Evening star., 1948-04-13

Truman would veto legislation pro-
viding for such an increase in the
Air Force.
Secretary Symingtons reference
to Russia came after he noted that
the Air Force for the last three
years has urged an increase to a
70-group strength.
Stresses Russian Expansion.
I'VE ought also to have a right
size Army and Navy" he continued.
I'VE could never have an army as
big as the Russian Army. We now
have the greatest Navy in the world,
bigger than all the other navies
combined.
But the Russians are building
as fast as possible to get the big
gest air force in the world. They
are building IL times as many
planes as we are. They seem to
want to reach a decision with this
country and they want to reach
it in the air"
Secretary Symington was not q
formally scheduled witness as the
House committee prepared to hear
Gen. Spaatz discuss provisions In
the proposed draft bill as it would
affect the Air Force.
Committee Chairman Andrews
suggested at the start of todays
hearing that the questioning be
confined to selective service only
He noted that the committee last
July approved UNIT bill and last
week adopted a resolution favoring
a 70-group Air Force.
Almost Immediately. however,
members began to question Secre-
tary Symington directly on his atti-
tude on UNIT and the 70-group pro-
posal as well as selective service.
Secretary Symington said the Air
Force favors selective service now
principally because it is essential
for the Army" He added that the
Air Force could obtain sufficient re-
cruits and re-enlistments to obtain
the 100000 men estimated as neces-
sary for 10 group force by 1850.
Could Add 2,174 Planes.
Secretary Symington also esti-
mated that, If additional funds are
provided for a 70-group plan, the
Air Force could add alta planes by
1850. Under present appropriations
On the basis of a 55-group force, it
could add only 1,O95, he reported.
The hearings opened yesterday
with Secretary of Defense For
restal as the first witness. Acting
Secretary of State Lovett, who had
been scheduled to testify, will ap-
pear Thursday in closed session.
s Secretary. .Forrestal told the COM
pmittee that. Russia knows how to
snTake the atomic bomb, but lacks the
industrial capacity to produce it.
Senators Begin Drafting Bill.
The Senate Armed Services Com
t'mittee, after more than two weeks
,oS public and executive sessions, be-
igan drafting legislation for selective
service. UNIT and possible Air Force
| texpansion.
Chairman Gurney said there has
been no decision either on detailed
provisions or on whether UNIT and
a draft would be included in single
bill. He said the proposed legisla-
ton might be ready early next week.
Representative Vinson, Democrat,
of Georgia, ranking minority men,
ber of the Armed Services Commit
tee. said he would offer an amend
ment for a 1922 ,OO0, 900 outlay toward
increasing the Air Force from a S.
to 10 group strength.
COP Committee Gives Priority.
The priority signal for military
came late yesterday from
the House Republican Steering Com
mittee.
Speaker Martin reported that
most" members of the policy max
ing group favor revival of the draft
but have not committed themselves
on details.
The bill on which the House
Armed Services Committee is hold
ing public hearings would increase
the armed forces to 1,944,000 by re-
ouiring registration of men between
1s and 81, with those from 10