South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-14

1t Was the Spirit Of Determination Anlmang Every American Sold
That Made 1t Impossible for the Enemy Maintain the Struggle
Tells Of Struggle to Maintain i. S. Armies AS Distinctive Unit


WASHINGTON. Dec. 1S-Gen Pershng. his
ciaI report secy Baker, the operations OF the
American army IN Francs. in effect although not
in terms tho American army the
eft was this spirit OF determination anmating every
American Gen Pershing. referring to the
Meuse-Arg battle that made II impossible for the
enemy to maintain struggle until 1919"
twenty-five American and four French divisions"
Gays Pershng had engaged and decsivey beaten
AZ German divisions representing 25 percent OF the
enennys strength front
OF the enemy divisions. 20 had been drawn from the
French front nd the British front OF the
q American divisions IL had at various times during
this period (Sept 2s Nov IL 1870 been engaged
other fronts than The First army had suf-
fered a about 117000. in killed and wounded:
captured 10000 prisoners SAT 1900
chine guns and large quantities OF material"
FORCED DEFINITE SURRENDER.
with the American army holding the heights doni-
mating Sedan the report said and the German line OF
communications definitely sundered recognizing that
nothing OF hosilities could his
mics from complete disaster. he appealed for mme
diate armistice (NOv. 6).-
Pershing's report follows in detail the growth
American forces from the date of his
departure with a small star. May 20 1917. until it
numbered than 100000 Every step OF
gAnzaton. every conference with the allied generals
and the important decisions reached are recorded
The document. comprising pamphlet OF about 100
$4,000 words is divided into three sections:
Period OF Organization" Operations and supply
Combinations and Administration"
SITUATION IN 1917.
Summarizing the military situation which existed in
spring of 1917. when the United aligned It
sslf with the Allies Gen Pershing said:
months ending June 30 1917, German
submarines had accomplished the destruction OF more
s.25O.O00 OF allied shipping. During
years Germany had practically all her offensives
szcept Verdun crowned with battle lines
held foreigs: soil and she had wthstood every
attack since the Marne The German general staff
foresee complete elimination Russia,
the possibility OF defeating Italy before end Of
and. finally. the campaign Of 1918 against the
French and British the western front which might
terminate the
Financial problems OF the Allies were difficult sup
pEiss becoming exhausted their armies had
suffered tremendous losses Discouragement existed
only the civil population but throughout
s<raiss we'll"
RECOMMENDS ARMY OF MILLION
within month OF his arrival. Gen Pershing rec
vmmsnded definitely that 100000 men should be in
FRANCE May. 1918. being that force
Df million is the smallest unit which In modern
VIII be q complete. balanced and independent
EGhting organization" Plans for the future the re-
DSmnendation added. should three times
sass force"
The general equally specific in choosing the
Exuund for American operations. BE says:
Our mission was offensive and It was essential to
make plans for striking the enemy where definite
military decision could be gained. While the allied
armies had maintain the offensive the
Bxsh. In order &c guard the channel ports
Hottsd 90 operations French to the
p~t1On OF the front protecting Paris Both lacked
EsSrs 20 operate elsewhere a large scale
COAL AND IRON FIELDS
70 tas east the fortified district east Of Yer
fua and around Metz menaced central France pro-
lssted the portion German line OF
communications that between Metz and Sedan and
severed the Brtey iron region. which the enemy
obtained the greater part OF required for u-
nit1ons and material east OF Metz were
also covered by these defenses A deep advance
OF Nets, the capture Briey region by
threatening the invasion rich German territory In the
valley the basin curtailinS her
suppty OF coal iron. would have a decisive effect IN
eorcns r withdrawal OF troops from northern
France. The military and economic situation Of the
ney indicated the field promis-
nS the most fruitful results employment OF
sur ARMIES"
American first blood the report shows at
PRsschendasle Ridge. Nov. $40 1917 when the 18th
engineers Joined British n successful attack
=hioh was part OF general operation designed ito
a&nder the German conquest o TO prevent
z possible, attack Italy, or in the east"
ALLIED LEADERS ALARMED.
50 scterward, however came the collapse OF Russia
and Sns italian debacls Caporetto result
hat the enemys legions began gather thicxly IN
france. Allied commanders viewed the situation with
and the pressure Amer
can divisions felt from all sides At the time
tie suggestion that American units be brgaded
with French British order that be wasted
n training In this connection the general reports:
My conclusion that. although the morale OF the
German people and OF the armies better than
bad been for two years. only untoward combination
Of circumstances could give the enemy decisive victory
before American support recommended could be
made effective provided the allies unity OF
action. However. a situation might which would
recessi;ae the temporary of all American troops
Tn the units OF allies for the defensive but nothing
the situation justified the REIMBURSEMENT firm
purpose form our own army under our own flag
Atf sFa g.rr