Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 18, Number 26, DeMotte, Jasper County, 28 May 1948 — VOTE TODAY ON M’ARTHUR RETURN PLAN [ARTICLE]

VOTE TODAY ON M’ARTHUR RETURN PLAN

Expect Senators To Give Approval Of Move To Bring Military Leader Back To U. S. Washington, May 27 The senate appropriations committee •will vote tomorrow on a proposal to invite Gen. MacArthur home to testify on problems affecting the nation, Chairman Bridges (R., N. H.) announced today. A committee majority was reported to be in favor of extending a formal plea to the general to leave his post in Tokyo and return to Washington at an early date in order to give evidence, not only of the 6 billion dollar foreign spending proposal now before the committee, but on other matters affecting the national security. Of the 20 committee members, a minimum of 11 were said to be Strongly in favor of MacArthur’s return. Some estimates indicated the favorable vote might be as high as 14 to 6. A few internationalist members of the committee, led by Sen. Saltonstall (R., Mass.) are said to have expressed violent disapproval of the general’s return. They branded the move “political,” conceiving that MacArthur’s return will develop into a personal triumph which may have an important effect upon the race for GOP Presidential nomination honors. But Chairman Bridges and Acting GOP Leader Wherry (R., Neb.), a committee member, who were most active in urging MacArthur's return, declared that the proposed invitation is devoid of political implications. Sen. Brooks (R., Ill.), another committee member, said the general’s testimony was absolutely essential to clarify the confusion in Washington. The Best, Advice “I think he can give us the best advice we could possibly have oil appropriating x funds for foreign aid,” Brooks said, “but particularly at this time do we need this great soldier’s counsel in matters relating to the national defense. The military services have completely muddled the defense picture. Gene. MacArthur is above the jealousies which have produced so many conflicting claims concerning the best manner in which to maintain national security.’’