Evening star., 1955-02-01


Chief of Staff, told the commit
tee yesterday the administra-
tlon's reductions would affect
this country's safety and "jeop-
ardize security to a degree.
Testifying for the first time
publicly on the behind-the-
scenes administration controver-
sy over slashing the Army's
manpower. Gen. Ridgway said
he thought the Army should not
be reduced at this time.
Sees Major Reassignment.
He added the Administrations
program will require "a major
reaSSignment" of Army forces
worldwide. That was the an
swer he gave when asked If the
Army would have enough man
power to back up this country's
commitments in the Far East.
Representative Brooks, Demo-
crat. Of Louisiana, was one of
the committee members calling
for a strong Army and said:
If this crisis in the Far East
continues, I think the powers
that be in the administration
will stop this reduction and re-
store some of the cuts"
However, Secretary of Defense
Wilson. in testimony before the
committee last week, referred to
the Formosan situation as lust
q little cripple" in the adminis-
tration's planning for an ade-
quate defense for years to come.
Army Secretary Stevens. ap-
pearing at yesterdays hearing,
defended the administrations
program, saying:
II agree with Mr.. Wilson it is
a balanced program and best
for the country"
Mr.. Brooks said he was not
opposed to President Eisen-
hower's proposed military pro-
gram except that I'm a little
stronger than he is on the
Army" -'
Would Cut Army's Size.
The administrations program
calls for reduced defense ex-
penditures in anticipation of a
possible 'long pull" against the
Communist threat. It proposes to
reduce the Army's strength from
1,170.000 at present to IL mil
lion by June 80, the end of this
fiscal year, and to 1.025, 900 by
June 80. 1856.
Representative Vinson of
Georgia. the committee chair
man, ventured no opinion as to
what Congress would do about
the Army reduction. After Army
Secretary Stevens and Gen.
Ridgeway briefed the committee
in a closed session, Mr.. Vinson
said:
THE effects of recent cuts in
the Army was discussed. The
committee will give the matter
it's continuing attention but can
make no further statement at
this time"
To reporters. Mr.. Vinson added
that the matter was one for
consideration now by the House
Appropriations Committee in
studying the administrations de-
fense budget.
However. Mr.. Brooks said
Congress would be able to ex-
press its opinion in various ways
on legislation such as extern
sion of the draft and the
administrators national service
plan providing, in effect, for a
modified form of universal mill
itary training.
Sets Reserve Hearing.
Mr.. Brooks is chairman of
an Armed Services Subcommit-
tee that expects to begin hear
ings next week on the reserve
program.
It was the Louisiana Repre-
sentative who drew from Gen
Ridgway the reluctant testimony
showing the Army Chief of Staff
was not in accord with the ad-
ministration's proposed reduc-
ton in the ground forces Ear
lier in yesterdays hearing both
Gen. Ridgway and Mr.. Stevens
said they preferred to answer
specific questions on that subject
in p closed session.
Gen. Ridgway made it clear
that it was not for him. or for
any officer in uniform, to appear
to question decisions made by
higher authority.
The Army, he added. would