PART III

ALEXANDER: For the purpose of record and future reference, I had better sum up the discussion on the first item of our agenda.

While all of us here agree that commanders are made and not born, there is one quality which must be innate. And that is Intelligence. I would define Intelligence as sound commonsense rather than sparkling brilliance. Different stages of command require slightly different qualities. However, certain qualities are requisite to success at all stages. These are :

Knowledge of the Technique of War: a through knowledge of the profession and an understanding of the limitations and capabilities of all services are essential.

Study of Human Nature: man is the fundamental instrument in war. To get the best possible performance out of this instrument, you have to know everything about it. I just do not have words forcible enough to stress the importance of the study and understanding of human nature.

Driving force: there must be a driving force behind it all. This driving force could be ideology, patriotism, zeal for a certain creed or system; but it must be there all the same.

These three are the most essential "must have" qualities. All others, such as self-confidence, courage, physical and mental robustness spring from one, or a combination of more than one, of the above three qualities.

(Everyone agrees).

Now, a word about extraneous conditions. Clearly there are certain conditions which are ideal for conducting operation, while there are others, the existence of which may lead to the failure of good commanders.

From our discussion today these conditions can be summed up as follows. First no amount of brilliant generalship can give decisive victory. A commander may gain temporary success or avert defeat by his brilliant handling of troops, but to achieve final victory, his resources in men and material must be comparable with those of the enemy. Second, a commander must be free of political interference. He must be left free, within the broad limits of policy, to pursue a course of action considered suitable by him. He must have freedom of action. Political reasons should not be allowed to influence a military issue if success is desired.

(At this stage, the meeting was adjourned sine die. The clerk of the Court passed on the proceedings of the meeting to the Earthly Liaison Officer for 1950 A.D., who passed it on to all concerned for necessary information and mutilation, knowing that eventually its lessons will be forgotten.)

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It is comparatively easy to know what you want to do in any kind of war. Leadership consists in knowing whether you can do it --- the risks you ought to take.

Field Marshal Sir William Slim.