Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-05-21

public camor and political intrigue directed
against them. Only when convinced that they
are inadequate, should a war minister change
the command.
THE judgment 10 select such leaders and the
/ persistence to adhere to them are the
qualities that make a great civilian minister
in time Of war but in addition 10 selecting
field commander or admiral Of fleet, II is
the responsibility Of the civilian head 10 give
him his orders; to designate his mission 10
make clear and definite TO him what he is
expected to do, where but not how, he is to
accomplish his mission. This is a great re-
sponsibility
No field commander, perhaps ever had
better orders, when departing for a distant
field Of campaign, than did Gen Pershing in
1917.
After being selected by President Wilson
to take command Of all American land forces
in Western Europe Gen. Pershing had the
right to be told exactly what his mission
was and what his authority was, abroad.
We know that Pershing originally wrote his
orders himself and submitted them for ac-
ceptance. With some emendations, which came
from the general staff, these orders were
signed by the president
President Wilson's reputation as a war
president is built pretty largely on his un-
deviating support Of the orders which he gave
Pershing.
T AN opposite extreme, and al the same
n time. Gen. William Graves was dispatched
10 the Far East to take command Of the
American expeditionary force in Siberia.
Graves received no orders at all This is
one Of the most extraordinary things in
American military history As a staff officer
of Gen. Graves, felt it was great injustice
TO him for believe a soldier, who in all mat
ters must first of all be obedient, is entitled
TO one thing at all times and in all circum-
stances-proper orders which he is to fulfill,
and the responsibility for which is taken either
by an officer superior in rank, or in the final
analysis by the head Of the nation.
In the light Of the experiences Of the first
World War and the rapid growth of sound
traditions in our war department and general
staff. we must assume that Gen. Eisenhower
has his orders and that they are the orders
for an offensive mission; and that, on the
other side of the world, Gen Macarthur has
his orders from the President for what still
remains defensive mission. This is in COM
pliance with the overall strategy Of this war
as determined jointly by Mr.. Churchill and
Mr. Roosevelt as has been noted.
Now finally, what function in the conduct
of war is allowed to the people themselves,
to the public and their spokesman, and to the
representatives of the people-the Congress
of the United States? It will be evident |
think, if our general strategy is studied
little that it is not exclusively military sub
ject nor a military art. 1t is in large part
political subject and a political art In
representative government, whatever has
political character is matter of public in
terest. matter which the people has the
right TO inquire into and, subject only TO GER
tain military requirements, TO be fully in
formed upon, to express its views upon, and
to look TO its representatives in Congress to
exercise its decisions.