[Brett]

In my original post, I in no way meant to imply that
I thought MacArthur should have been sacked. I think
a lot of Allied soldiers were very lucky he was in command.

I just thought it was a little strange he was able to
stay in command based on the fact that Pearl Harbor
commanders were sacked.

So thanks for your reply temujin77, I did not know
a lot of what you mentioned. I did have one question
on the passage below:

>> He was capable diplomatically, too. He crossed the
>> military-civilian line by cabling Washington,
>> recommending Washington to enter talks
>> with Russia.

When were these cables and what did he want
discussed?

....

As far as the Australians, it is my understanding that
his reports did downplay their role. For instance a landing
with Aussie forces alone would be announced as "Allied
forces landed today at ..." & if US & Aussie forces attacked,
the communique would say "US forces attacked ..."