Evening star., 1959-12-02


tary bases overseas an, the
strengthening of Western al
liances.
But a jammed, jet-age sched-
ule indicates that the $4,000
mile tour which gets under way
tomorrow night will be pri-
marily just what the President
has said it will bean effort to
build goodwill and a better
understanding of America.
For the most part, there Just
won't be time to work out solu-
tionS to any major problems of
individual nations or the world
as a whole.
A good bit of the time at
each stop will be given over to
foImalities. ceremonies and ad-
dresses; so that no great amount
will be left for decision making
conferences with chiefs of state.
India Visit Vital
India is the exception, and
Intentionally so. The vast,
teeming subcontinent had
drawn Mr.. EiSenhower's inter-
est and concern even before
Communist China began Shak-
ing a fist along the northern
border. And now the President
is expected to use New Delhi
as a forum for transmitting to
all Southern Asia a message of
American friendship and sup
port.
Neither in India nor else
where has a formal, item-by-
item agenda been laid down as
a basis for discussions.
But the border issue is GER
tain to arise in New Delhi.
where Mr.. Eisenhower will have
numerous opportunities for pri-
vate and Semi-private sessions
with Prime Minister Java
harlal Nehru. Indian relations
with Pakistan, an American
ally, may arise also.
These relations have been
improving recently. 1t is to the
interest of the United States
that they continue improving.
Mr.. Eisenhower might see fit
to touch on them only if Mr..
Nehru raises the subject, since
it is a delicate one of emotional
concern to India.
Arms, Economic Aid Issues
Requests for more U. S. mill
tary aid might grow out of the
border difficulties and a desire
to strengthen the Indian army.
Possibly Mr.. Nehru may ask to
buy U. S. weapons outright,
because of his country's dis
like of strings attached to the
aid program.
India also is counting heavily
on continued economic assist
ance. 1t might feel inclined to
ask Mr.. Eisenhower how much
can be expected for its third
five-year development plan,
now on the drawing boards.
The United States has sup
piled almost So billion in aid
to India. The money has been
an important element in In
dian efforts to raise low living
standards through the develop
ment plans.
An Associated Press check
at presidential stopping places
indicates that more than half
the Nations Mr.. Eisenhower
will visit may make polite in
quiries about continued or in
creased military or economic
aid or both. In addition to
India, the list includes Paki-
stan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Tu-
nisia, Iran, and possibly Spain.
May Ask Troop Arms
GeneraliSSimo Francisco
Franco of Spain may ask for
an early shipment of promised
military equipment for two
divisions Of troops. H may bid
lor a larger United States i'm
migration qdota for Spsin.
Franco may want to go into
the entire question of North
Africa and natiCnalism, and
perhaps the effects on United
States air bases in Spain of
the forthcoming evacuation of
similar bases in nearby Mo-
rocco.
In addition, Franco is known
to be concerned about rise Of
anti-American feeling in Latin
America, particularly evident
of late in Cuba and Panama.
He might see fit to offer his
services in an attempt to clear
and improve the atmosphere.
Diplomatic onlookers in Ma
drid believe, however, that
Franco will be interested mainly
in a f1rst-hand report from Mr..
Eisenhower on results of the
Western summit session in
Paris and American ideas for
dickering with Soviet Premier
Khrushchev at a projected
East-West summit conference
next spring.
Other Nations on Tour
Country by country, here is a
run down on possible points of
discussion elsewhere along Mr..
Eisenhower's route:
Italy-No real major prob
lens in Italian American rela-
tions to be threshed out. Maybe
a subdued reminder that Italy
would prefer stronger role in
NATO, at least equal to that
of France. and more consulta-
tion among all Western allies
big and little.
France-No separate talks
with President
Charles de Gaulle. If there
are some, NATO, Frances trou-
bleS with Algeria, French ambi-
tions to master atomic wea-
pons and other issues could