Читать книгу Small Wars Manual. Tactics and Strategies for Engaging in Military Operations онлайн

54 страница из 89

(1) Last impression—that is, of several impressions, the last is most likely to be acted upon.

(2) Frequency—that is, repetitions, not one after another but intervals separated by other impressions.

(3) Repetition—this is distinguished from frequency by being repetitions, one after the other, without having other kinds of impressions interspersed.

h. The strongest suggestion is obtained by a combination of “frequency” and “last impressions.” Propaganda at home also plays its part in the public support of small wars. An ordinary characteristic of small wars is the antagonistic propaganda against the campaign or operations in the United States press or legislature. One cannot afford to ignore the possibilities of propaganda. Many authorities believe that the Marine Force should restrict publicity to a minimum in order to prevent the spread of unfavorable and antagonistic propaganda at home. However, it is believed that when representatives of the press demand specific information, it should be given to them, if it is not of a confidential nature or such as will jeopardize the mission. Sometimes marines are pressed with the question: “Why are you here?” The best method to follow when a question of public policy is involved is to refer the individual to appropriate civil authorities.