Evening star., 1950-09-10

perform miracles in crushing
aggression overnight.
In most Of the Western Euro
pean countries, there was said
to be widespread realization that
the national armed forces by
themselves could not make any
affective resistance to new az
greSSion by Russia. This is coupled
with a feeling. American observers
say. that the only practical way
an effective European defense can
be provided is by a joint force
under unified command-to
which all the nations menaeed
by communism would contribute
and from which they would draw
strength.
Move May Boost Morale.
Mr.. Truman's commitment to
Increase American forces ready
for action in Europe-if the others
do their parts expected to boost
confidence all over, Europe. 1t
also is hoped that it will provide
the needed spark to stimulate the
type OF action necessary for the
European nations to undertake
for themselves.
Great Britain, France, Belgium
and other Atlantic Treaty part
ners have announced plans re-
Gently for stepping up their own
troop increase and rearmament
programs. But officials here feel
that the situation calls for all the
Western nations doing more than
they previously have thought
possible.
French Defense Minister Jules
Moch said in Paris last night that
about 10000 conscripts will be
held in the army for an extra
three months training. These are
22-year-olds who already have
served a year and were due to be
released next mouth. France al
ready has announced that future
groups will have to serve 18
months.
Central Staff Possible.
Officials here were uncertain
whether any firm decisions about
creation of the proposed unified
command for the European de-
fense forces will come out of the
conferences in New York. A first
step may be establishment of a
central planning staff with the
specific task of bringing the new
force into being.
Mr.. Acheson will discuss the
possibilities first with British
Foreign Secretary Bevin and
French Foreign Minister Schuman
in three-day Conference begin
ming Tuesday. Then there will
be a tWo-day session of the North
Atlantic Council, composed of the
foreign ministers of all the IL ma
tions allied under the North At
lantic Treaty.
One of the factors in the Amer
ican plan to push for a unified
European defense force is that
this appears to be the only way
to make use of German manpower.
Sentiment in West Germany it.
self is against rearmament ex-
cept as part of something bigger,
and the French and other former
victims of German aggression op-
pose German militarization on a
national basis.
Decisions May Be Difficult.
American officials estimate that
Germany could supply up to 10
divisions for the European force
in year. if equipment could be
provided that fast. West German
factories also could produce
trucks and other such equipment
for the joint effort, but probably
would not be permitted to manu-
facture guns, tanks or other
weapons.
All indications are that British
and French official thinking has
not gone as far as that in Wash
ington regarding the need for a
unified comand and for German
participation in the European de-
tense effort. Thus it may be diff
cult to reach firm decisions in the
New York meetings this week.
Mr. Acheson has arranged to