Edouard J. Réquin to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Edouard J. Réquin to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Réquin, Edouard, 1879-1953
Identifier
WWP21609
Date
1917 July 8
Description
Colonel Edouard J. Réquin of the French General Staff outlines his ideas for coordinating Allied
miltary communications during World War I.
miltary communications during World War I.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
1) How the President of the French Republic is informed on the military situation of the Enemy and the Allies during the War
___________________
The President, Supreme Chief of the Army, must be constantly kept informed on the military situation.
For this purpose, he has at his disposal, in addition to his “aides de camp” one Staff officer chosen by himself, who every day keeps himself in touch with the French Général Staff and makes report on the daily situation.
On the other hand, the “bulletin of information” issued by the intelligence bureau is regularly communicated to the President.
This dispositions permit the Chief of the State to be constantly informed. It is understood, of course, that the Minister of War, absorbed by in his multiple duties, cannot all see, all know and report to the President.
___________________
In United Stats, it would be usefull indeed that the first part of the weekly summary of information issued by the Intelligence Committee of the War College with secret information furnished by the French Général Staff, be regularly communicated to the President.
It seems difficult to admit that the President is not the first informed on the military situation of the Enemy and the Allies.
___________________
The Secretary of War has just decided to open the School Fire Artillery at Fort Hill July 15th.
That is an excellent measure which was absolutely necessary. But the memorandum of the Chief of the War College demands that “arrangements be made at as early a date as possible for sending to the school, for duty as advisors to the Commandant, a limited number of such Foreign Field Artillery officers as may be obtainable.”
It is known that Marshall Joffre and the French Government have allready proposed to sent4 artillery officers as advisors in the Artillery School. This officers are designated and ready to be despatched if the American Government desires it.
It would be desirable to let know to the French Government, through the Military Attaché, that this officers must be despatched at once, because this question urges!—
___________________
The President, Supreme Chief of the Army, must be constantly kept informed on the military situation.
For this purpose, he has at his disposal, in addition to his “aides de camp” one Staff officer chosen by himself, who every day keeps himself in touch with the French Général Staff and makes report on the daily situation.
On the other hand, the “bulletin of information” issued by the intelligence bureau is regularly communicated to the President.
This dispositions permit the Chief of the State to be constantly informed. It is understood, of course, that the Minister of War, absorbed by in his multiple duties, cannot all see, all know and report to the President.
___________________
In United Stats, it would be usefull indeed that the first part of the weekly summary of information issued by the Intelligence Committee of the War College with secret information furnished by the French Général Staff, be regularly communicated to the President.
It seems difficult to admit that the President is not the first informed on the military situation of the Enemy and the Allies.
___________________
The Secretary of War has just decided to open the School Fire Artillery at Fort Hill July 15th.
That is an excellent measure which was absolutely necessary. But the memorandum of the Chief of the War College demands that “arrangements be made at as early a date as possible for sending to the school, for duty as advisors to the Commandant, a limited number of such Foreign Field Artillery officers as may be obtainable.”
It is known that Marshall Joffre and the French Government have allready proposed to sent4 artillery officers as advisors in the Artillery School. This officers are designated and ready to be despatched if the American Government desires it.
It would be desirable to let know to the French Government, through the Military Attaché, that this officers must be despatched at once, because this question urges!—
Original Format
Letter
Files
Collection
Citation
Réquin, Edouard, 1879-1953, “Edouard J. Réquin to Cary T. Grayson,” 1917 July 8, WWP21609, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.