From the S&S archives: Forrestal sees air lift, plans more strength

FRANKFURT, Nov. 14 (S&S) — High praise for the spirit of the personnel of the Berlin air lift "in what must be a dreary task" came from Defense Secretary James V. Forrestal today, after he was briefed at Rhine-Main Air Base on operations of the Combined Air Lift Task Force.

Forrestal arrived by plane at 2 pm from Berlin, together with Gen Lucius D. Clay, EUCOM commander, and Robert Murphy, Clay's political adviser. They were met by Lt Gen John K. Cannon, USAFE commander, and other high USAFE officials, and briefed for more than an hour.

In a press conference following the briefing, Forrestal asserted there has been no change in the target of 4,600 tons a day minimum lift of supplies to blockaded Berlin, despite the onset of winter weather.

The Defense Secretary also asserted there would be some improvement in the number and type of planes available for lift duty, and added: "This question is now under very active consideration."

(In Berlin, according to S&S correspondent Dwight Schear, Forrestal estimated the cost of the air lift at "roughly" $100,000,000 a year and termed it a "good investment for peace." He added that "Gen Clay's magnificent Military Government job deserves the gratitude of the American people.")

"I have been very deeply impressed with the fine spirit of airlift personnel in what must be a dreary task," Forrestal said. "I have always wanted to see the air lift and the condition of affairs in Europe. This statistical presentation today was extremely clear that the air lift is a cyclical development in the use of air transport."

The $100,000,000 a year cost of the air lift, which he quoted earlier in Berlin, is "rough and possibly misleading," Forrestal said. He added the figure "came out of my own guess."

Regarding his own official status, Forrestal said, "When I took office my resignation was placed in the President's hand. The date of termination is at his disposal."

(Asked in Berlin if he thought war was imminent, Forrestal said, "I think the world wants peace." Regarding European reaction to the re-election of President Truman, he said he found "satisfaction and gratification everywhere." Forrestal added that he "might have very casual discussions" on defense plans with European leaders later. He said he had talked with Lt Gen W. Bedell Smith, U.S. ambassador to Russia, in Berlin.)

Forrestal was scheduled to attend a dinner given by Clay tonight in Victory Guest House at Frankfurt, and to go to Heidelberg at 9 am tomorrow to be briefed on EUCOM operation by Lt Gen Clarence R. Huebner, deputy EUCOM commander.