Big Three Talks Opening Today As Ike Arrives

A European Army, a four-power conference, a decisive political conference in Korea, peace in Indo-China, the future of the European defense machine all stand as specters before President Eisenhower as he joins Prime Minister Winston churchill and Premier Joseph Laniel in Bermuda this morning.

These heads of state, together with the three foreign secretaries--U.S. Secretary of State Dulles, Anthony Eden of Great Britain, and George Bidault of Frances--must set the direction of aimed foreign policy in the continued cold war with Russia.

They must decide whether they will give their firm support to the European Army treaty, which would set up a strong bulwark against a possible Soviet march. They must decide whether they will accept the Russian invitation to foreign ministers for a meeting in Berlin, and if so, what united position they will take on the question of Germany.

And though Eisenhower has refused to discuss the question of UN membership for Communist China, it is likely that Churchill will continue to put this forward as a possible bargaining point for peace in Asia.

Churchill, who is so largely responsible for this conference, will be in the position of advocate, trying to persuade the president that certain of the world's problems can still be solved by old-fashioned conference table talking. He still believes that a meeting with Malenkov might be a strong step toward relieving current tension.

The Fear Disease

Otherwise, besides ever-increasing military might, the free world will continue to face the problem of fighting the fear disease, which accompanies the constant threat of war.

Russia's present concern over internal affairs and the resulting let-up in outside Communist aggression also set the enigma of continued NATO expenses before the leaders. Britain feels that the benefits of relaxing NATO would mean a more solid economic situation in Westeran Europe.

France is a case of concern for both sides. Laniel hesitates over EDC ratification, fearing that if France gives its approval to a strong German army, U.S. and British troops will leave Europe to a militant Germany. And it is doubtful that Eisenhowere can promise that Congress would allow our troops to remain.

France is also particularly worried that a continued Indo-China campaign will make her force even smaller in compari- son to a rejuvenated army on the other side of the Rhine.

Laniel therefore wants U.S. and British guarantees of continued military support in Europe, a settlement of her arguments with Germany over the Saar territory, and a free position to bargain with Ho Chi Minh's communist forces in Indo-China.

Avoid Dissesnion

And throughout these discussions, the allied leaders, working with no strict agenda, must be careful not to aid Russia by dissension in their own ranks. If the three chiefs cannot agree, however, it is likely that Russia will keep the offense in the diplomatic war, leaving the allies in a continued weak position of counter attack.

Churchill, host to the conference, was the first to arrive, with Eden, two days ago. Yesterday, he greeted Laniel and Bidault who arrived with 25 advisers from Paris. This morning, when the Washington crew arrives, the three groups will prepare to meet at the large mahogany table which stands in the conference room of the Mid-Ocean Club. To prevent snoopers, British soldiers stand with tommy-guns, guarding road blocks and barricades outside.

According to Associated Press correspondent Arthur Gavson, when chruchill greeted Laniel yesterday, he took time out of the ceremonies to play with the white goat mascot of the Royal Welsh fusiliers, the honor guard.

He called over Anthony Eden, who also petted the goat. and while the two states men and leaders of England's Conservative party laughed and joked, the crowd of several hundred at the airport applauded.

Laniel and Bidault are representatives of a government that may only govern France until the middle of January. At that time, when their country elects a new president, they must automatically resign their posts for a now national election