Evening star., 1947-03-20
Greek Aid Plan
Cuts War Peril,
Acheson Says
Tells House Hearing
Help Cannot Wait
For u. N. Action
By J. A. OLeory

TUT ". ~. H\t1UIl
By J. A. o'Leoy
Financial aid to Greece and
Turkey is more likely to avert
war than to cause it, Acting
Secretary of State Dean Acheson
told the House Foreign Affairs
Committee today. He expressed
conviction that American help to
block the spread of communism
will not "lead to war"
Appearing as the first witness on
the administration bill for author
itv to send 100000 and limited
military aid to the two Mediter-
ranean nations, Mr.. Acheson was
asked by Representative Mansfield,
Democrat, of Montana whether he
thought the program involved any
danger Of war.
"I was going to say no possibility
that it would lead to war;" the act
ing secretary responded.
He hesitated moment and then
asserted:
"I don't see how 1t can lead to
war. BY strengthening the forces
of freedom and democracy, and
their economies, you do a great
deal to lessen the factors that would
lead to friction between great
powers"
Can't Wait for U. N. Action.
On the other hand, he said, col
lapse of Greece and Turkey might
set off a chain reaction" among
other countries-both to the east
and to the west struggling under
similar pressure"
He insisted that help for Greece
and Turkey to resist Communist ag-
gression cannot wait for United
Nations action but assured the law
makers:
eve are giving serious considera-
ton and study to ways in which the
United Nations may take hold OF
this problem after the present emer-
gency is passed"
MIR. Acheson also made 1t clear
there is no difference in this coun-
try's policy toward Communism in
China as distinguished from Eastern
Europe. He explained there are diff
ferences in the immediate situations
to be dealt with in those widely sep
arated parts of the world.
The tall, soft-spoken diplomat
answered a steady flow of questions
from committee members. but care
fully avoided direct references to
Russia as a factor in the decision to
aid Greece and Turkey.
Morrow Questions Acheson.
AT one point Representative Mer-
row, Republican, of New Hampshire
asked Mra.Acheson whether the col
lapse of Greece would not result in
Russia becoming a Mediterranean
power which in turn might endanger
the United States.
st would prefer not to discuss the
question in the light of the position
of any foreign power" Mr.. Acheson
replied. He added his own belief
that the main elements in the sit
uation could be presented without
discussing questions that would
cause embarrassment.
people are asking. Are we going
to call Russia's bluff" Representa-
tive Morrow continued, and said he
was trying to get the State Depart
ments view.
well, I think for you to make
that statement is one thing" re-
piled Mr.. Acheson. For me to make
it would be another"
The question of whether the
United States is following one policy
in China and another in the Near
East was raised by Representative
Judd, Republican, of Minnesota,
who said a great many Americans
are confused. He asked the witness
if it Is wise to urge China to unite
with armed bands of Communists in
China, and to suggest that Greece
resist armed Communist bands.
Explains China Situation.
IT think the problem is not ex-
sctly as you state it," replied Mr..
Acheson.
Mr.. Acheson went on to explain
the area controlled by Communists
in China is a large area that has
been under their control for many
years-perhaps 20 years. They have
an army which for years has re-
PEELED efforts to invade that area.
He recalled that following a con-
ference last year the Chinese pro-
posed a basis of settlement under
which the Communists would be
represented in the Parliament to the
extent their numbers would Justify.
The Acting Secretary said Gen. Mar
shall tried to work out a solution,
but it failed.
Since Japan surrendered, he said,
the United States has been giving
a great amount of aid to China, in
cluding a lend-lease authorization
of S700 100000. surplus supplies that
cost S836,0Oo,o00 and loans up to
$86,0oO,0o0.
Therefore, those people who
lightly describe our policy toward
China as a hands policy do not
properly describe It," Mr.. Acheson
asserted.
Mr.. Acheson also declared that
when Gen. Marshall urged China
to make its government more rep
resentative and more efficient" he
did not mean by including Com
munists. Furthermore, the witness
continued, China is not facing COL
lapse as is Greece, but the United
States will continue to offer friendly
assistance to China.
Mr. Acheson left the stand short
ly after noon until the hearings are
resumed tomorrow morning. The
(See FOREIGN, Paage A-4D