Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-06
BY JOHN A. GILES

by JOhN A. GILES
A widespread change in the
Pentagon's civilian and military
hierarchy is in the offing.
Secretary of Defense Wilson's
expected departure before the
end of the summer will be fol-
lowed by those of his deputy
Reuben B. Robertson. jr.. and
the chairman of the Joint Chiefs
OF staff, Admiral Arthur w.
Radford. among others.
Mr.. Wilson recently told re-
porters it was his present lin
tcntion" to remain in Office long
enough to push the military
budget through Congress. That
could be as late as July but. on
the other hand, the defense chief
might decide to leave when he
determines that the money bill
would have smooth sailing on
Capitol Hill.
A number Of persons have
been mentioned as his successor.
These include former Gov.
Thomas E. Dewey of New York,
Secretary Of Interior Fred A.
Seaton. former Deputy Defense
Secretary Robert B. Anderson,
and Gen. Alfred NJ. Gruenther.
now president Of the American
Red Cross.
Others Mentioned
Within the department these
officials have been mentioned:
Mr.. Robertson, Air Force Secre-
tary Quarles, Army Secretary
Brucker and Gordon Gray. As
sistant Defense Secretary for
International Security Affairs.
Mr.. Gray is a Democrat and was
closely associated with President
Eisenhower as Army Secretary.
1t is considered likely. how
ever, that Mr.. Eisenhower will
go outside Government for a
new defense chief.
Mr.. Robertson took his post
for two years and is said to be
anxious to return to his bust
ness. Mr.. Gray also has been
mentioned as his successor.
Admiral Radford's term ends
August Is and he cannot be re-
appointed under the law. The
officer most prominently mem
toned as his replacement is Gen.
Nathan F. Twining, whose term
as Air Force Chief of STAFF ex-
pires IS days before that of the
chairman.
Advocates of the appointment
of Gen. Twining base their argu-
ment on rotation" of the chair
manship among the services.
Since its creation the post has
been held by an Army general
and then an admiral. However,
there is no law requiring such
rotation.
At least four Air generals are
being mentioned as Gen. Twin
ing's successor. They are Gen.
Thomas D. White, vice chief of
staff, and these field command
ers: Gems. Earle E. Partridge,
Continental Air Defense; Lau-
renee S. Kuter, Far East. and
o. P. Weyland, Tactical Air.
Burke Due to Stay
Admiral Arleigh A. Burke.
Chief of Naval Operations whose
term expires August II. is ex-
pected to be renamed. Gen.
Maxwell D. Taylor. Army Chief
of Staff. also is expected to be
reappointed although his health
has not been too good of late.
His term ends June 30.
At least three assistant de-
Tense secretaries are leaving or
are expected to depart. Carter
l.. Burgess, manpower chief.
leaves January 20 to become
president of Trans World Air
lines. DR.. Clifford c. Furnas.
who heads research and develop
ment. will leave February Is to
return to the chancellorship of
the University of Buffalo. Frank
d. Newbury. who directs appli-'
cations engineering. is expected
to depart with Mr.. Wilson.
Mansfield D. Sprague replaces
Mr.. Burgess, leaving his post of
general counsel vacant. Among
Others Robert Trip Ross. who
handles legislative and public
affairs, currently is in hot water
because of an Army contract
awarded a firm headed by his
wife. He has indicated no plans
to resign. however.
Army Aide Resigns
The Army's assistant secretary
for financial management. Ches-
ter r. Davis. has resigned. Those
duties may be added to the Of
flee of George H. RodPrick. who
handles civil and military affairs
The new assistant secretary
would then direct research and
development. In that event. Will
liam II. Martin. who is now "di-
rector" for such work, might be
named assistant secretary.