Atlanta Daily World

Dulles Reported In Good Condition After Operation

BY SAM FOGG

WASHINGTON,(INS) Secretary of State John Foster Dulles underwent major surgery Saturday involving removal of a portion of his large intestine but he was reported in "good condition" after the operation.

The 68-year-old secretary will be unable to resume his duties as the chief U. S. Foreign policy maker for possibly six weeks. His top assistant, under-secretary Herbert Hoover, Jr. immediately became acting secretary until Dulles recovers.

The two-and-a-half hour operation was performed at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Dulles was stricken early Saturday morning after a strenuous week of dealing with the explosive Middle East crisis.

Physicians first believed he was suffering from acute appendicitis but discovered in the operating room that his intestine was perforated.

State department spokesman Lincoln White referred to the initial diagnosis of appendicitis after the operation news conference that it was erroneous and reported that the secretary's appendix was not involved.

White said that following the prolonged operation, the cabinet official was returned to the presidential suite in Walter Reed Hospital and was "resting comfortably and in good condition."

He said that physicians think he should be able to return to his desk in approximately six weeks.