WASHINGTON, January 21--General George C. Marshall, who has been mentioned as a possible Presidental nominee, declared today that he "never could be drafted" for political office.

Then, with Democrats and Republicans applanding the seldom-equalled forth-rightness of his statement, he took the oath as Secretary of State and promised to "do my best" with the vast problems crowding in upon him.

"I will never become involved in political matters," he volunteered. "I have could be drafted."

For the White House oath-taking ceremony a short time later, the five-star General of the Army laid aside all military regalia. He was clad in civillian clothes, as if to symbolize the peacetime problems he will so different from his wartime tasks.