Evening star., 1955-01-25
The Political Min
Decision on Formosu
Moy Rest With Russia
Democratic Criticisms Of
Presidents Step Are Assuiled

OSWOCtutiC SHtfCtSWS OF
Presidents Step Are Assuiled
By Gould Lincoln
President Eisenhower's request of
Congress for specific approval of his
use of the armed forces Of the United
States to protect Fornosa, the Pesca-
dores and related positions and terri
tories" against Communist attack is
expected to have quick and favorable
action. But even before that action by
Congress the President has effectively
told the Chinese Reds they will have
war If they attack Formosa and the
PeScadores.
He said quite plainly in his message
to Congress he had the powers required
for immediate action. What he desired
was the adoption of resolution setting
muniSt aggression, an action by the
Congress showing the country wholly
united in this position.
While the Democratic leadership in
both houses, fully informed, did not
hesitate over such demonstration of
national unity on the Far Eastern sit
uation. partisans on their side of the
aisle showed they had not forgotten
politics. These partisans seemed critical
of the President because he had asked
the full corporation OF Congress in
this policy of resistance to Chinese
Reds. They clearly suggested that it
would have been better had the Presi-
dent gone along on his own, as Chief
Executive and Commander In Chief OF
the armed forces. Either they feel that
Mr.. Eisenhower Is trying to pass the
buck to Congress, or that his request
for the approval of Congress is some-
how a criticism Of former President
Truman, who ordered the 7th Fleet
to protect Formosa and sent American
troops to fight in Korea without con-
gressional action, or that the Eisen-
hover move Is designed to have the
responsibility for war. should 1t come.
fall on the Democrats as well as the
Republican administration.
Criticism Not Good.
For whatever reason, such Demo-
cratic criticism and hesitation is not
good. 1t might. If carried far, have the
effect of convincing the Chinese Com
munists the country is divided.
The Presidents whole aim-to con-
vince the Chinese Reds that If they
would avoid a major war they should
not attack Formosa-is to discourage
and prevent war, to make peace more
popular with the Reds. Why, therefore,
should any Americans wish to ham,
string the President in this move?
Unless they really do not believe in
protecting Formosa and the Rescadores
against Communist attack Whatever
any individual may feel about that
question, 1t is exceedingly doubtful the
Democratic Party would wish to ad-
vertise itself to the country as willing
to let the Chinese Reds take over
Formosa at this time without struggle.
Telling the Chinese Communists just
what to expect If they attack Formosa
and the Pescadores places the decision
of peace or war squarely up to them.
The Presidents specific statement
answers the Chinese Communists as
sertions they intend to fight for the
liberation" of Formosa.
May Rest With Russia.
Clearly, the nibbling process by which
the Reds have been moving toward
that end now faces limit, line, be-
yond which they may not go without
quick armed retaliation. It has been
urged often that had the Axis Powers
In the First World War and Germany
and Japan in the Second World War
been made to realize the United States
would fight. those wars might have
been avoided. The Communists learned,
In Korea, that this country was again
ready to fight aggression. They have
now been put on notice it will fight
if its considered line Of defense in the
Pacific Is crossed by them. Whether
this will halt the Chinese Reds remains
to be seen. Obviously, the Chinese
Communists must have the backing
OF Russia in any war with the United
States. Without Russian supplies. they
would be helpless. So, in the end. the
decision may rest with Soviet Russia.
II the policy Of the United States
regarding Formosa, laid down now by
the President. succeeds in heading off
war and forces a continuance of the
status uuo--with the Communists rul-
ing the China mainland and Chang
Kai-shek and his Nationalist govern
ment holding Formosa-- next?
How long can that situation be expected
to prevail, situation pleasing to
neither Chou En-lai nor Chang Kali
shek? Is the ultimate solution United
Nations trusteeship of the islands with
Chang Kai-shek as ruler? The Chinese
Reds have SO far continued to shout
defiance OF any such peaceful arrange
ment. They want no cease-fire The
Far East powder keg is still there.