Evening star., 1949-08-22
B-36, A-Bornb
Big Peace Aids,
Spaatz Asserts
Tells Probers Planes
Advantages Offset
Any Risk of Failure
By Chris Mothisen

Force commander, today described
the atomic bomb and the B-36
bomber in the hands of the United
States as "the greatest forces for
peace in the world as he went
before a House committee to deny
that political influence or favor
itism played any part in the award
of contracts for the aircraft.
Gen. Spaatz said he decided in
early 1947 to carry on a contract
for 100 six-engined B-36 bombers.
despite engineering difficulties be-
cause of the need for an aircraft
capable of delivering the atomic
bomb at intercontinental ranges.
Il believed" Gen. Spaatz told
the House Armed Services Com
mittee investigating the B-36 as
we'll as Air Force strategy, that
the results to be obtained from
possession of an intercontinental
bomber were so enormous as to
justify going ahead and taking
the chance of failure, just as was
done in developing the atomic
bomb which this plane is designed
to deliver
Sees Race With Soviet
Gen. Spaatz also said nations
of Western Europe must be built
up militarily and economically be-
fore Russia obtains interconti.
mental bombers and atomic bombs.
This is necessary, he explained.
to remove them from the Soviet
"list of push-over nations, focal
points for sparkling war"
He also declared that a a.
group Air Force - the present
limits insufficient and that q
70-group Air Force represents the
minimum need.
Vinson Pledges New Effort.
When the question of the To-
group Air Force came up, Chair,
man Vinson of the committee said
another effort will be made to get
funds for such a force before Con-
gress adjourns.
We'll have another shot at the
bill, and we hope to get the need
ed $500. 600, 600" Mr.. vinson
commented.
/, Representative Hardy. Demo-
crat. of Virginia. asked Gen.
Spaatz whether it would be safe
to get 70-group Air Force at
the expense of the Navy"
II know what I would do If I
were a member of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff" Gen. Spaatz replied. "I
would rather not answer that
question here"
Gen. Spaatz testified as the
committee resumed its inquiry into
procurement of the B-36 after q
To-day recess during which SUBJ
committee interviewed his prede-
cessor, Gen. Henry H. (Hap)
Arnold, in California.
In response to questions by Jo-
seph' Keenan,, special counsel for
the committee. Gen. Spaatz de-
clared firmly that no influences
other than the advice of chief
deputies and his own judgment
were responsible for his decision
to pursue the B-36 contract.
Nothing was given any con-
sideration except the merits OF
the airplane and its position in
the scheme of things in the Air
Force" Gen. Spaatz said.
Other Generals Testify.
Gen. Spaatz was followed to the
stand by Gen. Muir S. Fairchild.
1t. Gen. Louis A. Craig and Gen.
Joseph T. McNarney, members OF
the Air Force Senior Officers
Board which recommended that
the B-36 purchase program be
continued and increased.
All three declared the decisions
were reached only after careful
consideration of engineering and
strategy factors. All denied that
any favoritism was involved or
that any outside influence was
exerted over their independent
Judgment.
When the hearing recessed
until 10 am. tomorrow. Mr.. Kee-
nan told reporters the next group
of witnesses probably will include
Secretary of Defense johnson and
Floyd Odlum, financier. whose
Atlas Corp. controls Consolidated
Vultee.
Mr.. keenan, said Mr.. johnson
(See B-36, Page A-3.)