NEW U.S. ARMY REGULATIONS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23919, 10 April 1943, Page 2

NEW U.S. ARMY REGULATIONS

GENERAL MACARTHUR NOT SINGLED OUT (Rcc. 6 pin.) WASHINGTON. April 8, “The Army Regulations banning political activtiy by soldiers are not aimed at General Mac Arthur or anyone," said the Secretary of War (Mr H. L, Stimson) at his press conference to-day. He explained that the regulations embodied a War Department policy adopted in 1025 for the maintenance of the traditional American policy that no one should exercise both civil and military authority simultaneously. The latest regulation did not alter the previous policy, but merely restated it. lyir Stimson expressed the opinion that the policy was wise and necessary in war time. He said the regulation was not discussed with the White House, No one outside the department was consulted regarding its preparation. Reporters asked specifically about public references to the regulation being designed to prevent any Presidential boom for General Mac Arthur. Mr Stimson replied: *T can tell you with great explicitness we have not had General Mac Arthur in mind at all.” Mr Stimson said the new regulation would not preclude the possibility of servicemen being discharged or placed on the retired list to run for office. Thus, if General Mac Arthur desired to run for the Presidency, and there was no indication he did, he could apply to the War Department for relief from active duty.