Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-07-15
Resignation of Chennouh
Continued From First Page.)

ing B-24s haven't run a real mis-
sion since May when they blasted
Paoching.
This is the paradoxical supply
situation four months after opening
of the Ledo- Stilwell road across Up
per Burma and two months after
completion of the roughly parallel
ing pipeline to China-objectives
which some American experts hold
we're gained at cost of American
air bases lost to the japanese Of
fensive in Southeast China last
year. CTwo lines censored)
Thus the supply situation ties
closely with the once carefully con-
cealed differences between Gen.
Chennault and Gen. Joseph Stilwell
over the priority of American mill
tary aims In China-in brief an
argument over the diversion OF
Hump tonnage necessary for Chi
nese participation in the North
Burma campaign that opened the
overland supply line.
1t. Gen. George E. Stratemeyer,
54-year-old Ohio-born West Point
er. who recently got his third
star, was, among other positions
he held, Gen. Stilwells air adviser.
He was senior AAF commander
in the old Obi theater before
Gen. Stilwell was recalled and the
China theater separated. 1t is he
who now has been placed over Gen,
Chennault.
The only logistical justification
for additional air force assignment
to China-together with additional
echelons of command, Gen. Strate-
meyers overall command Q0I
words censored) would seem be the
prospect sometime of opening an
easier supply line into China.
Plan Was Delayed.
1t is generally known here and
talked about among both Americans
and Chinese that similar plan to
have been carried out in April was
set aside on grounds the China
supply situation would not permit
efficient fulfilment. 1t is known also
that many influential Chinese at
tempted to intercede then against
sidetracking Gen. Chennault.
Tonnages necessary to care for
two new headquarters will represent
considerable ALLEGATION which might
otherwise be devoted to fuel. It's
commonly estimated that each
American in China costs 1000
pounds monthly of hump cargoes.
These considerations are espe-
cially important to Chinese Ameri-
can relations in view of Generals
simo Chiang'S recent comment On
the relative supply and support
requirements of Chinese and Amer
lean armies.
It is not known here to what
extent if any the Generalissimo was
consulted in the air force reorgani-
cation. The complete plan. however,
is said to call for coordination Of
the Chinese air force as well as the
14th under Gen. Stratemeyer's COM
mand, subject to the generalissimo'S
approval.
LIS hOblA oCNhi W AASSSooAeoSN
Gen. Chennault's resignation i'm
mediately as the generalissimos
chief of staff for air, a position in
which Gen. Chennault has exercised
considerable command as well as
advisory functions. Resignation as
commander of the l4th Air Force
seems equally likely.
Inspires Loyalty.
Gen. Chennault's subordinateS-
He is the sort of man who inspires a
deep sense of personal loyalty
point out he is not likely to remain
with the 14th in a job which could
be competently handled by any OF
his wing commanders.
(Three lines censored)
The principal bugaboo of the air
war in China now is not so much a
question of getting additional planes
but rather of fueling planes already
here. (Seven lines censored0
Its simply case of military