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EISENHOWER, Dwight D. (1890-1969), President. Typed letter signed ("Dwight D Eisenhower") as Commanding General, European Theater, to General Albert Smith, Headquarters, 20 April 1945. 2 pages, 4to, stamped "SECRET" at top and bottom of both pages and on original envelope. Fine.
EISENHOWER'S SECRET INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-DEPLOYING THE ARMY AFTER THE APPROACHING COLLAPSE OF GERMANY
A remarkable letter reflecting Eisenhower's concern with the sensitive and highly intricate task of redeploying the army for the Pacific: "I have received a personal letter from General Marshall pointing out his concern in the human problems which will arise in redeployment...I believe that the time has arrived when our best thought must be given to the problems which are certain to arise...Failure to return all those eligible for discharge to the United States...will not only result in a loss of confidence by the soldier in the Army, but will also develop an unfavorable public opinion...When the bell rings, we must be prepared to release the high-point men in each combat division...even though it results in an immediate reduction of divisional strength below the authorized figures...It is not a subject to gossip or talk about. It does require thinking ahead...We must be sure that no combat soldier is sent to the Pacific who has fought in both North Africa and Europe...these men should be retained in the European Theater for the Army of Occupation." He concludes with words of encouragement: "You will have no more difficult command task than you will face in the redoployment of your command. I expect you to give to it the same zealous personal attention which you have given to your combat assignments."
EISENHOWER'S SECRET INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-DEPLOYING THE ARMY AFTER THE APPROACHING COLLAPSE OF GERMANY
A remarkable letter reflecting Eisenhower's concern with the sensitive and highly intricate task of redeploying the army for the Pacific: "I have received a personal letter from General Marshall pointing out his concern in the human problems which will arise in redeployment...I believe that the time has arrived when our best thought must be given to the problems which are certain to arise...Failure to return all those eligible for discharge to the United States...will not only result in a loss of confidence by the soldier in the Army, but will also develop an unfavorable public opinion...When the bell rings, we must be prepared to release the high-point men in each combat division...even though it results in an immediate reduction of divisional strength below the authorized figures...It is not a subject to gossip or talk about. It does require thinking ahead...We must be sure that no combat soldier is sent to the Pacific who has fought in both North Africa and Europe...these men should be retained in the European Theater for the Army of Occupation." He concludes with words of encouragement: "You will have no more difficult command task than you will face in the redoployment of your command. I expect you to give to it the same zealous personal attention which you have given to your combat assignments."
