Evening star., 1952-01-22
d! Of UNIT
Open Testimony Of
-.
Committee Today
By George Beveridqe


Representatives Of nine reli-
gious, farm and anti-war organi-
cations prepared to testify before
the House Armed Services Com
mittee today on legislation that
would clear the way for q univer-
sal military training program.
The witnesses. most Of whom
are expected to oppose any form
Or UNIT, open an intensive seven
day schedule of testimony set up
by the committee for groups that
have requested hearings on the
controversial issue.
Listed for today were:
j. T. Sanders, of the National
Grange: Frederick j. Libby. Ma
tiorlal Council for Prevention of
War; James G. Patton, National
Farmers Union:. the Rev.. r. l..
Holland. Indiana Council OF
Churches; Joseph NJ. Dawson,
Baptist Joint Committee on Pub
lie Affairs; Alonzo r. Myers, Ma
tional Council Against Conscrip-
ton; Charles z. Batten, Council
on Christian Social Programs Of
thesAmerican Baptist Convention;
John G. Lynn, American Farm
Bureau Federation, and J. r.
Schmidt, International Order Of
Good Ter1pIars. ss
Principle Approved.
While Congress already has ap-
proved the principle Of UNIT, the
Witnesses ARE expected to raise
many Of the same arguments de-
yeloped on Capitol Hill last year
id opposition. - ! @tissi
The only specific UNIT legis-
lation before the COMMITTEE is q
series Of recommendations from a
White House commission, which
would govern the training pro-
gram.
Approval Of these measures
would allow the White House and
the Defense Department to begin
UNIT without further action by
Congress-. PeHEa a0n lead ders have
testified they want To- begin the
this year with go, 600
youths who would volunteer for
six months of UNIT and 18 months
of service.
HoWeI er, one further step would
be necessary after action by Con-
gress on the commission pro-
posals. The President lor Con-
gress) would have to reduce or
the drafting OF men be-
low the age of 10. Men now are
liable for the draft at the age
Of 1874.
Elaborate Plans DeseIoped. 81
Chairman vinson Of the House
committee predicted the Presi-
dents decision undoubtedly would
be to eliminate draft liability for
men until they reach the age Of 10.
Mr.. Vinson first made public
the limited -basis volunteer" UNIT
plan several weeks ago. but mill
tary officials disclosed last week
they have developed elaborate
plans around the proposal.
The chairman pointed out. in o
statement, that military officials
could order indlictions Of 18-year-
,lds into UNIT whenever they de-
sired to expand the volunteer"
phase. Trainees called involun-
tarily, however. would not serve
the additional 18 months planned
for the volunteers. After their six
months of UNIT. they would be
to reserve forces.
Mr.. Vinson said there is gen
sral agreement" that the bill
should contain . guarantee that
40 UNIT graduate would be re-
.alled to active duty from the
reserve forces before reaching the
age Of 10.
Pay Amendment Proposed.
This would bypass one pro-
vision of present law, .which-aln-s5
Ill July /. 1953-gives the Presi-I
lent powers to call any reseryistsI
10 active duty without their con-
sent. @ .s
Mr.. vinson has Indicated he
would propose one other amend
ment. It would provide that any
youths who entered UNIT as vol
unteers would get SIS 8 month.
Instead Of the $50 pay provided
Tor trainees ID the present law
The authority 10 draft men for
llA Rma n MnNNaHR a