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Marchers Coolly Received in Washington

Admitting, though, that the "world isn't ready for this kind of scheme," Morse labeled the failure of the neutrals at the Belgrade Conference to condemn Russian testing as the "biggest tragedy of the year."

Because disarmament "is not possible now," Morse told the students that he would vote "not happily" for resumed testing due to his Senatorial responsibility to maintain the "security of our country." He called "all testing immoral" but explained that testing was essential to prove the small, as yet untried, war-heads on solid-fuel missiles and anti-missile missiles.

Other Senators told the students that resumed testing was a necessary psychological tool in the cold war, but insisted that only the President is competent to decide the issue.

On other points in the policy statement, though, the students found pockets of support, particularly on the Democratic side of the aisle. Endorsement of U.N. bond purchases and disapproval of the proposed shelter program were favorably received.

Nonetheless, Congressional spokesmen admitted that even mass action such as Project Washington stands little chance of seriously influencing Congressional thought. "If they could prove they represented an overwhelming majority," one legislative aide commented, "then we might be swayed." A check of offices on the Hill revealed that mail is generally running heavily in favor of resumed testing. Several aides pointed out that the Project would gain in influence if it could affect the mail ratio.

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With few exceptions, though, the students were applauded for "expressing their views publicly." A spokesmen for HUAC said that Committee is watching the Project "with a great deal of interest.

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