AMMUNITION IN KOREA

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27048, 25 May 1953, Page 9

AMMUNITION IN KOREA

Truman Blamed

For Shortages

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 24. Four out of five senators who investigated ammunition supplies in Korea, reported today that there had been “a needless loss of American lives" and adverse effects on military operations because of ammunition shortages.

The senators said it was difficult to pinpoint the responsibility for the situation. but blamed the policymakers of the last Administration, including President Truman for “miscalculating the aggressive designs of international communism.” Congress was absolved from any share in the blame. The fifth member of the committee submitted a minority report. The four members of the Armed Services Subcommittee. who signed the majority report were Senators Margaret Smith. Robert Hendrickson, John Cooper (all Republicans), and Harry Byrd (Democrat).

The inquiry arose from charges by General James Van Fleet that shortages existed during all the 22 months he commanded the United States Eighth Army in Korea. » “This is a tragic episode, which has been extremely costly to the American people,” the majority report said. A repetition of this type of miscalculation and inability to plan for the defence and security of the United States could result in catastrophe for this nation.”

Senator Estes Kefauver (Democrat), in his minority report, took exception to the finding that lives were lost because of ammunition shortages. Stating that this was based on conflicting testimony between various army generals, Senator Kefauver added: American families which have suffered losses in Korea have sustained grief enough without sustaining the added grief which this type of statement brings.”