New-York tribune., 1919-02-24
Pershing Relieves
Y. M. G.. A. of Care
Of Post Exchanges
Change Is Made at Request
of Association, Which
Finds Energies Needed
in Its Other Activities

CHAUMONT, Feb. 23 (By The AS
sociated Press) 1.-THE American Y. M
Z. A, at its own request, has been re-
lieved of it's work in maintaining post
exchanges with the American army
Correspondence has been exchanged
between General Pershing and Z. C.
Carter, in charge of Y. NJ C. A. work
with the army, resulting in this de-
cision. On January 20 Mr.. Carter
wrote to General Persning as follows:
Dear General Pershing-A year and
half ago you requested the Y. M.
c. A. to undertake the operation of
post exchanges for the American ex-
peditionary force, in order that Off
GERS and enlisted men may not be
taken away for that purpose from their
paramount military functions Of train
ing and fighting.
GAS 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
operation 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 it did not appear to you that
it was feasible in the best interests
of maximum service to the army that
a change be made. Now the situation
is materially altered.
"Recent general orders from main
headquarters, and requests from large
numbers of commanding officers. have
laid on the Y. M. C. A. increased re-
sponsibilites in promoting educational,
athletic and entertainment activities
in the American expedtionary force.
This is placing rapidly increasing
burden on our personnel. The army
also is now preparing for the delivery
of all supplies for the post exchanges,
which heretofore have been imported,
manufactured and delivered by the
Y. M. c. A.
an view of the changed situation I
wish to know whether you do not
think it would be possible for the army
at a very early date to assume full
responsibility for the maintenance of
the post exchanges throughout The
American Expeditionary Force"
General Pershing replied yesterday
as follows
"My dear Mr.. Carter: have received
your letter Of January 20 asking
changed situation it would be possible
for the army to assume full response
bility for the maintenance of post ex-
changes throughout the American Ex-
pedtionary Force.
GAS you correctly state, the Y. NJ.
C. A. undertook the managemeAt--of
the post exchanges at my request at
a time when it was of the greatest
Importance that no available soldier
should be taken away from the vital
military functions of training and
fighting. AS the reasons which i'm
PEELED me at that time to request you
to undertake this work no longer exist,
| am glad to approve your suggestion.
In reaching this conclusion consid ra-
tion has been given to the new burdens
in connection with entertainment, ath-
letic activities and education that you
have assumed. l have accordingly
given directions that the army units
themselves take over and operate their
own post exchanges.
an making this change, permit me
to thank you for the very valuable SER
vices and assistance which the Y. Nj. c..
A: has rendered to the American Ex-
peditionary Force in handling these ex-
changes. Handicapped by a shortage
of tonnage and land transportation,
the Y. M. C. A. has by extra exertion
served the army better than could have
been expected, and you may be assured
that its aid has been a large factor in
the final great accomplishment of the
American army"