Time for Decision

The study period was coming to an end. In Washington, most of the reports and recommendations -- on everything from farm politics to foreign policy--were in. and the President was engrossed in fashioning a program to present to Congress. With the 1954 elections casting long shadows ahead, that program--and what Congress makes of it--might determine the destiny of the Eisenhower Administration.

Last week there were few specific hints on the big decisions being made in Washington. But some measure of their sweep and scope could be picked up at the President's press conference. In 26 minutes and 22 questions, no fewer than 18 subjects were discussed. They ranged from the elections in New Jersey to trouble in Israel, from the headaches of agriculture to the prospects of a Big Three conference. Among the major topic's: P:On getting more atomic power and less manpower into U.S. defense plans: We all know, said the President, that new atomic weapons have entered into the arsenals of the great powers, and they have a tremendous effect. To say that they would have no effect on 'the composition of military forces would be shutting your eyes to all history. But, at present, there exists no plan for reduction of any combat forces of the United States anywhere. P:On the prospects of a meeting with Malenkov: We have many examples of different meetings in the past being used for propaganda purposes. He would do anything in the world that he thought would advance peace, but it is perfectly hopeless to call a Big Three meeting until we know there is an honest purpose behind it.

P:On presidential participation in local elections: If he had to acquaint himself with the local conditions, he would think there would be a suspicion arising that he is not paying much attention to his main job. which is trying to be President for 160 million people. Of course he is interested in the Republican organization, and seeing Republican majorities come back. What he does hope to do is to produce a record that can stand on itself.

Last week the President also: P: Released an outline of the policy of the United States Information Agency. The U.S. propaganda program will concentrate on "explaining and interpreting to foreign peoples the objectives and policies of the United States Government." and "unmasking and countering hostile attempts to distort or to frustrate the objectives and policies of the United States." P: Listened for 30 minutes to Elder Socialist Norman Thomas, who came to the White House to protest an assertion by Security Officer Scott McLeod that Socialists would be barred from policymaking jobs in the State Department. Reported Thomas: "I told the President ... I didn't think we had any more blabbermouths than the Republican Party. He was categorical that the civil service should not exclude Socialists."

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