davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
CzechosIovokio's Siroky Is Survival Expert

quently liquidating, those in power
over him.
The Master at Work
One Of SirokyS most revealing
and most interesting-as well as
most profitable-schemes was his
plot to liquidate DR.. Waldo Clemen-
tbs. under whom Siroky worked in
the Foreign Office.
Clements, doctrinaire Commu-
mist, found it difficult in 1899 to
swallow the Stain Hitler pact of
nonaggression, which all party
liners were required to accept. In
1915. Siroky learned in a private
conversation with Stain that the
Russian dictator had never for
given Clements for this lapse, de-
spite the fact that Clements had
been allowed to resume a high po-
sition in Czech Communist affairs.
After the Red coup in Prague in
1948, Siroky attempted to discredit
Clements in the eyes of other Com
munist leaders, but failed to get
the support of such bigwigs as
President Gottwald. Siroky then
turned to Rudolf Slansky, attempt
ing to play both ends against the
middle in the struggle for power
then going on between Slansky and
Gottwald.
1t was slow game Siroky had
to play. 1t was not until the fall
Of 1949 that Siroky managed to
close the trap.
At that time, Clements went to
New York at the head of the Czech
United Nations Delegation. His
absence from Prague required the
appointment of an ad-interim sue
cessor. Siroky managed to get him
self appointed to the job.
This period conceded with
rapid Stepping-up of the commune
cation Of Czechoslovakia. and par
ticularly with a drive against the
Catholic Church. AS pressures
mounted in Prague. world interest
grew. Clements, available to the
world press at the United Nations,
was natural target for questions.
Siroky, who knew all this, effec-
lively closed down communications
between Clements and his home
Office. When Clements was asked
what was going on and why, he
had to answer-truthfully, as it
turned out-that he did not know.
Spreading the Rumor
1t was uncomfortable to the world
at large that the foreign minister
of a country (even a Communist
country would be ignorant of
events at home. From this circum-
stance grew the opinion that per-
haps Clements silence really de-
rived from lack Of sympathy with
what the Prague government was
doing.
There was speculation in the
Western press that Clements would
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

day and Tuesday British and
French representatives here asked
that the United States call the
United Nations Security Council
into session Wednesday instead of
Tuesday. That would have given
time for the 12-hour ultimatum to
have been issued and to have ex-
pired.
. Israel says her thrust into Egypt
Is aimed at commando bases only.
This supports the theory that Israel
merely tented in the direction Of
the Suez Canal to oblige Britain
and France. which want to impose
international control on the stra-
tegic waterway. If Israel with
draws behind the armistice line
after British French forces estab-
fish themselves in the Suez Canal
area, Washington officials think
this will make their case even
stronger.
There are also said to be indi-
cations that France took the lead
in working out the plan for collusive
action with Israel.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
There Wasn't Collision

. British-French purpose is not
In Israels interest. Both nations
say they want to protect the canal
from traffic disruption, stop the
fighting, and work out some kind
OF permanent settlement of the
Arab-Israel conflict. The last two
detectives. at least, might not be
to Israel's liking.
. Britain and France were uniuue-
ly qualified to stop the fighting.
Their forces were already estab-
lished on nearby Cyprus, sent there
when Egypt first nationalized the
old Suez Canal Co. in July.
. Decision to issue the uItimatum
was taken hastily. Some British
French officials have said events
moved SO swiftly there was not time
to inform the United States.
. Britain and France wanted to
avoid embarrassing the United
States. One theory American off,
Gals heard was that Britain and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
Macy Cuts Ties

The exact intentions Of the
Soviet armed forces remained un-
clear. Yesterday a Soviet military
delegation assured Mr.. Macy there
would be no more reinforcements.
But the Hungarian capital re-
manned tense and apprehensive.
Yesterday the Macy government
renewed its appeal for U. N. action.
Soviet tanks and armored cars
had again sealed the border be-
tween Hungary and Austria: autos
bearing dependents of diplomats
and newsnen from Budapest TO
Vienna we're turned back by courte-
Gus but flrm Soviet detachments.
Up TO a late hour yesterday there
had been no shooting. Soviet and
Hungarian Army units eyed each
other warily. but neither appeared
anxious 10 begin hostilities. There
vas speculation that the Red Army
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
Election-Yeor Influence

