Evening star., 1947-01-21
By Joseph A. Fox

By Joseph A. Fox
Gen. George C. Marshall, war
time Army Chief of Staff, took
the oath of Office as Secretary of
State today with a firm promise
"to do my best"
The oath was administered by
Chief Justice Vinson in brief White
House ceremony witnessed by Presi-
dent Truman and retiring Secretary
of State Byrnes. Mr.. Truman de-
clared "the Office of Secretary of
State is in safe hands" as he pre-
sented Gen. Marshall with his COM
mission.
The swearing in also was wit
messed by other members of the
cabinet, members of Congress and
other Government officials who
crowded the Presidents Office.
The ceremony was scheduled for
II am, and a few seconds before
that hour Gen. Marshall, in civilian
attire, arrived at the White House
and entered the executive offices in
company with Secretary of War
Patterson, Secretary of the Treasury
Snyder, Secretary of Agriculture
Anderson and Attorney General
Clark.
Vinson Ready Declaration.
Gen. Marshall wore blue suit
with narrow white pin stripes. He
took his place in front of the Presi-
dents desk facing the Chief JUS
tice, while Mr.. Truman stood little
to the side.
The other spectators were ringed
around the sides of the Office.
Mr.. Truman announced that the
Chief Justice would administer the
oath, and Chief Justice Vinson read
the customary declaration pledging
Gen. Marshall Ito protect and de-
fend" the Constitution.
The new cabinet chief spoke a
clear II do" in accepting the pledge.
Then the President stepped for
ward to shake hands with his new
Secretary and expressed his great
pleasure" at presenting him with
the commission of office.
Job Declared in Safe Hands.
while I regret most sincerely
that Secretary Byrnes found it nee
essary to resign, I feel that the
duties of Secretary of State are in
safe hands," the President de-
clared.
Il appreciate your willingness to
undertake this burden
Secretary Marshall responded
with brief, Thank you, Mr.. Presi-
dent and then added his sincere
appreciation of the honor and con-
f1dence which the appointment
represents.
"I'll do my best he concluded.
Confers With President.
Mr.. Byrnes left the White House
Immediately after the ceremony, but
Gen. Marshall remained and con-
ferred with the President for an
hour.
AS he left, Gen. Marshall told
newsmen: Il just had long talk
with the President and I am now
on my way to the State Department,
where Mr. Byrnes is waiting for me-
"I1l be talking to him until we go
out to lunch together.
Beyond the talk with Mr.. Byrnes,
I have not arranged my plans yet"
Not Much Time.
Asked if he would see the Presi-
dent again today, he said he didn't
know, and added:
There is a great deal, of course,
that I must do, and not much time
to do it,"
Asked if he was going to Moscow
for the Foreign Ministers Confer
ence opening March 10, he respond.
ed, II don't know a thing about that
yet. I have not discussed it,"
Gen. Marshall said he was going
to his home in Leesburg, Va, this
evening. He added that Mrs. Mar
shall is leaving shortly for Pine
hurst, N. c.
Scene Re-enacted for Cameramen.
Because of the size of the
audience, it was not possible to
bring in photographers for pictures
of the actual swearing in, and the
scene was re-enacted for them
later.
Congressional leaders from both
parties saw the ceremony.
In this group were Senator VAN
denberg. President pro tenn of the
Senate and chairman of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee; Sem
ator Connally, Democrat, of Texas;
Chairman Eaton of the House For
eign Affairs Committee, Representa-
tive Bloom, Democrat, of New York;
House Speaker Martin, House Ma
jority Leader Halleck, Senate Minor
i ity Leader Barkley and House Mi
nority Leader Rayburn.