Norwich bulletin., 1921-07-05
ADMIRAL SIMS URGES
 PUBLIC DISCUSSION POLICY


 Newport, R. l.. July 4.-The attitude of the United States. which he said not only had always neglected to provide for public criticism of officers of the armed forces, but has actually forbidden it, was contrasted with that of some European powers by Rear Admiral William $. Sims n an address today before the Rhode Island branch of the Society of the Gin ;-nnati, in which he urged public discus i.on as a safeguard to public interests. In some continental countries, he de- ,.ared. criticism was recognized as so f.tal to efficiency that it was rewarded F.en it proves beneficial.
 The American people. Admiral Sims said, know less about the elements of warfare and less about the actiaE condi- ton of their military forces than the people of any other great power, adding that though this has initiated against 0ur preparedness for war in the past and although we have nevertheless all ways attained our object in war without very serious loss. still it must be evident hat a similar attitude cannot be main .ained in the future without very sefi- ous risk. In a country governed as ours the efficiency of It's various depart rents must necessarily depend very .arsely upon the interest the people take n this efficiency"
 Tt behooves us therefore seriously to recall the admonitions of our great first president in regard to preparation for war and adopt the necessary measures t9 insure that the public shall at all times be adequately informed of their C~osress through public discussion car ried out under such regulations as to safeguard the public interests"
 Washiugton's iniunctions Admiral Sims Cscared embodied the immutable fun damental prime, ules of the art of war and their application to national security They have been insisted upon by our military and political historians, he said but they have failed to take hold of the minds of the people.
 T believe" he continued, "that the reason for this dangerous lack in ou1 people of a proper solicitude for our na. t.onal security is due chiefly to our beliei that our geographic isolation renders us practically immune from serious attack. America has never been defeated il war and suffered humiliation or loss O territory. Our independence has neve been in danger and we have always here tofore had the feeling that it is neve likely to be. though this feeling has beel somewhat shaken by recent events.
 Contrast this condition of mind wit that of some European countries Tn French know what it means to have victorious enemy march through thei capital to lose territory and pay a heav indemnity. Other continental power have had g similar experience. In a these countries the national defense is live issue. The military forces must nc only be adequate in material and persor mel but they must be kept intellectual efficient through constant training readiness for war.
 Under these circumstances the trut about the actual condition of their armt forces is so vitally important that anyor who can point out a defect or suggest improvement will earn the gratitude his government Criticism is recogniz, as 20 vital to the efficiency that it is n only welcomed but is invited and Is r warded when it proves beneficial.
 officers not actually on duty are liberty to publish any criticisms tn, please on the actions of the governme or of any of it's departments. For e ample, since the signing of the armisti books have been published by Admirs Jeiiicoe Fisher, Scott and Bacon and Field Marshal French. These books co tan criticisms of such severity as make any of those which have appear In America seem very mild in compa son.
 Tn the United States we have T only always neglected to provide 1 public criticism of our officers but have actually forbidden it.
 More than a year ago a senate co u,ittes completed an investigation of matter of vital importance to our fl line of national defense. Practically Of the naval witnesses testified that { organization of our navy department such as to make it impossible effectiv tn prepare for war or to conduct W Notwithstanding the importance of q investigation, the report of the comm lee has not yet been made Are our p, pie losing any sleep over this? They : sot
 The missing element in Americaism hat 1t does not inciude adequate soli sude for our safety. 1he governme lnd 10 a certain extent the people, rest by4ticism of anything American"
 Admiral Suns exEreaaed tha hQQe u