Looking back on the sudden
British-French move from this side
of the ocean, there is a strong
feeling that the presidential cleo
ton campaign was widely mis-
judged in London. Paris and Tel
Aviv.
In their election campaigns.
Presidents Woodrow Wilson and
Franklin D. Roosevelt both made
vigorous statements about preserv-
ing the peace. After they were
elected. however, the United States
found itself in World Wars ! and
II.
British, French and Israeli offi-
Gals may have expected some po-
litical Juror over their sudden
moves into Egypt, but they may
have thought and may still think
the United States will go along
after election.
Quite the contrary seems to be
evident in Washington now.
Secretary of State Dulles told
reporters with emotion some weeks
ago that he was not conscious Of
any political influence either on
him or the President in making
foreign policy decisions. In the
last week the two men have had
to make politically unpopular de-
cisions.
The United States risked the re-
sentiment. of vital Jewish minori-
ties in crucial States like New York
by taking Israel before the United
Nations last week with demand
she Withdraw her forces from the
Sinai peninsula. The failure to
include some censure of Egypts
fedayeen (commando) raids in the
same resolution may hurt the Re-
publicans at the polls.
Secretary Dulles is also facing
political accusations here that he
has suffered a diplomatic defeat
and has impaired the British
French-American alliance. Yet he
drove hard against the British.
French position in the United Ma
tons Security Council and special
General Assembly sessions last
week, thus widening the breach
with our principal allies.
The President has now said there
will be no United States military
involvement in the present" Mid.
die East hostilities TT this Oivea
encouragement to Great Britain
and France to hope for reconsid-
Grafton after next Tuesday, there
is little evidence in Washington this
week end that their hope will be
realized.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
WAS THERE coLLUsoM sEEz.ss ,x.s.Pgen.
The Riddle Of the New Middle Eost War
COLLISION?

. Attitude toward Israel buildup.
Whereas the United States took
grave enough view of Israel's mo-
bilization to advise its nationals to
leave, Britain and France took no
such precautions.
. Cyprus buildup. Augmentation
Of British and French forces on
Cyprus is reported to have par
alleled the Israeli mobilization.
. Britain and France openly ia
vored Israel. Their ultimatum told
Egypt, which was in control Of the
canal, to back of 10 miles to the
west Of it and Israel to stay 10
miles to the east of it. But the
uitimatum did not demand that
Israel return to the armistice line.
Britain and France were content to
leave Israel in control Of most of
the Sinai Desert. Moreover, when
the United States charged Israel
with aggression in the United Ma
tions Britain and France came to
Israel1s defense.
Israel and Great Britain agreed
there should be no attack on Jordan
now. The British warned Israel
against an assault on Jordan and
later received assurances that Jor-
dan would not be attacked, accord
ing to British Prime Minister Sir
Anthony Eden. Since Britain has
a defense pact with Jordan, she
would have had to come to Jordan's
aid if Israel had moved against her.
Then the British would have been
obligated to defend Jordan, Egypt's
close ally.
. British-French failure to tell the
United States in advance. This was
the browning blow and, perhaps,
the principal piece of evidence that
conyinces American officials that
London and Paris were in collision
with Israel. The President told the
world in radio television address
sent abroad by the Voice of Amer
lea that his first knowledge of the
British-French ultimatum came
from press reports.
. Britain and France tried to stall
United Nations action. On Mon
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

