U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE RESIGNS

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5297, 9 January 1947, Page 5

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE RESIGNS

(Press Assn-

SURPRISE CA'USED , . ■ > general g. c. marshall to succeed J

-Rec. 9.S0 p.m.)

WASHIN GTON, Jan. 8. The United States Seeretary of State, Mr. J. F. Byrnes, has resigned. He is to be succeeded by President Truman's speeial envoy to China, General George Marshall. The resigration, which takes effect from Friday, has been aceepted by the President with great reluctance. Correspondonce released from the White House nine hoiurs ago shows that Mr. Byrnes wanted to resign last April after his medical advisers had urged him to slow down. Later, in a letter to the President, Mr. Byrnes said he hoped the Peace Conference would be over in time for him to leave the White House in July. Finally, he agreed to remain in office till the five peace treaties with the Axis satellite States were completed. In a tribute to Mr. Byrnes, President Truman says he has earned the thanks of the American people for his work both during the wai- and after. Mr. Byrnes became Seeretary of Slate in July, 1945, when he sueceeded Mr. E. R. Stettinius. News of the resignation caused general surprise, in spite of recent reports that Mr. Byrnes' health had not been satisfactory. General Marshall's appointment lias been welcomed in America says a correspondent, as he has a high place on the American pedestal, both for the direction of the war as Chief of Staff and for his later work in China. His new appointment is subject to formal approval by the Senate. He will arrive in the United States in about 10 days. No Change in Policy At a diplomatic reception at the White House last night, Mr. Byrnes made the commen:: "There are only two happy days in^the life of a public man — 'Ihe day he is elected, and the day he steps out." - It is stated in Washington that no change in American foreign policy as laid down by Mr. Byrnes at the Conferences at Paris and tN'ew York, is expected Avhen General .Marshall takes over. As Seeretary of State, General Marshall is now next in line should anything happen to President Truman. General Marshall has never been elected to any office by the American people, but even so, he has -become a likely candidate for the Presidency in 1948.