Army Ground Forces, Study No. 1

NOTES

CHAPTER X

1. See above, p 3.

2. On 6 Aug 41 the Deputy Chief of Staff GHQ reported “discussion now going on toward turning over the P(hilippine) I(slands) to GHQ” (Min (S) of Staff Conferences, GHQ, 6 Aug 41. 337 (S)). The next day he notified all sections that Hawaii and the Caribbean were to be expected 1 September; Alaska, 15 September. (GHQ memo (S) to all gen and sp staff secs, 7 Aug 41, sub: Expansion of GHQ. 320.2/22 (S)). On 8 August the advance copy of a directive regarding “additional bases with projects and project officers” was announced (Diary (S), GHQ, 8 Aug 41. 314.81 (S)), and on 9 August the Deputy Chief of Staff announced that “in general, all projects and outlying bases are to be ours.” (Min (S) of Staff Conferences, 9 Aug 41. 337 (S)). On 15 August General McNair specifically recommended that the planning responsibilities of GHQ be extended to include the Caribbean and Alaskan Defense Commands and its command responsibilities to include the Philippines. (Sec IV, a and c, GHQ memo (S) for CofS USA, 15 Aug 41, sub: Functions, Responsibilities, and Authority of GHQ. AGO Records, WPD 4558 (S), Tab II). On 25 October the Deputy Chief of Staff announced “receipt at GHQ of WD approval of our letter to place bases, defense commands, and overseas departments under GHQ for planning.” (Min (S) of Staff Conferences, 25 Oct 41. 337 (S)). On 14 November he informed the GHQ staff: “The Chief of Staff gave us a policy yesterday. He does not anticipate transfer of Hawaii, Philippine Islands and Alaska to control of GHQ before next spring.” (Min (S) of Staff Conferences, 14 Nov 41. 337 (S)). As late as 5 December the GHQ conception of its prospective command mission was expressed as follows: “To serve as a command agency for the War Department for all Theaters of Operations, existing and potential, as designated by the War Department.” (GHQ memo of Gen Malony for CofS GHQ, 5 Dec 41, sub: GHQ Orgn. 320.2/2/108).

3. (1) “In time of war, it is anticipated that GHQ will coordinate and supervise operations in all theaters and in all overseas departments and bases.” Sec I, par 11, WPD memo (S) for CofS USA, undated but Aug 41, sub: Functions and Authority of GHQ. 320.24 (S). This policy is recommended in Sec II, par 5. (2) “At such time as a theater becomes active and combat operations are indicated, GHQ can then properly act as the agency through which the Chief of Staff exercises his command functions.” Par 15, Sec I, memo (S) of Gen L. T. Gerow for CofS USA, 30 Aug 41, sub: Functions, Responsibilities and Authority of GHQ. AGO Records, WPD 4558 (S). (3) “… it is intended that GHQ will exercise superior command over all active theaters.” WPD memo for CofS USA, 23 Sep 41, sub: Preparation of Plans. AGO Records, WPD 4175-18.

4. Interview of AGF Hist Off with Gen Malony, 10 Jan 44.

5. General of the Army George C. Marshall, Address of Acceptance of the General McNair Plaque, 25 May 45. 314.7 (AGF Hist).

6. Par 5, Sec I memo (S) WPD 3209-10 for CofS USA, _Jun 41, sub: Enlargement of the Functions of GHQ. 320.21 (S). For the preliminary conference (“Present Colonel Ward, Colonel Brooks, and the undersigned”) see “Note for Record” (S), 17 Jun 41, signed “L. T. Gerow.” AGO Records, WPD 3209-11 (S).

7. WD ltr (R) AG 320.2 (6-19-41) MC-E-M, 3 Jul 41, sub: Enlargement of the Functions of GHQ. 320.2/34 (S).

8. Memo (S) of CofS GHQ for CofS USA, 25 Jul 41, sub: Defense Comds. 320.2/32 (Gen Str)(S).

9. WPD pointed out that the Alaskan and Caribbean Defense Commands had already been activated. Sec I, par 12, WPD memo (S) for CofS USA, Aug 41, sub: Functions and Authority of GHQ. 320.2/1 (S). What General McNair seems to have intended was that they should be placed under GHQ.

10. Par 3, memo (S) of CofS GHQ to ACofS WPD, 2 Sep 41, sub: Functions, Responsibility and Authority of GHQ Orgn. 320.2/l (S).

