Evening star., 1947-10-24
Conoress, Prices and Europe

The urgency of the food and fuel Sltua-
ton abroad-particularly the desperate
need of France and Italy-haS been SO
clear for so long that no one in his right
mind will challenge the Presidents wisdom
in deciding, at last, to call special session
of Congress to deal with the emergency.
The decision has been made not moment
too soon, and it will have the hearty sup
port of every American aware OF the vital
connection between European conditions
and our own national well-being and
security.
That said, however, it seems surprising,
and more than little confusing, that in
issuing his call the President has placed
primary emphasis on the domestic price
situation. Though he has cited Europe's
critical needs as one of the two compelling
reasons for the special session, he has made
it secondary to the problem of imitation
here at home. In his judgment, prompt
legislative action on that problem is Cur
gently necessary" but it is only "also
necessary" for Congress to meet the French
and Italian crisis.
This raises the question whether dealing
with the one might not impede action on
the other. From the standpoint of partt-
san politics, nothing could be more dyna-
mite-laden at this time than the problem
of imitation, who is to blame for it, and
what ought to be done to check it. The
President has made clear that he will
recommend suitable measures" to the
special session to cope with it, but anything
he may submit is likely to unleash pro-
tracted and heated debate Congress Is
to convene November II. France and Italy
will need help in the following month
What will happen to that help If the Sen
ate and House become embroiled in a
laundering argument over proposals to re-
establish anti-inhationary controls of one
kind or another?
There is link, of course, between do
mestic prices and foreign aid, and the
President may have good reason for want
ing action on both before January. Off,
hand, however, the link would seem to
apply much more to the long-term Mar
shall proposal for European recovery than
to the help needed Immediately If the
latter is to be made available on time, how
can the House and Senate deal simul-
taneously with imitation? There is at least
the possibility, certainly, that If Congress
embarks next month on debate over the
high cost of living, an affirmative decision
on emergency aid may be delayed beyond
the critical December deadline. The Re-
publican leaders have dissociated them
selves from all responsibility for the special
session.; If price control is to be considered
during it, then they can be counted upon
to let loose with lot of fireworks.
President Truman undoubtedly has
taken all such factors into consideration,
and presumably he will explain in his ad-
dress tonight just why he has decided to
place both imitation and foreign aid before
the special session. That is the only aspect
of his call that needs explaining. There
can be no question otherwise about the
soundness of his decision. For the sake of
the United States itself, and not simply for
humanitarian reasons, Congress must act
af1rmatively and expeditiously on the
emergency abroad. That is something
that cannot wait until January.