Evening star., 1952-01-30
Me- CorIllick Is Named
Top Commander !; Of
Atlantic Sea Forces
(continued FROM FIRST Page.)

in World War I and took part in
some Of the conferences with
Great Britain during World
War II.
The way was cleared for. the
appointment of an American as
Supreme Allied Naval Commander
during Winston Churchill's visit
to Washington earlier this month.
Up to that time. the British
Prime Minister had been vigo-
rously opposed to naming an
American to the post.
Text Of Truman Letter.
Mr.. Truman made public a let
ter he sent to Admiral McC Cormick
informing him of the appointment
and at the same time assigning
him operational command Of
United States armed forces as
signed to the United States At
lantic Command. The letter fol-
lows:
The North Atlantic treaty ma
|tions have agreed that a supreme
allied commander. Atlantic, should
now be appointed and have re-
quested that I designate United
States officer.
II have designated for you this
new international command which
embraces a large area under the
North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion.
IT am informed that the stand
ing group of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization will issue a
directive to you concerning youl
responsibilities and authority as
the supreme allied commander
Atlantic.
"You are hereby assigned OPP
irrational command of the United
States armed forces assigned to
the United States Atlantic Com
mand to the extent necessary fol
the accomplishment Of your mis-
sion.
"You are hereby authorized to
use officers and enlisted person
mel of the United States armed
forces and civilian employees Of the
United States Government on
your staff as you consider appro-
pirate in numbers and grades as
necessary.
81 am sending copies OF this
letter to the Secretary of State
and to the Secretary OF Defense
for their guidance"
Churchill Opposed.
Mr.. Churchill's opposition kept
Admiral William M. Fechteler
from being chosen for the post
last year.
The United States had recon-
Admiral Fechteler, who
was then Atlantic fleet COM
but Mr.. Churchill and
other British leaders baked. Lon
don authorities said British COM
were better qualified to
protect the supply lines to Britain
and Europe against submarine
warfare.
Admiral Fechteler was elimi-
mated from consideration for the
post when he was promoted to
Chief of Naval Operations after
the death of Admiral Forrest P.
Sherman.
Sees Terrific Job"
In Norfolk today Admiral Nc
Cormick said he realizes he has
"a terrific pair of jobs" which
will be "a drain on my time and
energy"
His headquarters for his dual
commands will be at Norfolk. II
expect to remain here most Of the
time" he said; " q commander be-
longs at his headquarters"
AS "SACLANT," official abbre-
Walton for Supreme Allied Com
mand, Atlantic, Admiral McCor-
mick will head UP naval forces of
the United States. Britain, France,
Canada. Portugal, Denmark and
Norway. Belgium and Iceland
also are members of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization but
they will provide no naval forces.
Admiral Mccormick is a men,
ber of a Navy family. HIS is the
son of the late Rear Odmiral A. M.
DuPuy Mccormick and all three
of his sons have seen naval Serv-
ice. The Oldest son, 1t. MontroSe
G. Mccormick. a graduate Of the