Evening star., 1950-08-04
Truman Considering
Minister 10 Vatican:
Protests Expected
By Joseph A. Fox

Inc administrator is SUuQylnR
the question of re-establishing
formal diplomatic relations with
the Vatican-a move which could
be expected to stir controversy.
In an unexpected announce
ment at his news conference late
yesterday, President Truman said
that the possibility of sending a
minister to the seat Of the Catho-
lie Church is under study. He
did not amplify. It was the first
time the President has indicated
he had such an idea in mind.
The question was raised when
q reporter wanted to know is any,
thing was being done about re-
placing Myron c. Taylor, who
resigned in June after serving for
nearly IL years as the personal
representative of President Roose-
velt and President Truman to
Pope Plus.
Congress Would Decide.
Mr.. Truman said no successor
would be named to act in the same
capacity as Mr.. Taylor had, but
that the appointment of a min
lister was getting consideration.
That would be a matter for the
ultimate decision of Congress,
which would have to pass on any
appropriation. A minister also
would require Senate confirmation.
The Taylor appointment needed
no Senate approval. The former
industrial chief served without
pay.
The Taylor mission was a war
time move by President Roosevelt,
the administration repeatedly TAX
ing the view that the Vatican
afforded a valuable listening post.
Various Protestant groups re-
peatedly called for the recall of
Mr.. Taylor, asserting his presence
in Rome violated the concept of
separation between church and
state.
In some Catholic quarters, the
maintenance of diplomatic rela-
tions has been urged vigorously.
This country maintained min
lister at the Vatican from 1848 to
1867, when Congress refused to
appropriate further funds.
Getting into the political field.
the President said emphatically
that he would support Thomas c.
Hennings. jr., if final count de-
termines that the st. Louisan won
the Democratic senatorial nomi-
nation in Tuesdays Missouri pri-
mary, where he was opposed by
Emery w. Allison, the Truman
backed candidate.
Given Slim Chance.
The President said he always
had supported party nominees,
but he added that all the votes
are not yet counted.
Mr.. Allison is given a slim
chance of overcoming his op-
ponent's lead when the absentee
ballots are tailed.
Mr.. Truman also expressed
qualification at the nomination OF
Paul Aiken, former Postmaster
General, who is seeking a Senate
seat in Kansas.
In whimsical vein, the Presi-
dent refused to say If he considers
James F. Byrnes, former Secre-
tary of State. and now Demo-
cratic candidate for Governor in
South Carolina, a Democrat.
A reporter noted that Mr..
Byrnes, once a close friend of the
had not been invited
to the recent get together here
of Democratic Governors.
President Smiles.
His one time associate was not
q Governor then, Mr.. Truman re-
sponded.
The reporter asked:
do you consider him Demo-
erat now and will he be invited to
future luncheons of Democratic
Governors?"
Smiling, the President said he
would cross that bridge when he
came to 1t.
Mr.. Byrnes, who will be formally
elected in November, has been a
harsh critic of the Administration !
IN recent months.
Stands Up for Hutchinson.
The President said he had no
intention of withdrawing the
nomination of Martin Hutchinson
Of Richmond, Va, for the Fed
eral Trade Commission. Mr..
Hutchinson wants to go through
with the fight, he said. and in
such situation he always backs
up his nominee. Senators Byrd
and Robertson of Virginia are op-
posing Mr.. Hutchinson.
The same goes for Carroll o.
Switzer, nominated months ago
for a Federal judgeship in Iowa,
the President said. Senator Gill
lette. Democrat, of Iowa Is fight
ing Mr.. Switzer. Committees have
reported both nominations un-
favorably.
The President wants Statehood
for Alaska and Hawaii acted on
this session. He believes this
would be in the public interest
and valuable for National defense.
This was his reply to comment
attributed to Senator Lucas, Dem
ocrat, of Illinois that time was
too short at this session to act
M ithaca odyoipiStra tiOn rnc0na l.