MacARTHUR’S PLANS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26397, 16 April 1951, Page 7

MacARTHUR’S PLANS

Speech Before Congress (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 14. General MacArthur to-day declined to accept an invitation to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee until Congress settled plans for him to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

General MacArthur, in a message to Mr Richard Russell, chairman of the committee, said he felt it inappropriate for him to reply otherwise to the committee’s call for him to be a witness in investigation of his discharge from his four Far Eastern commands.

General MacArthur said he would regard it as a great honour and distinction to address Congress in general terms.

General MacArthur could only be questioned at a committee hearing, but in a formal appearance at a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, he could deliver a set address.

The Democratic Party leadership has approved inviting General MacArthur to address a joint meeting of Congress. Mr Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives, told reporters that the House Rules Committee would meet on April 17 to consider the Republican-sponsored resolution of invitation. He predicted its approval. The resolution sets no date for General MacArthur's appearance, but leaves that to a committee of Democrats and Republicans, which would get in touch with the general to arrange a mutually-agreeable time. The Associated Press commented that the House Democratic leadership had made it evident that any Democratic doubts about the wisdom of the joint meeting were crumbling. Mr Truman said to-day it was fitting that Congress should hear General MacArthur at a joint meeting. The President's statement was taken as an assurance that the Senate and the House of Representatives would invite General MacArthur to address them.

President Truman said: “I am happy to learn from Mr Rayburn that Congress is planning to invite General MacArthur to address members of both Houses. I regard it as fitting that Congress bestow this honour on one of our great military men."