Evening star., 1951-01-16
The Political Mill:
Truman and Congress
Unity Held VitoI Now
Partisan Politics Declared
Blocking Defense Efforts
By Gould Lincoln

Should President Truman seek the
approval of Congress before he sends
additional troops to Europe to strengthen
an international force-under the North
Atlantic Security Treaty-to meet the
threat Of Russian aggression?
Irrespective Of the power Of the Presi-
dent to take such action-the prece-
dents. in addition to the Presidents
authority to carry out the terms of
treaty, are with him-the desirability Of
congressional approval is apparent. II
the President is carrying q chip on his
shoulder Cd because the wisdom Of
sending more troops to Europe was at
tackled by former Republican Presi-
dent, Herbert Hoover, and (2) because
his authority to send the troops was
challenged by two Republican Senate
leaders, Taft Of Ohio and Wherry of
Nebraska, the sooner he drops 1t the
better. A majority In both houses Of
Congress, If vote were taken, would
undoubtedly back up the President in
steps proposed by him to strengthen
the North Atlantic Nations forces, pro-
vided they had the facts and their ad-
vice was asked. They have no desire to
abandon Europe to the Russian Com
munistS.
George Gave Sound Advice.
Senator George of Georgia, veteran
Democratic member of the Foreign Re-
lations Committee. has given the Presi-
dent sound advice. He said bluntly that
regardless of the Presidents power to
send troops to Europe I'VE will not OBJ
tain the national unity that is essential
in these times until the President advises
the people he will submit the question
to Congress before finally acting"
The President has said that he would
consult with members Of the commit
tees Of Congress on foreign relations
and the armed services. But that, in the
opinion Of Senator George, and of many
other members Of Congress-, Is not suf-
f1cient.
The American people are concerned
gravely over questions OF national de-
fense and of foreign policy. They would
feel lot better about both if they knew
that both the President and the Con-
gress were united on the course which
should he followed.
The President is talking of "going 10
the people" in the event Congress In any
way opposes him on the course he
desires to pursue. The Congress. how
ever, was elected by the people a little
more than two months ago. The people
may regard the Congress as more rep
resentative Of themselves than is the
President. Further, the Constitution not
only places in the Congress the legisla-
tive power but the sole authority to
declare war. And while the Constitution
empowers the President to conduct
foreign relations the Senate is given au-
thority In the matter. too.
Reason Stated by Lodge.
Once the President has obtained the
approval Of Congress, If in the end he
should seek 1t, the details must be left
to the President. Senator Lodge, Repub-
l1can, Of Massachusetts, has stated this
reasons clearly.
ut is hard" he said, ito understand
how the members Of the House and
Senate even making due allowances
for their fine qualities. can possibly at
tempt to function as the operations
section Of a general staff and decide
where, when. how and in what amount
troops, ships and planes should be sent
to foreign lands. How can we pre-
serve the secrecy and conduct the tactics
OF deception and surprise which are SO
essential If we are to debate troop move
ments?"
Senator George has placed his finger
on the essential factor-national unity.
AT present. if the reports coming to
Washington from many sections of the
country are to be believed, that unity
is lacking. There is widespread desire
for claridcation-which was not allayed
by the Presidents recent message on the
state OF the Union-and for confidence
in the national leadership.
Under all the circumstances, some way
should be devised to bring about that
unity of the President and Congress in
purpose which at the moment seems
lacking. 1t is no time for partisan
politics. The Congress has gone ahead
promptly to meet the demands of the
President for strengthening the armed
forces and national defense. It is incredi-
BILE that. once the convincing reasons are
laid before it, Congress will not back the
President on this question of manpower
to aid in the defense of the North
Atlantic Nations. A report from Gen.
Eisenhower. supreme commander of
these forces abroad, should prove of
1nestimable value. Congress could well
act on it.