The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-03
Macarthur Again

Members of the special comnlttee sent into
war zones by the Senate Military and Naval
committees to get a general impression OF
American performance in action agree that
DIR armed forces constitute ''the toughest
fiohtine machine the world has ever SEEN"
Certainly their conduct in battle, from buck
private to commanding officer, bears this
testimony out.
Even when inexperienced American troops
underwent their first heavy baptism Of fire
in the Kasserine pass, and all the odds were
against then1 they returned to drive super
ior force of Ronmeps veterans into a re-
treat that paved the way for the capture of
Tunisia. At no time since in the Mediterran-
can theater have they failed to live up to the
fine performance there.
As for the Pacific, they demonstrated su-
perior fighting qualities long before the At
rican invasion From the time that reinforce
ment and equipment began to reach Australia
in sufficient quantities to warrant Allied at
tack they, with their Australian associates
have proved themselves better fighters, bet
ter strategists, even better at infiltration,
than were the japanese when they were NOV
ing at top speed and spreading themselves
very much wherever they wished Immediate
ly after Pearl Harbor.
Not only have American and Australian
troops gained every major objective since
they launched their counter offensive in the
southwestern Pacific. They have accomplished
more and are nearer Japan today than the
most optimistic prophet dared hope year
ago.
1t is the remarkable progress in that war
zone that gives particular significance to
Senator Ralph e. Brewster's comment upon
his return to Washington with other members
Of the Senate committee concerning the lead
ership that has made all this possible. Sen
ator Breswter remarked that he had no ex-
pectation that Lord Louis Mountbatten, re-
Gently elevated to the post of Allied command
in southeast Asia would be able to supplant
General Macarthur.
1t is Macarthur who has been at the top
of the Allied command since our armed forces
took the initiative and long before, when it
was necessary to convert recruits into train
ed army. 1t is Senator Brewsters opinion that
Prime Minister John Curtin of Australia would
not agree to such change and he adds, 'he
(Curtin) has the authority to decide.
This, naturally brings up General MacAr-
thurs service status. He is rapidly nearing
the age for retirement. January 81, 1914 is
not so far ahead. He will be sixty-four years
of age on that day, and according to War de-
oppfr ati r,i11
his place in private life. Surely, if ever there
was reason to make an exception to the rule,
it is now.
Macarthur cannot well be replaced without
loss. This is not to offer affront to Lord Mount
batten, who is an able man. But he lack. Mac
Arthurs experience and familiarity with con-
dltlons that have come about under his watch
full eye. Nor is there reason to assume that
Lord Mountbatten possesses as great talent
in strategy, in actual operations, or has as
clear vision of the needs for complete VIC
tory as Macarthur
Ihere is a powerful group in the United
States concentrating its energies upon draft
ing Macarthur for the Presidency, However
capable he would be in the White House. it
ought to be considered that his chief useful
ness now is in command of Pacific forces.
and not second in command to Mountbatten
Or any other Allied leader. Let him finish the
present job, as he alone among high military
leaders can do it. There will be ample time
later on to reward him with the Presidency.
if he can be prevailed upon to accept it.
-V-
Postwar Recovery