New Britain herald., 1925-02-07
Declares Those Who Oppose Assist. Chief of Air Service Are Being Targets of Un- just Criticism.
Mentions Pershing as Among Those Fostering Plan Assailed by Gene. ,aI Action on Reappoint- ment Being Held Up.

Washington, Feb. 7.-- Making his first public statement regarding the row that has centered about Briga- dier General Mitchell, assistant chief of the army air service, Sec retary Weeks today declared that those who disagreed with General Mitchell had been targets for unjust and "supercilious" criticism.
 Pershing Was Opposed
 Before passing judgment, the sec retary said, it would be well for the country to remember that the oppo- nents of the Mitchell air policies in cluded General Pershing and many of the other great figures of the American war army.
 Tt is incredible" continued MT. Weeks, that these officers should wish to take any course relating to the development of the air service which would not be for the best i'm terest of the future defense of the United States"
 The secretary's statement was is sued while the house aircraft com mittee was being told by Captain A. w. Johnson, assistant chief of naval air service, that some of General Mitchell's most sweeping statements to the committee about the results of joint army-navy maneuvers could not be substantiated by the facts.
 In an indirect reference to the generals charge that officers are afraid to tell the truth for the fear of discipline, Captain Johnson said he had asked Secretary Wilbur whether there would be objection to giving the committee certain official correspondence and the secretary had replied:
 Ordered To Tell All
 'Tell everything you know"
 Secretary Weeks did not touch directly in his statement on The question of General MitchelPs re- appointment as assistant chief of the air service, which is being held in abeyance while the war tdepartmen head examines the generals ex- planation of his conduct. The gen erals assignment to his present post expires next month, and unless he is reappointed he will return to inc rank of colohel.
 It was with reluctance, Mir. Weeks said, that he had decided to make any statement pending a final decis- ion on the case of General Mitchell but felt he could no longer remain silent in justice to other officers of the army.
 Defends His Officers
 "I have noted that there is a ten dency on the part of some newspa- pers and men in publi clife to be critical of the officers actively con- nected with the management of the army and to refer to them in rather opprobrious terms" the secretary said. Tt is well for the country 10 keep In mind who these officers arc. Very largely they are the men who commanded the American armies in France during the world war in such a manner as to bring everlasting glory to the American army and the American people.
 First and foremost is General Pershing, the distinguished com mander of the American expedition- ary force, who has just recently been relieved as chief of staff" General Harbord, the distinguished chief ol staff of the American expeditionary forces; General Hines, the present chief of staff, who is one of the finest commanders of combat troops ever developed in the history of our country, and their subordinates. every one of whom had an active and important part in the fighting on the other side, and who made good in every position in which they were placed. Now they are are devoted 10 the service and it's future as men can be.
 T submit that it is unwise and unjust to subject such men to su- percilious critisims. Naturally and necessarily they know about the ac- tivities of the air service on the oth- CT side. It is simply incredible thai these officers, based on their long ex, perience, should wish to take anl course relating to the developmea of the air service which would m he for the best interests Of the fl ture defense of the United States.
 No Decision Yet.
 Secretary Weeks has indieat that he planned to make no deeisio regarding General Mitehelfs reap pointment until the house inquil was completed, but Representative Perkins, republican, New Jersey, tn aircraft committee examiner, said to day he expected the hearing to b prolonged considerably in view o recent developments. General Mitch els appointment expires March 26
 Captain Johnston took the com miltee over details of the bombing tests off the Virginia capes in 1921 Assistant Secretary of the Navy Rob inson was sitting near Captain John son and Representative Reid, repub Hcan, Illinois. charged that he was prompting the witness as to what questions to answer.
 Mir. Robinson promptly denied the accusation and added:
 'I will if I want to-
 "You may run him outside" Nr. Reid replied, hut not in here"