the Negev is a succulent plant
called Juncus which can be used
to produce pulp for paper and board
in a country with almost no tim
Der at all. Juncus needs heat, will
tolerate salty soil, and survives long
periods without water.
Voter Prime Problem
The problem Of water is one Of
the most difficult facing pioneers.
Last year the first main pipeline to
the Negev was completed. and
water from the sources of the Var
kon River. near Tel Aviv, was
brought down to the northern part
Of the desert. opening $4,000 acres
to cultivation. And, If the Jordan
River project ever becomes a real.
ity. some 100000 additional acres,
a quarter Of Israel's potential arabic
land, viii be brought under cultiva-
ton.
Linking the present Negev in
Observation-Disclosures complex is q
network Of well-paved roads
radiating out from Beersheba in
every direction. A few months ago
a railway link from Tel Aviv to
Beersheba was completed. Within
two years, it is anticipated, Sodom
and Elatt will have rail service,
thus placing every major city in
the nation within an easy half day
travel to each other.
At present no more than 3
per cent-or about 10000 people
Of the entire Israeli population
live in the desert region which en-
compasses half Of the young state.
But If Biblical evidences are being
read right by modern Psychologists,
there may be room for as many a.
two million settlers there. There
can be no doubt that the area
once supported population many
times larger than the present one.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

the only old-line Stalinist in a posi-
ton of power anywhere in the satel-
lite area. Pauker in Romania went
even before Stain did. Chervenkov
In Bulgaria. Ochab in Poland,
RakoSi in Hungary-all are good as
part of the So-called de-Staliniza-
ton" Of the Soviet bloc.
Somehow, Siroky remains, and
one of the questions being asked
by students of developments behind
the Iron Curtain is:
How is it possible that a self
declared. INSCRIPTIONS Stalinist, an
admittedly bitter enemy of Tito's
Yugoslavia, is still Prime Minister of
Observation-Disclosures how long can
he last?"
To the second part of the question
there is no certain answer. To the
first part, however, the answer is
clear: Siroky is, and has been for
years, master Of the flip-hop. He
also is master of intrigue, who
owes his position today largely to
his skill in framing, and subse-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

France knew well the United States
would oppose their use of force in
the Suez area. So rather than en-
barrass their principal ally, it is
said. they kept her in the dark.
. Delay In landings proves this
was hasty operation. Britain and
France have been slow to follow up
their aerial bombardment Of Egypt,
1t is said. simply because they could
not get their troop conveys in posi-
ton faster.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

ton on December 10, 1949, stood
Villain Siroky, with his hand out
stretched.
Three months later. Clements
submitted his resignation. AS the
spring of 1850 wore on, with Gle
mentis on the shelf, Siroky teamed
up with President Gottwald in the
power struggle against Slansky,
claiming as the price for his sup
port the job-and the life-of Gle
mentiS.
The Gottwald-Siroky alliance
continued, and resulted in the Ii
quotation of Slansky, Clements and
nine others in December, 1852. Now
no one was left but Gottwald, and
when Gottwald died, Siroky climbed
to the power he now enjoys.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

not return home, but would seek
refuge in the West.
This was just what Siroky wanted.
He assigned one of his own hench-
men with Clements to feed a story
to a French news agency. The
story, quoting a source close to
Clements" said the foreign min
lister had expressed doubts about
the wisdom of Prague's anti-church
actions and had voiced sharp crit
icism of Russia's policy toward
Germany.
The story was fabrication from
start to finish, but was enough to
brand Clements a security risk
from his governments point of view.
Clements was called home, and at
the head Of the welcoming COM
mittee at the Prague railroad sta
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
AngIo-French Attack on Egypt Puts
Biggest Strain on Big Three Alliance

mate unity Of the Big Three so
far sustained.
The primary aim of Moscow's
diplomacy for the past several years
the disruption of the Western
alliance-would seem accomplished.
But such conclusion at this point
would be premature.
The political facts of world affairs
still dictate that in union there is
strength, and the fundamental pat
tern of Soviet diplomacy. appar-
emily in state Of flux as to tactics,
has changed not whit. Until there
have been convincing evidences of
such a change--a possibility not
to be ruled out-the basic unity of
the Big Three will of necessity have
to survive the strain.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
By EARL II. vOss

Was there collision between
Israel. France and Great Britain
in their parallel offensives against
Egypt last week?
Many observers on this side Of the
Atlantic are convinced there was.
There are denials from Europe. A
conclusive answer may have to
await the memoirs Of the statesmen
involved. The full story may never
be told.
Elaborate theories have been
evolved by now to prove both that
there was and that there was not
collision. Here are the two sides
principal points and allegations:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

