MORALS OF AN ARMY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 142, 5 March 1918, Page 6

MORALS OF AN ARMY

All alcoholic beverages, except light wines and beers, are defied to members of the American Expeditionary Forces in France by General Pershing, in general orders issued on December 21. Extraordinary measures are being taken to ensure sobriety and a.high moral standard in the army, and the officers have been informed they will be held to strict accountability for the fullest compliance with the orders. The order reads:— ...

"Should men return to camp intoxicated they will be seized by the guard. Cases of drunkenness, should be subjected to prompt disciplinary • measures. Commanding officers at all places where troops are located will confer with ■ the French authorities and use every endeavour to limit to tho.lowest possible number the places where liquor is sold. It is desired that the authorities bo assisted in locating non-licensed resorts, which should be reported immediately for necessary action. "Soldiers are forbidden either to buy or accept as gifts whisky, brandy, champagne, liquors, or other alcoholic beverages other than light wines or beers." . - As regards morality the protection or the troops begins the moment they land, and continues thereafter. The order says that at the ports of debarkation, by co-operation with the French authorities, and if necessary by the use of the military seciet police, every endeavour shall be made to locate the habitations and sections of towns frequented by immoral women. Such places will be declared "off limits" and posted for each company or detachment, and tho frequenting or visiting of these places by members of the American Expeditionary Foice is prohibited. Local commanders at all other towns and places where troops are stationed or billeted are instructed tq observe the provisions of the order when local conditions indicate the advisability of such action. Chaplains of both. Protestant and Catholic faiths have issued reports to the Government, in which it is maintained that the morals of the mon of tho American Expeditionary Force are most excellent. , ■ "In performing our priestly Junctions," the report says, "it has been our privilege to travel considerably among the troops, and it pleases us immensely to be able to state that we find the moral conditions very satisfactory. The military authorities are vigilant in removing temptation, and the men are honestly trying. The result is that thus far we have a clean army. . "We are honestly convinced that the men on duty in these towns in France are in less'danger morally than they would be in tho service in our owii country."