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We could hold in Korea by constant maneuver and in an approximate area where our supply line advantages were in balance with the supply line disadvantages of the enemy, but we could hope at best for only an indecisive campaign with its terrible and constant attrition upon our forces if the enemy utilized its full military potential. I have constantly called for the new political decisions essential to a solution. Efforts have been made to distort my position. It has been said, in effect, that I was a warmonger. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more revolting. I have long advocated its complete abolition, as its very destructiveness on both friend and foe has rendered it useless as a means of settling international disputes. ... But once war is forced upon us, there is no other alternative than to apply every available means to bring it to a swift end.

Douglas MacArthur#26

WarStrategyMilitaryPoliticsDecision making

About this quote

What does it mean?
Holding Korea without new political decisions would lead to an indecisive, attritional war. The author denies being a warmonger and advocates for war abolition but insists on total effort once war is forced.
In plain terms
Without new politics, the war in Korea would be a costly stalemate.
What can you take from it?
Military solutions require political backing to avoid endless attrition.

Where it applies

  • military command
  • government strategy
  • international conflict

Putting it to work

  • seek political alignment
  • assess attrition risks
  • define clear objectives

Questions to consider

  • How do military and political goals align?
  • Is attrition ever acceptable in war?

Another view

Military action alone can sometimes resolve disputes without new political frameworks.

More from Douglas MacArthur

  1. While no man in his right mind would advocate sending our ground forces into continental China, and such was never given a thought, the new situation did urgen…

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision. In war there is no substitute for victory.

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. While I was not consulted prior to the President's decision to intervene in support of the Republic of Korea, that decision from a military standpoint, proved …

    Permalink to quote #24

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