John J. Pershing to Henry P. McCain

COPY.

CABLEGRAM
Received at the War Department
Cable Co.

No. 4 CO
January 9, 1918, 4:30 A. M.
From Haef, to The Adjutant General, Washington.

Number 467. January 8.
Confidential.

For the Chief of Staff.

Reference your cablegrams 558 and 588, am in conference and communication on subject mentioned. French have not been entirely frank, as unofficial information indicates they really want to incorporate our regiments into their divisions for such service in the trenches as they desire. As to our instruction, a certain amount of work with French troops is beneficial and this we are having and expect to have. We are following closely latest developments and are using French and British instructors as they are best. Our men are working hard and instruction is progressing favorably. Have expressed a willingness to aid in any way in an emergency but do not think good reason yet exists for us to break up our own divisions and scatter regiments for service among French and British, especially under the guise of instruction. As we are now at war ourselves the integrity of our own forces should be preserved as far as possible. Shall see M. Clemenceau Wednesday the ninth instant and expect to hold joint conference with Field Marshal Haig and General Petain within a few days. Shall have frank discussion of whole subject. The President and the Secretary of War may depend upon it that every endeavor will be made to arrive at satisfactory agreements consistent with maintenance of our own national military identity.
Pershing.