Evening star., 1948-05-28
Macarthur Asks
Delay in Return
Here 10 Testify
Sees Misinterpretotion
If His Visit Precedes
G. 0. P. Convention
fTert OF Macarthur Reply on
Page Az
BY the Assoeiofed Press

Gen. Macarthur said today he
does not want to return to. the
United States until after the Re-
publican National Convention.
The Allied supreme commander in
Japan so advised Chairman Bridges
lof the Senate Appropriations Com
mittee in a cablegram. The COM
mittee had voted, 17-2, to ask him
to return from Tokyo and testify
on economic matters in the Pacific
area.
Gen. Macarthur told Senator
Bridges my return at this time,
however sincere its purpose, would
be misunderstood and condemned
by many as politically inspired /" ="
Gen. Macarthur added:
"On the other hand, following
settlement of the political issues to
be resolved next month, I should
feel free to place myself fully at
your disposal if you still desire
clarification of my views on this or
any other matter affecting the public
interest"
DElQSeS SOHCuTS III ctdHu.
Senator Bridges said Il can see
his point of view on this thing"
He added he would place Gen.
MacArthur's reply before the full
Appropriations Committee as soon
as possible.
The general has long been mens
toned as possible Republican
presidential nominee The boom for
him grew louder after the Senate
committee vote yesterday.
Both Senators who voted against
asking Gen. Macarthur to return
said they did so because OF the
political atmosphere.
Senator Saltonstall. Republican,
of Massachusetts, one of the two.
had said he feared the visit was
bound to have political implica-
lions" He added:
Il want to keep the ECA as free
from politics as I can
One of the topics some Senators
want to ask Gen. Macarthur about
is the foreign aid program being
carried out under the Economic CO.
operation Administration.
Reed Also Eschews Politics.
Senator Reed, Republican, Of
Kansas, who cast the other mo"
vote, commented:
II think Gen. Macarthur is a
great man, has done a great job
and deserves great reception when
he gets home. But don't want to
get it mixed up with politics"
Gen. Macarthur now has 10
votes on the first ballot for the
presidential nomination-an honor
he said he will accept if it comes
his way.
But his friends contended the
Macarthur candidacy-buoyed by
the generals presence in this coun-
try-has explosive qualities. They
think he can attrack lot of dele
gate votes If there is a deadlock
among the leading candidates.
There had been indications that
hackers of Gov. Dewey of New York,
former Gov. Stassen of Minnesota
and of Senator Vandenberg Of
Michigan would be just as we'll
satisfied if the general stayed in
Tokyo until the Republicans decide
who will top their ticket.
| Gov. Dewey and Mr.. Stassen are
top contenders, along with Senator
Taft of Ohio. Senator Vandenberg
is doing so well not being a candi-
date that his friends say they are
highly encouraged about his chances
of becoming a compromise choice.
Senator Taft's hackers generally
thought the generals return may
react to the Ohioan's benefit. They
have hinted broadly that the gen.
eral might be found in their corner,
if he finds he can't walk of with
the prize himself.
Before the generals reply was re-
ceived. Senator Taft commented to
(see MACARTHUR, Page A-4D