From the S&S archives: Cruising Truman may visit France 'if things settle'

ALGECIRAS, Spain — Former President Truman said on his arrival here that "if things are settled in France" he will visit that country for a day or two during his current trip to Europe.

Truman, who appeared jaunty and relaxed during the liner Independence's two-hour stay in the harbor here, would comment only briefly on foreign and domestic affairs.

Asked for his opinion of Gen. Charles de Gaulle, France's new premier, Mr. Truman said, "He was president of France while I was President of the United States. We did very cordial business and had good times."

He added that "I sincerely hope matters work out for the benefit of France."

Switching to the U.S. political scene, Mr. Truman predicted that the Democratic Party will score an overwhelming triumph in November's Congressional elections. He declined, however, to estimate how many seats his party would win.

"I've had a lot of experience with political prognosticators and pollsters," he said, "and I don't have faith in either one."

In answer to questions about the current business recession in the U.S., Mr. Truman said, "The signs are not very good. This is the only time in the Nation's history that we've had a depression with prices rising at the same time."

The former president and Mrs. Truman are traveling to Europe for what Mt. Truman hopes will be "a long and pleasant rest."