The Nome Nugget

Ike Says We Should Stand Firm On Berlin Crisis

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former President Dwight Eisenhower said yesterday the United States must "stand firmly in Berlin and not let anybody scare us out."

"Berlin has always been an explosive situation," Eisenhower said, "but America's spirit and courage are up to it. The United States is strong and we shouldn't scare ourselves to death. We should keep confident and strong and keep our powder dry."

The former President said he had no quarrel with the Kennedy Administration over its stand on Berlin. "We must stand by our rights and stand with our allies," he added. He indicated, too, that Americans should be united behind the President on foreign aid and defense.

Eisenhower made his comments at a doorstep news conference at his office at Gettysburg College after a 70-minute meeting with Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York.

It was the first meeting between the two men since late in the 1960 campaign. The governor, who had requested the meeting, said most of the discussion centered around politics and particularly the developing race for mayor of New York.

In response to a question, Rockefeller said he had not asked Eisenhower to speak in that campaign, "but it would mean an awful lot to us if he did."

Rockefeller said his discussion with Eisenhower included "no talk of 1964." Rockefeller is expected to be a candidate for the Presidential nomination in that year.