No Intention to Sever Relations With West Point, Says Bingham

"I consider Mr. Slocum's suggestion that Harvard break off athletic relations with West Point inappropriate at this time," declared William J. Bingham '16, director of athletics, when questioned last night.

"The Harvard Athletic Association in 1931," continued Bingham, "made an agreement with the Army Athletic Association to play four games through 1935. This agreement was made by Harvard with full knowledge of the Army eligibility rules. The Harvard Athletic Association looks forward to continued pleasant relations with the Army."

Bingham's statement was made in reply to a demand by Thomas W. Slocum '90, former president of the Harvard Club of New York City, that Harvard in company with other Eastern colleges refuse to maintain athletic relations with West Point unless the Military Academy agrees to adopt the three-year varsity eligibility rule. Slocum made this speech at a dinner of the Harvard Club of New York and completely surprised his fellow members. Since no action can be taken until 1935, there has been no recent discussion of the matter, and with the break between Army and Navy healed the issue had been regarded as closed to intercollegiate negotiations for the time at least.

An attempt was made last night to obtain statements from both Slocum and from officials of the Military Academy, but neither could be reached by telegram.