January 23, 1959

Sec McElroy confirms USSR is developing supersonic heavy jet bomber, news conf

Natl Com meets; Eisenhower urges 'unremitting effort' from now till '60 election to maintain party vitality and give pub 'clear understanding' of long-range aims, message; Repr Simpson challenges him to follow own advice; urges him to state aims for which party can stand to gain victory; Pres scores image of party as 'hibernating elephant' that awakens only at election time; Simpson stand hailed by Com members; Alcorn offers 6-point plan; warns party must change or become permanent minority; Com members back plan but reptdly feel Pres does not do enough; Ohio committeewoman Brown scores Alcorn plan, holds Cong leaders not consulted; Alcorn reply; Com members discuss failure to win 'truly natl party victory' since '46 despite Eisenhower triumphs

Statement with Mrs Roosevelt and H H Lehman opening drive to destroy 'bossism image' in NYS Dem party; illus

cts-martial of 'war criminals' opens before frenzied crowd of 18,000 in Havana stadium; Lt Col R L Grau, Maj J Sosa Blanco and Capt P Morejon on trial for 200 murders; illus; Castro says capital punishment will end after worst of 'criminals' get justice; says civilian officials will get civil trials; 3 plead innocent

Amb Romulo re called from US for Manila talks; details Philippine complaints against US, s, Philippine-Amer C of C; Bohlen in US