SIXTH U.S. ARMY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 42, 20 February 1943, Page 5

SIXTH U.S. ARMY

FORMED IN AUSTRALIA ANDN.Z. MACARTHUR’S REQUEST (By Telegraph Press Association —Copyright) (Recd. 6 p.m.) Washington, Feb. 18. Most American troops in the South Pacific will be included in the Sixth United States Army, to be commanded by Lieut.-General Walter Krueger. The formation of this army, based principally on Australia, has been announced by Mr. H. L. Stimson, Under-Secretary of War. The army will include the American troops in Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Stimson said the command was created at General MacArthur’s request because the strength of the American forces in the South-west Pacific had reached such proportions that the organisation of a field army was desirable. General MacArthur retains the post of Commander-in-Chief. Lieut.-General Krueger’s appointment does not affect, the status ot General Eichelberger, who has a very gallant record in the Papuan campaign.

The Associated Press says the possibility of a major offensive against the Japanese was raised to-day, when Mr. Stimson announced the organisation of a new field army in Australia.

Mr. Stimson's caution not to Infer therefrom that the march to Tokio was about to begin, two facts, the formation of the army and Lieut.Generai Kruegers’ designation thereto, seem to point to plans for a new A.Hied drive. Just when remained an unanswered question. The decision to create the Sixth Army emphasised the growth of Allied strength in the South-west Pacific, and suggested that reinforcements had recently arrived in Australia.

The New York Times’ Washington correspondent says the creation of the Sixth Army in Australia under Lieut.General Krueger gives General MacArthur a set-up similar to North Africa. Here General Eisenhower is Commander-in-Chief. with General Clark commanding the Fifth Army. The change also enables General MacArthur to devote his full time to questions of over-all strategy against the Japanese in his theatre, relieving him of tactical responsibility such as he held in the New Guinea campaign, where he personally commanded operations.

Lieut.-General Krueger, who formerly commanded the Third Army, with headquarters at San Antonio, Texas, was born in Prussia and came to America at the age of eight.