Evening star., 1943-09-06
Marshall
From First Do or

been given in this war is clear in
dication that preparations for oper-
atlons across the English Channel
are sufficiently advanced to select a
leader for the troops who will un-
dertake the difficult task of invading
Western Europe.
Besides being first-class admin
istrator and excellent strategist
Gen. Marshall is regarded by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and Prime Minister
Churchill as being one of our ablest
leaders OF men. Since last year he
has been strong advocate of an in
vasion across the Channel. Difficult
ties which were described by many
as insuperable have never worried
him.
Sees Early Invasion Possible.
While not inclined to underesti-
mate the Nazis. Gen. Marshall is
convinced that man for man the
American and British soldiers are
at least as good as the enemy. Now
that naval and air supremacy has
been definitely established by the
Allies. he is said to believe an early
invasion of Western Europe is pos
sible.
1t is pointed out in we'll informed
quarters the forthcoming appoint
ment of Gen. Marshall must not be
interpreted to mean that the Allied
forces are ready to start an invasion
within the next few weeks. AS in
the case of the appointment of Gen
Eisenhower as commander of the
invasion forces in North Africa and
the Mediterranean, several months
may elapse between the time Gen
Marshall takes over the command
and the start of actual operations.
Gen. Eisenhower is said to be the
most favored candidate as chief OF
staff. He has made a splendid record
as commander in the Mediterran-
can; his planning has been brilliant
and its execution equally SO.
1t is pointed out in some quar-
ters, however, that from now on the
position of chief of staff does not
require such qualities as Gen
Eisenhower possesses. These coulo
be utilized to greater advantage ir
the southern theater of operations
where much more severe fighting il
likely in the next few months.
Favorite of Marshall.
Moreover, Gen. Eisenhower is ONT
of the favorite officers of Gen
Marshall and in co-ordinating {
wo-pronged offensive from tn,
west and the south it seems essentia
that Gen. Marshall should have al
assistant man who knows hi
thoughts as we'll as Gen. Eisenhower
! does,
The principal task of the chief O
staff who replaces Gen Marshall cal
be compared with the task Gen
Peyton c. March had In 1917 ant
1918 when Gen. Pershing was com
manding the American forces il
France.
The new chief of staff will have tt
be wizard in speeding up supple,
for the millions of men who alread,
are trained or still are being trained
in this country.
1t is pointed out that the recort
OF Gen. Somervell In supply work i
one of the best. While he has ha.
little experience with troops in thu
field, he possesses a vast experience
in expediting supplies and mel
across the Atlantic and the Pacific
In fact, those who have WORKED
with him say that his skill ant
energy in this respect cannot b
surpassed by any man in the Unite'
States Army. They point out tina
his job has been done excellentl
under the most difficult conditions
The decision as to who will replac
Gen. Marshall will be made shortl
and there is no question that hi
preferences will be given the utmos
consideration by President Roose