Madison County Democrat. (London, Ohio) 19??-1958, 1952-01-22
Truman Ignores
Opposition to
Vatican Envoy

~
WASHINGTON, President
Truman has definitely decided to
buck widespread opposition and
nominate a. Z. S. ambassador to
the Vatican. But he has with
drawn the name of Gen. Mark
w. Clark for the post.
"A terse 45-word White House
announcement said Clark's name
was being withdrawn at the Gen
erals request. and added:
The president plans to submit
another nomination at a later
time"
Sources close to the White
House emphasized that Mr. Tru-
mans granting of Clark's request
not to involve him in the contro-
versy was not a first step in a
move to drop the whole idea.
But they said they did not
know who Mr.. Truman might
have in mind for nomination as
the first full-fledged u. S. Am
bassador ever sent to the Vatican,
seat of the Catholic Church in
Rome.
They said they weren't sure
that Mr.. Truman himself knew
at this time. In any event it is not
likely to be another military
man because of the extra compli-
cation of requiring special legis-
lation to enable him to retain his
military status while serving in
a diplomatic post.
Clark's appointment, announced
just a few hours before Congress
adjourned last October, drew fire
from both protestant churches
and congress members. Catholics
generally approved.
Gen. Clark said the widespread
religious criticism is what influ-
enced him to ask Mr.. Truman not
to renominatc him.
The controversy that has ue-
veloped has impelled me TO ask
the White House to withdraw
my name he said through ar
aide at Fort Monroe, Va.
He made no other comment ex-
cept to say that "the statement
from the White House just about
covers the situation"
1t is almost certain that who.
ever is named by Truman to the
Rome post will face the same OPP
position Clark did. The criticism
was almost entirely against the
policy of sending an ambassador
to the Vatican. few were against
the move because of Clark, per-
sonally. 1t is also likely that Tru-
man will consult with his con-
gressional leaders beforehand the
next time.
Senator Tom Conahy tD-Tex. J,
chairman of the Senate Foreign
Relations committee, said he
would oppose Gen. Clark OF any
one else" as U. S. AIn5assador to
the Vatican. He mad no comment
on the latest development.
Connally and his committee
would pass upon the NOMINATION.
And the senate as a whole mus
confirm it.
Clark's nomination was sent tc
congress just few hours before
ii adjourned, without prior warn
ing. No action was taken on il
by the Senate.
Immediately a storm of pro-
tests from protestant churchmen
and organizations arose.
Despite the protests, Mr., Tru-
man considered giving Gen
Clark a recess appointment-one
which would stand until congress
reconvened.
But on Oct. % the White House
said this would not be done be-
cause in such a case the general
would have to give UP his army
status, in the absence of special
legislation. Clark is commander ol
the Army's field forces. It was
made clear, however, the Presi-
dent planned TO renominate Clarli
when congress reconvened.
The protestant opposition was
based on the argument that ap'
pointment of an ambassador Il
the Vatican would be a blow a.
the traditional American policy oI
separation of church and state.
Catholic took the position il
would serve the interests o.
world peace and welfare. Mr.
Truman believed an ambassador
to the Vatican would strengthen
American interes Is in area
threatened by Communism as wei
as provide listening post at
center of world information.
The U. S. has never had 81
ambassador to the Vatican. 1t ha,
consuls or ministers from 1f9'