Evening star., 1952-03-30
If This Be Subversion

In the recent cryptic exchange OF letters
between himself and Mutual Security Admins
traitor Hartman, the President has set in motion
a program of refugee aid that has long been the
object of bitter and persistent attack by the
Soviet Union and its satellites. Accordingly,
now that the program has been openly activated,
the Kremlin's propagandists can be counted
upon to employ their choicest tnvective in
renewed offensive against it.
The Presidents action-which has been de-
cided upon apart from his controversial proposal
for additional European immigration into this
country-iS tied in directly with special pro-
vision included in the Mutual Security Act
adopted by Congress last year. Under the pro-
viSon-an amendment sponsored by Republican
Representative KerSten Of Wisconsin-the sum
Of $100 million has been appropriated and ear
marked to help selected persons" residing in or
escaping from Russia or any satellite land to
form elements of military forces supporting the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization or for other
purposes" The phrase "other purposes" is
very vague one. But Mr. Kersten, speaking for
himself at least, has interpreted it as meaning
that the money may be used, when the time
is opportune," to encourage people behind the
Iron Curtain to "liberate themselves" from their
Red oppressors.
When first presented to Congress- this pro-
posal was frowned upon by key officials in the
executive branch, their feeling being that it
would play into the hands of Soviet propa-
gandists. The feeling has been amply justified
by events. Ever since the provisions adoption
the Kremln in formal protest to our State
Department, in speeches to the United Nations
and in torrents of press-and-radio vituperation
behind the Iron Curtain, has assailed the pro-
gram as an "act of aggression" and war
like" undertaking to interfere in the internal
affairs of Red Russia and the other peoples
democraceS" in order to subvert and overthrow
their governments Despite this attack how
ever, and despite the administrations original
GOODNESS to the idea, the President has now
moved to put the Kersten plan to work because
all the Federal departments concerned regard
It, according to Mr.. Hartman, as a project of
Immediate and utmost Importance" to our
American and Allied security.
AS result of the Presidents action. $4.3
million of the 500 million already appropriated
will be used at once-along with $40 million in
private contributions and funds from our Allies
to help "qualified people" fleeing from behind
the Iron Curtain These people presumably viii
include not only those who may wish to join
NATO in military capacity but also technicians,
scientists and other specialists capable Of lend
ing their talents to the western defense build-up
against the threat Of Red aggression. AS for
the mechanics of the program, and as for
questions about whether or not EFFORTS Will De
made to assist in liberating individuals who have
not yet managed to escape, both Mr.. Truman
and Mr. Hartman have been careful to employ
only the most guarded language That in itself,
Of course, is likely to be paraded by the Kremlin
as further "evidencea Of American "Subversive
activities"
But the Kremlin up to now has failed
niserably to win much sympathy for its view
point either in the United Nations or anywhere
else outside the Iron Curtain. A big reason for