 General Allard, who had served with the Royal 22e Régiment in Italy in World War II and in Korea, had a distinguished combat record, but also described by the historian Desmond Morton as a "chronic opportunist" who was forever seeking a way to ingratitude himself with those who held power.Furthermore, the French-Canadian Allard believed the military was too British and felt that unification and "Canadianizing" the military would encourage more French-Canadians to enlist.The resignations of the officers failed to move public opinion with most Canadians being apathetic about Hellyer's plans for unification.