Negev. he will be told by one and
all that everything in sight is
"yaffe." be it a desolate pipe factory
near Ashkelon, the barren potash
works at Sodom, the oil wells near
Heletz or chemical plant in Beer
sheba.
Focal point in the growth Of the
Mcgowan arid triangular wedge
whose base lies between the south
ern end of the Dead Sea and the
Mediterranean and whose apex ex-
tends to the Red Sea on the Gulf
of Aqaba-iS Beersheba.
It is in this Wild West-like capt.
tai city Of the desert, just about
two hours by car from Israel's big
gest and most busting city, cos
nlopolitan Tel Aviv, that one can
actually see the physical manifesto
tons Of the development OF the
Negev as well as sense the spirit
that is bringing it about.
Building a City
In 1913. before the formal be-
ginning Of Arab-Israeli hostilities,
Beersheba was inhabited by only
one Jew. a physician. Today, there
are some 20.000-plus Israelis there
about third Of the entire Negev
population-who are busily at work
erecting new city around the for
mer Arab village.
Typical Of the city's new factories
is the Kharsa ceramics works which
utilities desert clays to produce sani-
tary and art ware, While in 1855,
its FIRST year IN operation, Kharsa
turned out only $4,000 worth of
goods for export. this year fac
tory oficials estimate the figure viii
be more than S250.000.
Then, too, there Is the re-
Gently built Makhtseshim chemical
works. manufacturing water-purify-
ing chlorine and DDT. Also located
in Beersheba are a spanking new
flour mill, cement plant and the
nations second largest automotive
repair works
To keep pace with this economic
growth, more than 5000 new apart
rnents have been built to house
settlers. Beersheba also has the ma
TONS second largest theater, q
mammoth. modernistic structure
which somehow seems to blend with
the spaciousness Of the desert.
At Heletz, about rs miles to the
northwest. and near the GAIA strip.
are Israeli's only oil wells. guarded
day and night. Developed last year.
they are now producing 1000 BAR
rels a day Of high grade petroleum.
II is believed that within a decade
the Heletz field may meet all Of
the Nations needs.
Pipes for irrigation
In nearby Ashkelon. the old Bib
lical city which Is being developed
BY South African immigrants. 10
located the YouvAl Cad pipe fac
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

cabled United Nations Secre-
tary General Dag Hammarskjold
asking that Hungary's case be
placed before the U. N. General AS
sembly.
But even as he acted, Soviet tanks
reappeared around the city. The
U. N. Security Council. acting on
the request Of Mr.. Macy and on re-
ports that Russian reinforcements
had entered Hungarian territory.
met in emergency session Friday
night.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

Mr.. Dones, czeehosIovok refugee now
in the United Stotes, was for three
years with the foreign ministry in Prague
under Viom Siroky. Of whom he writes
here. A longtime Communist, he left
the movement in the early lo50s.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

