AMERICAN AFTER-THOUGHTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1927, Page 4

AMERICAN AFTER-THOUGHTS.

Wo uro told that second thoughts are frequently more useful than first impressions. Apparently General Pershing thinks so too. 1 must say. says a contributor to a northern, paper, that the gallant commander of the American Expeditionary Forces which took part in the Great AVar has always honestly done his host to give the Allies full credit for the part they played in that gigantic struggle, and he has particularly protested against the curious legend still popular in the United States, to the effect that •‘the Americans won the war.” Xo doubt in the excitement ot victory such an impression was for the moment excusable. But General Pershing is evidently anxious that his countrymen, having now had time for reflection, should formulate their “second thoughts” on this great subject us clearly and correctly as possible. Here is his latest contribution to this rather painful controversy: ‘‘lf the Allies had not been able to hold the line while America made ready, we might not have been able to get into the war at all, or if we bad we would have bad to fight it alone.” This is very satisfactory, because it is literally true. It is most consoling to hear this distinguished American soldier admitting that flie Allies had to bear the brunt of the battle while the Americans “made ready.”