SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC FORCES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 171, 16 April 1942, Page 5

SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC FORCES

MacArthur’s Authority

DEFINITION BY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, April 14. At a Press conference, President Roosevelt reiterated in clearcut terms that General MacArthur was in supreme command of ail the Allied military, naval and air forces in the south-west Pacific theatre of war. The statement was made in response to a reporter’s request for comment on recent dispatches from Australia indicating that there is some question about General MacArthur’s authority.

A Chinese military mission of eight persons, under General Hsiung Shihhui, has arrived in Washington from Chungking to establish contacts with the British and American joint staff headquarters and the Pacific War Council.

DELICATE SITUATION IN CANBERRA

No Official Notification (Received April 15,11.40 p.m.) CANBERRA, April 15. The fact that General MacArthur has not yet received official notification of his appointment as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the South-western Pacific has created a delicate situation in official circles here. Exactly how the issue arose has not been disclosed, but it has become a topic of conversation in newspaper and radio quarters, which are giving prominence to a declaration made today by the United States Army spokesman at a Press conference, to this effect: “General MacArthur is at present in command of the United States armed forces in the Far East, as he has been since July. His general headquarters have been removed from the Philippines to Australia. That is tlie only physical change. An Allied command has not yet been effected. Discussions are taking place in Washington and no decisions or directions have yet been received here.” The “Sydney Sun” says there had been no doubt in the mind of the American public and very little in the mind oft he Australian public and the Press that General MacArthur had assumed supreme command. In the meantime, the Australian Government has gone ahead with major army changes which were assumed to have been approved by him as supreme commander. The appointment of General Blarney was announced during this period as Commander-in-Chief of the Allied land forces in Australia. Questioned on this aspect, the United States Army spokesman said: “General MacArthur has been in close contact with the Australian Army and Government officials, and has received the closest co-operation. They have been making all possible plans, pending General MacArthur’s official .assumption of the command.” •

Correspondents are of the opinion following today’s revelations that General MacArthur has been operating by periodic advices and consultations. They are asking what would happen if Australia were invaded tomorrow and whether General MacArthur would be able to act summarily and order the disposition of all forces, or whether he would be compelled to consult the Australian service chiefs.