as the centuries-old interests and
preoccupations Of the member ma
tons tested the ability of the West
to heed the supreme demands of
survival.
ColonioIism q Stroin
There was the test of colonialism,
a challenge by no means appeased
even today. Britain and France.
reluctant to part with the trappings
of empire, resisted fiercely the con-
tinuing pressureS of the colonial
peoples for independence and self
rule. In these predicaments the
United States was perforce on
opposite sides from those of our
two allies. Only constant and tact
full reiteration of principle, plus
some judicious application of the
old "quid pro quo" device of pol
itics. preserved the Big Three amid
strains Of colonial involvement.
A greater strain than colonialism
was that OF basic attitudes toward
the nations of Asia. Communist
China, for example, triumphed over
Chang Kai-shek'S Nationalist and
was soon recognized by Britain.
Despite the alliance. there was no
unity OF approach there, for the
United States refuses adamantly to
recognize the Peiping regime and
is committed by treaty to the mill
tary defense Of Chiang's island of
exile. Taiwan. Our allies have been
content to tolerate this situation
only by considering officially that
Taiwan tFormosa) is of vital i'm
portance to the defense of the
United States.
The war in Korea, stemming
from the invasion of South Korea
by the Communists Of the northern
half Of the peninsula in 1850.
brought united action by the Big
Three, but plainly with measured
reluctance on the part of Britain
and France.
In North Africa, where the de-
mands of Arab nationalist have
beset the French since 1945. the
United States has had to support
the French in the United Nations
or abstain from taking sides. The
situation was never a happy one
but the continued effectiveness of
Western unity appeared to demand
it.
lndo- Chino Crisis
When France, after years of in
effectual fighting, was ready to
abandon ndo-China to the Com.
munist forces of Ho Chi-minh.
America was aghast. There were
high-level predictions of United
States military intervention. But
the intervention was not forth
coming; the French agreed to talk
the matter over with the Commun-
lists, and a settlement was made
abandoning half of Indo-C China to
the Reds. Secretary of State Dulles
made no secret of his disapproval:
he left Geneva during the parleys
and. in effect. disasSociated the
United States from the final settle
ment.
Only in the matter of the re-
unification Of Germany and the
ending of the occupation Of Austria
have the Big Three displayed a
consistent unity of opinion and pur-
pose. Yet even here, the determined
American drive for the rearmament
of West Germany strained the ties
Of the three powers almost to break
ing. On the shoals of that single
issue foundered the far-reaching
proposal for a European Defense
Community.
There were many other serious
strains and stresses, most of them
inevitable considering the revolu-
tionary nature Of world events.
The British French decision to
take military action against Egypt
last week was without question the
most shattering blow to the ulti-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

Mr.. Hoehstein is Washington newspaper
mon who hos recently returned from o
month-long stoy in Israel.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
BY BOB HoCHsTEIN

The Israeli army's penetration
into Egyptian territory last week
was launched from the desert region
Of the Negev. And if peace does
return to the Middle East, it is in
this area that Israel's future hopes
for becoming self-suficient nation
seem to lie.
"Yaffe" means beautiful in He
brew. II one goes south of the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04

end to "big power chauvinism' in
relations with the satellites in
Europe
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
By JEAN DANES

In the territory behind the Iron
Curtain, one Of the greatest politi-
cal arts is that Of survival. And one
OF the greatest artists in this line
is the little-known Prime Minister
of Red Czechoslovakia, Villain
Siroky.
An unprepossessing man in his
mid-50s, Siroky is today virtually
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-01-27
Red Mass to Draw
Diqnituries Sunday

More than 1900 jurists. law
makers. diplomats. lawyers and
other guests are expected to at
tend a traditional Red Mass"
at 10 am. Sunday in St. Mat
lthew'S Cathedral.
The service gets its name from
the red vestments worn by the
officiating priest. Its purpose is
to ask blessings on the admins
itration of justice in the United
States.
The Most Rev. Patrick A.
O'Boyle. Catholic Archbishop of
Washington. will celebrate the
mass. sponsored by the John
Carroll Society. a Catholic bust
ness and professional mems or
ganization.
7 Chief Justice Warren heads
the list of dignitaries who have
accepted invitations to attend.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-01-27
Gen. Crombez
Will Retire

Brig. Gen. Marcel G. Crombez,
a 36-year veteran of the Army
Ground Forces who rose from
the rank Of private, will retire
Tuesday at Fort Meade, Md
A retreat parade will be held
today on the post parade
ground for Gen. Crombez. spe-
cial assistant to the deputy conf
manding general OF the I'd Army
Gen. Crombez enlisted in 1919
Two years later, he received an
appointment 10 West Point ano
was commissioned a second leu
tenant. In World War II. he
served as executive officer ano
commanding officer of the 104tt
Infantry Rssiment.
Following World War II. he
was assigned in Korea As COM
mander of the 10eth Regiment,
40th Division. When hoStilities
broke out there in 1850. he was
commander of the 5th Cavalry
Regiment.
He returned to Korea In
December. 1853. after two wears
as senior Army Instructor of the
Oregon State National Guard to
become senior adviser to the
Korean Military Academy.
He holds the Distinguished
Service Cross. the Silver Star
Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf
Cluster, the Commentator Rib
bon. the French Croix de Iuerre
with Palm and the Republic OF
Korea Military Order of Taeguk