No Return

The return of General Douglas MacArthur to his native land, after four years of war and three as master of Japan, will be an event. For a brief moment last week it looked as if that event were about to happen.

Prodded by the general's political supporters, the Senate Appropriations Committee asked him to testify on ECA appropriations for the Far East. Within 24 hours came the reply from Tokyo. The style was lengthy and lacy. But the thought was straightforward and statesmanlike. It showed that General Mac-Arthur had given up all desire of mixing in the political campaign.

"In normal circumstances," he cabled, "I should respond at once . . . But my return at this time, however sincere its purpose, would be understood and condemned by many as politically inspired ... It would be peculiarly repugnant to. me to have it felt that I sought to capitalize to political advantage, as many have frankly urged, the public good will which might manifest itself upon my first return to American soil . . . For such good will would find its inspiration in the victory which crowned our Pacific war effort to which countless gallant Americans, living and dead, contributed . . . Usurpation of such good will to serve a political end would be a shameless breach of faith."

He would be glad to come, if the committee still wanted him, after the G.O.P. convention.

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