The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-01-21
In The Nation
By ARTHUR KROCK
In the New York Times

In the New York Times
WASH1NGTON,-The Russian armies are at
Germany's eastern gates and at her west
portals French forces are advancing with those
of the Americans and the British. French
assistance is limited by several factors, among
these the Anglo-American military decision
that it cannot divert to the French anything
like the number of combat airplanes and am
munition and artillery units which they have
been seeking and stand ready to employ. But
the growing contribution of both these Allied
nations is much in the mind of Washington
and interest is very great in what the Presi-
dent, Prime Minister Churchill and Marshal
Stain may soon decide toward migrating that
contribution.
The French, it is understood, would also
like to play a part in the Pacific naval war
and, with equipment furnished for several of
their fine vessels. could probably take a squad
ron to sea. Whether or not this is arranged,
it is clear that the larger the part the French
can play in the war against Germany and
Japan, the more authority there will be be-
hind their greater aspirations. The principle
that France shall be partner in the policing
of Germany seems to have been conceded
And in the course of the next few weeks it
will be known whether General de Gaulle will
have the part in the forthcoming meeting of
the chiefs of the three great Allied states
which many officials in those states think
should be his.
This sentiment, according to reports, GER
tainly exists in Moscow And the published
statement recently of Georges Bidault, French
Foreign Minister, supporting Russia's territor-
ial policy toward Poland will surely not re-
duce it. But the United States and Great Brit
ain still recognize the Polish Government in
London, which opposes the Territorial changes
And this situation has raised doubt here that
the President and Mr.. Churchill would vel
Ii1,i- Dali J,
would be created if General de Gaulle attends
the conference and Marshal Stain brings up
the issue. Without him, though somewhat on
technical basis, the lineup would be two
to against a territorial adjustment to
which recognized Polish authorities do not as
sent.
But there is another expansion of the French
sphere of influence and activity in the war
which could be made at the meeting without
the presence of General de Gaulle and without
progress on the Polish question. Allied COM
bat strategy against the Axis is directed from
Washington by the Combined Chiefs of Staff,
a military group which is exclusively Anglo
American. One obstacle to including Russian
representation is that nations neutrality with
Japan. But France is in the same boat with
the Americans and the British in both the
Atlantic and the Pacific combat areas, and
therefore this impeachment to adding the French
to the Combined Chiefs does not exist. 1t has
been favorable discussed in some quarters
since the liberation of France. But it would
have to be approved by the President and the
Prime Minister before French army and navy
men could be added to the group. That, if
Russia wants to be included. would seem to
require taking both steps at the same time.
Some of the Presidents advisers, before the
liberation of France and the resurgence of her
fighting forces, urged him to invite the Rus
slams to join the Combined Chiefs The plan
proposed was that the Russians participate
only in the evolution of European strategy be-
cause their nation is not at war with Japan.
The objections raised we're that this separa-
ton is not feasible, that the remote control
from Moscow would dilute and delay the Rus
sian contribution and that until they acquaint
the British and Americans with their military
plans much more intemately than at present
it must be assumed that they are generally
uninterested in joining the board or find the
implied obligation greater than the likely ad-
vantages.
At any rate, no Russians are members OF
the Combined Chiefs as yet, even of COM
partmented European division B u despite
this fact, and the force of the objections that
we're offered to the suggestion that they be-
come MEMBERS the topic persists here, in
tensified in the last few days by the trlumphs
of the Russian armies If nothing comes of
the proposal at the three-poWer meeting, the
| have nine lives at least and it has died only
three times. Should the French become larger
partners in Allied strategy, the next 1ncarna-
ton will come quite soon
Senator Vandenberg's program for the solu-
ton of current Allied political differences
would, if acted upon seem 10 insure mat both
tho Russians and the French would be invited
to Join the Combined Chiefs and that Russia
woi,1d not decline. He proposed that the United
States, by action of the Senate. inform our
allies that, in combination with them, we will
enter upon treaty obligations to ,demllitarize
Cernanv and Japan, and keep them So He
nronosed further that the Senate at the same
time me- formally delegate to the President the
rower t. use our armed forces for this Dur
nose to the extent, on the occasions and in
the ways he may elect.
The President has not discouraged the ten.
aor md conceivably he might-after discuss-
inc the matter with Mr.. Churchill and MI