Eisenhower In Serious Mood When He Discusses European Defence Plans

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 December 1950, Page 5

Eisenhower In Serious Mood When He Discusses European Defence Plans

NEW YORK, Dec. 19.—General Eisenhower said today he planned to i leave for Europe about January 1 to i lay the groundwork for his new job I as Supreme Commander of the EuroI pean Defence Force. He said his | chief of staff would be Lieut.-General (Alfred N. Gruenthere, now United ’States deputy chief of staff for plans | and operations. General Eisenhower, who made his j plans known at a Press conference at I St. Louis, was in serious mood when j he talked to reporters. He refused to i smile for photographers, saying: “I : don’t see much to smile about in these i times.” I Asked if he was hopeful that peace . could be maintained, General Eisen- | bower replied: “Of course I am hopeI ful, but it is not going to be easy. It ; is not going to be quick. This is a new 'and very great responsibility for the j United States. This should be a period !of study, soul searching and sacri--1 fice.” I General Eisenhower was asked about the possibility of arming the West ■ Germans He said these had a very special difficult problem to decide and i “we should not be too sure we know the answers for the West Germans be- ; fore they learn the answers themselves.” | General Eisenhower said he would • go to Washington for consultations beI fore leaving for Europe. I etched more deeply, but the old friendly grin, reassuring in times of doubt and difficulty, still often breaks the hard line of his lips.