TRUMAN'S STATEMENT CLARIFIED Fear That It Might Be Misconstrued; Use Would Mean Third World War

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 December 1950, Page 5

TRUMAN'S STATEMENT CLARIFIED Fear That It Might Be Misconstrued; Use Would Mean Third World War

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Recd. 6 pm).—The White House later issued a statement clarifying President Truman’s statement at a Press conference, in which he said that Ihe use of the atom bomb was being considered. The White House explained that Mr Truman’s remarks did not mean General MacArthur himself could order use of the atomic bomo.

An official spokesman said that only the President could make the<ecision. Bombs under the law were in custody of the Atomic Energy Commission. The spokesman took pains to make it clear that a final decision would not be left to General MacArthur. Mr Truman, in his Press conference statement, said Ihc atomic bomb could be used without United Nations approval. It wa’ o n e of many military weapons, and the nation was free to use any cf them. CLARIFICATION.

The White House later issued this formal statement:

“The Presidents wants to make it certain that there is no misinterpretation of his answers to questions at his Press conference today about the use of the atom bomb. Naturally there had been cor sideration of this subject since the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, just ns there has been consideration of the use of all military weapons when our forces are in combat. Consideration of the use of any weapon is always implicit in the very possession of that weapon However, it should be emphasised that by law only the President can authorise the use of the atom bomb. No such authorisation has been given. If and when such authorisation should be given, the military commander in the field would have charge of the tactical delivery of rhe

weapon. Th? brief replies to question at today’s Press conference do not represent any chang? in this situation.” It is understood that the clarifying statement on President Truman's remarks about the possible use of the atomic bomb was ’r-sued at th? suggestion of Mr Truman’s highest foreign policy advisers. They feared that his remarks might be misconstrued to mean that atomic bombing of China was imminent. Some diolomats were frankly distressed that the atomic warfare question arose at ihe President’s Press conference. They thought it had eclipsed his sober iestatement of the firm but hopeful United States policy in the crisis and might be twisted into ammunition for Communist propaganda charges. STUNNED SURPRISE Mr Truman’s statement on the possible use of the atomic bomb in Korea was received throughout the United States with a mixture of approval, doubt and stunned surprise. News of the President’s declaration spread through the United Nations at Lake Success just as the Security Council was meeting to resume its discussion on the Korean problem. The Soviet delegate, Mr Jacob Malik, eagerly asked reporters for details. He wanted to know the exact words used by Mr Truman, but Mr Malik refused to comment after hearing all points. Wu-Hsiu-Huan, chief of the Chinese Communist delegation, remained silent, his face expressionless, after hearing the news through an interpreter. Other United Nations officials and delegates refused to comment, but one Asian said privately “that means a third world war.”