Evening star., 1955-11-29
Constructive Debate
by Dulles
Backs Fair
'56Comment
On His Policy
BY J. A. oLEARY

Secretary of State Dulles to-
day welcomed debate over for
eign policy in the 1856 presi-
Dental campaign so long as it
is constructive and conducted in
such a manner as not to en-
danger our Nation"
In his first Washington press
conference in a month, the Sec
retary took formal notice Of the
flood of statements which have
been exchanged between poli-
ticiafis in both parties recently
over whether foreign policy
should be debated in the CAM
paign.
He urged both Republicans
and Democrats to discuss for
eign affairs in a way that will
not endanger the bipartisan co.
operation which he said reached
a new high in the past year.
The Dulles statement was in
accord with expressions earlier
today by Chairman George OF
the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee and Senator Wiley,
ranking committee Republican.
Declines Comment on Stevenson
AS soon as he had read his
statement, the Secre-
tary put it into practice by de-
clining to comment on a recent
foreign policy statement by
Adlai Stevenson, the leading con-
tender for the Democratic pres
idential nomination. Reporters
promptly pressed the Secretary
for his definition of "construc-
tive" criticism of foreign policy.
Mr.. Dulles said to be construc-
tive it should suggest something
better than existing policies.
He was asked if he had heard
any such suggestions yet.
He said he had not, but added
that he has not read recent
speeches by aspirants for public
office.
When, an interviewer asked
who is to Judge whether a for.
ieign policy suggestion is an i'm
Iprovement. Mr.. Dulles agreed
that opinions will no doubt diff
lfer on that.
Plans No Speeches
Mr.. Dulles said it is not his
present intention to make any
speeches for the Republican Ma
Itional Committee next year. He
said he supposed later events
could cause him to change his
mind. but declined to say what
those events might be.
Mr.. Dulles was reminded that
in the 1874 Dewey-Roosevelt
campaign he reached an agree
ment with Cordell Hull defining
subjects that would be consid-
cred OF bounds in the political
debate that year. He was asked
about the possibility of a similar
agreement for 1856. Mr.. Dulles
said that would be difficult to
work out when it is not known
who win be the Democratic nomi-
nee, and with signs of COMPETE
tion for the nomination. He said
he does not exclude that as q
possibility later on.
Someone asked If we know
who the Republican nominee will
be next year. Mr.. Dulles an
swered in the negative, but
pointed out it is known who wilId
be directing administration for
eign policy during the campaign.
Recognizes Suggestion
"A reporter suggested that the
conventions will be so late next
year that any understanding
reached between the parties then
on foreign policy debate will
come late in the campaign. The
Secretary said he recognized the
pertinency OF that suggestion.
He was also reminded that the
1914 understanding came in the
midst of war and might not be
possible in peacetime.
MIR. Dulles said the Dewey
forces had an even closer agree.
ment with President Truman
and Secretary of State Marshall
In 1948. A reporter wanted to
know If Mr.. Dulles thought the
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