GENERAL EISENHOWER, O.M.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25870, 14 June 1945, Page 4

GENERAL EISENHOWER, O.M.

In paying tribute to General Dwight D. Eisenhower the people of London —and the people of Great Britain and of the British Empire and Commonwealth would associate themselves with them—have been giving recognition to the chief military architect of victory in the West. They have been greeting in friendship also, in most enthusiastic fashion, a military leader for whom they entertain respect and regard. And they have been acknowledging further —in a way this is the most important aspect of the great gesture of welcome that has been extended to him —the assistance and the sacrifice of the fighting men of the United States, who in Europe until a month ago, and in other war theatres across the face of the Eastern world to-day, are joined with the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the British countries to assert the principles of liberty that both great democracies hold dear. General Eisenhower is, apart from his abilities as. an administrator and strategist of war, which can best be discussed by authorities on military matters, a very attractive and living symbol of the American soldier, and of the Anglo-American genius for working harmoniously in the joint interest. Even those who have not met him, nor seen him except with the camera’s help, cannot but be impressed by his personal qualities—he is a man, obviously, of intelligence and of a friendly disposition. His vibrant personality has been, it is permissible to suggest, a great asset to the Supreme Command, which combined the genius of men of many temperaments, from the flamboyant “ Monty ” to the unobtrusive “ Beedle ” Smith. His great skill in administration on the grand scale, allied with the gift of procuring harmony of design and action among many men and two peoples, has been a factor in assuring, and particularly in hastening, the victory. It is a wise and fortunate choice which admits him, at his Majesty’s bidding, into the most select company of those who are entitled to wear the blue and crimson ribbon of the Order of Merit. There is no British order of chivalry that is more illustrious; and the British nation and people are, by the test of public acclamation, gratified that “Ike” Eisenhower should receive the highest marks of their esteem that it is possible to confer upon him.