Evening star., 1945-05-23

cIlC6S Will GIlc ~-' '
President and others.
The fact is the status of Mr.. Stet-
tinius is quite the most interesting
as regards an individual of any in
Washington. 1t also seems TO be
rather unique in our history. Ger
tainly, the position in which clrcum-
stances have placed him is anything
but happy one and has been any
thing but helpful to him in his
leadership of the San Francisco
Conference.
1t could not fail to handicap him
there ANY one who looks at the
facts will agree. Considering them
in the opinion of unbiased observers
he has done remarkably well.
Originally appointed by Mr.
Roosevelt, Mr.. Stettinius has been
Secretary of State less than six
months. His selection was generally
credited to Harry Hopkins, who
had been his chief patron and
friend. Up to the time Mr.. Roose-
velt died. Mr.. Stettinius had a very
good press and was going along
verv well. But soon after Mr.. Tru-
man came in things began to break
badly for him.
Two Sources of Trouble.
It was not that the new President
evinced toward him anything save
personal friendliness and support.
His troubles came largely from two
other sources - one, Democratic
party leaders; the other, group Of
writers and radio commentators who
specialize in State Department
affairs and who were mostly hostile
to Cordell Hull when he was the
Secretary.
Mr.. Hull was such an outstanding
figure and so strong in the country
that while his Journalistic critics
were irritating they were also futile.
OF course, Mr.. Stettinius is not Mr..
Hull. He not only makes a much
more vulnerable target but is much
more easily disturbed by what his
friends regard as the extreme un-
fairness of the attack.
This has taken the form Of asser-
tions that he lacks skill, judgment
and experience as a diplomat; that
he does not measure up to the job.
On these grounds journalistic de-
mand was made before the San
Francisco Conference that he be re-
placed by more mature and
equipped man.
Mr.. Truman. naturally, paid no
attention to this demand and has
done nothing calculated to weaken
or disturb his Secretary of State
while the conference is on-quite
the contrary. However. this has not
prevented repeated publication of
the report that his successor
James F. already has been
chosen
Circula ton of these reports and
charges in the press over the air
have naturally not contributed to
Mr.. Stettinius' serenity as an in
dividual nor his power as leader
However, they have aroused con-
siderable sympathy for him and
there has been some reaction not
alone against the cruelty of his crit
les, but at the degree to which they
have enfeebled the American posi-
ton by their assault.
So far as the feeling of the party
leaders toward Mr. Stettinius is con-
cerned, that is wholly due to the
fact that should anything happen tc
Mr.. Truman, Mr.. Stettinius would
become President. 1t isn't prob
ability, but it is a distinct possibility
Being wholly without party status
strength or experience, this is not a
thing they seem able to contem-
plate calmly
Apparently, in addition to being
a close friend of the Presidents
Mr.. Byrnes is favored by both groups
of Stettinius critics. 1t is true that
he has had no more diplomatic
background than Mr.. Stettinius, and
that one trip to Yalta does not
make a man an interna tional au-
thority But his party status and
experience are overwhelmingly su-
perior Furthermore, he is astute
shrewd, popular and personable.
Opinion of Observers.
Most observers here regard him as
slated for the post, though no one
pretends to first-hand knowledge
from either the President or Mr.
Byrnes. One obstacle to the Byrnes
appointment is being widely dis
cussed. What can be done with Mr.
Stettinius-particularly what can be
done with him if the result of San
Francisco is agreement upon col
lective security charter that will be
generally satisfactory and acclaimed
as big stride toward the goal OF
permanent peace through interna
tional cooperation?
If this, as seems likely, trans
spires, it cannot help but rebound
to the credit of Mr.. Stettinius. As
chairman of the American delega-
ton, as one of the chairmen of the
conference and as Secretary OF
State, his was emphatically a posi-
ton Of leadership.
II the conference should fail. the
blame certainly would be placed
squarely upon him-eSpecially BY
his critics. If it succeeds, a large
share of the credit has got to be
given him. This, it would seem
will make it difficult to replace him
You cannot very well denote no,
humiliate Secretary of State who
has made good on such an assign.
ment. And there seems no way tc
promote Secretary of State. Max.
ing him Ambassador to Great Brit.