Evening star., 1951-05-05
Continued From Page A-4)

ments?
Gen. MacArthur-No. sir. I have
only seen those portions of the
Wedemeyer report which were made
public. l.
Status of FOrm0Sa.
Chairman-One question, general
I am not clear in my own mind as
to the exact status of FormoSa at
the present time, 1t had been in
japanese hands for many years
prior to the defeat of Japan in
World War II. Has the status of
Formosa ever been finally deter
mined by any formal treaty?
Gen. MacArthur-It has not, sir
Legalistically it is still a part OF
defeated Japan. The disposition OF
the various segments of the empire
of Japan has not yet been formally
determined. There were certain
agreements that were entered into
as I understand it, at Yalta and
other places, but Realistically For
mosa is still part of the Empire
Of Japan.
Chairman-Japan has title until
such time as the peace treaty might
divest them of it?
Gen. Macarthur - The Allies
turned over what you might call
the administration and the trus-
teeship of Formosa to China, just
as Japan was turned over to us,
and it is still in that status.
Senator Flanders - General, dc
you think it is fair statement to
say that on this level the difference
of opinion between yourself and
the administration is that you
favor and believe there can be ac-
compliShed a victorious conclusion
of the Korean campaign, but that,
on the other hand, SO far as you
can see, or so far as the public has
been informed, the present policy
of the administration is directed
toward a costly and bloody stale
mate continued indefinitely?
Gen. Macarthur - I would say
that is a very concise statement.
Senator Flanders Do you
have information that the Soviet
government does not have reserves
of war materiel stored in Siberia
If SO, the question of transporta-
ton and production might not deter
that government from intervention.
Gen. MacArthur-It is my firm
belief that the Soviet government
has not stockpiled in Siberia suf-
flciently to maintain a major ag-
gresSiVe campaign in Asia for any
real period of time. can only give
1t as my best opinion -.
Soviet Action in Europe.
Senator Flanders-Have you been
furnished information from any
other source as to whether these
Immediately available reserves of
materiel exist?
Gen. MacArthur-No, sir.
Senator Flanders -. Question
is as to whether an active prosecu-
tion of the Korean campaign by
the means you suggest would give
us reasons for believing that ii
would not, If you so believe?
Gen. Macarthur My reasons
have run through a good deal of
my testimony, Senator, but my
belief is that the basic plan of the
Soviets are pitched upon a much
broader basis than an incident
which might occur in Korea or even
II L,
that what happens in Korea will
tend to shape the worldwide global
policies that they may enter upon.
Senator FuIbright-Is it fair to
say that you feel that if any sub
stantial relative increase in the
strength of Russia might take place
that that would be a material in
nuence in determining them to at
tack, make them aggressive, if they
had a relative increase with regard
to our forces? Is that a fair thing
to say?
Gen. Macarthur - The greater
relative strength that they possess
and have would probably be an in
ducement if they decided to go to
force instead of their present polit-
ical force.
Senator Fulbright-Then is it
fair to say that you feel that an
expansion of our armed forces
should take place rather than a
reduction at this time?
Gen. MacArthur-I most assuredly
believe we should place ourselves in
condition of preparedness which
means an increase in our armed
strength.
Senator Fulbright-One of the
most influential men of the Senate
made statement the other day to
this effect. I wondered if you would
comment on it:
the cost of maintaining an
armed force of 3.5 million men in
definitely could wreck the American
economy" He called for a reduc-
t1on of half million in the United
States armed forces objective and
a $40 billion cut in the American
mobilization budget.
Do you think that is a safe
doctrine to follow?
Gen. MacArthur-I wouldn't at
tempt to discuss the details and I
certainly would not attempt super
flcially to criticize any comment
that any Senator may have made
on the floor of his House.
Seeks Influential Opinion.
Senator Fulbright-This was not
made on the floor of the Senate.
This was made out in an ordinary
statement. I think it is a fair
question in that at the moment that
very question will be determined,
must be determined by the Senate
and the Congress, and I would think
your opinion, especially on the
matter at this time, should be very
influential. . do not want YOU
to say 20 billions rather than 19 is
the right figure. What I mean is
a substantial reduction in appropria-
tion-that is not a detail but a
general policy-substantial reduc-
ton, is that warranted in view of
the present world conditions?
Gen. Macarthur can only
repeat, Senator, I believe we should
place ourselves in the condition of
adequate preparedness.