University Precedent Will Be Shattered If MacArthur Receives Honorary Degree

General Douglas MacArthur may receive an honorary degree at Commencement this spring in absentia despite centuries of established Harvard tradition that recipients must be present, authoritative sources indicated yesterday.

If certain members of the University's governing bodies have their wish. General Douglas MacArthur will receive a degree without being present at the exercises as the rules require. The question in official circles during the past weeks has been whether the award should be made under that condition.

The demand that a candidate in line for a degree must present himself in person to receive it, has guided the University's policy of not officially revealing honorary awards until the morning of commencement.

Must Choose Between Two Traditions

Lord Halifax was given the degree of Doctor of Laws last June, climaxing weeks of speculation and refusals by the University to admit whether or not the British ambassador was to receive any such award.

This year the administration must choose between two traditions, both long cherished at Harvard. One is the rule that recipients must receive honorary degrees in person and the other is the University's desire, particularly in times of crisis like the present, to do its utmost to recognize and stimulate patriotic devotion to the nation.

In 1776 the paradox was more easily solved when General George Washington was to be awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. With the University at its temporary wartime quarters in Concord, the Corporation and several of the Overseers met in Water-town and on April 3 voted Washington the degree That same day they made the award at the General's headquarters in Craigie House.

MacArthur's present headquarters on Batasn Peninsula leaves this solution less available, and puts the problem squarely before the administration. Waving the Stars and Stripes entails a deeper sacrifice for the University this spring than in 1776.