11. Chart attached to GHQ memo of Gen Malony for CofS GHQ, 5 Dec 41, sub: GHQ Orgn. 320.2/1 (S)

12. (l) Bermuda: Par 2, WD ltr (S) AG 320.2 BBC (7-8-41) MC-E-M to CofS GHQ, 8 Jul 41, sub: Comd of USA Units in Bermuda, supplemented by WD ltr (S) AG 320.2 BBC (12-8-41)(S). (2) Greenland: (a) WD ltr (S) AG 320.2 (7-10-41). MC-E-M, 10 Jul 41, sub: Comd of USA Units in Greenland. AGO Records, 320.2/7 (Greenland)(S); (b) WD ltr (C) AG 320.2 (11-5-41) MC-C-M, 26 Nov 41, sub: Activation of Greenland Base Comd. AGO Records, 320.2/7 (Greenland Str)(S). (3) Western Defense Comd: Wd ltr AG 320.2 (12-13-41) MC-D-M to CG WDC, 13 Dec 41, sub: G-4 Adm Order—Designation of WDC as a TO. AGO Records (S). (4) Eastern Theater of Opns: WD ltr (S) AG 371 (12-19-41) MSC-E-M, 20 Dec 41, sub: G-4 Adm Order—Designation of ETC. AGO Records (S).

13. Par 14, Sec I, WPD memo (S) for CofS, undated, sub: Functions and Authority of GHQ. (Incl to GHQ memo (S) of Gen McNair for DCofS, 11 Aug 41, sub as above.) 320.2/4 (S).

14. See above. Chap VII, p 57.

15. Par 3 a-b, Par 4 b, AR 95-5, 20 Jun 41.

16. Par 4 a, ibid.

17. Memo (S) of CofAAF for CofS USA, Nov 41, sub: Reorgn of the WD. AGO Records, WPD 4614 (s).

18. On 1 July General McNair called on General Arnold and on 5 July sent him a memorandum of “the essence of your comment,” asking General Arnold “to confirm or correct them as necessary” (GHQ memo for Gen Arnold, 5 Jul 41, sub: AR 95-5, 20 Jun 41). General Arnold as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air replied in a memorandum for the Chief of Staff GHQ, 18 Aug 41, excusing his delay on the ground of absence from his office. 320.2/52 (AAF).

19. Par 8 a-c, par 9 a, par 10 a-b, memo (S) of CofAAF for ACofS WPD, 24 Oct 41, sub: Functions, Responsibilities and Authority of GHQ; signed by Gen Carl Spaatz, Chief of Air Staff. AGO Records, WPD 4558 (S).

20. Par 4, memo (S) of CofAAF for ACofS WPD, 14 Nov 41, sub: GHQ Dir; signed by Gen Spaatz. AGO Records, WPD 3209-10 (S).

21. Par a, Sec I, memo (S) of CofAAF for CofS USA, _ Nov 41, sub: Reorgn of the WD. AGO Records, WPD 4614 (S).

22. Par 9, Sec I, WPD memo (S) for CofS USA, _ Aug 41, sub: Functions and Authority of GHQ. Incl to memo (S) of Gen McNair for DCofS GHQ, 11 Aug 41, sub: Functions and Authority of GHQ. 320.2/4 (S).

23. Par 5 c. Sec I, WPD memo (S) for CofS USA. Nov 41, sub: Orgn of the Army High Comd. 320.2/1 (S). Also,“Consideration of Nonconcurrences,” WPD memo (S) for CofS USA. 5 Jul 41, sub: Rainbow 5 (OPD Records. WPD 4175-18 Rainbow No 5 to Sec I (S)) where the argument is stated as follows: “WPD considers that the clear intention of AR 95-5 is to place defense against air bombardment alone (as distinct from combined operations of air and ground forces other than antiaircraft units) under the Air Force. Only thus can most effective use be made of the strategic and tactical mobility of air power. Furthermore, such arrangement conforms to the principle of unity of command for each definite task to be performed. Initially, and until an enemy gains air and naval superiority, no hostile invasion can be attempted.”

