Evening star., 1945-07-03
.Byrnes Sworn;
Plans No Early
Staff Changes
Truman and Other
High OfficioIs See
Him Take Oath
BY GARNETT ID. HORNER.


James F. Byrnes was sworn in
as Secretary of State in a COL
orful ceremony on the east por-
tico of the White House today
and Immediately announced that
he would not make any changes
in State Department personnel
pending an investigation of the
departments structure by the
budget director.
Visibly shaken with emotion as
he assumed the No. l cabinet post,
Mr.. Byrnes read to cheering
crowd gathered below him on the
White House lawn statement de-
claring that toleration and respect
of the rights and differing opinions
of others is essential to the making
of enduring peace.
President Truman, most other
members of the cabinet, numerous
high State Department officials and
members of the Senate and House
looked on as Chief Justice Richard
S. Whaley of the United States
Court of Claims administered the
oath to the former Senator, Su-
preme Court justice and war mobil-
ization director.
Kisses Worn Bible.
AS he finished swearing to up
hold the constitution Mr.. Byrnes
raised worn Bible to his lips,
kissed it and held it out to Presi-
dent Truman, who also kissed the
Bible.
The ceremony had been sched-
uled for the Presidents Office, but
when the large crowd of Mr.. Byrnes'
friends who wanted to see him take
the oath overflowed the office, Mr..
Truman said "let's go outside"
In the statement which he read
Immediately after the ceremony.
Mr.. Byrnes pointed out that he
was leaving within short time"
to accompany the President to the
forthcoming Big Three meeting
near Berlin, and said he therefore
was asking all of those in the State
Department "at home or abroad to
remain at their posts and carry on
as usual"
Has Requested Study.
IT have asked the director Of
the budget to make an investigation
of the structure of the department,
he added. Until receive that
report and have an opportunity to
study it and such personal inquiry
as I deem advisable, no change In
personnel will be made"
There had been numerous reports
I that Mr.. Byrnes planned an irnme-
diate drastic shakeup among the
top officials of the State Depart
ment.
The new Secretary of State pointed
out that a change in the secretary
ship involves no change in the
basic principles of our foreign
policy" since it is his function to
advise the President and carry out
foreign policy as determined by the
President and Congress.
He said he would seek the con-
slant help and guidance" of the
Senate Foreign Relations Commit
| tee and the House Foreign Affairs
Committee, as well as that of former
Secretary of State Cordell Hull and
Edward r. StettiniuS, jr., whom Mr..
Byrnes succeeds as Secretary.
Stettinius Shakes Hands.
Mr.. Stettinius stood Immediately
behind Mr.. Byrnes as the latter was
sworn in, and was the first to shake
hands with his successor and offer
congratulations.
Charles G. Ross. White House
press secretary, said, meanwhile.
that Mr.. Stettinius, who will be the
United States representative on the
World Security Council, will move
into the White House offices at his
own convenience.
He said he did not know if Mr..
Stettinius would be paid from the
White House contingent fund pend
ing a congressional appropriation
for his new post.
Mr. Byrnes assumed Office less
than "a hours after his nomination
was submitted to the Senate by
President Truman yesterday. In
tribute to their popular former col
league, Democratic and Republican
Senators joined forces to confirm
the Byrnes appointment unani-
mously within half an hour after
its submission.
AS Mrs. Byrnes stood proudly at
fSee RYRNES. Page A-4l