U.S., BRITISH RELATIONS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26398, 17 April 1951, Page 7

U.S., BRITISH RELATIONS

Newspaper’s Plea For Restraint (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 8 p.in.) LONDON, April I*. Restraint throughout the world in comment on General MacArthur’s dismissal, and restraint, especially in Britain, is advocated by the weekly newspaper, the “Economist,” which also counsels caution about the hope that collective action by the United Nations will improve because of the change in com* mand. The “Economist” thinks that the verdict on General MaeArthur will undoubtedly be that his faults (preferring persistent disobedience to resignation) were intolerable in a general operating under the orders of a democratic government and as the representative of an international body. But they are also the virtues of a great fighting commander, which stood the free world in good stead.

“Because the story of General MacArthur in Korea has been shaped not only by the faults of the man but also by the pattern of American politics, it behoves the world outside to observe restraint in its comment.

“Only Mr Truman could remove the supreme commander, and it was the direct challenge of the soldier to me civil authority that ended the story in Asia. It will doubtless continue in the United States. “To pretend that foreign criticism of the general, some of it unfair and inaccurate in detail, was mainly responsible tor his removal, is to play the game of those Americans who oppose their Government s interest in Europe and will go to any lengths to discredit the President and his Secretary of State.

"Restraint is especially needed in this country. The charge that General MacArthur is a victim of British agitation and the British Government’’ policy towards China, is already being made in the United States; that it should be substantiated by any gloating over the general’s discomfiture and the President’s difficulties, will be intolerable to anyone who values British and American relations. His offence was against American authority and its punishment is for American’s to decide.” “Inspired Fear Among Friends” Discussing what precisely was General MacArthur's offence in the eyes of the world, the “Economist" says it was perhaps the following:— (1) That he inspired fear among his friends, He became a symbol ol American self-confidence, impatience tor results, and enjoyment of power. (2) He had a way of shattering complacency by reminding people that collective resistance to aggression in a cold war was simply war—a war that has to be won lest others follow. (3) There was a nature and healthy distrust of generals who appear to be running ahead of Ministers and courtifig the gravest risks of spreading the conflict. The "Economist” goes on to suggest that General Ridgway lacks political experience and to say that his task will not be easier than General MacArthur’s if his orders do not come to him firmly and quickly. It declares that if the United Nations is to work better, there will have to be a collective will and point of view. “First thoughts might suggest that all this will now be easier, but second thoughts suggest caution. So far as British and American relations are concerned the departure of General MacArthur removes a lightning conductor. If Washington and London disagree there will now be no popular scapegoat. The meeting of divergent views will be direct, and if there is not to be conflict, there will have to be give and take on both sides. Public Opinion “Both Mr Acheson and Mr Morrison will have to start educating public opinion in those facts, and in the views about prospects in Asia on wnich their governments can agree. That will not be easy for either of them, although it should now be less difficult for both than it has been. “The problem remains of how each side can save face. Communism has to save its face before the eyes of Asia; the United Nations has to save face before the eyes of the world. “The Chinese have demanded total success; the United Nations have de manded only limited success.. “Communist actions remain under the control of a'handful of men responsible to no one; the actions of the United Nations Supreme Commander have been firmly restored to the control of freely-elected governments and public opinion, whose desire for peace is clear and strong. It is within those limits that the Korean problem must be solved; and a condition of solving it is that American and British statesmen should make a supreme effort to align their policies and their peoples.”