Evening star., 1951-02-03
The Political Mil
Eisenhower Wins Over
Majority Of Congress
Foiled TO Number, However,
Troops Needed in Europe

'u'ieu 10 NumDer, however,
Troops Needed in Europe
By Gould Lincoln
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme
commander of the North Atlantic Treaty
forces, has convinced the great majority
OF the members of Congress that the
United States should become a major aid
In building up Western European de-
lenses. Many members were already
leaning that way. Others have yielded
to the Eisenhower arguments-and
charm
The supreme commander. however has
so far declined to specify how many
American soldiers should be sent to Eu-
rope, in his talks with the members Of
the House and Senate. either in open
meeting or behind closed doors. AS a mill
tary matter the decision on troop move
ments should be left to military men
rather than to 531 men making up the
legislative body. Gen. Eisenhower has
not said this to the members of Congress
IN so many words. He has, however,
tactfully said that the matter of sending
American troops to Europe must be
elastlc-that a number Of divisions
settled on today might be very different
from the number needed year hence, or
even month or day in the future.
Could Change Mind.
Further. should Gen. Eisenhower state
specifically that certain number OF
american divisions should be sent to
western Europe. to all intents and pur-
poses that would become a ceiling on
the number of troops for such duty from
inn t.,
congressman. Gen. Eisenhower does not
wish to be caught in such e trap. He
might very probably change his mind
on the number Of troops required for
the defense plans, under changing con-
ditions.
When the North Atlantic Nations
Security Treaty was before the Senate
for ratification, Secretary of State Ache
son said, when questioned on this matter,
there was no expectation Of sending more
American troops abroad in substantial
numbers. Presumably he was referring
to peace time. His statement has
been many times raised by Sen
ators who are now contending that
the President first must have con-
gressional and particularly senatorial,
approval of any plans for sending Ameri-
can troops to Europe to serve IN the
North Atlantic Nations forces. Mr..
Acheson apparently. was not farseeing
enough when he made this statement.
Gen. Eisenhower is not proposing to get
himself caught in the same kind of a
cleft stick.
The Eisenhower responses have not
satisfied, it seems. Senator Wherry Of
Nebraska. Republican floor leader. He is
author Of resolution now before the
Foreign Relations Committee which
would declare it the sense of the Senate
that Congress should pass on the policy
involved before President Truman sends
more American soldiers to Europe The
Eisenhower report and recommendations
on the European situation do however,
provide the basis for the adoption Of a
resolution by the Senate expressing ap-
proval of the principle or policy Of pro-
viding more American forces for the
defense setup in Europe, against posi-
BILE Russian aggression
Will Restore Confidence,
Such a resolution. it is expected, will
be forthcoming from the Foreign Rela-
tions Committee and will probably be
sponsored by Chairman Tom Connally Of
that committee. 1t will not raise at all
the question OF the authority Of the
President to send the troops abroad-a
power already claimed for the Chief
Executive although questioned by several
Senators.
The adoption by Congress Of such a
resolution. based on the report Of Gen.
Eisenhower. will restore confidence
among the people in the country. And
1t would set at rest fears on the part of
our European allies in the North Allan
tic pact that Congress may be opposed
to giving the military aid that is required
for their defense.
Gen. Eisenhower was emphatic in
declaring that the first need was the
sending of arms and munitions to the
European nations. But he left no doubt
there was also need for additional
American armed forces abroad. Ons
reason he gave was that their presence
in Europe would give psychological lifi
to the morale Of our European allies a,
well as form tangible and effective
part of the defense forces. Too, Gen
Eisenhower left no doubt in the mind,
OF any one that the Europeans would be
called on to do their full share in build
ing up the defense forces, particularly
in the matter of manpower. Particularly
encouraging was his statement that the
European nations were willing to fight
for their freedom.