Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-02-02
President Takes
Wilson's South
AS His Guests
Defense Chief and
Wife Are Tukine
Florida Vocation

Florldu Vocation
Defense Secretary Wilson and
Mrs. Wilson. whose relations
with President Eisenhower had
seemed strained in controversy
over the National Guard, took
off in highly friendly fashion
with the President today aboard
his plane for the South.
At the invitation of Mr.. Ell
senhower, Mr.. and Mrs. Wilson
accompanied him to Augusta.
Ga, where the President plans
two days OF golf and relaxation.
The Wilson's stayed aboard the
plane and a few minutes later
took off for a Florida vacation.
Surprising Journey
The journey aboard the Co.
lumbine III. the Presidents Of
fetal plane, which took off for
Augusta at 8:l8 am. and ar
rived in Augusta at 1925 am,
was particularly surprising be-
cause of Mr.. Eisenhower's earlier
criticism of remarks by Secre-
tary Wilson and because of Mrs.
Wilson's subsequent criticism of
the Presidents comment.
Asked whether Mr.. Eisenhower
and Mr.. Wilson discussed the
National Guard controversy dur
ing the fight from Washington,
Murray Snyder. assistant White
House press secretary, told news
men:
Il won't go into the conversa-
ton because I didn't hear it,
Mr.. Snyder did say Mr.. Essen
hover and Mr.. Wilson had
breakfast together aboard the
plane Although the press sec
rotary said he knew nothing of
the nature of the conversation.
he said they had a very nice
visit" the Associated Press re-
ported.
Secretary Wilson's indictment
of the National Guard training
system, however, apparently
stayed as sharp as ever today
despite his denial that he had
reflected on the Guards patriot
ism or Individual Guardsmen.
Clarifies Remark
He issued statement last
night to clarity and take some of
the sting out of his remark to
the House Armed Services Com
mittee earlier this week that a
sort of scandal" developed dur
ing the Korean War when some
youths avoided combat service
by joining the Guard.
His statement reafflrmed that
personal view to a considerable
extent. He insisted that "it cam
not be denied that the lot of
those who entered the National
Guard and were not modified
was easier than that of the
young men who were indicted by
selectiye service or who volun-
teered for the active forces" dur
ing the Korean fighting.
His statement contained no
reference to President Eisen-
hower's news conference COM
ment that the Defense Secre-
tary's remark had heen very
unwise." Mrs. Wilson SUISSE
ouently voiced indignation and
declared the Presidents criti-
cism of her husband was "un-
called for"
But there was no sign Of ten
sion when the President arrived
at MATS terminal this morning
and cheerfully greeted the Will
sons who were waiting at the
ramp Of the plane.
Exchange Comments
Good morning, good morning,
good morning. the President
said. Before going up the ramp,
the three exchanged brief COM
mentS, inaudible to newsmen.
Secretary Wilson told report
ers he had no further comment
on the National Guard contro-
versy.
Congressional criticism of him,
meanwhile, showed no sign of
abating. But Senator Mundt,
Republican of South Dakota.
while describing MIR. Wilson's
remarks as mistaken" declared
today that the Defense Secre-
tary was doing good job"
The Senator said Secretary Will
son Ought to be judged on his
performance at the Pentagon
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