Evening star., 1953-09-04
New Chief Of Legion
Predicts Decision on
UNIT Programin 1854
BY the Assoeiotsd Press

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 4.-The
American Legion's new national
commander predicts 1854 will be
the year of decision on universal
military training.
Arthur j. Connell of Middle
town, Conn, elected yesterday in
the closing session of the Legion'S
four-day convention, said In his
acceptance speech that he will
work vigorously for adoption Of
such a program.
At the same time he "could see
no early prospect for reducing the
defensive strength of our armed
forces.
"We are determined our Ma
ton shall remain strong and
alert in the face of the cur
rent Communist threat. We see
no early prospect for reducing
the defensive strength Of our
armed forces.
Moreover, with hostilities
suspended in Korea, we must
take an additional responsibility
for public understanding and
support of an adequate pre-
paredneSS rrnoraYn
Legion Calls for UNIT.
The Legion adopted reSolu-
tion criticizing selective service
as inadequate and calling for
establishment of a UNIT pro-
gram to operate along with Sc
1ective service.
The convention also approved
a report saying the United States
should achieve and maintain air
superiority, but avoided a floor
fight over the administrations
cut in the Air Force budget.
The report urged that the Air
Force be kept at "a level far
above the minimum necessary
for national safety"
4 minority report which criti-
cized the budget cut and called
forarestoration of a 143-wing Air
Force failed to reach the floor.
Roscoe Turner of indianapolis,
famed aviator and chairman of
the Legion's Aeronautics Com
mittee, had prepared the mi
nority report.
He told newsmen later his re-
port was bottled up"
Civil Defense Apathy Hit.
Other Legion resolutions
warned against apathy in civil
defense now that fighting in
Korea has ended and urged a
merchant marine of fast, modern
ships to replace what it termed
old and slow vessels. The Legion
naires also adopted a resolution
stating that general pensions for
veterans would jeopardize other
phases of the veterans benefit
program.
Mr., Connel was elected easily
over four other candidates. He
polied 2.751 votes. His closest
opponent was Lawrence Fenlon,
Chicago, with 274.
Mrs, Harold S.. Burdebte.
Brooklyn, was elected commander
of the Legion Auxiliary without
opposition.
The Legion will meet in Wash
tngton next year.
Civil Liberties Union
Hits Back at Legion
ST. LOUIS. Sept. 4 (P.-The
American Civil Liberties Union
yesterday suggested the Ameri-
can Legion Learn how to op-
pose illegal acts while defending
civil liberties"
The suggestion came in a re-
ply to a Legion resolution, passed
at its national convention
Wednesday, which criticized the
ACLU and called for congress
sional investigation of the Or
ganization.
The ACLU, in a statement
made public by Patrick M.
Malin. executive director
through the unions st. Louis af-
filiate. said the Legion passed a
similar resolution last year that
resulted in no Federal action.
The statement said the Legion
can "easily learn from legisla-
tive, executive and judicial off,
Gals at all Government levels
what they know about the union
and the high regard in which
they hold us-even wen they and
we disagree on a particular
problem"