Kefauver Favors Free Expression

Senator Estes Kefauver (D-Tenn.) last night stated in an interview with the CRIMSON that he is in favor of "free thought, free expression, and more discussion" in America's colleges and universities.

"In fact," said the presidential candidate. "I think that we've gotten to a time when people are afraid to express themselves, and this is an unhealthy condition."

The interview took place at the end of the Senator's day in Boston, climaxed by a "Kefauver for President" rally at Ford Hall.

The Senator, who is a graduate of the Yale Law School, made the above remarks in a discussion of the present state of academic freedom, during which the name of Kirtley F. Mather, professor of Geology who has been under attack by the House Un-American Activities Committee, was mentioned. Mather is a sponsor of the College Kefauver for President Club.

Favors U.M.T.

In recording his support of the U.M.T. program now before the House, Kefauver, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, believes that the program is the best way to handle the present manpower situation but cautioned that the bill will encounter "a lot of opposition in the House." Earlier in the evening, Rep. Carl A. Vinson (D-Ga.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told the CRIMSON, "I am certain that the bill will pass."

The Senator, who headed the Senate's crime investigation committee, said he "doubted the truth" of the charge made by Rep. Shafer (R-Mich.) that pressure had been exerted on Congressmen "in all ways" in connection with the U.M.T. bill, including the discussion of judgeships.

Kefauver said that the bill "will pass the Senate if it gets through the House," but that if the bill is defeated, he is in favor of maintaining the present draft system, with an increased R.O.T.C. program.

In Race to Stay

In discussing his chances for the Presidency, the Senator made it clear that he was intent on gaining the Democratic nomination in July. He emphasized that he was not in the campaign to lay the groundwork for 1956 or 1960. "I have no plans past next November," he said.

Kefauver admitted, however, that the recently announced candidacy of Senator Richard B. Russell (D-Ga.), will hurt his chances in the South. "I have many friends in the South, men I used to go to school with, and I think I have a pretty strong political following in every Southern state."

Outlining aspects of foreign policy, the Senator especially praised the student exchange programs with foreign countries. "I think money spent on student exchange is a good thing. I am very, much in favor of enlarging it."