WRECKING NAVY'S POWER

Chronicle (Levin), 12 September 1949, Page 5

WRECKING NAVY'S POWER

(N.ZR.A .—

-Reuter.

U.S. Naval Captain Charges Senior Ofiicers %

Copyright)

Keceived Monaay, 11 a.m. WASHINGTON, Sept. 11. A United States Navy captain declared today that senior Air Force and Army ofiicers were wrecking the Navy's attacking power. He is Captain John Crommelin, aged 46, a former United States Navy flyer.who is attached to the Joint Chiefs of S^aff. Captain Crofnmelin said he would be throwmg away his 30year career by making the charge publicly. He said the Navy's morale is being destroyed. "My naval career is finished, but I hope this will blow the whole thing wide open. I think I will get a general court-martial and they will say I am 'nuts,' but I have been feeling like an accessory to a crime." Captain Crommelin said that a similar feeling might have goaded the • late Defence Secretary, Mr. James Forrestal, into taking his life. Mr. Forrestal had told him in July, 1947, that some Air Force officers had been using "wild statements and acts to snipe at the Army and Navy to such an extent that I am afraid they will undermine the security of the country." Captain Crommelin said that the Navy was subject to decision by, General Staff men who had a landlocked conception of national defence. Captain Crommelin served' in the Pacific during the war and was captain of the new carrier Saipan after the war.