Evening star., 1933-05-31
.PERSH|NG SCORES
VETERAN NEGLECT
General Favors Full Protec-
tion of Combat Disabled in
Memorial Day Speech.

Gen. John J. Pershing has emphatic
ally declared himself in favor of full
protection for war veterans wounded in
coiabat and for an adequate national
defensc system because fulfillment of
hopes foe world peace, he says, seems
to be receding farther and farther
away"
Addressing the people of the Nation
in Memorial day address yesterday
through the facilities Of the National
Broadcasting Co., Gen. Pershing as
serted that "the Nations debt to worthy
veterans is imperative and the Ameri-
can people will resent any neglect of
these valiant men,"
The address came within "a hours
after a committee of House Democrats
called upon President Roosevelt for the
purpose of seeking revision in the ad-
ministration Of the national economy
act affecting veterans to avoid a so
per cent cut in the pension of the
average wounded former soldier who
served with the speaker in France,
Defense Provisions Imperative.
Provisions for national defense, Per-
shing declared, are imperative. In
view of world conditions" he said
this question is more important today
than at any time since the World
War" adding:
There can be no theoretical substi-
tute for an adequate system Of national
defense.
People have cherished the hope that
the broadening facilities for intercom-
munication between peoples. the exten-
sive exchange of friendly visits, the
interdependence of nations in finance
and commerce, would lead to better
understanding and greater cooperation.
But all too plainly the probability of
the fulfllment Of this hope seems to be
receding farther and farther away.
Although wars had fiared in the
Balkans, prior to the world conflict. the
leading nations of Europe had been at
peace for nearly so years Then sud-
denly, almost out Of a clear sky, the
devastating confiagration burst forth in
such fury that the entire structure
OF modern civilization seemed about to
fall. In seeking an explanation we
find that many nations still hold the
fallac1ous doctrine that war Is an es-
sential element of their national policy.
This, coupled with that other false
theory that nations may become great
through wars of aggression against their
neighbors, stands definitely in the way
OF permanent peace"
AS to disarmament, Gen. Pershing
asserted:
Some of our people are led to be-
iieve that If America would take the
lead IN disarmament other nations
would follow. Let us no longer deceive
ourselves by such futile experiments.
There Is plenty of evidence with which
to refute such childlike faith. The
advocacy of such a course tends Co
create Stacker" which I mean
men who are willing to accept the
protection of the government, but un-
willing to fight for its preservation.
The absurdity of the theory that our
example would lead other nations to
dlsarm was fully proved before the
World War. The fact is that this
country was known to be practically
disarmed. but no other nation followed
our example. During the World War
one nation. believing that we would not
or could not fight, took advantage of
our unprepared condition to force us
into war
Regarding the general subject of dis
armament now under international dis
cussion, 1t Is clear that until there is
something definite upon which to base
some degree Of hope for such happy
consummation, America cannot afford
to relax her vigilance. In the World
War we were not compelled to engage
our fully prepared adversary single
handed, but we are not likely to be SO
fortunate another time This suggests
the conclusion that our success should
not lead us to the false notion that
patriotic fervor alone will prove a sub
stitute for thorough military training"
With reference to the proposed cuts
in the pensions of the disabled, Gen
Pershing declared assurance has been
given 'by responsible officials of the
Government that veterans whose dis
ability was incident to the service will
be shown every consideration.
There should be no deviation from
this just principle" he warned.
1.-The economic situation which con-
fronts the Nation becomes the concern
of every American citizen" he said
There rests upon every one of us an
obligation Of loyalty to the Govern
ment which must be met courageously
It is pleasure to remember that
among the first to recognize this OBJ
legation were the veterans of the World
War, who spoke through their leaders
and in no uncertain terms committed
themselves to the support of the Pres
ident."
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