Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-06-25
U. 5. Awaiting
Red China Move
On MaIik Offer
Officials Look WoriIy
For Proof Thut Peace
Bid Is Genuine
BULLETIN

lab Entezam, president Of the
United Nations General Assem-
bly,. said today a Korean cease
fire would mot be too difficult
to arrange" provided Russia is
sincere in desiring an end to the
fighting.
The United States looked warily
toward the East today for some
sign that Jacob Malik's call for
"a truce at the 38th Parallel was
"a real bid for peace in Korea.
Until there was more proof than
the Malik protestations of Mos
cows desire for peace. State De-
partment and other officials were
adopting a wait-and-see attitude
on the proposal advanced in a
Saturday speech by the Kremlin's
envoy to the United Nations.
This country declared its readi-
ness to do its full share in ending
the hostilities If the Malik pro-
posal is sincere.
Kirk May Query Soviet.
Meanwhile. it seemed probable
that Alan Kirk, American Ambas-
sador to Russia. would be instruct
ed to ask the Soviet government
shortly just what cease-fire condi-
lions and other considerations
were involved In the Malik pro-
posal.
Britain and France may particle
pate in such a sounding. accord
ing to the Associated Press.
Authorities understand also that
such intermediary governments as
India and Sweden. which have
formal relations with Red China
and better contacts than the Brit
ish herewould lose no time in
asking Peiping whether 1t shared
MFR. Malik's expressed convictions
that q truce is now possible.
A positive answer, coupled with
an Indication Of acceptable con-
ditions. undoubtedly would mean
that the Communist high COM
mand had given up its objective
of throwing u. N. troops out Of
Korea and was ready-as the
United States has repeatedly said
it is ready-to negotiate peace.
Red Claims Reiterated.
The Malik proposition. general
in nature. came at the tail end
Of his public speech, the first part
Of which blasted the United
States and reiterated Red claims
on Formosa and China's U. N.
membership. But those two
points were not coupled with the
truce bid.
By its nature. the speech raised
critical issues for the U. N. alli-
ance fighting the Reds in Korea.
Among these none was more i'm
portant than the desire to exploit
Mr.. Malik's maneuver for all it
is worth as a real peace proposal,
yet to avoid being drawn into a
diplomatic, propaganda or mill
tary trap.
Following the release of the text
Of Mr.. Malik's speech late Satur-
day afternoon. these were the
main developments:
/. The White House delayed for
"a hours. until late yesterday
distribution of advance copies OF
President Truman's speech today
lat Tullahoma, Tenn. This gave
rise to the belief that the President
revised his remarks.
Acheson Speech Unchanged.
2. Secretary Of State Acheson
permitted to stand unchanged q
Korean war anniversary statement
released last night, but drafted
before MIR. Malik spoke. This
statement charged that the Korean
war has proved Communist peace
propaganda to be false and said
the free world sis not deceived by
this" Mr.. Acheson said the Com
munists talk Of peace and plan
,, for war;"
s. The State Department issued
a statement Saturday night say
ing the United States is ready
to play our part in bringing an
(See PEACE. Page A-6.)