The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-07-16

ing total of 10000 per month, be-
ginning with April. They held that the
approval of note No. Is had super
seeded agreements previously made, in
Guiding the Subdivision plan.
Baker Speaks Plainly.
The British eonferees entirely ig
nored the specific condition that the
final arrangements as to training and
disposition of all our units were to he
left in my hands. Their error was
pointed out and Mr.. Baker then said:
"Wnat is pertinent to the present
discussion is that American troops are
going to the British for training. |
don't want tn British public or army
or the French public or army to get
an exaggerated idea that this scheme
provides or will provide a means by
which their losses will be made up in
the future.
81 want no feeling of disillusion-
ment when General Pershing calls for
the troops intrusted to them for train
ing"
Mr.. Bakers visit to our armies dur
ing this critical period was fOrtuitous,
as the problems that confronted us
could then be seen in their true per-
spective. He had an opportunity to
meet the allied leaders, both civil and
military, and get in touch with con-
ditions in the different countries.
OF still greater Importance, he saw
with his own eyes the building Of our
organization. He was a keen Observ-
er, with clear understanding and a
logical mind, and obtained in short
time an accurate conception of our
task and its difficulties.
As to our relations, he gave me from
the start that strong and sympathetic
support which means so much to a
military commander in the field.
Feared British Were Tagging.
Before Mr.. Baker sailed for home
I had sent him the letter quoted be-
low, and, although we later discussed
its contents briefly, it is given as show
ing the reaction of at least part Of the
British press at the time:
"April 5, 191S-Dear Mr.. Secretary {:
1 noticed the other day that one Of the
British papers, in referring to the fact
that plans had been made to send
American troops to the assistance of
the allies, stated that this would re-
lieve the British of the necessity of
depicting the strength of the forces
kept at home for defensive purposes.
"This suggests to my mind certain
political phase of the British situa-
ton which may give us additional eX.
PLANTATION as to why Mr.. Lloyd George
and British representatives are sc
urgent in their appeals for assistance
from America.
Following this further, may sug-
gest that you give the matter serious
thought? There is so very much at
stake for us that it seems to me very
frank representations should be made
to the British government as to the
urgency of their putting into the army
every pOSSIulc ulttu Ilidt CulI Dc Illus
tered to meet the immediate emer-
gency. =.
ut. may be that you would think it
advisable to go to London, or else to
intimate to the President by cable
the urgency of Great Britain's putting
into the ranks every possible man to
withstand the present German on
slaught, even il they have to promise
to withdraw them in six months, and
of their doing so without waiting on
us or counting on US in the slightest
degree. There will be few enough
men even with the best we all can do.
1t will be time enough for Great Brit
ain to consider the defense Of Eng
land after she has put forth every
possible energy on the continent.
Here is the place to beat Germany,
and not on British soil. In writing
| this l have in mind what you told
me regarding available men in Eng
land"