Dispute Reported Between U.S. Sponsors of Truman Institute and Hebrew University

Barely a week after the festive inauguration of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute on Mt. Scopus, a dispute has emerged between its American sponsors and the Hebrew University on whose campus the Institute is located. The American group reportedly objected to the administrative integration of the Institute within the various faculties of the Hebrew University. David Noyes, former secretary to ex-President Truman has reportedly asked that the Institute be given an international character, in accordance with Mr. Truman’s wishes and that It should engage actively in research for the advancement of world peace. Sources here said that Mr. Noyes planned to divert funds ear-marked for the Institute here for a similar institute to be set up in the U.S.

Hebrew University President Avraham Harman said the Institute would function as planned within the University, but in accordance with the objectives set by its trustees. He referred to the cordial letter of greeting received from Mr. Truman on the occasion of the Institute’s inauguration. But the Jewish Telegraphic Agency was unable to obtain any satisfactory explanation of why the words “World Peace” were dropped from the official name of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute. (In New York, a spokesman for American Friends of Hebrew University told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency today that there is “no friction,” but only a “discussion in the family” between the American sponsors of the Institute and the Israelis. “There are a variety of approaches,” the spokesman said. “It is a new institution and, like every institution, is trying to define itself and find its way.” The spokesman noted that “Creative minds are trying to seek ways to make this institution meaningful to Israel and humanity,” “Let’s hope all roads lead to peace.”)