Evening star., 1954-04-27
.GovernorsGet
.Briiefing on
Defense Plans
Told Of Progress;
Nixon Describes
World Situation
By John v. Horner

By John v. Horner
The Nations governors were
informed today that steady
progress is being made toward
the development of a continental
defense.
The assurance was given at O
closed-door briefing by Robert
Cutler, special assistant to the
President for national security
affairs.
Spokesman for the governors
attending a three-day confer
ence called by President Eisen-
hover quoted Mr.. Cutler as say
ing the development of conti-
mental defense is advancing
primarily because of three fac
tors. These were listed as TECH
nological improvements. in
creased interest on the part of
the public and particularly "very
enthusiastic cooperation" by
Canada.
Tells Of Radar Net.
Mr.. Cutler also reported on
the extension and perfection Of
the nationwide radar system,
according to the spokesmen, Gov.
Thornton Of Colorado and Frank
Bane, executive secretary of the
conference. -.,. ..
Vice President Nixon presided
at the opening session this
morning in the old State Depart
ment building. He discussed in
general terms the world situa-
ton. making frequent reference
to observations on his 1853 good
will trip.
Another speaker was Under
secretary Of State Walter Bedell
Smith, who discussed the pres
ent relationship with allied pow
erS and problems confronting
the United States and other
western countries at the Geneva
Conference.
Pressure to Split Allies.
Gen. Smith said pressure is
still being exerted to split the
allies and he touched upon con-
ditions in the Far East, Mediter-
ranean area. the Near East,
France and Latin America.
Admiral Lewis L. Strauss,
chairman of the Atomic Energy
Commission, said his agency is
doing all possible to decen-
tralize atomic activities and to
encourage State and local COM
munities to participate in its
general program. He told the
Governors that while major in
stallations such as Oak Ridge
have a profound effect upon the
States in which they are situ-
ated, the entire country feels
the effect of their operations
through sub-contracts that
stimulate business.
Inc governors were guests at
the White House last night, when
President and Mrs. Eisenhower
entertained at dinner.
Hold Drought Conference.
Earlier the Governors of sew
eral drought stricken States dis
cussed their special problems
with the President. Secretary of
Agriculture Benson and other
Federal officials. They asked
additional funds to cover emer-
gency conditions of the imme-
date future.
Those from coal-producing
States yesterday heard John L.
Lewis, president of the United
Mine Workers Union. warn that.
unless something is done to put
the coal industry back on it's feet.
the United States will be en-
dangered.
Mr.. Lewis. speaking in the
Hotel Statler, said Soviet Russia
could knock out the country's
Oil supply by submarines and
bombers. That done, he said, all
Russia would have to do would
be to call on the United States
to surrender.
In a talk at the National
Press Club, Gov. Kohler of Wis
consin said he believes Senator
Mccarthy may nave lost some
support in his home State be-
cause of the hearings now being
held on Capitol Hill. His remark
was IN answer to a question.
Gov. Kohler said he did not
see any chance of ousting SEN
ator Mccarthy through the re-
call election now sought by some
Wisconsin voters.