Evening star., 1949-03-21
S Out Of g Senator!
Inclined 70 Support
Principle Of Pact
By the Associated Press

TMIIPIC VI utI
BY the Associated Press
Republicans-and a handful OF
Democrats-may hold the balance
of power when the Senate decides
whether the United States should
enter the proposed North Atlantic
security alliance. At the moment,
the edge is heavily in favor of ac-
ceptance.
But at least Is Republican men,
bers, along with IL Democrats, are
so undecided about it's far reach
ing effects that they won't commit
themselves publicly for or against
the proposed agreement, an Asso-
ciated Press canvass showed.
OF SO Senators approached by
reporters, 55 said they are inclined
now to support the principle of the
pact which would bind Western
European nations together with
this country in common defense.
Many of this group. Including
80 Democrats and 16 Republicans,
reserved final judgment on .how
they will vote until the Senate
actually begins work on the treaty
possibly. in May or June.
One Expresses Opposition.
One Republican, Senator Ma
lone of Nevada, came out publicly
against the proposed treaty
scheduled to be signed here
April 4.
Since thirds Of those voting
must approve to make this coun-
try's entry into the pact effective.
the opposition of about 50 Sena-
tors possibly could kill the agree
ment.
Among those who aren't yet
saying or who haven't made up
their minds sufficiently even to
indicate public approval of the
agreement are most of the Senate's
Republican leaders.
This group includes Senator
Taft of Ohio, chairman of the
Republican Policy Committee;
Senator Millikin of Colorado,
chairman of the conference of all
Republican Senator'S; Senator
Wherry of Nebraska, the party's
floor leader. and Senator Bridges
of New Hampshire, top Republican
member of the Appropriations
Committee.
An exception is Senator Van
denberg of Michigan, No. Il Re-
publican on the Foreign Relations
Committee.
Praised by Vandenberg.
Senator Vandenberg. who ex-
,pects to help lead the Senate fight
for ratification, said in weekend
statement that the past is "a
powerful insurance policy against
World War III.
| Senator Taft already has said
he would like to support North
Atlantic agreement along the lines
of the ter-American Defense
tPact, But he opposed plans to
help rearm Europe and said that
these seem "inseparable" from the
treaty as it is drawn.
Senator Bridges, who may vote
for the agreement in the end, said
it means automatic war" If a
European nation is attacked de-
spite denials of this Interpretation
by Secretary of State Acheson.
/. However, Senator Bridges col
league, Senator Tobey, Republi-
can. Of New Hampshire, said he
doesn't see any way more effective
than the defense agreement to
inject the threat Of trouble which
hangs over the world today"
Senator Hendrickson, Republi-
can, Of New Jersey, said it isn't
his policy to make snap judg-
ments" on any issue so he wouldn t
take a stand yet.
Call Well Conceived Plan.
However" he said, "the cursory
study I have made convinces me
the pact represents the very best
workmanship 1t is a well-con-
ceived plan for the development
of lasting peace"
| Some of the pacts supporters
expressed themselves vigorously
for it,
Said Senator Hunt, Democrat.
of Wyoming: Russia already has
perfected a powerful military al
lance with her satellites. It's only
self preservation for us to join
friendly nations. Well hang sepa-
rately unless we do something
like this"
Senator Downey, Democrat, of
California called the pact per
haps the most clear. lucid inter-
national document ever written" "
Senator Kerr, Democrat, of Okla
homa said ratification. of the
agreement will mark great pro-
gress toward peace"
Lineup of Senators.
Those who at least indicated
they favor the principle Of the
treaty included:
Democrats (39) - Anderson.
Byrd, Connally. Douglas, Downey,
Eastland. Ellender, Frear. Full
bright, George, Green, Hill. Hoey,
Holland, Humphrey, Hunt. Ke-