McCarthy Accepts Bid To Debate Communism

Senator Joseph R. McCarthy will debate with ex-President Truman over the issue of Communism in a Harvard Law School Forum next March, provided Truman accepts a forum invitation.

Senator McCarthy yesterday told Washington reporters he has accepted the bid.

In Kansas City, however, Truman said he knew nothing of the invitation because he was behind in his mail. He gave no indication whether or not he would accept it.

Hershel Shanks 1L, coordinator of the proposed forum, said last night he has "no idea" whether Truman would agree on the proposed topic: "How We Americans Should Deal with Communism, Communists, and Suspected Communists in Our Country."

The forum is now tentatively scheduled for March 5. But Shanks said he was willing to hold the forum any time that is convenient for both speakers.

In letters to the two men notifying them of the invitation, Shanks stated' that there is "no more vital issue" than the suggested debate topic.

Truman was invited as a "trusted and beloved champion of civil liberties and bitter opponent of McCarthyism." He was asked to debate with the "man who has done more than any other to sow fear and mistrust among the American people through his methods--Senator McCarthy."

The letter to McCarthy said, according to Shanks, "We are inviting you as a major national figure representing one point of view, to share the same platform with the man who has done his utmost to deprecate your efforts and accomplishments through his won power and the power of those who follow his lead--Harry S. Truman."

Last night, Shanks said he had not received McCarthy's acceptance. A Boston paper reported he had.