Asia must be strengthened before she is ready for federation, General William J. Donovan, former head of O.S.S. and chairman of the American Committee on United Europe, told 40 listeners in the Littauer Lounge last night.

"It is better to try and get the individual strong before you try to get a team," he said, explaining that America must wake up to the Russian threat. "We want to be sure orthodox weapons (guns and aid) don't grow rusty in our hands as the Russians seize countries one by one," he warned.

He conceded that the other world focal point, Europe, was progressing better, at least six countries have been trying to achieve an economic unity (Benelux, West Germany, Italy, and France).

The informal talk was sponsored by the newly formed Harvard Committee on United Europe.