Dulles Favors Test Case on Passports

Secretary of State Dulles told his news conference in Washington yesterday that he would like to see a court test of his refusal to issue newsmen passports to visit Red China. But Nieman fellow, William Worthy, who had been denied a new passport on account of his recent unsanctioned trip to Red China, doubted last night that Dulles would allow his case to reach the courts.

"Mr. Dulles' statement does not ring a genuine note with me because the general policy of the Administration has been to avoid court tests in passport cases in rather ignominious fashion," Worthy said.

He added that his lawyers believe that if his case does get to the courts, the government is "bound to lose." At present, Worthy is awaiting the outcome of his April 29 hearing before the Passport Office.