Attack On Freedom

Senator Joseph McCarthy would like to cut the budget and he also wants to stifle criticism of the Administration--including, naturally, himself. His letter, last Saturday, to Secretary Dulles hits both targets. Asking that financial aid no longer be given any German newspaper daring to criticize the current American political scene, McCarthy's letter echoes Representative Harold Velde's warning to the owner of the Washington Post that U.S. publishers had better be careful of what they say, editorially, if they wish to preserve the "privilege" of freedom.

Overlooking the usual point that McCarthy's sensational charges ran poor second to the dull accuracy of fact, his letter epitomizes the view of those who cherish conformity to the ideals of their own militant minority. McCarthy does not seem to realize that Germans have had little in their journalistic diet but government-controlled stories and self-praise. One of democracy's greatest bonuses, Americans have always claimed, is the right to criticize. And in Germany the fact that the American Military Government has tolerated open opposition from all but professed Nazis and Communists, has both amazed and delighted a people so little practiced in political criticism.

The $3,571,000 loaned to German newspapers bought them security from the financial onslaughts of still-wealthy Nazis. Publishers received money only upon proof of their loyalty to the democratic system in Germany. As in the United States, the publishers differ on the best way to insure democracy's permanent tenure, and some find fault with the current American tack. But an open clash of constructive ideas prevents the growth of cankerous underground groups.

Also, Dic Neue Zeitung, the American controlled newspaper in Germany, has the readership and general admiration of over 200,000 subscribers. As the font of U. S. expression, it has dignity and great selling value for freedom and is worth its annual bill of 3.1 million. To end either the native or U.S. publications because they sometimes offend McCarthy would weaken German opinion of democracy. Every dictator tries first to stifle the press, and America would earn a title close to "dictator" by withdrawing financial props from publications for exercising free speech within the law.

More serious is the implication for American press freedom. If McCarthy can not tolerate criticism at ocean length, he will probably try to stop it at home. Perhaps America can not buy the world's friendship, but there is no reason to shake the belief of a strong people in democracy. And stifling dissenting voices would go far toward making democracy a cheap word emblazoned on billboards but without meaning in United States foreign policy.