McCloskey Says Congress Prolongs War

Rep. Paul N. McCloskey (R.Calif.), contender for the Republican Presidential nomination, charged Monday night that Congress bears significant responsibility for the continuation of the Vietnam War.

In a speech before a crowd of 1000 at Boston University, McCloskey said that Nixon disregarded the Constitutional separation of powers when he ordered air support for Cambodian troops, two weeks after Congress had rescinded the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

"Nixon blatantly arrogated power," McCloskey said. "To the shame of Congress, we did not cry out at that time."

McCloskey also charged that "the cowardice of Congress" in voting for large military appropriations had allowed the continuation of the war.

Defending his 1969 and 1970 votes for military appropriations, McCloskey said that it was "irresponsible" to vote against a bill when disagreeing with only a part of it. He said he voted for the two bills because he agreed with the basic principle of defense spending.

"I don't think idealism alone will keep peace in the world, McCloskey added. "We work for world peace but we have to recognize that deterrents are a way of keeping peace."

McCloskey said that the only Congressional condition for withdrawal of troops was the return of U.S. prisoners of war. Nixon, he said, believed it was equally important to maintain the South Vietnamese government.

"Our position is more immoral now than when we entered the war," he said. "We realize now that there is no purpose in protecting a corrupt government. We are killing not for principle but for pride."

McCloskey said he would not support Nixon in November unless his policy changed. "No politician should support all members of his party," he said. "I'll support whoever is the best guy for the job."

McCloskey condemned Phase Two of Nixon's economic policy which he said allowed the government to dictate price levels. He said he saw a clear relationship between campaign contributions to the Republican Party and the raising of prices in favor of those contributors.

During the withdrawal of all troops from Vietnam, he would grant amnesty to those who refused to fight on the condition that they serve two years in Vista, Peace Corps or other related services.

Earlier in the day, McCloskey met in Winthrop House with local supporters. He said there that his goal in New Hampshire was to give Nixon "a bloody nose" by getting 35 to 40 per cent of the Republican vote