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284837810
label
White House Press Release
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doc
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document
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1
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id
284837810
contentType
document
title
White House Press Release
citationUrl
collections
White House Press Release Files (Truman Administration)
White House Press Releases
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284837810
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9
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1946-01-09
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1946
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nara-archive
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photo
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e705f4f7f466c3f8
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11
#452
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 9, 1946
The President has received the following memorandum from
the Chief of Staff, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, on the subject of
soldier demonstrations in Manila:
"It is my understanding that you have requested information
concerning the soldier demonstrations in Manila, 6-7 January 1946,
which have recently been reported by the press. In order that you
may have an accurate picture of what has taken place, I have obtained
a report from Lieutenant General Styer, Commanding General, Army
Forces, Western Pacific in direct command of the Philippines, which
is summarized for your information.
"On the 6th and 7th of January a series of demonstrations
were held in the Manila area. The only one of these of any magnitude
was a mass meeting of from 8,000 to 10,000 soldiers held at the City
Hall. Hero the soldiers voiced dissatisfaction with recent con-
flicting statements by War Department officials, and urged that
pressure be brought to bear on families and congressmen in the United
States to reduce overseas forces to those required for occupation of
Japan and Germany and disposal of property. General Styer broadcast
an address to all the troops of the area including those assembled at
the City Hall.
"In his address General Styer explained that in four months
the Army has demobilized two-thirds of his command which it took two
years and six months to build. For the entire Pacific Area it has been
found necessary to deploy an Army of 375,000 Army troops, including
Air Forces, to perform our occupational and post-war garrison duties,
as of 1 July, 1946. Our forces cannot be permitted to demobilize at
such a rate that the flow of replacements from the recruiting program
and selective service cannot maintain that minimum strength. Further,
supplies assempled in the far flung bases must be protected to prevent
wastage, deterioration and theft.
"General Styor reported by radio to General MacArthur that
no mass disciplinary action has been initiated by responsible com-
manders because there have been no acts of violence or disorder.
General MacArthur replied giving his approval to the method
of action proposed by General Styer and stated that the discontent
has been 'primarily caused by acute homesickness aggravated by the
termination of hostilities. These men are good men who have performed
magnificently under campaign conditions and inherently are not
challenging discipline or authority 88