Pearl Harbor: The Seeds and Fruits of Infamy - Ludwig von Mises ...

368 Pearl Harbor: The Seeds and Fruits of Infamy
Short and Kimmel Relieved of Their Commands
Action on the relief of Admiral Kimmel and General Short
was prompt. Upon Knox’s return from Hawaii, he conferred with
Stimson. Stimson talked with Marshall. “[A]s a result a decision
was reached for the relief of both Kimmel and Short. 18
Th ere was no hint in Knox’s report of any misconduct on
Kimmel’s part, no charges were made; no trial was held. Stark
was not consulted beforehand. “[A]fter coming from the White
House,” Knox directed that Kimmel be relieved. Knox had no
discussion with Stark as to the reasons. But Stark said,
A commander in chief would not be removed without the president’s
permission. . . . I imagine that had been discussed with
the president because the future of those two offi cers [Kimmel
and Short] at that time was on a high level. 19
Kimmel’s dismissal letter, dated December 16, was from the
Secretary of the Navy and bore the initials of Stark and Admiral
Nimitz, then Chief of Personnel. 20
Secretary of War Stimson discussed Short’s situation with
Marshall. Short was then promptly relieved of his command “on
the direction of the Secretary of War.” His dismissal letter, also
dated December 16, was signed by General Marshall. 21
Although relieved of their duties in mid-December, both
Kimmel and Short were still in the service awaiting further
assignments. Th ey remained in Hawaii.
Kimmel and Short had devoted their lives to preparing
themselves to defend the United States. Th eir eff orts and their
18 Ibid., part 3, p. 1530. Mashall testimony before the Joint Committee.
19Ibid., part 5, pp. 2430, 2432. Stark testimony before the Joint Committee.
20Ibid., dispatch to Kimmel, #162105. Admiral Pye was to be Kimmel’s temporary
relief.
21Ibid., part 3, p. 1529.