Evening star., 1948-07-24
Germany
Continued From First Page.)

Clay discussed the plan for doubling
effect of the air supply operation
which the Western powers hope will
help persuade the Russians to give
up their blockade of rail and high
way traffic into their sectors of
Berlin.
Gen. Clay said the expanded pro-
gram would meet Berlin's most es-
sential supply needs indefinitely
and thus gain time for carrying on
negotiations for a peaceful solution
of the serious" situation arising
from apparent Soviet efforts to
drive the Western powers out of
Berlin.
At news conference in the Pen
tagon, Gen Clay said he agreed
with President Trumans Thursday
statement that the chances for
peace are excellent because he is
sure "the Russians don't want war"
Explaining that he did not want
to minimize Seriousness of the situ-
alton in Germany, he asserted II
don't think anybody in this world is
looking for war at this moment, and
if the people don't want war it looks
to me like we have an excellent
chance of finding a peaceful solu-
ton"
He added that it seems to him
there is reasonable basis of COM
promise without violating any basic
principles. There is always a way
out if reasonable people sit down to
find way out"
Asked what made him think the
Russians would be reasonable, Gen.
Clay said sometimes people learn to
be reasonable"
Hoping for Way Out.
1t is this Governments hope that
"a way out can be found through
continued efforts to negotiate with
Moscow solution acceptable to both
sides.
Some differences of view between
Washington and London over how
far the Western powers should 20
in their next approach to Moscow
toward opening the way for discus
sion of other major German prob
lens besides Berlin have been re-
ported this week.
Mr.. Bohien will be able to present
Gen. Marshall's views directly in
London. while Gen. Smith can con-
tribute his first-hand impressions
Of the present attitude in Moscow.
Intensive conferences were ex-
pected in London this week end in
an effort to reach agreement among
the Western powers on the text of a
new point note to Moscow. Mr..
Bohlen was expected to return here
to Washington early next week.
Can Supply All Food Needs.
Gen. Clay's disclosure of the ex-
panded air lift program indicated
the Western powers were prepared
to continue indefinitely their efforts
to solve the blockade problem with
out resorting to any forceful moves
that might precipitate war.
He said the increased air opera
tions would enable the United States
and Britain to supply all of the food
needed in their sectors of Berlin and
enough coal to meet absolutely es-
sential" needs. There may be some
suffering when cold weather comes
he said, but no extreme" suffer
ing.
American and British air fleets
now are flying into Berlin between
1000 and $500 tons of supplies daily.
Gen. Clay said he had been assured
while here of enough additional C-54
planes, which carry 10 tons a trip.
to raise daily average to about 4,5OO
tons.
He added that work will start as
soon as he gets back to Germany on
a new airport in the American sector
of Berlin to relieve traffic Jams at
Templehof airdrome.
Reports of Convoy Discounted.
Gen. Clay described as "unwar-
ranted" reports that he or members
of his staff in Germany had urged
an attempt to break the Russian