The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-24
Y. M. G. A. GIVES UP \
POST EXCHANGES
Gen. Pershing Consents to Re-
quest to Be Relieved of
Operation.

CHAUMoNr. Feb. 2s.-The American
Y. M. G. A at its own request has
been relieved of its work in maintain
ing the post exchanges with the Amer
lean army. Correspondence has been
exchanged between Gen. Pershing and
e. c. Carter. in charge of Y. NJ. C. A.
with the army. resulting in this de-
cision. On Jan. 40 Mr.. Carter wrote
to Gen Pershins as follows:
Dear Cen. Pershin1: A year and
a half ago you requested the Y. NJ.
c. A. to undertake the operation Of
post exchanges for the American Elk
peditionary Force In order that of
hcers and enlisted men may not be
taken away for that purpose from
their paramount military functions OF
training and fighting.
As soon as hostilities ceased we
raised with you the question of
whether the time had not come for the
Y. NJ. c. A. to be relieved Of the oper-
alton OF post exchanges. in view Of the
fact that there was no longer the
same pressing demand on the man
power of the army for training and
fighting. When we first raised the
question 1t did not appear to you
that 1t was feasible in the best in
terests of maximum service to the
army that change be made. Now the
situation is materially altered.
Needed In Other Work.
Recent general orders from main
headquarters and requests from large
numbers of commanding officers may
have laid on the Y. NJ. C. A. increased
responsibilities in promoting educa-
tional, athletic and entertainment ac-
tivities In the American Expedi-
tionary Force. This Is placing a rap
idly increasing burden on our per-
sonnet. The army also Is now pre-
pairing for the delivery of all sup
plies for the post exchanges which
heretofore have been imported. manu-
featured and delivered by the Y. M.
c. A.
In view of the changed situation. I
wish to know whether you do not think
1t would be possible for the army at
very early date to assume full respon-
sibility for the maintenance OF the
post exchanges throughout the Ameri-
can Expeditionary Force.
Gen. Pershing replied yesterday as fol
lows:
NV Dear Mr.. Garter: I have tho
ceived your letter of January 20 ask
ing whether In view of the present
changed situation It would be possible
for the army to assume full response
bility for the maintenance of nbst ex-
changes throughout the American Ex-
peditionary Force.
Gen. Pershing Consents.
As you correctly state. the Y. NJ. g.
A undertook the management OF the
M nv TAnMNQf Qf
time when 1t was Of the greatest i'm
should be taken away from the vital
military functions Of training and
nghting. As the reasons which i'm
PEELED me at that time to request you
to undertake this work no longer exist
I am glad to approve your suggestion.
In reaching this conclusion cons4dera-
tion has been given TO the new burdens
in connection with entertainment, ath-
ietic activities and education that you
have assumed. have accordingly
given directions that the army units
themselves take over and operate their
own post exchanges.
In making this change permit mo to
thank YOU for the very valuable services
and assistance which. che Y. M. g. A
has rends.aap.o the american Expsds-
tionary Force in handling these ex.
changes. Handicapped by a shortage
of tonnage and land transportation.
the Y. M C. A. has by extra exertior
served the army better than could have
been expected. and you may be assured
that dts aid has been large factor In
the Anal great accomplishments OF the
American army. Very cordially yours
I0HN i. PERRHIH0.