HLU Attacks Extension of Present Draft

The Harvard Liberal Union yesterday endorsed a report attacking Congressional proposals to extend the present draft for four years. The statement accuses Congress of "taking the easy way out and sweeping the whole problem under the rug."

Campus Americans for Democratic Action will present the statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is currently holding hearings on the matter. A group of HLU members, who are also officers in the national organization of Campus ADA, drew up the report.

HLU president James M. Bardeen '60 said the report urged the Senate "to set up some sort of committee to study the draft law. Everyone seems to say it is a bad law. Why don't they do something about it?" he asked.

The report asked that the whole policy of recruitment be put on a "more rational basis" by better utilization of the talents of college-educated draftees. "Many men justifiably feel that they can serve their country better with their brains or special skills than by carrying a rifle," the report added.

"We must revamp our manpower policy to bring it into line with strategic doctrine," the report added. Specially trained units, increased pay, more rapid promotion for servicemen, and exemptions of men in key occupations were recommended.

In conclusion, the report expressed the hope that a thorough study of the problem would not only put the draft on a fairer basis, but would "lessen our dependence on the draft, or perhaps eliminate it entirely."