U.K. Press Welcomes Choice Of Kennedy

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29258, 16 July 1960, Page 13

U.K. Press Welcomes Choice Of Kennedy

\ LONDON, July 15. Mr John Kennedy’s nomination as the Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate was received in a friendly and non-partisan manner by this morning’s British newspapers.

Most newspapers assumed that his Opponent from the Republican Party would be Mr Richard Nixon, the Vice-President. , “The Times” said it believed that the clear-cut victory at the nominating convention of Mr Kennedy would have an exhilarating effect on the Democratic Party. Th* “Guardian'* said it believed Mr Kennedy was well placed to conduct a vigorous election campaign. “He has shown himself able, energetic and winning in both senses di . the word—that is capable of winning both hearts and votes,” The “Guardian,” which was one of several newspapers that made reference to Mr Kennedy's religion. added: "Mr Kennedy’s own supposed handicap, his Roman Catholicism, will now be put to the test If he can win the Presidency he will put an end to one more legend." The ‘'Daily Mirror” welcomed Mr Kennedy's nomination as a

triumph for youth. The ■ "Daily Telegraph*’ said that in ■ winning, the nomination. Mr Kennedy had shown great political skill, both in conciliating his friends and in circumventing his rivals, and formidable capacity for taking pains. This newspaper 'said also: “If Mr Kennedy wins he will certainly have Mr (Adlai) Stevenson at his side, probably as Secretary of State.” The “News Chronicle” said that Mr Kennedy’s nomination evoked mixed feelings. “It is refreshing that the professionals who decide conventions no longer believe that religious bigotry can make his Roman Catholicism an insuperable handicap.

“It is encouraging that Mr Kennedy has consistently supported liberal causes in both domestic and international policy. Still there must be regrets that Adlai Stevenson can now have no hopes of occupying the White House.

“If Senator Kennedy announces that he would like Mr Stevenson to be his Secretary of State the Los Angeles convention will have been justified in its choice.” The "Daily Mail” said that Mr Nixon’s biggest handicap would be the last disastrous months of Republican government under Mr Eisenhower. Mr Kennedy's would be that he was a Roman Catholic and was still untried tn statecraft