ill will among the army, navy, and air force. When the troops were disembarked in Alexandria, air force enlisted personnel were not permitted in the harbor. 3. The appointment of Air Chief Marshal Tedder in the place of Marshal Longmore meets with general approval. Tedder knows Ame rican planes and appreciates them. 4. Dangerous rumors circulate which hint that commanders in the amy will also be changed. However, if changes take place under preset circumstances, they will in actuality be merely an effort to choose a scapegoat upon whom to fix responsibility. FELLERS PART III 1. If the recriminations which are described in Part II of this cable were to be avoided, the frantic demands as described in the same message should have been received at London prior to and not subsequent to the battle of Crete. 2. This battle was the fourth disastrous setback to Britain and on account of the divided responsibility which is a part of her command system, she has not yet the faintest conception of where the blame lies. The facts remain that no blame attaches to any one person. By dividing the responsibility a convenient systen is built up which protects all comanders, reduces all blame, whitewashes every defeat, furnishes holeproof excuses, but will not manufacture victories. 3. It is fundamental that there be a single general commanding the Middle East theater, alone responsible for the conduct of all operations. He should be given command of all forces in this theater, Army, Navy and air, for the successful performance of his -3- |