Truman’s Statement Evokes Criticism Among Members of Congress

Congressional reaction to President Truman’s explanation of the American shift to trusteeship for Palestine was as unfavorable, among those expressing opinions, as it has been to the actual change of policy.

Senator Robert Taft, of Ohio, majority leader, said: “The President’s statement only emphasizes the complete confusion of the Administration policy. The President says that partition had to be abandoned in spite of our previous vigorous support because it could not be carried through ‘by the use of American troops. ‘No one ever proposed that it should be. A U.N. force ma proposed but our government refused even to consider it. How the President says that if his new trusteeship plan is adopted, we must take ‘our share of the necessary responsibility,’ which must mean American troops as part of a U.N. force to prevent partition.”

Senator Tom Connally of Texas, ranking minority member of the Foreign Relations Committee, stated “there should be a truce of course,” but declined to comment further, saying he had not had time to read through the President’s statement completely.

Senator Owen Brewster, Maine Republican, said: The President’s statement still leaves many questions to be answered and adds another chapter to the curious history of this troubled land

Senator James Murray of Montana, in a statement apparently written before Mr. Truman’s statement was issued, called the American reversal of policy one of the most “shocking retreats in the history of our foreign relations. He accused American foil companies and the oil lobby of having committed the United States to a decision to scuttle the partition plan. “The American reversal on Palestine, he said, their greatest victory since Teapot Dome.”

Rep. Emanuel Celler of New York said: “Now all la confusion. Who is at the helm,” he questioned, “the master or the crew?” He declared the President could show real courage by lifting the arms embargo and recognizing de jure the Jewish State in Palestine.