Evening star., 1953-05-07
2G. 0. P. Senators
Warn Eisenhower Of
Raids on Resources

Two Republican Senators who
voted against the administration
backed tidelands oil bill said
today they believe one of Presi-
dent Eisenhower's biggest do
mestic tasks may be to fight of
raids on Americas natural re-
sources.
Senator Aiken. Republican, Of
Vermont, said the President has
"a terrific job to do if ne wants to
keep selfish raiders in hand and
protect the public interest"
Senator Cooper, Republican, Of
Kentucky. agreed that the Presi-
dent must clay down the law" II
he hopes to avoid continuous at
tempts by pressure groups to
weaken Government control over
the Nations vast natural wealth.
Court Challenge Due.
Meanwhile, Attorney General
Tom Gentry Of Arkansas, served
notice that he will challenge
in the courtSs any attempt by
Congress to "give away" the
natural resources of the sub
merged coastal lands.
He invited attorneys general
of other interested States to
join him in a suit if Gen. Eisen-
hover signs into law the "tide-
lands" bill passed by the Senate
yesterday.
The House passed a somewhat
different bill five weeks ago, but
Speaker Martin said the House
probably would accept the Sen
ate version. This would avoid
another long Senate debate on
a compromise and get the leg
islation on the Presidents desk
within a few days.
Sees Concerted Attack.
Senator Aiken said he regarded
the tidelands bill as the first step
in a concerted attack on natural
resources. Senator Cooper dis
agreed with this Interpretation
of the measure, but said he be-
lleves the administration must
soon make its position very
clear" on the whole natural re-
source program.
Pressure has been building up
for good many years." Senator
Aiken said. Those interests
which want to make away with
our national heritage are exertins
every pressure they can on the
new administration.
Politically, the greatest dam
ger the President faces is the at
tempted raid on the resources OF
America. The public didn't vote
a change of administration be-
cause they wanted our resources
stolen"
BIames Special Interests.
The Vermont Republican said
Especial interests" are repre-
sented in Washington "by pro-
fessionals."
They're bringing to bear al
much pressure as they can. Every
argument they can think Of il
being used. They're telling Ike:
We supported you, we voted fo1
you, and now you've got to come
across"
Senator Aiken said he felt the
President can Withstand the pres
sure if he will take time to IA
miliarize himself with the issues
as they arise.
If Ike gets himself informed, u
the Senator said, "they can't do
1t. I only hope he says, MOI
each time until he has a chance
to find out what it's all about"
Test Of Abilities.
Senator Aiken has been a
leading Republican liberal since
the early Roosevelt days. He
said he believes the natural re-
sources question may be major
test of the Presidents abilities
We'll see if Ike can give them
the toe and kick them right out, "
he said. Hell have to kick out
some Of them if he's to protect
the public interest"
Senator Cooper said he felt
the administration needs to
be q little clearer in its relations
with Congress"
II think this field Of natural
resources is one area where its
position must be made very
clear.
II think the President has got
to lay down the law so there
won't be any mistaking where he