Evening star., 1947-10-13
Red Drive Into Europe
Stopped Cold, 'Mundt
Reports After Tour

Reports After Tour
BY the Associated Pres.
Communism move into West
ern Europe "has been stopped
cold for the last go to 80 days" :"
Representative Mundt, Repub-
lican, of South Dakota declared
today, "and could be turned into
an ebb tide very easily"
Reporting his impressions after a
first-hand inspection of conditions
in Europe, Mr.. Mundt said:
There Is a real chance right now
to turn back Communism. We saw
lot OF evidence that European
countries are beginning to pull to-
gether as team. The desire to do
so is widespread"
Russian Propaganda Hit.
I'VE very definitely have to make
strenuous effort to increase our
information program in there. -
Russian propaganda is vicious, we'll
financed. and skillfully promoted
by an active and extensive staff"
He also urged emergency relief
for France this winter, and said
Italy may need additional food
allotments.
Other Statements Issued.
Other statements bearing on the
foreign situation came from three
Republican Senators:
l. Senator Wherry, Republican,
of Nebraska suggested that the ad-
ministration bring out on the table
all these foreign aid proposals in
one bunch, including talk about
s4OO, 100000 for Korea and another
$400, 900. 900 for China He said,
however, that he sees mo justifi-
cation" for a special session of Con-
gress and does not believe one will
be called.
g. Senator Brewster, Republican,
of Maine served notice he will try
to save several billions of dollars"
under the long range European aid
program by sending Europe surplus
ships rather than steel with which
to build new ones.
3. Senator Capper. Republican, of
Kansas predicted that Congress will
be called back early in December
to appropriate $500, 100000 for
emergency use to rescue the gov
ernments of France and Italy"
Subcommittee Ends Tour.
Mr.. Mundt is chairman of House
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee which
returned yesterday after month s
trip through Europe surveying polit-
ical conditions and the effect of the
State Departments information
program. including the Voice of
America" broadcasts. He visited "a
countries, going as far east as Tur-
key.
I'VE have an amazing fund OF
good will throughout Europe" he
said THE people still respect the
integrity of American purposes and
the climate is very friendly, but
Soviet propaganda is having its ef-
! feet and the whole thing could 60
sour if we don't step up our efforts. u
Mr.. Mundt is author of bill to
establish a $35, 900, ,000-a year foreign
information program. 1t was ap-
proved by the House in June. and
is up for early action on the Senate
calendar.
Expects Bill to Pass.
He predicted the bill will pass
the Senate soon after Congress con-
venes in January. "and probably
with more money"
I'VE have to appropriate a mans
sized amount of money to do a
mans sized job" Mr.. Mundt said
When one side is using popguns
and arrows while the other side
1 has the most modern artillery, the
l outcome is foreseeable." -
Mr.. Mundt also predicted that
Communist tactics in setting up
a new nine-nation information
bureau" in Belgrade will BOOM
erang very badly, because it brings
the old Communist international
into the open again and will unite
the people in Europe who are oppos-
ing Communism.
The stated purpose of the new
Communist bureau is to oppose
American imperialism, including
the Marshall long-range plan to
assist European recovery by giving
United States aid to 1e nations
which have drawn up plan OF
mutual self-help:
France Needs Help.
Mr.. Mundt said he believes Italy
may be able to get through the
winter without additional help from
this country, except maybe for a
little more wheat" but France
must have substantial aid-princi-
pally wheat and coal
The diet In both countries is
right at the bottom" he said, land
neither government can last If it
has to cut the ration. There will
be food riots if they try it,"
Europe's biggest need in the
mOntnS 10 COME, ne aooeO, is nOI
the Marshall plan. but Marshall
planning" He explained:
1--WE can work out a program ' to
help Western European countries
stop Communism, but it will take
more than food. We are going to
have to send some counsel along
with the cash"
Wherry Urges Caution.
Senator Wherry said that every
body is in favor of aiding starv-
ing people" and that If needs are
justified, the American people will
do what they can He urged, how
ever, that I'VE must be\careful OF
any further commitments If we are
to stop this infiationary spiral
here"
Senator Brewster said he had
discussed his surplus ship proposal
with several Government ofhcials
and will offer it as an amendment
to any legislation reaching the
Cn-o{a ,,,,lar fho ca-rol1ad Nor.