NOT AN ASPIRANT

Grey River Argus, 1 May 1944, Page 5

NOT AN ASPIRANT

For U.S. Presidency GENERAL MACARTHUR’S STATEMENT. (Rec. 10.36) SYDNEY, April 30. The announcement that he; did not covet the Republican nomination for the Presidency, nor would he accept it, was made by General MacArthur as a special press conference which he called to-day at the Allied Headquarters, in New Guinea. “My attention has been drawn to a number of newspaper articles; professing, in the strongest terms,-a widespread public opinion that it would be detrimental to our war effort for an officer in a high position on active service at the frbnt to be considered for nomination for President,’’ said General MacArthur. “I have on several occasions announced that I wa's not a candidate for the position. Nevertheless, in view of these circumstances; and to make my position entirely unequivocal, I request that no action be taken that would link my name in any way with the nomination. Ido not covet nomination, nor would I .. accept it.’’ Mr. Joseph Savage, the founder of the National Association of “MacArthur for President,” Clubs, has announced that the organisation is disbanding immediately, out of respect for General MacArthur’s wishes. The Chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee, Mr. May, said he was very happy at General MacArthur’s decision. “It is his duty to remain where he is.” he said. “He is a great soldier—and a great general.” “I think General MacArthur has reestablished himself by making this statenient,” said the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, _Mr. Sol Bloom. “All friends and well-wish-ers throughout the country must feel gratified.”