Macmillan, Khrushchev Conclude Talks in Atmosphere of Hostility; Dodd Sees Need for War Alert

KIEV, Ukraine, Feb. 26--British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev ended talks today in an atmosphere of bitter chill. The British visitor warned Khrushchev of grave danger if anyone interferes with the Western powers' rights in Berlin.

"But Khrushchev is not budging an inch," a British spokesman said, "and Macmillan is not budging an inch, either."

Before flying here for a visit, Macmillan told Khrushchev that any interference without some alternative arrangements "would lead to a dangerous situation," the spokesman said.

Such alternative arrangements supposedly would meet the Soviet threat to turn over to East Germany the control of Allied lifelines to isolated Berlin.

National Alert Urged

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26--Sen. Thomas J. Dodd (D-Conn.), warning that the Soviets may trigger a war over Berlin, urged today an intensive 90-day program to alert the nation for any eventuality.

"I do not believe the country is prepared--that the people are prepared--that they know we are on the threshold possibly of grave disaster," Dodd told the Senate. He questioned not so much the adequacy of U.S. armed forces as what he termed the unpreparedness of the people for possible conflict.

On the other hand, three Republican senators said after a talk with President Eisenhower that firm plans have been made to meet any Soviet move to force the Western Allies out of divided Berlin. No details were given.

House Recommends Airport Changes

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26--A $297 million program to improve airports to jet age standards was recommended today by a House committee which topped President Eisenhower's proposal by about 50 per cent.

However, the Commerce Committee bill comes much closer to the administration plan than does a Senate-passed measure calling for a $465 million federal outlay. Eisenhower last year vetoed a bill somewhat like the current Senate version.

Luce Named Brazil Ambassador

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26--Clare Boothe Luce was named by President Eisenhower today to be ambassador to Brazil. There, she will succeed Ellis O. Briggs, career diplomat who may now be assigned to Greece.

No great trouble is expected in her winning Senate confirmation. She is generally credited with having done a good job as ambassador to Italy in 1953-57.