24. Comment of Gen McNair in Par 2 c. Tab D, memo (C) G-3/45316 for ACofS G-3 WD. 5 Jun 41, sub: Defense Plans—Continental US. 320.2/28 (C). General McNair adhered to the same principle regarding the overseas bases and defense commands under GHQ. See GHQ memo (S) for Air Defense Bd, 23 Jun 41, sub: Orgn of US Air Defense System. 320.2/26 (Gen Str)(S). Pars 3 a and 4 a and b of AR 95-5, 20 Jun 41, adopted in spite of noncurrence of General McNair, kept open the question of control over planning and even over operations. For General McNair’s nonconcurrence in these paragraphs see GHQ memo (C) for CofS USA, 18 Jun 41. sub: Revision of AR 95-5. 300.3/l (GHQ AR)(C).

25. GHQ memo (S) for CofS USA. 15 Aug 41. sub: Functions. Responsibilities and Authority of GHQ. AGO Records, WPD 4558 (S).

26. Par 2 b. WD ltr (S) AG 320.2 BBC (7-8-41) MC-E-M, 8 Jul 41. sub: Comd of USA Units in Bermuda. AGO Records (S). A similar clause appears in the directives activating other bases.

27. ACC ltr (S) 320.2 (7-12-41) to CofAAF signed Russell, Brig Gen CofS Air Force Combat Comd, 25 Jul 41, sub: Comd of US Army Units in Greenland, with 3 inds. AGO Records, 320.2/7 (Greenland Str)(S). Penciled notes on 3d ind of CofAAF, 3 Nov 41: (l) “Deputy. This is in line with what we planned to request.” (2) “O.K. H.J.M(alony. DCofS).”

28. Ltr (S) of CG AFCC to TAG, 5 Jul 41, sub: Preparation of Task Force Plans. AGO Records, 381 (7-5-41)(S).

29. GHQ Diary (S), 10 Dec 41. 314.81 (S).

30. Memo (S) of Gen McNair for CG FF, 28 Jan 42, sub: Comd of US Opns in British Isles. AGO Records, 320.2/94 (NI Str BI)(S).

31. Min (S) of Staff Conferences, 11 Feb 42. 337 (S).

32. M/R (S). 7 Jan 42, sub: Orgn of Caribbean Air Force, with papers bearing on the question. AGO Records, 320.2/97 (CDC)(S).

33. (l) The need is suggested in Par 2, Sec II, GHQ memo (S) for CofS USA. 15 Aug 41, sub: Functions, Responsibilities, and Authority of GHQ. AGO Records, WPD 4558 (S). On 23 September the Deputy Chief of Staff, GHQ, requested authority to issue directives calling in for consultation not only commanders of task forces, bases, and defense commands, but also representatives of the Projects Group of WPD and the War Plans Division of the new Army Air Forces. Memo of DCofS GHQ for CofS USA, 23 Sep 41, sub: Preparation of Plans. OPD Records, WPD 4175-18. (2) The policy was approved 21 October with the provision that representatives of WPD and the Air WPD might be too busy to appear in person when summoned for consultation, but could be consulted by arrangement. WD ltr (S) AG 381 (9-4-41) MC-E, 22 Oct 41, sub: Preparation of Plans for Task Forces, Bases and Defense Comds. AGO Records (S).

34. For this memo, see above p 162.

35. Memo (S) WPD 3209-10 for CofS USA, 21 Jul 41, sub: GHQ Functional Chart. AGO Records. 320.2 (Enlargement of GHQ)(S).

36. WD memo (S) G-4/34015 for CG FF, 24 Jan 42, sub: Coordination between WPD, G-4 WD, GHQ and Overseas Theater Comdrs. 381/94(Gen)(S).

37. (l) Memo of Brig Gen L. T. Gerow (C) for Col Smith, 10 Dec 41, sub: GHQ. “12/18/41. Noted—Office of Chief of Staff.” AGO Records, WPD 3209-17 (C). (2) Par 2 b, WD ltr AG 320.2 (12-10-41) MO-C-M, 11 Dec 41, sub: Enlargement of Functions of GJQ/ 320.2/3/110.

38. WD ltr AG 210.482 (7-30-41) PC-A, 17 Dec 41. sub: Delegation of Additional Authority to GHQ and Overseas Base Comds. 320.2/3/77. The missions of GHQ in December, apparently finally defined and limited at that time, were summarized in an office memo for ACofS G-1 WD, signed J. H. Hilldring, Lt Col, Executive, 18 Dec 41, sub: Operating Procedure with Respect to the Increased Functions and Responsibilities of GHQ. 320.2/870.


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