Evening star., 1955-01-22
Eisenhower Message Monday
Will Ask Congress for Authority
To Set Formosa Defense Line
Quick Action
Will Be Sought
In Congress

NIT special message TO Congress
Monday asking authority to set
a line for the defense of For
Tnosa.
This was announced formally
at the White Hous this after
noon by Press Secretary James
c. Hagerty after House Repub-
lican Leader Martin earlier had
disclosed Mr.. Eisenhower's in
tentions.
Mr., Hagerty's announcement
said:
1.-THE President will submit
special message to Congress on
Monday. The message will clar-
ify the purposes and application
of United States policy In rela-
ton to the security Of Formosa
and ask for the support thereof
by the Congress"
May Go TO Capitol.
Mr.. Hagerty declined to say
whether Mr.. Eisenhower would
submit the message in person be-
fore a joint meeting of the House
and Senate. Informed sources
said this possibility had not been
ruled out.
Influential Republicans in
Congress indicated that efforts
would be made to get quick ac-
ton in both houses this week on
the resolution. They said they
thought the Presidents recon-
mendations would be given pri-
ority over both the Southeast
Asia defense treaty and the sep
arate defense pact with Formosa.
The Senate Foreign Relations
Committee cleared the Southeast
Asian pact yesterday. It has
scheduled closed hearings start.
ing next week on the Formosan
treaty.
Would Have Force Of Law.
The resolution to be recon-
mended by Mr.. Eisenhower. it
was learned. will be one requir-
ing the Presidents signature.
This would give 1t the force Of
law rather than merely an ex-
preston of congressional senti-
fl1eft.
A few hours after MIR. Martin
had been at the White House,
Secretary of State Dulles and
Senate Republic an Leader
Knowland also met with the
President. Before he was sent
for and left the Capitol, Senator
Knowland conferred with Assist
ant Secretary of State Thurston
Morton and Jack Martin, one of
Mr.. Eisenhower's assistants.
Senator Knowland arrived at
the White House Just before noon
and spent about 20 minutes with
Mr.. Eisenhower and Mr.. Dulles.
Asked what the Presidents
message would contain, Senator
Knowland said:
1T will deal with the defense
of the Republican Chinese forces
on Formosa and defenses in the
Pacific"
In Serious Mood.
The Californian, appearing in
a serious mood, declined to give
any details Of the message and
what specific steps, if any. it
would recommend on evacuating
Chinese Nationalists from islands
In the Formosan Straits threat
ened by the Chinese Communist
forces. Authority for this has
been understood to be one of
the things Mr.. Eisenhower would
ask.
AS he rushed away, Senator
Knowland was asked If what the
President will recommend viii be
satisfactory to him. He paused
and said:
1.-THE resolution to be pre-
sented will have my complete
support"
At times Senator Knowland
has appeared at odds with the
Eisenhower administration over
Far Eastern policy.
Democrats Consulted.
Senator Knowland also said
the administration. through the
State Department, has discussed
the proposed message with DEM
ocratic leaders.
Mr., Martin said he had as
sured Mr.. Eisenhower Of over
whelming" congressional appro-
val OF any request for authority
tSee POLICY, Page A-3.)
Blind Women Robbed