Senate Committee Approves Conant As Ambassador to West Germany

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved the nomination of President Emeritus Conant as ambassador to West Germany yesterday. The decision virtually assures Conant's appointment since the Senate generally ratifies the committee's nominees.

This decision was taken despite the vigorous opposition of William Clark, ex-chief justice of the Allied high Commission Courts in Germany. In a special secret session held yesterday afternoon, Clark told the committee that "nothing in Dr. Conant's background qualifies him for the diplomatic service in any capacity, least of all as an ambassador."

Clark Attacks Conant

He specifically attacked Conant on the grounds that he had failed to uphold the rights of American citizens, had encouraged the release of German war criminals, and had interfered with the independence of the judiciary while serving as U. S. High Commissioner to Germany.

According to Francis O. Wilson, Chief of Staff of the Committee, Clark thought Conant should have protested the jailing of American citizens for alleged violations of German law. German laws are different from American laws, Wilson explained, and many of the Americans might not have been jailed for committing the same offenses in this country. He hastened to point out, however, that Americans were not being discriminated against, since the same laws applied to German citizens also.

Blames Conant for Dismissal

Clark has been at odds with Conant ever since he accused the latter of dictatorial tactics in connection with his ouster as a member of the West German system. When his four-year term as chief justice expired a few months ago, Clark was unable to secure a reappointment. Clark apparently believes Connant was responsible for his dismissal and subsequent inability to gain reappointment.

Clark assured the committee that he was not testifying for revenge, however, but to protect the rights of American citizens.