General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 21, 25 November - 31 December 1918 - Part 3

1
Demobilization, Repatriation
& Reconstruction.
Invite this body of Representative Australians to problems involved.-
An unparalleled task.-
We have to consider (a) Interests of Australian Nation
(b) Interests of the individual soldiers
We have a total of about 190,000 men ∧& women expatriated (not incl. Minor. & dependants Workers)
Problem - how to bring them home - in most expeditious
manner, & ready to take up the duties
of their future citizenship.
Need for Expedition - actual cost £1,000,000 or more a week
loss of productivity at least another ¼ mil per week
Controlled however by far more important considerations.
National Interests : - Our War Charge - over £200,000,000
Increase of production imperative
Members of A.I.F. are ∧the most valuable asset Australia has
got to bring about Economic & Industrial Reconstruction.
A disaster if this large body dumped in Australia, unprepared,
without delay, to resume their places or take
new & better places.
Per Contra - an inestimable benefit if we can create
a proper attitude & spirit –
would give them a powerful influence on the future life
of the Nation - industrially

educationally

politically
Just consider the educational value & influence on
character of the rich experiences which our men have
been through - if properly directed and used hereafter.
Spiritual momentum which we can give
We must create a Repatriation Reconstruction Moral
Same as we did a Fighting Moral. –
Responsibility of Commanders for this - to Australia.
to our men.

2
No detached attitude possible for Commanders - while ^others work the machine
Their leadership in War must merge into their leadership
in Repatriation.
Cooperation necessary - bad cooperation impedes interests of all. –
But the men must help also; -
We must create a proper spirit among them
an outlook on their future as private citizens
a desire to cooperate help individually.
a sympathy with the difficulties of the
whole problem.
again Cooperation.
Our A.I.Force has become a responsive instrument. -
We must play upon it to create a spirit of mutual
help & sympathy, toleration with difficulties & 
disappointments
Consider the psychology of private soldier : - 
Confused & with distorted ideas of what may be done with him.

Value promises of Govt.
Doesn't know what's going to happen to him.
Are we going into Germany?
For how long?
When are we going home?
General feeling & Uncertainty ^& unrest among them.
Likely, as weeks go on, to develop into something
much worse - ^hospitalities total temperamental disorganization
ingrained loss of industry, or ambition, or outlook. -
We must take the men into our confidence
and soon.
This Task naturally full of difficulties - but these difficulties
will dissipate - (a) if we bring right attitude of 
mind to bear
(b) by lapse of time & steady
application to details.

3
Repatriation & Demobilization Department
An organization was necessary. -
No minute details yet.
Represents Ministries of Defence & Repatriation - merged.
A Director-General, under G.O.C., A.I.F.
A Board with civilian representation
Administration
Branches : - Personnel xxxx
Transport & Quartering
Ordnance & Supplies
Medical
Veterinary.
Flying Corps.
Employment - Educational.
Industrial.
Finance & Pay
Direct Communication with all Formations of A.I.F. - of course
with due regard to preserving internal chain of responsibility.
Issue of whole policy
& all detailed instructions 
in a regular sequence of Circulars or Orders.
Basic Questions
What we have to do
Repatriate 190,000 men individuals.
& Whole War Equipment for 5 Div's & Mounted Div.
When can we start?
Possibly end February - seriously
Our legal right to hold men - "period of war & 4 mths after".
At What Rate? - 
depends on Ships & F fitting them.
Ports - where. French difficulties.
Capacity of Australia to absorb.
Probably take 12 months. - Working Basis.
Consider if : - 
By 3 months from now, probably only by March 1
still 150,000 left

4

By June 1 - 6 months from now

probably still ^over 100,000 left

in all theatres.
What unparalleled difficulties - to keep these masses of 
men in good heart & usefully employed!!
Urgent necessity to find useful employment - 
difficulties stupendous - but my business to try
to solve them.
Two Categories : - Those who are eager to help & want to
probably 80% - after explanations
Those who want coaxing & persuading
Small percentage unamenable - Keep
them under strict military )
discipline. )
What employment?
Educational : - Elementary Scholastic Training
General Cultural training
(maturer men)
Commercial Training
Preparing for Academic Career
Professional Training
or Vocational Training
University Courses.
Industrial Commercial employment
Scientific Employment
New Apprenticeship
Continuation of Apprenticeship
Wage-earning in present trades
Learning new trades.
Agricultural & rural industries.
In Commonwealth Workshops
(a) for new industries
(b) for Govt. manufactures
Difficulties : - 
Finance
Industrial Conditions in England & France
Trades Union opposition.
Attitude of the men not sympathetic.
If we can deal with only 10000 so much to the good. -

5
Propaganda
An active propaganda wanted
to let the men know what we aim at.
to make them receptive
to explain conditions & benefits
Machinery:-
(a) Ordinary RegMilitary Channels - Officers
to be for first
(b) Education Staff
(c) Chaplains
(d) Members of Parliament
(e) Unionists & P. L. Comm'l men -
x  Div. Commanders to select 1 or 2 in each
Unit to be ready to send them to
London to learn their briefs
I shall prepare lectures - but don't wait - carry on.
& help to the men.
Present Census - 
If perfunctory - no use at all - as to future 
occupations
Possibility of further similar refinsitions.
Procedure
(not final - merely foreshadowed as a guide)
1. Priority – the most vexed & difficult question of all
(a) Regimental organization to be preserved as far as
same is consistent with repatriation machinery

i.e. All men of unit of given categories together.
(b) 1915 leave men go quite early
x  (c) The Official Category List - read it - will be promulgated.
(d) Bands & Concert Parties Kept together, - if possible.
(e) C/os probably asked arrange whole personnel in order of
priority  – so as to send quotas as called for
subject reviews by Div. Commanders, Self & G.O.C.
Responsibility herein of Brigadiers & Div. Commanders.

6
2. Duty Personnel:- (a) Unit Cadres

Amount to a )          (b) Demobilization personnel - Admistrative
fwd many      )                Employment.
thousands.    )          (c) Transport personnel 
                                    (d) Ordnance personnel
to be held here till duty done, without respect to
priority of selections. - Officers particularly - no
officer has an indefensible claim for return.-
These taken where possible out of lower categories, & to be reliable men.-
Shall call upon Divisions to provide Staff - by name.
3. Early return on Compassionate grounds:-
Special Cases - only in cases of great hardship
Div. Commanders must investigate & take
responsibility of their recommendations
Send all such cases direct to my Deptmt.
4. Repatriation of Dependants – how & when – 7000.
5. Withdrawal of personnel for employment.
In England - transfer out of unit to a special
military formation which will take them
over & (a) return to unit later
(b) repatriation direct
In France – probably same, - but later.
To make up numbers, we empty English depots, as
men become fit for G.S.
6. Smaller Units (later) to come under Divisions for
Administration as regards Demobilization.
L. Horse, Tunnellers, M.T, San Section, Corps & Army Troops.
7. Volunteers for employment must be prepared to forgo
forego priority - in certain cases & eventualities
but will be plainly asked beforehand.
8. Any man can forgo his priority if reasons are satisfactory
to his Div. Commander.

7
Ask Div. Commanders write me - with
Suggestions - I grateful.
Questions from Conference
Invite General Birdwood to speak
Farewell to Corps:–
Break 4 years association with may of you.
Severe wrench to leave the Corps.
Tender sincere & heartfelt thanks to all

for loyal support
& efficient cooperation
Last 7 months repays all our endeavours
an epic of high performance.-

- LE CATEAU -
- France -
- 26 Nov 1918 - 

Drawing - see original document

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