the crowds pushed forward an,
surrounded Gen. Pershing, shaking hi
hand and patting him on the back
Many women held up babies to b
kissed by the American commander.
Gen. Pershing expects to depart 70
the United States early In Septem
Der.