Nato Appoints General Jones To Be Saceur

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization today appointed General James L.
Jones, Jr., United States Marine Corps, to succeed General Joseph W. Ralston
as supreme allied commander, Europe.
In response to a letter from the President of the United States of America,
the secretary general of NATO, who is Chairman of the Defense Planning
Committee, asked the member governments to agree to release Ralston and to
approve his nomination of Jones.
The Committee agreed with great regret to release Ralston from his
assignment as supreme allied commander, Europe. They expressed to Ralston,
in the name of NATO governments, lasting gratitude for his distinguished
service.
The Committee asked the president to nominate a U.S. officer for appointment
as supreme allied commander, Europe. In response to this request, the
president nominated Jones to succeed Ralston with the same powers and
functions.
The president has also nominated Jones for assignment as commander, U.S.
European Command. Jones' nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S.
Senate.