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Morale
The United States is united once again. Except for definitely subversive
elements all races, creeds, and political groups are whole heartedly behind the
Army, the Navy, and the Government. Like a play whose first act is too
good, this, while grtifying, is dangerous unless statesmanship is evident
in military quarters. Not sine the inception of Selective Service
has such an opptortunity to build Americanism presented itself and failure
to capitalize in this instance may prove the beginning of the end of this
country.
(1) An information service of some character for soldiers-appeals
to keep calm and not repeat gossip-thell them of the difficulty in getting accurate
news and call on them to enforce among themselves tolerance and fair mindedness.
(2) Increase leaves of soliders, particularly those who have
been on long maneuver duty, and tell them they may have to return at anytime.
Be sure not to recall people from these leaves unless there is something
specific and out of the ordinary for them to do. Nothing is harder than
doing nothing, or what appears to be nothing unless adequately explained.
(3) Keep things simple and direct. Try to inspire confidence
now lacking within and without both Army & Navy, that Red tape will
be minimized and action achieved. In my judgment the American people
can be made effectively militant if leadership of this character
is forthcoming, if not we will have a lot of trouble within as
well as without. Too good a begining has ruined many a play and in this case
is something to seriously watch.
Sgt. W.M. Martin, Jr.
Dec. 11, 1941.