With the advent of Television, the White House Press Conference became a must-watched event in American households. This one from March 2, 1955 was no different, but it was still carried on Radio.
President Eisenhower said this day it was problematical how long the Western world can keep Its lead over Soviet Russia in the development and production of atomic and hydrogen bombs. The President also warned solemnly at this news conference that It might not make very much difference after a while which side has the lead in this field. He emphasized that in any event the Western world wants peace and any action starting a war would have to come from the other side. And, Mr. Eisenhower said, he believed the Russian people—as distinct from their Communist Government—do not want war any more than we do.
“One thing we do know about atomic and hydrogen weapons, President Eisenhower told his news conference, is that the West had enjoyed a great lead over the Soviet Union in this whole field for a long time”. Then the first question at his news conference arose from British Prime Minister Churchill’s statement in the House of Commons yesterday that the West’s superiority in hydrogen bombs should prevent Russia launching a major war within the next three or four years.
Mr. Eisenhower was asked if he thought the Soviets could pull even in the H-bomb race within three or four years. He said any conclusion on such a subject would be nothing more than a speculative estimate, and he doubted that it was wise to attempt any particular conclusions. Significance May End. Saying that it is problematical how long the West lead can be sustained, the President remarked that there possibly will come a time when who has the lead is not significant.
He added that when a Nation gets enough H-bombs, he doubts if it is particularly important to get more.
Mr. Eisenhower was then questioned about a statement by Senator Goldwater of Arizona, chairman of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, saying that the Eisenhower name on the party ticket was essential for victory next year. The President declared he did not believe any man was indispensable—that it would be a terrible thing for the country if that were the case. He pointed out that any man may at any time go the way of all flesh.
Finally, President Eisenhower, after successfully fencing with reporters seeking to learn whether he will run again, today laughingly made a tentative date to discuss his political plans a year from today, provided he can have a complete moratorium on such questions in the meantime. With the insistence of a trip’ hammer, queries of the will-you-run variety had pounded about the President’s ears for the better part of his half-hour press conference.
And here it is.
