Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-20
Back Macarthur!

Back Macarthur!
THE removal of General Macarthur and his staff from
L the Philippines puts an entirely new aspect on
American participation in the war.
II is easily the most dramatlcsmcidcnt OF lhe war
since American entry.
II is possibly the most significant incident
The Official explanation is that General Macarthur
has been transferred Australia TO be supreme com
mander of the United Nations forces in that area which
suggests imminent change in the character OF the war
n ENERAL MACARTHUR is the outstanding military
VI commander, not only in the American forces but IN
all the forces in the far Pacific including the japanese
He has been successful while all other Allied COM
manders have been consistently and conspcuously
unsuccessful.
He has inspired confidence in- MS men, and
respect among his enemies.
He is unquestionably qualified Tor bigger and in fact
the very biggest tasks in this and Of course should
be made available for them.
Q IN6E the defense Of Australia : the very biggest
- immediate task Of the war. General MacArthurs
place is properly there and his dramatic and hazardous
transfer that vital point attess new awareness OF
conditions and aerness to opportunity on the part OF
his superiors.
And since the defense of Australia is largely an
American task and large elements of American personnel
and increasing quantities of American equipment are
being concentrated in Australia the provision for an
American command is proper
General Macarthur may be expected to make the
very most of his facilities defending Australia.
He must not be expected, compelled, to do too
much with too little.
True he has conducted a seemingly miraculous de-
tense the Philippines with inadequate facilities against
almost hopeless odds
But let us hope his assignment in Australia is not to
be another png of inadequate forces against superior
enemy, in expectation of more miracles.
IF AUSTRALIA is merely to be defended, Malaga
| and Java were defended before it. until such time
the Japanese able and willing pay the price to take
it. it would be of General MacArthurs great
talents
In that event. he would be better left in the Philip
pines where skill and tenacity have been productive of
results than mere delaying action.
General Macarthur is good enough commander to
Australia and to turn from purely defensive action
to counter attack and then to an oensivewhch is the
program desired as Australian spokesman have said.
But he cannot do this in Australia with inadequate
forces planes ships and guns any more than he could
1t is not another holding action like that in Baaan
which the American people and their Allies hope for IN
Australia.
1t is turning point in the war in our favor, and
toward victory and peace which is our purpose and OF
which the promise in General MacArthurs aSsump-
ton of command
HE military production for which the American people
have made great sacrifices must be sufficient for the
purpose without obstruction by strikes and restricted
work and preferred political consideration for
privileged groups.
The sea lanes to Australia must be kept by
concentration of navy in the Pacific which is
and our responsibility.
With these essential things to command and utilize
General Macarthur may be depended upon to fix the
point of the farhest advance of the Japanese Australia
and to turn the invaders back at last upon the long road
home.
1t is not General Macarthur who is on the spot and
must make good but the American people and the
American government which must make good behind him.
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