Evening star., 1949-07-05
Conna||yWarns
On Reds asPact
Debate Opens
Says Nations Must
Not Show Weakness:
Early Approval Seen
By J. A, O'LeaN

NtS TUISlSu 1GcldGlO4lS SU11lll1lttCC
opened Senate debate on the
North Atlantic defense pact today
with a warning that any show of
weakness by the democracies now
would be exploited by Russia and
would broaden the chasm" be-
tween East and West.
Senator Connally said recent
developments, including the Paris
meeting of the Council of Foreign
Ministers, convince me that our
present foreign policy is based on
sound principles" =
THE Soviet Union understands
firmness," said the Texan. They
understand what we mean when
we say with conviction that we're
going to stand on what is right
and just"
Action in Week or 10 Days.
AS he spoke, all signs pointed to
swift and overwhelming approval
of the treaty, in which the United
States, Canada and 10 nations OF
Western Europe, promise to stand
together for their mutual defense
against any aggreSsor.
Some observers believe the de-
bate may last only a week or 10
days, with only 10 or II negative
votes. That would mean ratifl-
cation by well over the required
two-thirds.
After emphasizing that this
treaty is not an old-fashioned
military alliance against any par
ticular country, Senator Connally
said:
If the Soviet Union really be-
lieves the pact is aimed at her.
then I suggest that she demon
strate her peaceful intentions and
embrace a policy Of full co-opera-
ton with the North Atlantic coun-
tries within the framework OF the
United Nations"
Vandenberg Also to Speak.
Earlier the Senator from Texas
had pointed out that no person in
this country fears "our laws
against burglary unless he is a
burglar or is getting ready to COM
NIT burglary" Then he added:
BY the same token, no State
need fear this treaty unless 1t is
planning an aggressive act or has
aggressive designs In its heart. AS
Secretary of State Acheson re-
minded us in the hearings. The
guilty flee when no man pur-
Sueth.'"
Senator Vandenberg Of Michi-
gan, leading Republican spokes-
man on foreign affairs. will take
the floor late today to speak IN
favor of the treaty. He played
q prominent role in developing
the present bipartisan foreign
policy.
Before the debate got under
way, Senator Watkins, Republican.
Of Utah, most outspoken critic
of the treaty. conceded 1.-The
treaty is pretty well sold to the
Senate already" He does rot
plan to wage a long fight. AL
though Senator Donnell, Repub-
lican. of Missouri joined Senator
Watkins In asking many search
ing questions during committee
hearings, the Missouri Republican
has not said how he will vote on
ratification.
Arms Program Is Next.
The $1,130,000, 900 arms pro-
gram to help other signers of the
pact to strengthen their defenses
Is expected to prove more contro-
versial than the treaty itself. 1t
will be presented after ratif1ca-
ton. While the treaty requires
action only by the Senate, the
arms programvbeing legislation
must go through both houses.
Minority Leader Wherry told a
reporter as the debate started
that it will not last "very long" if
those in charge of the treaty can
convince the Senate that the
treaty and the arms program for
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