The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-03-23
GEN. MACARTHUR
DISCUSSED PLANS
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Sturdee, chief Of the Australian
general staff, participated.
IT am satisfied that General Mac
Arthur is a master of strategy and
that under his direction and ag-
gressive policy Of attack will be de-
vcloped to the highest possible de-
gree"
The current series of conferences
being conducted by Macarthur is
designed to iron out problems of
unified command uniting the full
efforts of American, Australian,
Dutch and other Allied, forces now
available on this continent.
Technical Problems
Many technical problems have
have arisen in this connection, it
was pointed out, but there has
been general willingness to unite
the allied strength under MacAr-
thurs supreme command. Some
problems were Strengthened out
even before the supreme command
er arrived here and there has been
no indication of important dificul-
ties in the general plan.
Forde renewed expressions Of
highest regard for Macarthur.
He Is not only distinguished
military leader but man Of out
standing intellect and great breadth
of vision" the War Minister said.
His arrival here and his appoint
ment to the supreme command
have been a great inspiration to
the fighting forces and the people
of Australia as well as America"
Responding to congratulatory
messages from GeneralisSimo Chi
ang Kai-Shek Of China and Cen
eral Sir Archibald Wavel, British
generalissimo in India and Burma,
General Macarthur pledged his al
lied forces anew to do their best
and reaffirmed his absolute con-
f1dence" in complete allied victory.
Starts Busy Week
The exchange was announced as
Macarthur started busy week Of
conferences and inspections in his
urgent task of organizing and uni
flying the United Nations forces in
Australia to fight on an expected
Japanese invasion attempt and
starting the long task of preparing
for an Allied attack which would
take the war to Japan through the
Philippines.
The messages were as follows:
Chang, commander in chief OF
Allied armies in the Chinese war
zone of southeast Asia-'The news
of your appointment as commander
fills me with delight. ! feel conf
dent that under your leadership a
new and epic chapter Of military
successes and human achievements
will be added to the history Of our
common struggle against treachery
and barbarism."
| MacArthur-"I deeply appreciate
your inspiring message. I have alb
Solute confidence in complete VIC
tory"
Wavell II wish all good fortune
and success to your new COM
mand."
Macarthur - Thanks for YOU
thoughtful message. We will do our
best"
One of General MacArthur's first
activities today was to give a 90
minute interview, completely I'M
quotable, to SO American, Austria
Ian, British and Netherlands cor
respondents.
He discussed the World War stu
alton, answered questions and gave
background material with which to
clarity future developments.
| At top form and completely rest
ed, Macarthur joked and tWirled
the gold footballs at the end I his
key chain, reminder Of his West
Point days, as he paced the smoke
filled room.
He wore unassuming cotton kha-
XII trousers and shirt.
General Macarthur, secluded at
his hotel, conferred with members
Of his own staff and with the Aus
|tralian and Netherlands allied OH
GERS whose gold braid and rich In
sigma paled that Of most Of the
American stan officers.
He Is Kept Busy
The engagement list Of the new
Iallied commander In chief was kept
liquid because Of the importance OF
his organization and unification
work, but arrangements were made
for him to see Army Minister Fran
els M. Forde, Lieutenant General
v. A. H. Sturdee and later. Prime
Minister John Curtin with whom
he will attend q special meeting Of
the Australian war cabinet.
MacArthur's wife and their -four
year old son remained with him al
the hotel.
Armed sentries guarded all en-