Pusey Will Be Acting Dean of the Faculty Until Naming Bundy's Permanent Successor

President Pusey will act as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences until he names a permanent successor to McGeorge Bundy. President-elect Kennedy appointed Bundy special assistant to the President for national security affairs on Dec. 31.

Pusey, who will serve as Dean for an indefinite period, said that the duties would not be abnormal for a president to perform. He would not comment on when he would nominate a new Dean. The Corporation must approve any new appointment.

The resignation of Bundy, effective January 15, marks the end of the Massachusetts-University Hall team which has run the University since shortly after Pusey became President in 1953. The President praised his Dean as "an extra-ordinarily able, energetic and forceful leader."

Furcolo Criticizes Appointment

Only Massachusetts Governor Foster Furcolo objected to the new appointment, vehemently attacking Bundy the day before his selection was officially announced.

"It is completely incredible that President-elect Kennedy would name a person so completely unqualified as McGeorge Bundy. I am getting in touch with the President-elect because I do not believe he would even consider a person so lacking in qualification for any position of trust and confidence as Bundy."

Most observers felt that Furcolo's attack was in retaliation for a statement made by Bundy before the 1958 gubernatorial election. "Of course, Furcolo is not a wicked man," a political advertisement quoted the Dean as saying. "He is something more dangerous than that. He is a bad governor."

Bundy, on vacation in the West Indies, made no reply to the Governor, but in a statement the next day at Palm Beach Kennedy slapped back at Furcolo. "I think the governor's objection is that Mr. Bundy opposed him in the 1958 election. I will say that for these positions involving national security, Treasury, Defense and State.... I have attempted to select people regardless of whether they supported me or not."

Will Coordinate N.S.C. Planning

As special assistant for national security affairs Bundy will be secretary to the National Security Council and will be in charge of coordinating its long range planning. In the beginning, Bundy is expected to be busy considering reorganization of the council and its sub-committees, which have been heavily criticized for inefficiency.

President Pusey, expressing "very mixed feelings" about the appointment, lauded Bundy. "We rejoice that the incoming administration has been able to draft for the nation's service a man so capable, clear-headed, and devoted to his country. On the other hand we feel a deep sense of loss at the departure from Harvard of a lively colleague, a brilliant administrative officer, and a fine scolar-teacher."