ABSTRACT
As they were to be in many theatres of war, relations between the Americans and their allies were often strained. In large part it was the inevitable outcome of the very obvious superiority in the facilities and equipment of the Americans. The Americans went to war — comparatively at least — much better equipped, better paid and certainly better fed. Congress stipulated the minimum rations that could be provided to American troops in combat and although MacArthur asked Curtin to improve the level of Australian rations, which were more modest and much less appetizing, he was always told that the Government could not afford it.
