Evening star., 1950-04-16

strength of American ground, air
and naval forces in Europe can
they restore the confidence OF
their people in their ability to
withstand a Russian onslaught.
The military leaders Of the
Western European countries which
receive our arms assistance feel
that they will not be able to fill
the quota of forces assigned to,
them unless the people themselves
are confident that they can fight
another war. At this time neither
the French nor the others be-
lieve that any material assistance
from America will be enough to
resist the Soviet masses.
Lesson in 1910
The fear of the man in the
street in France, Italy, the Bene-
lux countries and even Britain is
understandable. In 1889 France
alone had no less than 100 divi-
sions on q war footing. The Brit
ish mustered about 20 and the
Belgians had IL fully armed di-
visions.
This combined force represented
armies superior in numbers to
those Of the Reich. Yet they
melted away in the spring and
summer of 1910 in less than six
weeks before an inferior but more
determined Nazi force. The man
in the street in continental Europe
is firmly convinced that only
American intervention coupled
with Russian power destroyed the
Nazi invader.
Now that Russia is the enemy,
this man in the street does not
believe he has ghost OF a chance
against the new aggressor unless
American military and air forces
are on the scene. He does not
care about American troops sta
toned in the United States, but
wants to see them on European
territory in full strength, ready
to shoulder the burden OF re-
sponsibility.
The peoples of Western Europe
know that the Russians can throw
no less than az divisions into the
line In the first days of war. An
other 100 divisions are ready to
follow Immediately. if necessary.
This ground force is backed by an
efficient air force, much larger
than what we and the British now
have available. ..--.- .........
Even If the American Air Force
Is established at 10 groups, a por-
ton must be maintained to mount
guard in the Pacific and Alaska.
We must take all necessary pre-
cautions consistent with our ma
tional security to face o war on
two fronts.
The suggestions from the West
ern European general staff are not
received enthusiastically in Wash
ington. The premise appears
sound to most of our war planners,
but the implementation is almost
impossible at this time.
The answer to the European
military problems is not in the
maintenance of strong American
ground and air forces in Europe,
but in genuine effort by Western
Europeans to forget all suspicious
and jealousies and to unite, re-
Card1esS of the paSt
Reject German Alliance
American military strategists
have urged mildly that Germany
and Spain, nations with nearly 80
million inhabitants, be allowed to
join in the defense of Western
civilization. of which they are an
integral part. 1t is inconceivable
to our war planners that the de-
fense of Western Europe can be
achieved against Eastern barbar-
ianism with Germans and Span
iards out of the picture.
The French have a psychopathic
fear of their neighbors across the
Rhine and do not want to realize
that a Germany rearmed under
the auspices of the Atlantic pact
cannot again become a menace.
Their political leaders, told that
Germany could invade France
again only if the Germans become
RuSsia's puppets or associates,
shrug their shoulders.
The French leaders agree that
this is the psychological moment
to get the Germans definitely in
the Western concert of nations,
but the same leaders feel that
their political careers will come to
an end If they dare accept any
suggestions of an alliance with
the Reich accompanied by the re-
armament of what admittedly is
the most efficient potential fight
ing force in Europe.
Only last month French Foreign
Minister Schuman, in his plea for
the acceptance of American war
material by the French National
Assembly. had to say that IF we
receive American war material,
we can be sure to be able to de-
fend ourselves against another
German invasion" This state
ment was made. of course, for do
mestic consumption, but it shows
how the French politicians under
stand appeasment of public opin-
ion.
Some experienced British politi-
clans indorse the views of the
military that without the inclu-
sion of Germany as full partner
in the European defense pattern
it will be difficult to resist the
Soviet attack. But the Labor
Party is as adamant as the French
government because a large num-
Der of its members in Parliament
would rebel and bring about the
collapse of the government. And
M nn1iffNioy, 30 14r-