Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-07-12
Girord Ruling Is Scored,
Stirs Drive to Bar Trio|s
Continued from First Pagl

Continued from First Page
Georgia, complained that
"GirArd has been cast in the
role Of a sacrificial lamb" Rep
resentative Gross, Republican
Of Iowa, called the decision
another assault on the Con-
stitution of the United States"
Approaching the question
from another angle, Represen-
tative Heating, Republican of
New York, announced he would
introduce a resolution today for
a special committee study of
law and treaty provisions deal
Ing with trial of United States
citizens abroad.
Mr.. Heating, ranking Repub-
lican on the House judiciary
Committee, said this was not
an attack on the Girard de-
cision or on the status Of forces
agreements. He explained that
his proposal would make pos
sible q calm and comprehensive
study" Of present provisions al
lowing foreign trials not only
Of United States servicemen
but also Of their dependents
and civilian employees abroad.
Senator Holland, Democrat
Of Florida. predicted the SEN
ate will give serious considera-
ton to some form Of treaty.
limiting amendment as pro-
posed by Senator Bricker, Re
publican Of Ohio. Senator
Bricker called the decision
"far-reaching and ominous"
and said the court gave no rea-
sons to support its ruling, per-
haps because 1T was unable to
explain its decision except on
grounds Of expediency."
Senator Thurmond. Demo-
crat Of South Carolina, said he
would press for adoption of his
resolution against surrendering
American servicemen for for
eisn trials.
Representative Ayres. Re-
publican Of Ohio. introduced a
bill calling for a full investiga-
ton Of the case.
Some Of the most bitter
criticism came from outside
the halls Of Congress. Retired
Gen. James A. Van Fleet, for
mer Sth Army commander in
Korea. said he is really burned
up" by the ruling and added
that common sense dictates a
revision Of the agreement. I'VE
must take care Of our boys as
. sacred obligation" the gen.
eral said.
Joseph s. Robinson. one Of
Girard's lawyers. said in New
York the case may become a
political issue next year. Since
the Supreme Court has acted.
he explained, the only way to
make changes is through con-
gressional action.
The court and its decision
nevertheless did not lack for
defenders. Secretary of De-
tense Wilson promised that the
United States will render
every possible assistance to
Girard and his counsel in the
protection Of his rights" at the
Japanese court trial.
This promise at the Pentagon
yesterday parallelled a state
ment by Mr.. Wilson and Secre-
tary Of State Dulles. disclosed
as an appendix to the courts
opinion. In the statement re-
leased with the court opinion,
the two Secretaries we're quoted
as saying there was every rea-
son to believe the trial in the
Japanese courts will be con-
Quoted with the utmost fair
ness"
The State Departments re.
action was voiced first by IN
dersecretary Of State Herter
Notified Of the decision while
at the Womens National Press
Club inaugural luncheon yes
terday, Mr.. Herter said he was
greatly interested in the Girard
case because the implications
might have gone very, very far
and may still 60 farther"
1T enters the very core Of
q number Of problems we have
problems dealing essentially
with security and whether we
shall have American troops In
various parts Of the world as
q primary part Of our security"
he told the club members.
This same fundamental view
had been expressed by several
other administration officials
and Justice Department attor-
neys who said that most Of the
United States forces abroad
would have to be withdrawn II
the status Of forces agreement
arrangements for trial Of
American servicemen overseas
were ruled invalid or inopera-
tive.
Backing for the administra-