Detroit evening times., 1946-01-14

time i nave seen the WOrlQ Snrlnk ds never
before in its history.
A S FOR the trip itself, here is my sum-
"A nation:
We must face the fact that the rapid
rehabilitation of Our armed forces Is causing
great disorganization overseas and at home.
Boys are released before they can be replaced.
Foreign markets, at best, are scarce
because the world is generally busted. Price
less weapons and warplanes are now nothing
more than spent bullets. Billions in U. S.
war goods must be scrapped.
We should clear out of such lands as
India and Iran as soon as possible. We should
give up such Pacific islands as are no longer
needed as bases and which cannot be turned
into armed places by any unfriendiy power
Appalling is the staggering cost of our
overseas military machine. How long can
America stand this terrific burden7 Some
officers expressed the opinion that the de-
velopment of atomic power may greatly
reduce this tremendous expense. They are
hopeful for the success of the United Nations
Organization but are not too optimistic.
On some islands in the Pacific / saw
splendid army and equally efficient navy cir
fields resting side by side. Each was fully
equipped as to work shops, hangers, barracks,
hospitals and the like. Each used different
types Of planes, engineered and produced 'ndi-
vidually at fabulous cost. Members of both
services admit that united command would
result in great savings and added efficiency.
However, navy men feel that this could be
accomplished without a complete merging of
the two services.
The country should draft its highly
trained retired army and navy officers into
the diplomatic corps. They have a grasp
of world affairs. and an appreciation of
u. S. interests, second to none. They are
immeasurably better suited to represent Us
overseas than, say. inexperienced politically
appointed diplomats.
T FOUND that many are strongly Of the
Il opinion that We should get Caledonia from
the French in exchange for the mountains of
surplus supplies we will soon be obliged to
give the De Gaulle government. Caledonia,
lying almost dormant in the Pacific, would
strengthen our Pacific defense and serve as
a fine stepping stone for our California-to-
Australia trade.
Most of the American embassies are en-
tirely unsuited TO house our expanded diplo-
matte stats. Many suggested that we swap
surpluses for more adequate and repre-
sentative quarters.
saw no surpluses being destroyed over
seas which should not have been junked. Our
intelligent officers approach all scrapping
problems with an II pay taxes, too," attitude
and caution.
Congressional junkets to distant lands
have often been criticized as waste of money.
My trip convinced me that such trips are
not only wise investments but the duty Of
congressman. How can they enact legislation
of an international character If they do not
know the world we live in?
l am convinced that America and the
Allies will make serious mistake if anything
is done to curb the authority of Douglas
Macarthur in Japan. He is ably handling
the greatest job ever heaped on military
man.
l express the hope that these articles
may contribute to a better understanding
of the great problems facing the American
people. Nt