Evening star., 1947-10-03
Lee
Continued From First Page,)

sented an out-of-focuS picture ana
stating that Deficiencies discovered
by the official investigation have al
ready been corrected, recommends
no further action in the case
In view of the fact that corrective
steps have been taken Gen. Eisen-
hover expressed the opinion, which
was concurred in by Secretary
Royal, that there is nothing con-
tanned in any of the evidence pro-
cured from a wide variety of sources
that constitutes basis for any
further action
Certain Errors" Listed.
Certain "errors of commission OF
omission" that should have beer
corrected earlier, in Gen. Eisenhow.
er's opinion, included the following
81. Undue pressure exercised by
commanders to induce subordinates
to join fraternal organizations"
The Army traditionally has
frowned upon such attempts, the
general stated, and Gen. Lee should
have realized that an expression o.
his personal Endorsement would ir
some instances be interpreted by his
subordinates as a virtual command
He said he was sending out instruc-
tions to the Army on this point.
Gen. Lee, according to the in-
vestigator's report, encouraged en-
rollment in the Fellowship OF
United States British Comrades, u
an organization whose fraternal
aims many senior Army officers had
Endorsed. Although undue pressure
was discovered in one instance
where an officer had required his
men to write him a letter If they
did not wish to join, less than 20
per cent of the men in the theater
Joined the group, it was said, and
there was no evidence of retalia-
ton for not joining.
Disciplinary Camp Conditions.
20. Unsatisfactory conditions in
the Prison Disciplinary Camp"
The primary purpose OF such
camps, Gen. Eisenhower pointed
out. is rehabilitation of men who
otherwise would be transferred to
penitentiaries at home. The camp
in this respect has been equally
successful with others, the general
said, although two errors were
committed in the conduct of the
camp"
The first was that minor offend
ers appear to have been incarcer-
ated where contact was possible
with serious offenders.
Il regard this as serious mis-
take" Gen. Eisenhower wrote, "in
view OF the extreme youth OF the
average soldier on occupation.
The second "error," in the gen.
erals view, was a daily routine
"of a very severe order-far more
so than justified by the obvious ne
cessity of establishing in the camp
the highest possible order Of dis
cipline in the performance OF daily
duties. An active day of II hours
does not conform to my convictions
of proper. even though strict, treat
ment iof offenders"
Listed for Correction.
Both of these points, Gen. Eisen-
hover said, will be brought prompt
" to the attention of the new the
ater commander, with orders fol-
correction"
"3. Indifference or neglectful
conduct on the part OF some Of
ficers in requiring chauf1eurs te
wait unconscionably long hours to
suit the social convenience OF the
officers"
The general stated, however, that
"this offense seems to be of an oc-
casional rather than a general ma
ture"
Negligence on the part of a few
Gen, Eisenhower said, gives sup
port to charges of negligence OF
arrogance on the part of all and
creates "justifiable resentment or
the part of enlisted men"
The general said the theater COM
mander will be informed immediate
ly on this point.
Complaints where the fault lies
primarily with the Army, Gen. Els
enhower said. include the breaking
of promises made to men upon en-
nstment.
81 have long made this matter one
OF personal attention" the genera
wrote, "and shall take steps agar
to follow up on It, The Army coule
do no greater disservice to itsel.
than to be guilty of bad faith II
this matter"
A Asecond complaint not attributable
to the theater commander, Gen
Eisenhower said, was that 5agains
"unfairness and instability in poll
cies applying to the transport o.
service dependents to ITALY"
Uncertainties" in Area.
There were special uncertainties
in the Mediterranean area, however
owing to the "fitfid" situation II
italy. and the + 'ure OF the War De-