CRITICISM OF WALLACE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25161, 17 April 1947, Page 7

CRITICISM OF WALLACE

STATEMENTS MADE IN BRITAIN

CENSURE BY HOUSE PROPOSED (Rec. 10 p.m.) a WASHINGTON, April 15. A resolution censuring Mr Henry Wallace for “a grave disservice to the welfare of the United States” was introduced in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr Mendl Rivers (Democrat, South Carolina). The resolution was referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee. It is reported that a similar resolution will be introduced in the Senate by Senator John McLellan (Democrat, Criticism of Mr Wallace’s statements in Britain characterised a further debate in both Chambers on the United States’ aid programme for Greece and Turkey. One of the few voices raised in support of Mr Wallace’s views was that of Senator Glen Taylor (Democrat, Idaho), who compared the programme with Japan’s 1931 invasion of Manchuria. , .. „ , , “Japan’s action,” he said, wrecked the League of Nations. Our unilateral action will just as surely wreck the United Nations. Japan started the world on a one-way road to a second world war. Can we be sure the United States’ action won’t set us on the road to a third world war?” The first public comment by a member of the Cabinet on Mr Wallace’s references abroad to American foreign policy was made to-night by the Attor-ney-General, Mr Tom Clark, in a speech at a Jefferson Day dinner in Philadelphia. “One who tells the people of Europe that the United States is committed to ruthless imperialism—and war with Russia —tells a lie,” said Mr Clark. “It is a most cruel falsehood, because it reveals an utter lack of understanding or appreciation of the American way of life.” Mr Clark did not mention Mr Wallace by name. The President’s press secretary, Mr Charles Ross, told correspondents in Washington that he knew of no approach by Congress to the White House for action on Mr Wallace’s activities in Britain. Asked if the United States would officially notify Britain that Mr Wallace was not speaking officially, Mr Ross replied that it was obvious that Mr Wallace spoke as a private citizen in his speeches attacking the United States’ foreign policy. . In a radio interview recorded m New York by the Columbia Broadcasting system. Mr Wallace said it was part of every American’s fundamental faith in free speech to allow the expression of personal opinions at variance with those of the Government.

“I have spoken out for a constructive programme for peace, and as long as there is hope for peace I shall continue to speak out. I think that is the American way.”