DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Nile Kinnick correspondence, December 1942-March 1943

Transcribe
Translate

Nile Kinnick correspondence, December 1942-March 1943

1943-02-24: Page 07

The war goes on and the Allied cause is improving. Believe Germany will try one last, big offensive somewhere, then dig and try to hold what she has, perhaps, sue for peace. We mustn't even consider letting up for a moment under any circumstances. They will be a tough nut to crack, but we can do it. My opinion would be that 1944 will see the end of the European side of it. Realistically, and yet free from all hatred. I think it would be a good idea to let the Russians walk in on the German homeland for awhile. Imagine you could get a favorable vote on that from Joe's boys. How long will it take to whip the Japs depends on how much aid we send China in the meantime, which, of course, is contingent on retaking Burma. With all due respect to Halsey, I'm a little skeptical of his optimism. Don't want to be, but I recall how the Navy men were sure all along before the war that they could step on Japan in 6 weeks at the most. Perhaps, 1946 will see the end of the whole business and the termination of my four year hitch. Naval aviation is good money, interesting, fun, and a good life if you like it, but not for this chicken. I am coming back to the midwest and fast. 
How to implement our noble & pious generalities, domestically and internationally after the war is going to be really tough. In broad outline I am for America & Britain maintaining a sea and air force that will dominate both oceans. The hope of the world order lies in the cooperation of these two countries with China & Russia both of whom will maintain large land armies, I presume. If

Saving...

The war goes on and the Allied cause is improving. Believe Germany will try one last, big offensive somewhere, then dig and try to hold what she has, perhaps, sue for peace. We mustn't even consider letting up for a moment under any circumstances. They will be a tough nut to crack, but we can do it. My opinion would be that 1944 will see the end of the European side of it. Realistically, and yet free from all hatred. I think it would be a good idea to let the Russians walk in on the German homeland for awhile. Imagine you could get a favorable vote on that from Joe's boys. How long will it take to whip the Japs depends on how much aid we send China in the meantime, which, of course, is contingent on retaking Burma. With all due respect to Halsey, I'm a little skeptical of his optimism. Don't want to be, but I recall how the Navy men were sure all along before the war that they could step on Japan in 6 weeks at the most. Perhaps, 1946 will see the end of the whole business and the termination of my four year hitch. Naval aviation is good money, interesting, fun, and a good life if you like it, but not for this chicken. I am coming back to the midwest and fast. How to implement our noble & pious generalities, domestically and internationally after the war is going to be really tough. In broad outline I am for America & Britain maintaining a sea and air force that will dominate both oceans. The hope of the world order lies in the cooperation of these two countries with China & Russia both of whom will maintain large land armies, I presume. If